BUILT ON SOLID RELATIONSHIPS

“When certain contracts come to be” and it is time to upgrade, the Robertsons will likely turn to Process Machinery Inc. “They have done a tremendous amount of work for us,” Charlie says. “I can say nothing but good about them.”

Tertiary crushing is provided be a 54 El Jay cone crusher

It was through Process Machinery that the Robertsons bought their cone and jaw crushers, as well as the stackers and conveyors. Charlie says he will likely work with the company to install two tandem cone crushers, a larger secondary screen and other equipment when the time comes.

Another key player in the history and future of Robertson Crushed Stone is Skelly & Loy, a consulting firm that provides environmental, engineering, geologic and other resource services. Charlie says they have worked with Skelly & Loy on and off for more than 15 years. The firm has provided guidance on engineering, quarry development and cost management. Also, Skelly & Loy will have a role in any upcoming development at Robertson Crushed Stone.

Relationships such as these, whether they are with consultant or contract blaster, are what make an operation successful. And let's not forget about those under the company umbrella. Robertson Crushed Stone employs 20 people. There are generally four people operating and maintaining the crushers and two in the scale house. Then, of course, there are loader operators, haul truck operators and office employees.

Bud, the quarry manager, has been working for the Robertson's since 1986. He started as a subcontractor, stripping. Since then he has been involved in every aspect of the quarry. Also, Charlie is particularly indebted to Jean Ann Birkle, the office and scale house manager who joined the company in 1995 after retiring from life on the road with some traveling musicians.

THE NEXT GENERATION

Despite the terms of a contract or the length of an employee's stay, nothing is more binding than blood. And now that Charlie's children (Will and Katie) are back from Indiana University, the company will have a new perspective on the industry. Will is bringing a management degree in public affairs, and Katie has a master's in business communication.

The Robertson's reserves promise at least one more generation a nice living. There should be another 60 years left at the current production rate.

“The new blood does help bring in a fresher set of eyes,” Charlie says. “They show me at times that I am still a stick in the mud.”

One example is the company Web site, which is indefinitely under construction. Charlie says it is not critical to business, as about 90% of the product is sold to only two customers. Will, on the other hand, argues that a Web site will be an invaluable communication channel for the future because slowly but surely single-family homes are creeping up on their operation.

The future of the company's Web site may be up for debate, but one thing is definite: Even though the Robertsons are not producing a DOT stone, they have certainly paved the way to a solid future in the aggregates industry.

“Our business here is steady and that's how you want to approach it,” Charlie says. “It is not something that you get really rich doing, but you will make a nice living for your family.”