First Quarter 2002

Industry Friends:

We stated in the last contribution to the Besser Block that serving you is our privilege. The statement summarizes how we feel about each and every order trusted to us. In our seven North American manufacturing locations our primary goal is your complete satisfaction: deliveries that meet your needs consisting of high quality, competitively priced machinery, parts and services. Besser employees consistently strive to produce the best products because they know that our success depends on your complete satisfaction.

Developing innovative products that will give you a competitive edge in the marketplace is another of our goals. Listening to producers provides the guidance in designing new models. On the concrete products side of the business the Autopac™ and V3-12 2000 Vibrapac® are prime examples. Each machine utilizes new technology to automate adjustments, which ultimately results in more available production time. Since January 2001, the Autopac® at Southwest Concrete, L.P., in San Antonio, Texas has run more than 1.5 million cycles and we continue to monitor it closely. Besser, and more importantly, Southwest, is proud of its performance. Midwest Block & Brick, in Kansas City, Missouri, has achieved similar success with their V3-12 2000. Read about Midwest’s experience beginning on page 4 of this issue of Besser Block and watch it operate for yourself during the NCMA sponsored plant tour at the upcoming Masonry Expo.

Besser is committed to the future of the concrete industries and the success of our customers because we firmly believe that concrete is the perfect building material. Remember that your needs are what drive our business. Please take time to let your Besser representative know how we can better assist you in meeting your business objectives. Feel free to contact me anytime to share your comments. I can be reached in my office, 989.354.1029, at home 989.727.4177 or via e-mail at kcurtis@besser.com.

As always, serving you is our privilege,

Kevin L. Curtis
President, Besser Company
Winter 2002

Inside This Issue

Vision Becomes Reality: Thunder Bay Recreational Center

Dedication and a "Can Do" Attitude Equal Success: Midwest Block & Brick

The Value of Membership

World Center for Concrete Technology: New Activities

Taking Charge of the Future: Illinois Concrete Company, Inc.

New Cubing Line Helps Set Production Record:
Chicago Block and Brick

Blending Three Aggregates

Expand Your Product Line

Dust Suppression Systems

Beauty Captures Attention: Landscape Products

OSHA’s View on Training

Product Enhancement

The Future of Concrete Masonry

Besser Block Talk

Production Tip

Service Parts