Plant Operator Josh Garry’s journey in the industry begins with family.  His father was a part of the operator union as he was growing up. He always looked up to his dad, so naturally he followed suit in a similar career path. His dad put in a good word with the bosses at the company that he was with, and they took a chance on Josh. He joined the team as a loader operator. In his early career, he worked at plants located in Cloverdale, Sullivan and eventually in 2004 he transitioned to the old Terre Haute plant with Wabash Valley Asphalt. 

The integration of Wabash Valley Asphalt to Milestone Contractors marked a significant transition. During the transition, Josh’s title evolved into Plant Operator, a position that comes with great responsibility. Unlike the simpler days of loader operations, his current role involves ensuring the safety of all employees on site, managing the necessary materials for daily asphalt production and constantly being vigilant about potential hazards like fires.  

Throughout the past couple of years Josh has embraced the transition to Milestone Contractors. While some may struggle with change, he has found the increased support and resources now available an overwhelmingly positive experience.  

This year Josh is even happier to embrace another change – a newly built asphalt plant. The new plant, with its impressive technology and automation, has brought significant improvements. Advanced computer systems and sensors allow for precise formulation of asphalt mixes, ensuring high quality mixes for our jobs and customers. The plant’s increased efficiency is a win Josh is excited about. One of the key upgrades includes the installation of another set of scales, allowing for the loading of two trucks at a time compared to the previous plant’s one. Additionally, the plant also has 30% larger silos, and an additional silo allowing for extra asphalt mix storage space. This is Josh’s favorite upgrade. He even jokes he may get to sleep until 5:30 a.m. instead of 4:00 a.m.  

The new plant began operations at the end of March. Overall, the transition has been successful. These upgrades have not only improved efficiency but also positioned Milestone to meet growing demands and bid competitively on upcoming projects in the Terre Haute area. The combination of faster loading times, increased storage capacity and technology has made a significant impact on the team’s ability to deliver exceptional products and results.  

At the Milestone Terre Haute plant, dedication is more than just a word, it’s a way of life. The team here exemplifies commitment and showing up every day. They keep safety a top priority maintaining an impressive record. Josh Garry has been in the industry for over 20 years, and one thing remains the same: “It’s always been about making the best possible product for our customers in the most efficient way.”