A Real-World Look at Manufacturing Careers

Throughout the day, students toured �ѱ�����dzٳ�’s facilities, gaining exposure to multiple departments including:

• Manufacturing and fabrication
• Equipment service and maintenance
• Engineering and design
• Sales and operations

Mellott team members shared their career paths and day-to-day responsibilities, helping students better understand the variety of roles available in the aggregate and construction industries.

Inside the Mellott Facility: A Guided Tour Experience

Students participated in a comprehensive facility tour where they were able to see each area of �ѱ�����dzٳ�’s operations up close. As they moved through the shop, offices, and workspaces, they interacted directly with Mellott team members who explained their roles, daily responsibilities, and the processes that keep the company running.

This experience gave students a clearer understanding of how different departments work together and allowed them to ask questions in real time—making the visit both engaging and informative.

Mock Interviews Provide Real-World Experience

Students also participated in mock as part of the visit. Prior to the event, they submitted job applications and resumes, then sat down with Mellott team members for one-on-one interviews.

For many students, this was their first interview experience. The exercise provided a practical, low-pressure environment to build confidence, practice communication skills, and receive valuable feedback.

By simulating real hiring scenarios, students were able to strengthen interviewing skills they can carry with them into future job opportunities, internships, and career paths.

Building the Future Workforce

The event also reinforced �ѱ�����dzٳ�’s core values of safety, integrity, commitment, respect, and excellence. Throughout the day, students saw firsthand how these principles guide daily operations—from prioritizing safe work practices to fostering a culture of accountability and teamwork.

By connecting these values to real-world experiences, students gained a better understanding of what it takes to succeed in a professional environment. Mellott remains committed to investing in workforce development and creating awareness around high-demand careers in manufacturing and the trades, while shaping future professionals who embody these same values.

Strengthening Community Partnerships

�ѱ�����dzٳ�’s partnership with reflects an ongoing commitment to community engagement and education. Events like this help students make informed decisions about their future—whether that includes college, trade school, or entering the workforce directly.

As the Class of 2026 prepares for graduation, Mellott is proud to support the next generation of skilled professionals and looks forward to continuing these impactful experiences.

The post Mellott Hosts Southern Fulton Class of 2026 for Hands-On Career Exploration appeared first on Mellott.

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 �ѱ�����dzٳ�’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 �ѱ�����dzٳ�’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!

The post ������ý Student of the Month — January 2026: Sydney Hamil appeared first on Mellott.

The day was filled with good food, great conversation, and outstanding live music from . More than a celebration, it was a chance to pause, reflect, and express gratitude for the incredible team that drives our success every day.

A Message of Gratitude and Growth

During the event, CEO Rich Blake delivered his year-end address, recognizing the many accomplishments achieved throughout the year and, most importantly, the people who made them possible.

Rich highlighted a year marked by strong growth across our business lines and an expanded geographic footprint. By adding experienced industry professionals and expanding our service center network, Mellott has continued to fortify its capabilities and better serve customers nationwide.

“Our employees truly make the difference,” Rich shared.

That sentiment was echoed throughout his address, emphasizing that �ѱ�����dzٳ�’s people, combined with our equipment, technology, facilities, and quality of workmanship, establish our family of companies as best in class. Our high standards in training, customer service, and professionalism continue to set our workforce apart and position us for long-term success.

Guided by Our Core Values

At the heart of everything we do are our core values: Safety, Integrity, Commitment, Respect, and Excellence. These principles guide our decisions, shape our culture, and drive our performance both internally and in how we serve our customers.

As we reflect on the year behind us, we are proud of the progress we’ve made and grateful for the dedication, teamwork, and professionalism shown by our employees every day.

Looking Ahead

The annual Christmas Party served as a reminder that �ѱ�����dzٳ�’s success is built on people—our team, our partners, and our customers. With a strong foundation and a shared commitment to excellence, we look forward to building on this momentum and continuing to grow together in the year ahead.

From all of us at Mellott, Merry Christmas and here’s to an incredible 2026!

The post Reflecting on a Year of Growth at Mellott Annual Christmas Party appeared first on Mellott.

This November, we were proud to celebrate Jamie’s graduation from eaders Academy at the in Hershey, PA. The program brings together rising professionals from across Pennsylvania to expand their industry knowledge, strengthen leadership skills, and build connections that last a lifetime.

PELA is a 10-month hybrid program, consisting of both online and in-person educational sessions and networking opportunities. Travel with overnight stays throughout Pennsylvania is a required part of the program, making the commitment significant—but incredibly rewarding. Class members have the opportunity to meet key industry and legislative leaders, tour industry plants and facilities, and learn valuable leadership and life skills that can be applied to benefit their companies and peers. Led by instructor and facilitator Greg Coker, class sizes are limited to 20 students, as selected by the PELA Board of Trustees. The curriculum also includes a mandatory capstone project presented at the PACA Annual Meeting, rounding out a truly exceptional learning experience.

Jamie shared his experience with us, reflecting on both the personal and professional value of the program:

“Pennsylvania Emerging Leaders Academy was a program I heard about and was very eager to get involved in. From networking to visiting sites across PA the learning and bonding was an amazing experience. The leadership education to build a firm foundation in becoming an industry leader were skills that will be extremely valuable as I progress. This program is an amazing stepping stone into the growth and development of the industry.”

We are proud of Jamie’s dedication to growth and his commitment to representing Mellott with professionalism and passion. His accomplishment is a reflection of the importance we place on employee development

and continuous learning.

The post Investing in Our People: Celebrating our Team Member’s Graduation from PACA’s Emerging Leaders Academy appeared first on Mellott.

Mellott is proud to announce that we have been awarded Gold-level Partner status in the Partner Excellence Program—a distinction that reflects our team’s dedication, performance, and commitment to supporting producers throughout the aggregates industry.

This recognition from Metso highlights our consistent focus on delivering exceptional service, deep product expertise, and reliable solutions that keep our customers up and running. We are honored to be acknowledged for the work we put in every day to strengthen our partnership with Metso and to support the success of our customers across the country.

A Shared Achievement Across Our Family of Companies

In addition to �ѱ�����dzٳ�’s recognition, we’re excited to celebrate that both and our valued partners within the Mellott family, also earned Gold-level partner status. This achievement across all three organizations demonstrates a unified commitment to excellence, teamwork, and delivering unmatched value in the field.

Together, Mellott, NorX, and Southern Machinery continue to drive innovation, expand support capabilities, and champion Metso’s mission through every installation, service call, and customer interaction.

Thank You to Our Teams and to Metso

We extend our sincere appreciation to Metso for this honor, and we want to recognize the hard work of our incredible teams who made this achievement possible. Their dedication to quality, collaboration, and customer success is at the heart of everything we do.

We look forward to building on this momentum and continuing to deliver industry-leading solutions for our customers for years to come.

The post Mellott Recognized as a Gold-Level Partner in the Metso Partner Excellence Program appeared first on Mellott.

November 4, 2025

Warfordsburg, PA

Mellott is pleased to announce that Nick Ecker has been appointed as the company’s next President, effective November 3, 2025.

Mr. Ecker brings extensive executive leadership experience across the construction equipment and heavy machinery industries, with a strong background in operations, sales, and strategic organizational growth. His leadership approach and focus on continuous improvement align with �ѱ�����dzٳ�’s core values and long-term strategic vision.

In conjunction with this appointment, Rich Blake will continue to serve as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mellott. In this capacity, Mr. Blake will maintain responsibility for the company’s overall strategic direction, long-term industry relationships, and future growth initiatives, including the evaluation of synergistic acquisition opportunities.

“We are excited to welcome Nick to Mellott,” said Rich Blake, Chief Executive Officer. “His industry experience and leadership style will be an asset to the organization as we continue to strengthen our market position and pursue new opportunities for growth.” 

Mellott looks forward to Mr. Ecker’s leadership and contributions as the company continues its commitment to operational excellence, customer success, and strategic growth.

About Mellott
Mellott is an innovative leader in the crushing, and screening business. We partner with the aggregate, slag, construction and environmental industries as a true full-service provider supporting customers with our expertise and leadership. We treat our customers as whole entities, and our spectrum of contract crushing, engineered systems, equipment, parts, and service are unmatched by any company in the business.

The post Mellott Announces Appointment of New President appeared first on Mellott.

������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!

The post ������ý Student of the Month: Hope Fischer — October 2025 appeared first on Mellott.

This prestigious recognition celebrates individuals, businesses, and organizations that enrich children, adults, and the community through education. Unlike traditional teaching awards, the Chamber’s Excellence in Education Award shines a light on efforts that go beyond the classroom, supporting workforce development, career exploration, creative arts, and other innovative educational endeavors.

For ������ý, this award is a testament to our commitment to providing meaningful, impactful learning opportunities that strengthen our workforce and support the broader community.

“This recognition reflects the dedication of our team, the engagement of our departments, and the company’s vision for ongoing growth and development,” said Les Morris, who leads �ѱ�����dzٳ�’s training efforts along with Dave Coleman.

Kellie Goodman Shaffer, President and CEO of the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce, also shared her congratulations:

“Congratulations again and thank you so much for participating in our awards program – it is one of the joys of our job to celebrate and honor the best of our community, including you!”

������ý continues to build programs that help employees, customers, and industry partners develop skills and knowledge that drive success. From leadership development to hands-on technical training, our initiatives are designed to equip people with tools for today and opportunities for tomorrow.

We thank the Bedford County Chamber Foundation for this honor, and we extend our appreciation to the Mellott team and our training participants whose engagement makes achievements like this possible.

Watch the video below:  

Interested in learning more about our ������ý Program? Click HERE.

The post ������ý Training Department Receives “Excellence in Education Award” appeared first on Mellott.

What is the NSSGA Legislative & Policy Forum?

The NSSGA (National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association) often joined with Hill Day alongside and is a key annual event.

It’s purpose-built for:

• Telling the story of our industry to elected officials and decision-makers, highlighting the ways aggregates are foundational to infrastructure and the economy.
• Promoting policy priorities that matter—everything from regulation, sustainability, access to aggregates, transportation, workforce development, and more.
• Equipping industry participants with advocacy tools—how to engage with legislators, how to communicate impact, and understanding the political landscape.

Hosting “Hill Day” meetings where attendees meet directly with members of Congress and their staff to share firsthand the challenges and opportunities facing the aggregates sector.

Why This Year Matters

Some of the reasons this year’s forum feels especially important:

• Over 340 attendees from across the industry are coming together—amplifying collective voice, networking, and coordinating advocacy efforts.
• Policy issues remain complex: environmental regulations, transportation infrastructure funding, permitting, sustainability, supply chain challenges, and labor/workforce concerns are at the top of the agenda. This forum provides a chance to align on goals and strategies.
• With national elections approaching, Hill Day offers timely opportunity to engage lawmakers while they are setting priorities and agendas.

�ѱ�����dzٳ�’s Role

Rich Blake and Justin Mellott are doing more than just attending, they’re actively participating:

• Engaging in meetings with legislators and their staff to ensure �ѱ�����dzٳ�’s perspective (and the broader industry’s) is heard.
• Learning from sessions and webinars offered by NSSGA and partner associations to strengthen our ability to advocate effectively.
• Sharing insights inside Mellott, so what we learn here informs how we approach regulatory, operational, and sustainability challenges back home.

Looking Ahead

At Mellott, we believe that progress comes from being part of the conversation. The insights gained this week on policy, relationship‐building, and shared industry challenges will help us continue to drive forward with purpose. We’re proud to support NSSGA, invest in advocacy, and stand alongside colleagues who are working to build a stronger, more sustainable future for our industry.  Learn more about Mellott or  contact us by clicking HERE.

The post Mellott at the Forefront at the 2025 NSSGA Legislative & Policy Forum appeared first on Mellott.

This unique, tree-shaped bike wash is more than just functional, it’s a piece of public art. Designed and built with creativity and skill by students from and , with guidance from teaching artist, Jeremy Waak and trades professionals, the 12-foot by 25-foot structure blends art, engineering, and the natural beauty of Pennsylvania’s landscape.

Mellott was honored to support the project by donating labor and materials, as well as providing project management, detailed engineering, fabrication, assembly, and painting. For us, it was more than just a community contribution, it was an opportunity to connect with local students, educators, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike team on something that will benefit residents and visitors for years to come.

“Coming together to successfully accomplish goals is what Mellott is all about, whether for customers, ourselves, or our community,” said Greg Walters, Sr. Manager of Safety, Training & Performance for Mellott. “For this project, besides helping our community, the added benefit was getting to better know and work with the school leaders, students, and the Turnpike representatives. As projects tend to go, always coming down to ‘crunch time’, our engineering, purchasing, manufacturing, service, and training departments performed flawlessly working to support this community effort.”

For Mellott, this project also carries historical significance. Nearly 85 years ago, Mellott supplied stone for the original construction of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Today, as the Turnpike celebrates that anniversary, we’re proud to again contribute to a project that reflects innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to serving the community.

The Sideling Hill Trailhead will officially open on Saturday, September 20, 2025, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. The trailhead offers access to more than 600 miles of trails within a 25-mile radius, including , Raystown Lake, and Bicycle PA Route S  making it an incredible addition for cyclists, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

We’re excited for everyone to experience the new trailhead and to see the student-designed bike wash in action. For Mellott, it’s a reminder of the impact we can have when we bring together our expertise, our community, and our commitment to building something that lasts.

The post Mellott Proud to Support the Sideling Hill Trailhead Project appeared first on Mellott.