In the dynamic field of construction, nothing is more critical than delivering quality on time, especially for monumental projects such as the replacement of the Maumee River Bridge deck on the Ohio Turnpike. Enter the Gerken Ready Mix Division, the primary concrete supplier whose remarkable teamwork has not only met expectations but surpassed them throughout this significant undertaking.

The Challenge: Massive Continuous Pours

For this project, timing was of the essence. The Ohio Turnpike implemented three separate westbound traffic closures to facilitate the work, each presenting a unique challenge for the general contractor, E.S. Wagner Company, in efficiently placing concrete within a tight timeframe. The coordination involved was nothing short of extraordinary, as pump trucks were strategically positioned in the closed lanes to send concrete soaring over the median barrier. Hite Concrete Pumping Service deployed heavy-duty boom pumps to maintain rapid, continuous concrete distribution across the bridge deck.

As the project progressed, the stakes became even higher. In September, the Ready Mix Division faced the challenge of executing three large pours with impeccable timing and coordination. One of the standout moments was when Gerken supplied an impressive 1,040 cubic yards of concrete in just eleven hours. With rain looming in the forecast, the pressure was intense. However, by collaborating closely with E.S. Wagner, the Ready Mix Division created a seamless strategy that included intricate logistics and essential heavy-highway coordination.

A Testament to Quality Control

Quality control was equally paramount throughout the pours. Every single truckload of concrete underwent rigorous testing for air content and unit weight to meet the Turnpike’s stringent standards. TTL Engineering Services played an invaluable role in overseeing the tests, ensuring precise slump and entrained air content levels were maintained to meet strict DOT specifications and successfully mitigating the impact of unpredictable weather on concrete quality and performance.

Despite the ambitious volume of concrete supplied, the Ready Mix Division achieved the remarkable feat of not having a single truck rejected or requiring retesting due to out-of-tolerance results. That outstanding accomplishment highlights Gerken’s commitment to quality control and effective production strategies. Considering an average pour size of approximately 960 cubic yards, the high production rates, and the complexity of overnight placements, achieving such precision is a testament to the team’s dedication.

Andrew Marihugh, Ready Mix Division Quality Control Manager, couldn’t be more pleased: “I am humbled and incredibly proud to be associated with our team and what we have accomplished together.”

The Gerken Ready Mix Division leveraged advanced central-mix production and a dedicated mixer fleet at its nearby Toledo facility. That strategic advantage ensured a reliable supply of high-performance concrete delivered directly to the project site. With so much at stake, the team showcased its ability to perform under pressure without ever sacrificing quality.

A Model for Success

In construction, successful projects often hinge on the seamless collaboration between various companies and stakeholders. Such was the case in this achievement, a collective effort involving Kuhlman Corporation, M&R Ready Mix, Inc., and Williams Concrete, Inc. While Kuhlman produced the material, the project’s success relied heavily on the contributions from all three Division organizations. Their behind-the-scenes coordination of supply chain logistics and driver scheduling helped minimize disruptions to daytime customers while ensuring that strict work-zone time limits were met.

The joint efforts of these organizations not only highlight the importance of teamwork in construction but also emphasize how effective planning can lead to successful project delivery. By proactively addressing challenges and streamlining processes, the Gerken Ready Mix Division exemplifies how collaboration can elevate the standard of service in the industry. This model can serve as a blueprint for future projects, demonstrating that when different entities work together harmoniously, the results can surpass expectations.

“This is an outstanding example of how our commitment to our core values translates into meaningful results for our customers and our organization,” notes Jason Baden, SVP, Gerken Companies.

As the project moves forward, the Gerken Ready Mix Division’s invaluable contributions instill in stakeholders confidence that, with the right planning, partnership, and execution, even the most challenging endeavors can be successfully realized.