The spring weather was not kind to our start-up at Ontario Trap Rock. Below average temperatures hindered the normal thaw of the lake ice. The result was a later start to shipping product than we wanted. This situation coupled with the fact that we did not ship any stone in December, due to an early freeze, left inventories in several locations very low.

The season ahead is not without issues. Escalating fuel prices, the Canadian dollar at par with the US dollar, and an ever-increasing demand for bulk commodities moving on the Great Lakes is making our business very challenging this year.

New on the OTR team
We are pleased to welcome Andy Thorne to the company as our new Superintendent. Andy comes to us from southern Ontario where he worked in the aggregate industry for 10 years. Andy and his wife, Katie, are settled in Bruce Mines and expecting their first child in October. Welcome Andy!

Promoted
Stan Goodmurphy has been promoted to the position of Quarry Foreman. His knowledge of equipment repair, and the fact that he knows our plant inside and out, will be of great benefit in his new position. Congratulations Stan!

New installation
We have installed a fines separation unit at the quarry to remove fines from our products that would normally end up in our settling ponds. The process allows us to handle the waste product in a semi-dry state. It is a much more environmentally friendly way to deal with this material.

Open House success
The company held an Open House on June 21st. This event was open to the general public. The purpose was to provide an opportunity for local residents to see what our operation is all about. Tours were set up to show the crushing equipment and the ship loading facility.