APE September 2026 | Page 10

COVER STORY | ADVERTORIAL
“... when your crew does well and finishes the work faster and more efficiently than what was estimated, a simple acknowledgement of their good work goes a long way with crew morale. A crew that feels appreciated is more likely to go the extra mile on every job.”
Top: Proper compaction is an essential step to a quality IR repair.
Right: Depending on the size of the repair area, a typical IR repair should only require 5-6 shovels of new asphalt.
at least one member of the crew to act in a quality control role guarantees the job is done per the scope and to the customer’ s satisfaction, which will prevent costly callbacks and complaints. Equally important: when your crew does well and finishes the work faster and more efficiently than what was estimated, a simple acknowledgement of their good work goes a long way with crew morale. A crew that feels appreciated is more likely to go the extra mile on every job. Of course, every company, crew, and job are going to be a little bit different, and as simple as these three principles may seem, we at KM International believe in back-to-basic business. We’ ve seen companies get into the hustle and bustle of the season, let these three points slide, and then can’ t figure out why labor costs are skyrocketing while margins are slipping further and further into the red. An infrared job isn’ t any different than any other asphalt job, it all comes down to planning, preparation, and execution. If you have a crew that can consistently do those three things, the efficiency and profit margins for those jobs should take care of themselves.
KM International has been a leading manufacturer of asphalt maintenance equipment, including infrared asphalt recyclers, for more than 40 years, and has witnessed thousands of businesses invest in and successfully incorporate IR into their businesses. Whether you buy an infrared machine, hotbox, or any other piece of asphalt maintenance equipment, the team at KM works as a true partner to your business, ensuring your investment is well worth the cost.
For more information on KM International or our products please call 800-492-1757 or visit us online at www. kminternational. com.
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