Proven Business-Building Practices
More to ADSK Growth than Just the Economy
As the economy grows in Kazakhstan, so does Almaty Road Construction Company. The company, also known as ADSK, purchased its first Ammann asphalt-mixing plant in 2001 and has bought 2 more since.
ADSK needed the 2 newer plants because demand for its products has grown, in part because of its success on high-profile projects. Among the most notable are its production of mix for the region’s first high-speed highway, a 200 km road from ADSK’s hometown of Almaty to Bishkek. A more recent noteworthy project was producing mix for a high-speed road between Almaty and Ust-Kamengorsk.
On those projects, both the general contractors and quality control laboratory were impressed by ADSK’s ability to produce a high volume of quality mix that met the required international standards.
While there have been past successes, ADSK always looks for ways to improve its methods and operations.
1. Stay flexible for fuel.
In 2015 the company’s 3 Ammann plants were modernised to accept the use of natural gas in addition to “mazut,” a heavy oil. The modifications have provided significant savings in fuel costs.
2. Utilise plants that can handle changing needs and maintain quality.
ADSK has preferred Ammann products since the purchase of a Global 120 Asphalt Mixing Plant in 2001. That purchase was followed by a Global 160 in 2005 and, most recently, a JustBlack 200 plant in 2014.
The first 2 plants are on a single site in Almaty, while the third plant is at a quarry in a nearby village.
“We bought the Global 120 in 2001 to produce quality asphalt for repair and replacement of roads in the city,” said Gagiyev Yunus, owner of ADSK. “At first production of the mix was just a small part of our business, but it grew enough that we created a separate operation.”
The purchase of the second plant, in 2005, resulted from demand for quality mixes. ADSK added the JustBlack plant in 2014 because its high capacity can serve much of the region.
“Generally we bought each plant when demand for good mixes was increasing,” said Konstantinov Victor, deputy to Yunus.
3. Always be on time.
he quality mixes are just one way ADSK keeps its promises to customers. “Road construction is seasonal work, and our customers need us to help them be successful during those crucial times,” Yunus said. “The key to success for ADSK is high quality asphalt mixes and on-time delivery. We arrange everything according to the customer’s needs and work till the last truck is loaded. It doesn’t matter if it’s day or night.”
4. Customer service never goes out of style.
The company believes in a tried-and-true motto: The customer is always right. How does ADSK know it will continue to meet the needs of customers – and ultimately keep the plants busy? “The first step is ensuring there is consistent delivery of the aggregates and bitumen,” Victor said. “The reliability of the Ammann plants then helps us deliver asphalt to our customers on time and keeps them happy.”
5. Keep up with technology.
“Our asphalt mixes are and will always be the most modern and highest quality on the market,” Yunus said. “The next plant will use technology, science and the application of modern additives for the production of high-quality mixes.”
6. Don’t be afraid to grow.
Yunus also has a simple but smart method for determining when it’s time to expand. “When you see that you have closed all your credits, it probably means it’s time to extend your business,” he said.
That has been the case several times over the years, with a staff that started at 40 and since has grown to 160. “I enjoy seeing the growth of the company and the number of employees increase every year,” Yunus said.
About Ammann
Ammann is a sixth-generation, family-owned business that produces asphalt and concrete mixing plants, compactors and asphalt pavers at nine production sites in Europe, China, India and Brazil. Its core expertise is in road building and transportation infrastructure. Visit www.ammann.com for more information.