Other stories by Shelby O. Mitchell

  • Dog Days of Diesel

    Diesel prices jumped significantly between the first and second quarters this year. The U.S. Department of Energy predicts prices will average more than $2.80 for the balance of 2007. These prices are 24 cents a gallon higher, on average, than its January forecast.

  • It's no Steal

    The U.S. steel industry had a good year in 2006, at least until the fourth quarter. Prices rose steadily through the spring and summer, then spiked in the fall.

  • Producers: The Next Generation

  • The Value of Value-added Products

    Two producers make value-added products a key part of their business plans.

  • Builders: Up Close and Personal

    A detailed look at concrete producers' customers.

  • Ahead of the Curve

  • Pipe Dreams

    Experts have different views on the future of concrete pipe.

  • Block's Best

    Ingenuity and versatility are on display.

  • Paving the Way

    Commercial projects hold the key to growth in the paver market.

  • Turning Ashes to Gold

    Although it sounds familiar, the concrete industry has come a long way in the past decade. Ready-mixed production topped 348 million cubic yards a decade ago, and in less than 10 years, the figure has increased by more than 100 million yards.