Their secondary plant features three crushers—HP500 STD, HP500 SH, and HP300 SH with various liners tailored to different product sizes, supported by three screens handling scalping and finishing.

Crushing Challenges & Material Insights

Konrad Diehl, Operations Manager at County Line Stone, shares,

“We are permitted to crush limestone from the Onondaga formation, with an average chert content of about 25%. Moisture coming out of the quarry is usually less than 2%. Our surge material fed into the HP500 STD with the is typically 2.5”–12”.”

The HP500 STD with the MX liner is the first crusher on the secondary plant and handles the most crushing, processing 600–700 TPH. Before switching to MX liners, the plant used 18% manganese aftermarket liners, which typically lasted 135,000–170,000 tons depending on chert content.

Konrad explains the challenge:

“Each liner has a substantial break-in period. Because we feed oversized material, sometimes 15”+, into the HP500, our break-in period is longer than usual. During the first week, throughput can drop about 20%, and only about 60% of the liner life is spent in prime crushing conditions. We mitigate this by sending larger material to surge during break-in and end-of-life periods.”

Even with planned preventative maintenance and efficient changeouts (5–6 hours per liner), the break-in period of traditional liners created temporary throughput reductions that impacted overall plant efficiency.

Why Switch to MX Liners?

County Line Stone decided to explore MX liners for several reasons:

• Longer wear life – Increasing prime crushing time from 60% to 80% of liner life.
• Reduced downtime – Fewer liner changes mean maintenance crews can focus on other plant areas.
• Increased throughput – More consistent TPH over the liner’s lifespan.
• Lower cost per ton – Improved efficiency spreads costs over more production.

Konrad notes:

“We heard MX liners could handle our larger material more efficiently and reduce the disruptive break-in periods. Price was our only hesitation, but we wanted to see if the investment would pay off.”

Real-World Results

Using data collected from calibrated belt scales and automation systems, County Line Stone tracked liner performance meticulously. For their aftermarket STD liners:

• Average crushing days: 26.7
• Average tonnage: 147,000 per liner
• Average TPH: 616
• Cost per ton for liner wear: $0.13

When they installed the MX liner, results were remarkable:

• Crushing days: 43
• Tonnage: 262,557 (77% increase)
• Crushing hours: 409
• Average TPH: 641 (increase of 25 TPH)
• Tons per adjustment: 284 (up from 189)

“The biggest improvement was the increase in tons processed per liner and tons per adjustment,” Konrad says. “Our traditional liners averaged 147,000 tons; the MX liner processed 262,000 tons. We also had fewer adjustments per hour, which improved crusher stability and overall plant efficiency.”

Additionally, consistent gradation increased from about 60% of liner life in prime form to 80% with MX liners. Automation now allows quick adjustments in two minutes for all three crushers, improving efficiency further.

��Safety & Maintenance Benefits

Beyond efficiency and throughput, MX liners also reduce maintenance exposure:

“Fewer liner changeouts mean less crane work, less prep time, and reduced risk for our team. Safety improves while plant uptime increases,” Konrad explains.

Cost Analysis

Looking at liner costs for the HP500 STD:

• Traditional aftermarket liners: $18,500/set × 7 changes/year → $168,140 total seasonal cost (~$0.17/ton including labor)
• MX liners (with tariff): $37,361/set × 4 changes/year → $171,524 total seasonal cost (~$0.17/ton)
• MX liners (without tariff): $29,889/set × 4 changes/year → $141,636 total seasonal cost (~$0.14/ton)

“With the MX liner, we also increased average TPH from 616 to 641, which spreads operating costs over more tons and further reduces cost per ton across the plant,” Konrad adds.

Looking Ahead

County Line Stone plans to continue running MX liners on the HP500 STD and is exploring MX options for other crushers, including a new C-150 jaw crusher coming in 2027.

“The MX liner has been a positive improvement. Higher throughput, longer wear life, and reduced maintenance requirements have made it a win for our operation. We plan to expand its use to other crushers as opportunities arise,” says Konrad.

County Line Stone’s experience demonstrates that investing in advanced liner technology, like MX liners, can lead to significant improvements in throughput, safety, and cost per ton, providing a measurable advantage for modern limestone operations.

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From High School to Success

Sydney is on the brink of two major milestones: completing (Washington County, MD) and graduating from automotive program. She has fully completed all required coursework and is now working additional hours with us while eagerly awaiting graduation.

One of Sydney’s favorite highlights from tech school was working with her instructor and classmates to rebuild a 454 big block engine.

Passion for Hands-On Learning

Sydney’s experience at ������ý has been marked by the perfect blend of classroom instruction and practical application.

“My favorite part has been learning something new in class and then getting to try it hands-on, especially when it’s something I’ve never done before. That’s where it really clicks for me.”

She appreciates that ������ý doesn’t just teach concepts, it immerses students in the actual work, giving them confidence and skill as they prepare for their careers.

Mentorship & Opportunities

A key influence for Sydney has been her instructor, Dave Coleman. She praises his ability to clearly explain complex ideas, his endless patience, and his dedication to making sure students understand before ever diving into hands-on work.

Sydney also enjoyed exciting field trips, including a visit to the Front Royal Quarry, where she saw firsthand how the work we do at Mellott every day translates into the field.

Growing Skills & Exploring Departments

Sydney’s training has gone beyond the classroom and shop. She’s taken every opportunity to learn about different aspects of the company, including spending time with the Marketing Department where she assisted with day-to-day tasks and work in preparation for .

One of Sydney’s most valuable learning experiences has been the opportunity to work closely with Maggie May, where she’s gained hands-on exposure to the Faro Arm and scanning equipment. Through that time, Sydney has been able to learn more about the technology that supports Mellott’s work in the field. These experiences have sparked even more interest in the aggregate industry.

Supportive Environment & Teamwork

Sydney describes her classmates as easy to get along with and appreciates the friendly, supportive culture at Mellott. She says everyone is always willing to help, teach, and cheer each other on.

She is especially grateful for how Mellott’s Training Department has prepared her to confidently aid other departments now that her formal schooling has wrapped up.

Gratitude & Personal Life

Family has played a huge role in shaping Sydney into the driven and independent person she is today. As the youngest of five siblings, she credits her family for helping her grow into someone who works hard and stands confidently on her own. Sydney would especially like to thank her mom for always pushing her to do better and encouraging her to be independent, her dad for giving her a strong backbone and teaching her how to stand up for herself, and her siblings for their constant support along the way.

Outside of work and school, Sydney enjoys riding 4-wheelers and dirt bikes with friends and family, and she loves watching her boyfriend work on his truck. She also adores her dog, Hank, who keeps life fun when she’s off the clock.

Looking Ahead

Sydney’s journey through ������ý has been marked by curiosity, growth, and community. Her dedication, both in the classroom and on the job, is exactly what ������ý hopes to cultivate in all students.

“Sydney has been a great addition to this year’s ������ý class.�� She is a quick learner and really applies herself to learning everything in our program and about our industry.�� From the classroom, offices, and shops she has been a huge help to everyone.�� I am excited to watch her grow with us as she transitions into a more permanent role with our company.”—Dave Coleman, Technical Trainer

Congratulations, Sydney — we can’t wait to see what you accomplish next!

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������ý is our pre-apprenticeship program for local high school seniors, designed to give students hands-on workforce experience, exposure to skilled trades, and the opportunity to explore career paths in the aggregate industry before graduation. Participants work alongside experienced Mellott team members, gaining valuable skills they can carry into future careers.

Hope is a senior at and has made a strong impression since joining the program this year.

A Passion for Welding

Hope’s interest in welding began with her older brother, who encouraged her to try the program through . Now in her third year of welding, Hope has built a strong foundation of skills and continues to grow her technical knowledge.

Gratitude for Family Support

Hope shared that she’s especially thankful to her dad for teaching her so much about welding and for encouraging her to join ������ý. She also wanted to thank her mom for her constant support.

Involved In and Out of the Classroom

In addition to her welding training, Hope is actively involved in , where she serves as a Sentinel and participates in environmental competitions and animal judging events. Her involvement reflects her well-rounded interests and strong work ethic both inside and outside the classroom.

When she’s not in school or at Mellott, Hope enjoys spending time with friends and family, attending tractor pulls, and getting outdoors to hunt and fish.

Looking Ahead

Hope says her favorite part of the ������ý program so far has been “learning so many new things that other people don’t get to learn and getting first-hand workforce experience before graduating high school.” She’s especially excited to continue building her welding skills and to learn more about Mellott as a company.

“Hope is a great addition to ������ý. She and two of her classmates are the first female students to participate in our program, and she’s made a strong impression from day one. Everyone who works with her speaks highly of her work ethic and positive attitude. Recently, she passed our welding test and played a key role in fabricating and welding the bike wash station for the Sideling Hill Trailhead. We’re exciting to see her grow with our company!” – Dave Coleman, Technical Trainer.

We’re proud to have Hope as part of the ������ý program and can’t wait to see how she continues to grow her skills and leadership in the months ahead. Congratulations, Hope!

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Learning by Doing

Maddux is part of ������ý, our paid apprenticeship program that allows high school seniors to earn a paycheck while they learn from Mellott’s experienced subject matter experts. Over the past year, Maddux has excelled in hands-on learning—spending time in the shop, developing welding skills, and exploring how rock crushers operate.

One of his favorite moments in the program was visiting the Front Royal Quarry with his fellow ������ý classmates. The opportunity to see the bigger picture of the industry in action left a lasting impression.

“If you go into a field you like, then you’ll enjoy working—and I’m looking forward to that,” Maddux shared as he looks ahead to full-time work after graduation.

In and Out of School: Always On Target

Maddux is also a member of Everett High School’s Rifle Team, which has impressively gone undefeated for eight straight seasons. When he’s not in the shop or at school, you’ll likely find him outdoors. This year alone, he harvested seven deer, and enjoyed taking his younger cousins, Luke and Bentley, fishing, where they both caught their limit of .

A Growing Interest in Crushing

Throughout his time in ������ý, Maddux especially enjoyed learning about the Crushing Department. From understanding how rock crushers work to seeing operations firsthand during the visit to Front Royal Quarry, that area of the company stood out as the most exciting and engaging part of his experience so far. His curiosity and eagerness to learn more about crushing operations show just how invested he is in finding a meaningful path in the trades.

A Conversation That Sparked a Future

Maddux credits his introduction to ������ý to Mellott employee Jeff Rowland, who first told him about the program and encouraged him to apply.
“I want to thank Jeff for talking to me about ������ý and what a great opportunity it was. That conversation helped me decide to give it a shot.”

Looking Ahead

Regarding Maddux, Mellott Technical Trainer Dave Coleman said, “Maddux has been a great teammate. He has done a great job at multi-tasking his school activities along with his time at ������ý. He has shown dedication and determination throughout the program. We are excited to have him with us full-time.”

Maddux is a great example of what ������ý is all about—giving passionate, driven students the tools, knowledge, and experience to launch a rewarding career. We’re proud to recognize him this month!

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At Mellott, we believe in celebrating growth, dedication, and the drive to learn—and no one embodies that better this month than Blaine Fischer, our April 2025 ������ý Student of the Month.

A Passion for Building and Learning

Blaine is a senior at , where his favorite class is woodshop. “I really enjoy building things,” Blaine says. That passion for craftsmanship has translated seamlessly into his time at ������ý, our paid pre-apprentice program led by the skilled subject matter experts across our company.

A Look at Blaine’s Hobbies and Interests

Outside of school and the shop, Blaine enjoys spending time outdoors hunting and fishing. He also takes part in tractor pulling with his family, proudly driving an International Harvester 1466—a hobby that reflects his deep appreciation for machines and mechanics.

Learning New Skills in the Shop

During his time in ������ý, Blaine has embraced every opportunity to learn and grow. One of his favorite parts of the program? “Getting to hang out with all of the people in the Service Department and spend time in the shop learning more about welding from Dale Lashley,” he shares. He also especially enjoyed learning how to install a countershaft on an HP200, a skill taught to him by Mellott team member Cooper Ritz.

Family Roots and Exploring New Challenges

With two years of welding experience through program, Blaine joined ������ý eager to explore a new challenge. “It was exciting to me—something new to try, and I wanted to gain the experience,” he explains. Blaine is also quick to recognize the support of his family. He shared how grateful he is for his parents and everything they’ve done to help him along the way. He has a brother and a sister who have also been part of his journey.

Instructor Praise

When asked about Blaine, Mellott Technical Trainer, Dave Coleman said, “He is a great addition to our team! Blaine always shows up to work early and has done a great job completing all the material throughout the course. We are excited to watch him develop with the company.”

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future in the Industry

Blaine Fischer brings dedication and a true love for hands-on learning to ������ý. We’re proud to spotlight him this month and look forward to watching his journey continue in the industry.

Congratulations, Blaine—and keep up the great work!

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A Milestone Event for the Industry

Mellott was proud to exhibit at the , held March 25–27 at the America’s Center Convention Complex in St. Louis, Missouri.

With over 11,500 attendees, more than 230,000 square feet of exhibit space, and visitors from across the globe — including countries like Australia, England, Argentina, Mexico, and Nigeria — the event was a true celebration of innovation and connection across the aggregates and asphalt industries.

Teamwork on Display

We shared our booth space with trusted partner companies: , , , and . Together, we welcomed attendees, shared knowledge, and represented the strength and collaboration behind the Mellott brand.

Thank you to all the Mellott employees who helped staff the booth — your professionalism and enthusiasm made a lasting impression. We also want to extend our appreciation to our Marketing Department for their hard work behind the scenes, ensuring our booth and presence were nothing short of show ready.

A Word from Our Team

When asked about her experience at the tradeshow this year, Lindsey, Mellott Marketing Manager said, “Agg 1 2025 in St. Louis was a productive, fulfilling, albeit exhausting week, but I feel after each show I learn and grow exponentially. One of my biggest takeaways is that new contacts and existing customers alike are always blown away by the scope of Mellott’s capabilities. The show is an excellent opportunity for us to grow our customer base and continue to build relationships and opportunities with existing customers and vendors. It’s awesome to see our team’s professionalism and expertise shine each year at this show!”

Looking Ahead

With its growing attendance, this tradeshow continues to be a valuable platform for our team to connect, learn, and grow. We’re excited to be a part of what’s next and looking forward to CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 in Las Vegas and AGG1 2027 in New Orleans!

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Myles has proven to be an exceptional student in our pre-apprenticeship program. He’s a great example of what it means to balance academics, extracurricular activities, and personal passions.

This year, Myles participated in his high school’s co-op for golf, contributing to the team’s success as ICC champions. He also competed on the track team last year, in the javelin, shot put, and discus events, in addition to running the 100-meter dash. While this year’s track season has not yet started, he plans to participate again.

One of Myles’ favorite memories of his senior year so far was the senior class trip to . “The teachers gave us a lot of freedom to have fun, and we enjoyed the beach, boardwalk, good food, and time with friends,” he said.

Hands-On Learning at ������ý

When asked what he enjoys most about ������ý, Myles shared, “I really enjoy the laid-back environment of ������ý. The teachers understand that we’re still high school students, and our school year can get busy too. They’re really supportive, which makes it easier to balance everything. I also love the hands-on time in the shop; it gives me a real sense of what it’s like in the industry.”

A particularly memorable experience for Myles at ������ý was a field trip to Front Royal Quarry in Virginia. “It was amazing to see how everything comes together to create a quarry site and to understand the work that goes into it. It really gave me a better appreciation for what we’re learning about and the industry we’re getting into,” he explained.

Instructor Praise

Myles’ hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed by his instructor, Dave Coleman. “Myles has been a great teammate throughout the program. He is not afraid to try new things, a quick learner, and is not afraid to apply himself,” Coleman said. “He is always on time with a positive can-do attitude, which makes him a great addition to our team.”

Family and Hobbies
Myles is close to his family, and his parents have had a significant influence on his life. “My mom has been a big influence on me, and I love that I can relate to my dad,” he said. He enjoys spending time with his brothers, Jordan and Max. He often works out at the gym with Jordan and describes Max as “ornery” in the best way. Myles also has a dog named Chico, who is a beloved part of the family.

In his free time, Myles enjoys working on cars. He recently completed a restoration project on a 1957 Ford Fairlane, showcasing his passion for automotive work and hands-on problem-solving.

Looking to the Future

Myles’ commitment to his education and passion for hands-on learning at ������ý are laying the foundation for a successful career in the trades. His enthusiasm, strong work ethic, and positive attitude will undoubtedly lead to great things in the future. We are proud to have him as a student and excited to see all that he will achieve.

Congratulations, Myles, on being named ������ý’s Student of the Month for January!

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We are excited to announce that Garrett Price, a senior at , has been named ������ý’s Student of the Month for December! Garrett’s commitment to excellence, both in and outside the classroom, makes him a standout in our pre-apprenticeship program. Let’s dive into Garrett’s journey and what makes him such a remarkable student.

Garrett is no stranger to leadership. As the captain of his soccer team during both his junior and senior years at Southern Fulton High School, Garrett certainly has some leadership experience under his belt. His passion for sports doesn’t stop at soccer—Garrett is also an avid member of the trap shooting team, which he enjoys immensely.

For the past four years, Garrett has honed his skills in Materials Processing, a hands-on shop class at Southern Fulton. He loves using the class to build things for his family, like wooden Christmas gifts such as cutting boards, shelves, and coasters. His interest in craftsmanship is something that serves him well in ������ý.

Garrett first joined ������ý last summer as a groundskeeper. He enjoyed mowing the lawns and learning about everything that goes on behind the scenes at Mellott. This experience sparked Garrett’s desire to continue his education and career at Mellott. When asked why he chose Mellott, Garrett shared, “You can’t beat paid education, and I feel like I can really excel in this industry.”

When asked what he enjoys most about his experience at ������ý, Garrett said, “The people. Everybody is so welcoming, they’re always friendly but know when to be serious and get down to business.” He also praised his instructors, particularly Dave Coleman. “Dave is awesome. He has a lot of experience in the field and is a great teacher,” Garrett noted. He also enjoys learning from Dale Lashley, appreciating the depth of knowledge and expertise they bring to the program.

Garrett grew up on a dairy farm that his family recently transitioned into a beef farm. Farming instilled a strong work ethic in him, something he credits to his dad. “My work ethic came from my dad and my time on the farm. I appreciate how that work ethic applies to my job at ������ý,” Garrett said. Garrett’s success can also be attributed to the strong support he receives from his mother, who he credits as a major influence on his character and drive. In his free time, Garrett enjoys hunting and fishing. He especially loves hunting with his family, particularly his “pap” George.

Garrett is very close with his family, including his older brother Zach, who has been a major influence in his life. “We used to fight when we were younger, but one day we just woke up and became best friends,” Garrett explained. He also shares his home with a 9-year-old German Shepherd named Ace, who he enjoys spending time with.

Dave Coleman, one of Garrett’s instructors at ������ý, shared some kind words about his student: “Garrett is always positive and outgoing, willing to participate in his lessons. He works well with both his fellow students and Mellott employees, and he is picking up on things quickly. He currently holds the highest GPA in ������ý, with a remarkable 95.6%.”

Garrett’s future is bright, with a passion for the trades and a dedication to his work. At ������ý, he’s already showing tremendous growth and potential, and we can’t wait to see where his hard work will take him next.

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Gavin, a graduate of and , comes to ������ý with a strong foundation in welding, having completed a two-year welding program at James Rumsey. As a middle child with one older brother and one younger brother, Gavin is no stranger to the value of teamwork and collaboration—traits that will serve him well both in the classroom and on the job.

Gavin joined ������ý to take his skills to the next level. “I wanted to absorb as much information as possible, like a sponge,” he said. His goal is to become a well-rounded professional and he’s on the right path. At ������ý, he’s not only gaining hands-on experience, but he’s also developing the versatility needed to thrive in the aggregate industry.

One of the things Gavin enjoys most about his time at ������ý is the people. “The students here are great. They’re always willing to lend a hand,” he said. “And my instructor, Dave Coleman, is an excellent teacher. He breaks everything down really well, and I feel like I’m learning so much.” The sense of camaraderie at ������ý is clearly something Gavin values. It’s clear that his classmates think a lot of him, as they decided he should be the first student of the month this year due to his willingness to help everyone.

When he’s not at ������ý, Gavin spends his free time enjoying the slopes at Whitetail Ski Resort, where he recently purchased a season pass. Snowboarding is one of his favorite pastimes. Before graduating, Gavin played lacrosse for . During his senior year, he and his team won the D2 State Championship, a highlight of his high school sports career.

Each day, Gavin starts his workday in Mellott’s Manufacturing Department, where he appreciates the mentorship of his colleagues. “The guys in Manufacturing are awesome,” he shared. “They’re always looking out for me, teaching me what they know, and making sure I’m safe while I work.”

With his strong work ethic, eagerness to learn, and positive attitude, Gavin Reichelt exemplifies the values we strive to instill in all ������ý students. We’re excited to see what he accomplishes in the future and are proud to have him as part of our program.

Congratulations, Gavin! Keep up the great work!

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Pulling Together to Help

On Wednesday, October 2nd, after hearing about the level of devastation being experienced in Marion, it was decided that Mellott was going to send a semi-truck of supplies to provide aid to those in the area. Supplies were needed by Marion residents as soon as possible, so time was of the essence. Donations from Mellott employees and the surrounding community began pouring in almost immediately. The semi-truck containing over 1200 cases of water, non-perishable food, and personal hygiene items, was filled and on its way to NC by Friday afternoon.

“I couldn’t believe what our team was able to pull off in such a short amount of time with help from the community surrounding Mellott. The overwhelming amount of supplies that were collected for our friends in Marion was nothing short of incredible!” — Jim Levy, Vice President of Service Development at Mellott.

Distributing Supplies to Marion and the Surrounding Area

in Marion City Square graciously allowed us to use their parking lot as a distribution point for the supplies and played a crucial role in helping us get the information out to those living in Marion and the surrounding communities via radio. The truck arrived safely in North Carolina the next morning and was met by many of our Marion Machine employees who were ready to lend a hand with unloading the truck and passing out the supplies.

“It was great that we could offer some relief to our local communities, but also heartbreaking to hear about the losses that so many people had experienced. I’m grateful for our team at Marion Machine and their families, who stepped up to help pull this off. I can’t begin to count how many showed up to receive supplies, but it was a constant flow of people from 9am to 4pm.” — Geoff Welcyng, General Manager of Southeastern Service and Operations at Marion Machine.

Staying True to our Core Values

Commitment is one of our company’s core values. In situations like this, our commitment to one another as co-workers really shines through. “Please keep our employees at Marion Machine, their families, and everyone affected by this disaster in your thoughts and prayers. We’re all in this together, and we will continue to do our best to support one another through these challenging times.”—Rich Blake, Mellott President & CEO

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