Ammann celebrate their 150th anniversary

18 March, 2019

First published in the March 2019 issue of Quarry Management

Ammann are marking a milestone anniversary by redoubling their efforts in the areas of technology and sustainability – two of the driving forces behind their first 150 years of success

Ammann – a sixth-generation, family-owned, Swiss-based business – produce asphalt and concrete mixing plants, compactors and asphalt pavers at nine production sites in Europe, China, India and Brazil. Their core expertise is road building and transportation infrastructure, and in 2019 the company marks its 150th anniversary.

‘Like the rest of the world, Ammann have seen a great many changes in the last 150 years,’ said chief executive officer Hans-Christian Schneider, a direct descendant of Jakob Ammann, who founded the company in 1869. ‘What hasn’t changed is our commitment to providing customers with products that offer solutions.

‘Such solutions traditionally involve the use of technology, and all our products – from the lightest compactors to the largest asphalt and concrete mixing plants – rely on technology to help customers overcome the challenges they face on job sites around the world.

‘Often, those technological advancements have evolved over years or even decades. Innovation at Ammann didn’t begin a few years ago, it has been a part of the company since its foundation.’

Mr Schneider poins to a Macadam machine as just one example. Patented by Ammann in 1908, it produced and placed an early form of asphalt. ‘As we look back, we can see that this Macadam machine utilized what was revolutionary technology at the time,’ he said. ‘As we look ahead, we know that the focus on furthering technology must continue.’

The Macadam machine, which eliminated a significant dust problem, was also an early nod toward sustainability. ‘The machine improved the environment around it,’ explained Mr Schneider. ‘It was one of the first sustainability efforts in road building; and sustainability, like solution-oriented technology, is a common theme throughout the history of Ammann.’

Today, Ammann products are developed with sustainability as a top priority. For example, the company’s pavers feature automation that optimizes material usage, and Ammann asphalt and concrete mixing plants utilize technology that allows production from 100% recycled materials.

‘For a long time the company has been investing in the success of our customers and sustainable corporate growth, and our success is proof that such an approach works,’ said Mr Schneider. ‘Now, in our 150th year, we are very well positioned worldwide as we continue to rely on innovative products, customer focus and highly qualified employees.’

For further information visit: www.ammann.com