InfraStructures - October 2005

2005 APAO Tour

The Aggregate Producers Association of Ontario (APAO) held their 2005 Operations Tour on September 15th. This year participants visited several sites in the Orillia - Bracebridge area north of Toronto.

Three coaches with approximately 150 attendees from throughout the province were welcomed to view and ask questions at Fowler Materials (Bracebridge), Nelson Aggregates (Uthoff), Fenner-Dunlop (Bracebridge) and Lafarge (Coldwater).

Also hosted by Nelson Aggregates was an equipment display and luncheon with 17 exhibits from a selection of dealers and suppliers. Attendees were able to see equipment such as the Kawasaki 95 ZV, the Atlas-Copco Special Event Caravan as well as many other related displays.

A unique experience for many was the tour of the Fenner-Dunlop conveyor belt manufacturing facility. This gave participants the opportunity to see first hand the technology and processes that go into constructing such a critical part of any aggregate operation. A special thank you for the hospitality shown us on this tour goes to everyone in the Bracebridge plant.

Additionally, this annual event was successful due to the hard work and careful planning of the APAO staff, volunteers and sponsors. This includes special mention of Shelley Carley, Special Events Manager, who, on only her fourth day with APAO did an exemplary job of making everyone feel welcome and comfortable.

Report and pictures: Rob Holden, HESS