By 2030, warm mixes are to represent 50% of the Group's global asphalt mix production: this is one of the ambitious targets laid out in the Colas Carbon Roadmap. "It's a major challenge... but it is doable," says Thierry, who manages 39 bitumen emulsion and asphalt production sites. Some of our plants are already operating with 30 to 40% of warm mix, which proves that it is possible. "With the support of Colas' Technical and Equipment departments, Thierry's teams are working to limit the impact of their activity on the environment. Several tools developed by the Group make it possible to monitor energy consumption and asphalt production temperatures. Increasing reclaimed asphalt pavement or RAP contents is also a priority. "Recycling is both economical and ecological. We are currently able to use up to 30% of RAP in asphalt mixes, without affecting their quality and workability. "In constant search of improvement, Thierry and his teams take into account the requests of customers and the observations of final users. Industries are closely linked to the construction segment," insists the Industries Director. Keeping a link between our plants and the field is essential to fostering innovation and shifting towards a greener way of doing business".
 

“I manage five quarries and a trading platform in two départements," explains this dynamic employee who joined the Group in 2008. When one of the quarry sites in the Pyrenees was expanded, he was required to compensate for the clearing of land. Two options were available: financial compensation, which was less expensive and more practical, or planting new trees to replace the forest land. The company opted for the latter solution: "the choice of reason!" he says. Relying on the expertise of the French Office National des Forêts (ONF), 3.5 hectares were reforested in the commune of Lortet, 8 km from the limestone quarry, in addition to the reforesting efforts already undertaken over previous years. " Everything has been studied to make the new woods a sustainable area that respects the local environment, from the choice of tree species to the protection of young plants" he explains. In addition, the decision was made to use real horsepower for planting and maintenance! Two horses pull a plow to bed the ferns, for example, which means that the soil is less compacted and no fossil fuel is needed. "Quarry work has very strong local ties to the land, Romain underlines. Damaging our working environment would be to detrimental, which is why adopting a sustainable approach is essential."
 

Kanchit, an asphalt plant manager with Thai Slurry Seal (TSS), a Colas subsidiary in Thailand, doesn’t hesitate when asked what he likes most about his job: “working for an international company that promotes high-tech solutions and quality”. Born in Bangkok, the father of two had no experience in road construction when he joined TSS in 1999 as asphalt plant operator. He is now responsible for four asphalt plants, including one that has been acquired recently and one that has been entirely refurbished. Supported by a team of 25 employees, he supervises the annual production of 150,000 tons of hot mixes. His role also entails managing all aspects of operations (maintenance, reporting, transport, etc.). Highly-motivated and autonomous, Kanchit has never shied away from being on the front line and taking on more responsibilities. “I love my job. I know the plants like the back of my hand and I’m fascinated by new production facilities. I feel at home with TSS.”
 

Auris-en-Oisans, a small town near Grenoble, France, is where Guillaume works. Basin manager in charge of the Isère and Savoie sectors for CMCA, he is in charge of the production and recycling of materials within his scope. “Doing this job is like running a small business!” he explains. From writing up a ten-year business plan to the day-to-day managment of teams and clients, Guillaume has had an eye on everything that impacts the proper functioning of his area since 2013. Good relations with specialized customers, often from the public works and building sector, are an integral part of his daily life. At the head of a team of some 20 people, he enjoys his role as a manager and the leeway his own managers have given him. “Our job doesn't change every day, but our products, customers and standards do. This forces us to reinvent ourselves, and to move forward" says Guillaume. The application of QSE measures, often going far beyond the standards in force, illustrates the positive initiatives that are transforming the business. “Working in natural sites such as quarries is a boon, and preserving them, a responsibility,” concludes Guillaume.
 

Craig has been in the construction business his whole life. He started with a family owned business in Wisconsin and then moved to Alaska in 1974. He has over 44 years of construction experience in Alaska, working across the entire state. Craig has been with the Colaska family for 21 years, previously working with Quality Asphalt Paving (QAP) before transferring to Secon in Southeast Alaska. His knowledge of road building in Alaska is invaluable, where high rainfall, inaccessible rural areas, remote sites, and water crossings (river and ocean) are common challenges. Craig has extensive experience in barging equipment and materials to remote projects and his projects have encompassed heavy earthwork of all types including pioneering, mining, frozen tundra, ice roads, rock work and airports. Craig provides field support for the on-site construction managers and superintendents in the field and uses his vast experience to resolve challenging situations. He has been the lead on Secon’s current three year project on Hecla Silver Mine on Admiralty Island, which was won on a qualifications based bid. In Craig’s free time he enjoys fishing, hunting, building and driving old cars, and most importantly, spending time with his family (especially the grandkids).