4 Keys to Starting Asphalt Production Business

The list of projects completed by Elbushra for Roads and Bridges and the Ammann ABM EasyBatch Asphalt-Mixing Plant is a long one.

The owner of the Sudanese firm, Abuzar Mergani Elbushra, has taken great time and care in building that list – and his business.

Elbushra worked his way up the ladder in the roadbuilding industry, starting with a job as an engineer at the Sudan National Highway. He eventually accepted another engineering job and then worked as a supervisor at a construction company.

All that experience led him to his dream: starting a business of his own. He did so in 2005, more than 20 years after launching his career.

The beginnings of Elbushra for Roads and Bridges were modest. He started as a subcontractor, managing asphalt work without even owning a machine. “I did that for five years,” he said.

He landed a large job in 2010, where he supervised the placement of 40 000 tons of asphalt. “After that I could purchase a plant instead of hiring it out,” he said.

The hard work and perseverance paid off. His business now owns four asphalt-mixing plants – all manufactured by Ammann. He chose Ammann because he began working with the company in 2010, and his trust grew from there.

The plants provide mix for five full-time paving crews, too. One of the plants in particular – the highly mobile ABM EasyBatch – played a key role in expanding his business. “I have grown from one plant, to three, and then four, because of EasyBatch’s mobility, production and the cooperation of the Ammann Dealer,” Elbushra said.

Elbushra clearly has gained valuable experience. What advice does he offer those who want to start in the asphalt production business?

Use quality equipment. Elbushra entered the business world by renting high-quality pavers and rollers and successfully completing projects. The equipment was reliable so he was able to meet deadlines. It also helped him provide quality products and service of his own. “This built my reputation in the asphalt market,” he said.

His commitment to quality equipment continues to this day with the use of Ammann ABM EasyBatch Plants. “They are quality products and they help me be reliable and create good mix as well,” he said.

Operators praise the plant’s as1 Control System. The intuitive nature of the system provides another quality boost, Elbushra said.

Use original parts only. This tip echoes the “reliability” theme. Cheaper parts don’t fit properly, leading to unnecessary breakdowns. Those parts can also lead to premature wear. That’s why Elbushra only uses original Ammann replacement parts.

Treat your staff like family and pay bonuses. Elbushra creates a family-like environment through his regard for employees. He provides quality equipment, invests in proper training and ensures they have the tools they need for success. He also shares a portion of company profits through wages and a bonus plan.

Use good material when producing asphalt. Elbushra believes the ABM EasyBatch is a high-quality plant capable of producing outstanding mix. He makes sure to utilise the best materials to ensure the plant has the proper resources to create a quality product.

Elbushra also seems to follow another theme: Do what you love. “I have been working on road construction ever since I graduated,” he said. “My experience taught me that the perfect business for me is in asphalt production, not in earth work or concrete work.”

He will continue to pursue a dream that started many years ago – and has been built from a solid foundation of knowledge, experience and ambition from the very first day.