Press Release
November 19, 2003
From: George
A. Woerner, CEO
Woerner Development, Inc., and Affiliated Companies
Foley, Alabama
Telephone 251-943-3770
FAX 251-943-7400
E-mail gwoerner@woerner.com
The company was originally formed in 2001 to serve a growing market for concrete pavers. Interlocking concrete pavers are small precast units of various shapes and sizes that comprise a system used for paving roads, parking lots, driveways, sidewalks and patios. Interlocking concrete pavers are used extensively in Europe with a per capita use of approximately ten square feet per person. The pavers are favored for their durability, design attributes and appearance. Today they are gaining acceptance in the United States and represent one of the fastest growing segments of the concrete products industry. To gain a better understanding of the myriad of design applications for interlocking concrete pavers, visit the on-line website of the International Concrete paving Institute at www.icpi.org.
The new company is also taking immediate steps to add a product line known as segmental retaining wall. Segmental retaining wall (SRW) is used for both functional and aesthetic landscaping purposes to contain, define and beautify the grounds of commercial and governmental facilities, streets, parks and residential landscaping. SRW is particularly popular in hilly environments where land costs are high. In such areas SRW comprises about 50 percent of the combined paver and SRW market.
Mr. Woerner stated that the acquisition of the paver plant “fits the Woerner Affiliated companies like a glove. Our companies are dedicated to providing our customers the absolute best in landscaping products and the most complete line of products and service in the areas we serve. We are excited about this opportunity to provide a secure, reliable source of quality pavers and segmental retaining wall for our customers.”
The Woerner companies are rooted in the farming business with their beginning in Baldwin County, Alabama. Like many farming families, the Woerner family raised traditional vegetable and grain crops. During the 1970’s farming conditions brought hard times for farmers requiring reassessment of the viability of the farming business. This self-examination process eventually led the family into the sod-grass business, and this led to expansion of the size and scope of that business. Today the affiliated Woerner Companies have several sod farms and sales outlets serving the Southeastern United States, Colorado and Hawaii. In addition to sod the company produces and sells landscape mulch and assorted landscape and hardscape products. The company is already a major sales outlet for paving stone and segmental retaining wall products. The addition of Blue Ridge Pavers is expected to complement the Woerner distribution network and increase the demand for Blue Ridge Pavers’ production.
Howard Fitzgerald has been named general manager of the new Blue Ridge Pavers Company. Fitzgerald was a member of the original Blue Ridge Pavers, Inc. and was responsible for development of the company’s business plan, and for oversight of the design and installation of the plant. He was also responsible for the hiring and training of the plant personnel, most of whom have chosen to stay with the new employer. Fitzgerald earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Southern Polytechnic University and has more than ten years in related concrete industries. Said Woerner, “I am confident that Howard Fitzgerald is one of the most qualified persons in this industry. We are very pleased that he has agreed to stay on as general manager and we expect the business to thrive under his leadership.”
Fitzgerald is currently adding equipment and acquiring licenses and forms to manufacture the new segmental retaining wall products. The addition of the new product lines and the increase in production for distribution through the Woerner Affiliated Companies is expected to push the plant to higher production and increased employment. The plant currently employs ten persons in Dawsonville and will likely double that number in the near future. Said Fitzgerald, “I am very pleased that Woerner Development has acquired Blue Ridge Pavers and that I will have the opportunity to help bring this plant to its production potential. I believe that the industry is in an expansion phase that will last for the foreseeable future and that we have an outstanding environment in which to grow our business. I am excited about the future of the company and the opportunity to create more jobs and opportunities for our people.”
For more information on the Woerner Companies you may visit online at www.woerner.com.