Asphalt Materials, Inc. holds long-standing history in the communities we reside in. Since our beginnings in 1956 we’ve expanded across the Midwest by bringing in a family of companies that allow us to help our customers find solutions to all their construction and materials needs.
One of these companies is Laketon Refining Corp., which stands as a testament to over 125 years of industrial evolution. Originally established in the 1880s as a pipeline terminal for Buckeye Pipeline, the facility began with just a few breakout tanks. By the 1950s, it had transformed into a refinery, producing jet fuel and other refined products.
Times began to change in 1996 when the refining process ceased, and the refinery was dismantled, leaving behind a persistent spirit of innovation and resilience. Today, the facility thrives under the banner of Laketon Refining Corp., an Asphalt Materials, Inc. company.
Meet Your Laketon Team
Ike Denton (right), the plant manager, is a cancer survivor and family man with a rich history in the industry. Before AMI, Ike’s career led him to own a trucking company transporting products, including asphalt. Joining our team in 2015, he started in the lab, (not unlike many of our team members!) and transitioned to Laketon in 2019. Ike speaks highly of his team, emphasizing their fantastic work ethic and reliability.
Randy (left) has dedicated a total of 16 years to the plant, starting when the facility was a refinery and returning later in his career. “I did pipe welding and maintenance at the refinery; I am a hands-on type of guy, and now I love getting to do a lot of different tasks and problem-solve,” Randy shared. His long-term commitment underscores the plant’s supportive work environment.
Jack Carlson (middle) is a newer member, having joined three years ago, but has quickly become an integral part of the team. This close-knit team is a force to be reckoned with.
The Facility Today
The facility spans an impressive 260 acres and includes a business office, an accredited lab, a rail house, a welding shop, and other facilities such as an inactive waste treatment plant. The Laketon plant produces two polymer modified asphalt binders and has seen the effects of its work in the community’s road network. When asked what part of the operations he likes best (the types of work span quite a range), Ike said he enjoys the lab: “It’s a different animal here with the timing”. At peak time, he may be testing nearly every day and utilizing the lab’s QA/QC testing capabilities, as each tank of asphalt produced requires individual quality testing.
Sustainability is a key pillar of our operations across locations, and the Laketon plant is no exception. Over the years, the team has worked to identify opportunities to be more environmentally conscious. For example, the plant utilizes LED lighting inside and out and has installed several motion sensors to conserve energy where most appropriate. The plant has also significantly reduced waste from paper products by digitizing their processes and is in the process of exploring adding solar panels to supplement energy consumption.
Embracing One Heritage
Back in the 1970s, the Erie Lackawanna rail went through the town of Laketon, right down the property line of the refinery, providing primarily freight services. After the company went bankrupt and the track was pulled up, The Heritage Group saw an opportunity to rebuild the line in the 1990s and create “The Heritage Line.” Today, the Laketon plant boasts the “One Heritage” train engine, a relic from the 1949 New York Central Railway out of Gary, IN, that now symbolizes the history, legacy and strength of The Heritage Group family of companies. This switcher engine found its home in the rail house on the plant property in 2013 and has resided there since, as the rail line remains idle.
From its early days as a pipeline terminal to its current role in asphalt blending and storage, the Laketon plant has continually adapted and thrived amidst change. Its motivated team ensures that the plant not only meets but exceeds customer expectations, all while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability and community values.
