Dennis Hammons, Conocophillips Lubricants
The benefits of proper equipment maintenance and use of a high-quality heavy-duty diesel engine oil are evident at Miles Sand and Gravel, a sand and gravel supplier in Auburn, Washington. The company's 18 quarries span across the state, meeting the construction industry's daily sand, gravel and concrete needs.
At the Beginning
In business since 1946, the sand and gravel supplier has been passed down through two generations, growing into one of the largest sand and gravel suppliers in Washington. Today, it operates more than 300 pieces of heavy-duty on- and off-road equipment such as loaders, dredgers, excavators and more. The company operates various gravel pits and concrete plants between Washington and Canada.
As the sand and gravel's shop foreman for eight years, Chuck Kallinen manages equipment maintenance, routine fleet inspections and oversees the quarry's team of 19 mechanics. Kallinen has worked for the company for 15 years, managing the fleet amidst the quarry's harsh terrain. A rough operating environment calls for stringent maintenance standards and, as the sand and gravel supplier expands, service bays require additional lube shops, oil tanks and equipment in order to properly maintain a functioning fleet.