Two New Silos and a New 45,000-Gallon Asphalt Binder Tank
With our latest expansion, the plant now features five silos, allowing us to produce and supply five distinct asphalt mixes simultaneously. In addition, three towering oil tanks enables us to store and deliver three different types of liquid asphalt binders at any time. This upgrade results in a substantial 70% increase in asphalt storage capacity—an additional 400 tonnes—and an 85% boost in oil storage capacity. Together, these enhancements firmly establish us as the leading producer of asphalt in the Vancouver area, both in terms of volume and variety.
Here is how we pulled it all off in just under six months.
November 7, 2024
1. The Discussion
The idea for the expansion was first tossed around - fittingly - over high-top chairs at a local restaurant in November 2024. Our management team was brainstorming ways to boost efficiency and ease congestion at our busy plant yard. Fast forward six months, and that casual conversation has transformed into a fully realized infrastructure upgrade.
2. The Digging
Our plant's layout had to be re-engineered to make room for the new silos and the oil tank. A ground breaking and excavating began on January 10, 2025.
January 10, 2025
January 22, 2025
3. The Concrete
In order to support a massive, 54 feet tall and 150 tonnes capacity oil tank, a concrete slab must be built. The engineered industrial slab has layered 6"x6" steel rebar grids in a 20" thick 35 megapascal (MPA) concrete. Now, that's one super strong slab!
4. The Drilling
Engineering specifications require our two new silos be anchored to 40-foot-deep underground concrete columns to ensure seismic stability. Accordingly, we drilled and constructed a total of twenty such columns. Impressive, eh?
March 5, 2025
March 29, 2025
5. The Hauling
Our two new silos, each measuring a colossal 13' x 13' x 50', completed a challenging 3,200 km journey from Marquette, Iowa. We narrowly beat the tariffs!
6. The Oil Tank
With two large cranes skilfully choreographed in sync, we hoisted into place our massive new 45,000-gallon asphalt binder tank.
April 21, 2025
May 24, 2025
7. The Silos
Precision-dropped! After six months of meticulous planning, coordination, and hard work, two towering new silos are finally in place!
8. The Traverses
Two traverse units — highly sophisticated conveyor belt systems mounted on top of our newly added silos. Each unit weighs over 12,000 pounds, and without them, the silos are just oversized metal shells.
