A flexible advantage

Rock of Ages
Barre, VT

As its name indicates, Rock of Ages stands for excellence that has withstood the test of time. A company with a tradition of quality and a commitment to efficiency and innovation, they have consistently expanded their portfolio, always maintaining a focus on anticipating and meeting their markets’ changing needs. Quarrying is a crucial facet of Rock  of Ages’s operation, and their Barre, Vermont granite is especially prized by architects and builders throughout the world for its strength, durability, color and beauty. Granted that “Flexibility” may not be the first word that comes to mind when you are talking about quarrying, but as Rock of Ages purchasing agent, Edward Trombley explains the connection, it makes a lot of sense.  “In  a quarry, compressors are used to power the drills that section the rock,” says Trombley, and he continues, “for us, leasing Sullair compressors from Milton CAT has proven to be a great solution, offering us the opportunity to be nimble and to adapt to changing circumstances.”

According to Trombley, there are several intrinsic benefits provided by leasing new equipment, and they fit exactly into the company's commitment to providing superior value to their customers–and to their employees as well.

No downtime. In an eight-month season, that is a crucial advantage. As Trombley reminds us, “You get all the latest technology; every two years the compressors are replaced.” Quarry foreman Mike Leonard states it very clearly, “Last year at this time, we had 400 to 500 hours of downtime due to compressor failure, this year, none.” And he laughs, “Trust me, if the Sullair machines were clunkers, I would have heard about it in the first week; I haven’t heard a thing and it has been seven months already.”

Increased fuel efficiency. Trombley is blunt,  “I see the bills.” And Leonard adds, “The Sullair fuel tanks are 20% smaller than the ones for the compressors we used to have, yet we fill Sullairs only once a day, where it was twice a day last year; that is a lot of fuel savings!”

All emission requirements are met. “This type of equipment is constantly changing; leasing is a great way to keep up with the increasingly stricter emission regulations.” summarizes Trombley.

Employee satisfaction. In addition, according to Leonard, this solution also allows Rock of Ages to meet their commitment to their own employees. “Our people have a deep sense of pride in their work; many of them have been here for a long time and they are an integral part of the operation.” Leonard continues, “Having the latest and greatest shows our own people that we care about giving them what they need to do their job the way they believe it should be done.”

How about the business side of the equation?

This is an area where Trombley has attentively compared the alternatives and can see clear benefits provided by their leasing arrangement with Milton CAT.

“First of all, we can write off the lease as an expense, since it’s seen as an operating cost, not a capital expenditure–therefore the CE budget can be saved for other needs.” Once again, Trombley mentions flexibility as a crucial advantage resulting from them leasing the Sullair air compressors from Milton CAT.  “If we have a big year, we can add to the fleet; on the other hand, we can protect our downside.”

Service

Being a quarry foreman, service issues rank high on Leonard’s mind. “Our service people have a lot to focus on,” says Leonard, “this arrangement removes one thing off their list.” He continues, “Milton CAT guys know the technology and they are well trained; let’s face it, what takes them two hours, would take us two days!” And on the subject of increased efficiency, he adds, “Milton CAT service people can do everything– before we used to have to call a compressor guy and an engine guy; now, one Milton CAT technician does both aspects.”

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