Additionally, the cabin incorporates a unique glass floor insert, strategically positioned to offer direct visibility of both the mold and the finished concrete. This allows operators to make adjustments as needed, improving precision during a pour. The cabin also includes two exterior doors, allowing for easy access to both the front and rear of the machine.

Operators will also appreciate the sound barrier provided by the new enclosure. It reduces the machine’s engine noise, creating a quieter work environment. In addition, it shields the control panel from direct sunlight, maintaining a cooler temperature for switches and reducing glare on the display.

The Power Curber 5700-D is the latest generation of the world’s number-one selling slipform machine that pours curb and gutter, sidewalk, barrier, ditches, paving, tunnels, agricultural and specialized applications. It features a compact size, simple design, easy operation, and high productivity.

For more information on the climate-controlled Power Curber 5700-D, please call 704-636-5871.

*Please note the climate-controlled cabin requires a 24” maximum trailer height.

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Concrete Contractor magazine has named the Power Paver SF-3404 as a 2024 Top Product Award winner.

The 2024 Concrete Contractor Top Products award represents the concrete industry’s best products, gaining interest from end-users and concrete professionals alike. The awarded products, exhibiting innovation and utility, were chosen based on submitted nominations and audience engagement during a 12-month period on ForConstructionPros. com/Concrete and narrowed down by the editorial team and advisory board.

The SF-3404 is built with decades of knowledge and technological advancements, delivering contractors the smoothest ride possible, saving valuable time, and providing complete visibility around the machine. It paves a maximum of 40 ft. (12 m) and features telescoping endpans for 2 ft. (61 cm) of width flexibility on each end. In addition, a heavy-duty plow, rigid paving pans and durable slew drives make the SF-3404 highly reliable and efficient.

Also new with the SF-3404 is an optional compact, fully-controlled Dowel Bar Insertion (DBI) system. It is equipped with a hydraulic floating floor to maintain the integrity of the initial slab and improve reconsolidation around dowel bars after the insertion process. Each time the DBI runs, the carriage recalibrates with electronic sensors to ensure the floor is exactly where it should be. In addition, the DBI is split to allow for accurate crowning and bar placement. Each bar is held and guided into the concrete to prevent skewing, even while crowning. When running DBI, the machine utilizes a collision avoidance system to prevent center tie bars and DBI from inserting at the same location.

To create the smoothest ride possible, the SF-3404 is equipped with the industry’s longest Oscillating Correctional Beam (OCB) for smoothing the slab’s surface after dowel bar insertion. Power Pavers engineered a unique, heavy-duty OCB that is 30 in. (76 cm) tall and 24 in. (61 cm) finishing length for full coverage over the dowel insertion void. The OCB corrects any surface imperfections with ease. For transportation, the DBI, OCB, OCB wiper and final finisher are contained in a single assembly.

“The innovations being made in the concrete construction industry are second to none,” said Jonathan Kozlowski, Editor of Concrete Contractor. “No where else would you be able to find such creative ideas solving the problems modern contractors face daily. I’m proud to announce the winning products in this year’s Top Products program.”

Additional information on award recipients can be found in the May/June issue of Concrete Contractor www.powercurbers.com and ForConstructionPros.com/Concrete.

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Power Curbers Companies has been honored with the 2024 Continuous Improvement Award by the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership for its outstanding commitment to enhancing manufacturing processes and driving organizational excellence. Based in Salisbury and family-owned since 1953, Power Curbers specializes in making concrete slipform machines used for curb and gutter, sidewalks, barrier walls, ditches, paving, and various special applications.

Their journey toward continuous improvement began with a deep look into their existing processes and identifying areas of improvement. They knew their employees played a crucial role in this journey, so they provided extensive training in lean principles like 6S, Kaizen, and Value Stream Mapping. These efforts created a workplace environment where everyone actively looks for process improvements.

“Twenty-two years ago, we embarked on our lean journey due to frustrations with our quality and efficiency. Recognizing the need for improvement, we sought outside help and visited other companies that were successfully implementing lean practices. After observing and learning from their experiences, we began adopting these principles, starting with our manufacturing processes. Over time, we extended these practices to other business areas, including lean accounting, striving to apply lean principles comprehensively throughout our organization,” said Stephen Bullock, President of Power Curbers.

However, making this shift wasn’t easy. It required strong leadership to guide the way and build a team that was open to embracing change.

“It took concerted efforts throughout the first year to embed this mindset across the organization and gain genuine buy-in. The objective was clear: embracing continuous improvement wouldn’t jeopardize job security but enhance our collective success,” said Bullock.

By implementing lean tools and practices, Power Curbers significantly improved productivity, safety, and efficiency. For example, organizing and standardizing workspaces reduced accidents and increased productivity. They also held targeted events to solve specific problems, which led to quicker deliveries and increased sales.

In the past, Power Curbers often found themselves rushing to fix mistakes or meet deadlines. But with lean principles in place, operations became smoother and more organized. They improved inventory management and workspace organization, improving efficiency and cost savings.

“Our inventory management underwent a significant overhaul. We realized the cost implications of excess inventory sitting idle on shelves and devised a coherent system to optimize inventory levels. Looking back, the transformation is remarkable. What was once a cluttered workspace with scattered parts is now organized with designated areas and shadow boards for easy access to tools and materials. This shift has improved efficiency and reflects our commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence,” said Bullock.

To ensure these improvements lasted, Power Curbers standardized their processes and implemented visual management systems. They also continued to find ways to improve, such as adopting just-in-time delivery for parts to streamline production and improve cash flow.

“The just-in-time approach allows us to streamline our production process, from receiving raw materials to shipping the finished product, ensuring optimal cash flow. By adopting single-piece flow instead of batch processing, we avoid the accumulation of excess inventory and minimize the time between production and payment. This shift has greatly improved our cash flow and overall operational efficiency, contributing significantly to our success,” said Bullock.

The Continuous Improvement Award recognizes organizations that exemplify continuous improvement methodologies to drive organizational behaviors aligned with a detailed action plan and timeline. Power Curbers’ dedication to implementing lean practices, fostering employee engagement, and achieving tangible operational improvements exemplifies its commitment to excellence. It sets a benchmark for continuous improvement in the manufacturing industry.
In response to the award, Bullock expressed gratitude and pride in their team’s hard work. He sees it as validation of their commitment to getting better every day and an inspiration to continue striving for excellence.

“We are thrilled to receive the 2024 Continuous Improvement Leadership Award. The news was a fantastic surprise, and we couldn’t be more excited. We gratefully accept this prestigious honor for all our dedicated associates and sincerely appreciate the recognition. It reaffirms our commitment to continuous improvement and inspires us to push further towards excellence in everything we do,” said Bullock.

This article was originally published here.

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Power Pavers is pleased to announce the launch of the industry’s newest full-width, four-track concrete slipform paver: the Power Paver SF-3404.

The SF-3404 is built with decades of knowledge and technological advancements, delivering contractors the smoothest ride possible, saving valuable time, and providing complete visibility around the machine. It paves a maximum of 40 ft. (12 m) and features telescoping endpans for 2 ft. (61 cm) of width flexibility on each end. In addition, a heavy-duty plow, rigid paving pans and durable slew drives make the SF-3404 highly reliable and efficient.

Also new with the SF-3404 is an optional compact, fully-controlled Dowel Bar Insertion (DBI) system. It is equipped with a hydraulic floating floor to maintain the integrity of the initial slab and improve reconsolidation around dowel bars after the insertion process. Each time the DBI runs, the carriage recalibrates with electronic sensors to ensure the floor is exactly where it should be. In addition, the DBI is split to allow for accurate crowning and bar placement. Each bar is held and guided into the concrete to prevent skewing, even while crowning. When running DBI, the machine utilizes a collision avoidance system to prevent center tie bars and DBI from inserting at the same location.

To create the smoothest ride possible, the SF-3404 is equipped with the industry’s longest Oscillating Correctional Beam (OCB) for smoothing the slab’s surface after dowel bar insertion. Power Pavers engineered a unique, heavy-duty OCB that is 30 in. (76 cm) tall with a 24 in. (61 cm) finishing length for full coverage over the dowel insertion void. The OCB corrects any surface imperfections with ease. For transportation, the DBI, OCB, OCB wiper and final finisher are contained in a single assembly.

Numerous features make the SF-3404 the most innovative slipform paver on the market. A unique vibrator cruise control automatically adjusts the machine’s vibrators to maintain consistent speed despite fluctuations in oil viscosity or changes in concrete slump. For super-elevations and intersections, an exclusive crown-distance compensation feature provides automated crown transitions between the mold, DBI and OCB.

As with other Power Pavers, the SF-3404 is designed with simplicity in mind. The machine features numerous other thoughtful details to simplify operators, finishers, and mechanics’ jobs. It is equipped with Power Pavers’ signature SlipSmart control system for simple, highly configurable machine controls. All machine diagnostics are onboard, with no laptop required. The new system provides fault codes for everything on the machine, including the DBI. Common bolt sizes and color-coded wiring throughout the machine keep maintenance simple.

For more information on the Power Paver SF-3404, please call 704-636-5871 or visit www.powercurbers.com. Power Pavers is a brand of Power Curbers Companies located in Salisbury, North Carolina.

About Power Curbers Companies
Power Curbers Companies was founded in 1953 in Salisbury, North Carolina, after manufacturing the world’s first automatic curb machine. The company produces concrete slipform machines used for paving, curbs, sidewalks, barrier walls, ditches, and a variety of special applications under the brands Power Curbers and Power Pavers. With machines in over 100 countries, Power Curbers Companies is the industry leader in innovation, quality and customer service.

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The North-South Express Highway (NSEH) Project is a critical thoroughfare in central Vietnam that will link over 32 cities from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh. It is Vietnam’s most important transportation corridor, and road contractor Son Hai is responsible for paving the highway and slipforming a 55km (34 mile) safety barrier wall.

This is the first time a slipform machine has poured a barrier wall in Vietnam, and Son Hai purchased a new Power Curber 5700-D for the ongoing project.

Previously, most barrier walls in Vietnam were precast. With the 5700-D, Son Hai has poured 500m (1/3 mile) daily with three rotating shifts of 12-person crews.

Slipforming has increased the quality and speed of production for Son Hai. They have guaranteed job completion by September 2023, three months ahead of schedule.

During a job site visit from Pham Minh Chinh, Prime Minister of Vietnam, Son Hai introduced the country’s leader to the Power Curber 5700-D. The contractor requested that the Road Construction Ministry and Prime Minister allow all highway barrier walls to be poured by machine rather than by hand.

Son Hai’s first Power Curber was an 8700, a machine that was manufactured over 20 years ago. The Power Curber 8700 was a multipurpose slipform machine designed for use with three or four tracks. It was used for various offset and paving applications, similar to the Power Curber 7700 currently in production.

Son Hai’s 8700 still operates daily, and Power Curbers still provides product support and parts for the machine.

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A Fort Madison, IA wind turbine blade factory needed the new ramp. They struggled to maneuver trailers loaded with 150 ft (46 m) blades onto Highway 61. Although the 1,500 ft (457 m) job wasn’t the largest, it was complex. Incorporating numerous joints and varying widths meant Jones had to be creative. Further complicated by Highway 61 traffic, they had to keep their equipment off the road to minimize disruptions. Jones used the SF-1700 to slipform most of the mainline, but there wasn’t room for a paver where it joined into the highway. There, they used their 5700-C to pave the shoulders first, eliminating the need to set up forms. One of the shoulders was 4 ft (1.2 m), and the other was 6 ft (1.8 m). So, Jones used a single, adjustable Power Curber mold that could pour both widths. They followed their paver with the texture/curing machine to add longitudinal tining. Jones described the results, “we got an excellent profilograph back on it. No issues, and it is a smooth ride.”

Pat Jones founded the company in 2015. He worked in the financial industry after graduating college. But eventually, the mud in his blood got the better of him, and he chose a life of concrete over a suit and tie and Jones Contracting Corp. was born. Today it specializes in concrete foundations, flatwork, and road construction. The thirty-person operation typically works within sixty miles of home. Beyond the equipment used for the ramp job, they also own a Power Paver SF-2700. Jones describes their choice of machinery, “We do a lot of city street paving and occasional county road projects. Power Pavers are great machines for us. They are a lot more compact and well-suited for city street paving. We are very impressed with the equipment we’ve gotten from Power Curbers and Power Pavers. They are good people and have been a good partner.”

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Seven years ago, Chelcia and Jerod Lawrimore founded their paving business in Cocoa, Florida, about halfway down its Atlantic coastline. They named it Brevard Concrete Paving, after their home county, and they pride themselves on serving people and companies throughout Brevard County.

They started small, with one truck and trailer, and their initial projects were residential curbs, sidewalks, driveways, and the like. Soon, they were doing gas stations, commercial buildings, and work for the Florida Department of Transportation.

As their reputation grew, the projects they were asked to complete continued to grow in size and complexity, which meant the types of equipment to build them also needed to expand. Power Curbers has been on the Lawrimore’s paving team since day one.

“From the beginning, Power Curbers was very responsive,” said Jerod, “even when we had very little. [Power Curbers’ President] Stephen Bullock always took our calls if he was available. When he wasn’t available, he always called back.”

Brevard Concrete poured curb for a few years with two Power Curber 150 Extruders they bought in 2017 and 2019. Then, as needs grew, they ordered a 5700-D curb and gutter machine that was delivered in 2020. It was immediately put into service, and in 2021, they slipformed 80,000 linear feet of curb with it. As the work expanded even further and they realized they needed an additional tool, they ordered a Power Curber 7700 Multipurpose Machine. Brevard appreciates the new 7700 for its versatility, reflected in three recently completed projects.

The firm was chosen to expand an aircraft taxiway at what used to be Patrick Air Force Base. Located just a little south of Cape Canaveral, the base is now Patrick Space Force Base, one of six active installations of the new service branch. Patrick was originally a Naval Air Station, opened in 1940, and then turned over to the Air Force in 1948. The recent change in status for the installation meant there would be a lot of new physical requirements to handle its new mission.

Brevard’s work on the taxiway called for 3,000 cubic yards of concrete, poured 23” thick. The extreme paving depth required careful planning and preparation, including steel forms.
“We had two months to complete the project,” said Jerod. “This was in June and July of 2021. We’d pave about two times a week, a total of ten pours. We’d pave twenty-foot sections, pour twenty feet, skip twenty, and then pave the next twenty feet. We’d start pouring around six a.m., finishing by ten a.m. ”

The next Brevard project for their 7700 was another airport facility, Vero Beach Regional Airport, about seventy miles south of Cocoa. A few years earlier, Brevard had completed a ramp for the airport, and the new job was phase two of that project. Some 6,000 cubic yards of concrete were slipformed in 15’ wide sections. They had a total of eighteen pours, each 675 feet long. Ultimately, the new ramp will have hangars built around it, and planes will use the ramp to access the taxiway to runways.

Getting the ramp finished and in operation quickly was critical for the client, so the construction contract included a penalty of ten thousand dollars per day in liquidated damages for each day the project was late. Brevard completed around 300 yards a day, starting at 4 a.m. and finishing around 10 a.m., with machine pours every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, with Saturday as a backup. And they completed the project on time.

Even as that project was ongoing, other customers were lining up for Brevard’s 7700. Another Florida concrete contractor had a complex project in the area with two types of heavy-duty barrier sections. But they lacked the right equipment to handle the task. They contacted Power Curbers and learned only one company in the area had a big enough machine for the job: Brevard Concrete Paving. They called the Cocoa firm, picked up Jerod at the Vero Beach construction site, and drove him over to look at the new project.

The overall job was a regional stormwater treatment facility. Brevard’s part involved constructing a triangular-shaped concrete barrier, three to four feet tall and seven feet wide at the base. They slipformed 1,600 feet of the seven-foot profile barrier and 4,000 feet of a half-width profile.

In describing the three projects, Jerod noted the importance of the 7700’s adaptability to various types of work. “You can do paving or barrier wall. You can transition quickly. That machine is big enough and versatile enough for just about any type of job. You could compare it with a Swiss Army knife because it can do so many different things so well.”

“We’ve owned a couple of [slipform] machines from other manufacturers,” he says. The significant advantage is the knowledge and service you get with Power Curbers. “If you chose to go with some of the other companies,” he said, “you have to go through a dealer. And too often, the people you talk to at the dealership don’t know the machines all that well.”

A critical aspect for Brevard was training its staff on the machine to benefit from its full potential. Power Curbers’ support team traveled to Cocoa for all three projects to provide such guidance.

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The Power Curber 7700, the ideal multipurpose slipform machine, will also be on display. It is perfect for large barriers, variable barriers, bridge parapets, ditches and road paving applications up to 25’ wide. The machine’s flexibility means it can handle custom designs for many other types of larger offset applications. Like other machines from Power Curbers, it is as easy to operate as it is versatile.

In addition to the 5700-D and 7700, Power Curbers will also showcase their most popular slipform paver, the Power Paver SF-2700. This two-track model can pave between 12 to 27 feet with a low profile and narrow side clearance.  It features simple controls, excellent operator visibility and the ability to transport without disassembly, making it the ideal paver for many low-speed applications.

The 5700-D, 7700 and SF-2700 are stringless capable and compatible with Leica, Topcon and Trimble 3-D systems.

In 2023, Power Curbers is celebrating its 70^th anniversary of pioneering the world’s first automatic cub machine in 1953. These original machines, extruders used in forming small curbs, are still manufactured as the Power Curber 150 extruder. The 150 extruder is ideal for small, surface-mounted curbs on paved or heavily compacted surfaces. At CONEXPO-CON/AGG, Power Curbers will feature a first-generation 150 extruder from 1953 in addition to the model currently in production.

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