Since its founding in 1946, Irving Materials, Inc. (imi) has played a vital role in building communities across the Midwest and Southern United States. From aggregates and asphalt to ready-mix concrete and specialty construction services, the company’s work quite literally lays the foundation for roads, homes, and infrastructure that Hoosiers depend on every day.

At imi’s aggregates plant serving the Springport and Mount Summit area, Aggregate Area Manager Jason Murphy and his team of 11 employees carry that legacy forward through precision, expertise, and hard work.

MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE

To the casual observer, an aggregates plant might seem like a place where rocks are simply crushed and sorted. Murphy explains that the reality is far more complex.

“A lot goes into our business. It is a lot more than crushing rocks,” he said.

The process begins with extracting raw materials from the ground. From there, materials are separated and processed into different sizes. Larger rocks and smaller rocks are sorted, sand is produced, and everything moves through a system of conveyors. Using advanced crushing and screening techniques, the team carefully manages each step to produce aggregates with the proper gradation, cleanliness, and durability.

Each product has a purpose. Stone, sand, and gravel from the site are used in a wide range of construction applications, providing the solid foundation needed for everything from local driveways to major infrastructure projects.

A COMMITMENT TO QUALITY

Quality is at the core of everything imi does. Materials are rigorously tested to ensure consistency and performance. Sand samples are checked every 2,000 tons, and additional testing takes place weekly. Employees regularly inspect materials to confirm they meet strict specifications.

Training also plays a key role. Team members participate in certified programs and ongoing sampling procedures to maintain high standards. According to Murphy, attention to detail is what sets imi apart.

“There is a lot of training and testing involved,” he said. “There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes in making sure our materials are right.”

SUPPORTING LOCAL GROWTH

imi’s impact extends beyond the plant. The company is supplying materials for the SR 3 construction project, helping improve transportation infrastructure in the region.

Community involvement is also important to the team. imi works with local 4-H programs and participates in industry efforts through organizations like the Indiana Mineral Aggregates Association.

“We like to be part of the community,” Murphy said. “It is important to us to give back and help people understand what we do.”

THE POWER BEHIND THE PROCESS

While stone, sand, and gravel are at the heart of operations, electricity is what keeps everything moving.

“Electricity is vital for the business,” Murphy explained. “If we lose power, it shuts everything down. Crushers and belts all stop.”

An unexpected outage creates significant challenges. Heavy materials can accumulate in equipment, requiring crews to manually clear and reset systems before operations can resume.

“It is not something we can just fire back up,” Murphy said. “Reliable electricity is extremely important when we are running.”

That reliability is where Henry County REMC plays an important role. The cooperative helps ensure imi can maintain continuous operations and deliver materials on schedule.

LOOKING AHEAD

As imi continues to grow by acquiring new plants and expanding its reach, the company remains focused on the same principles it was founded on. Those principles include quality, service, and community.

Murphy hopes more people come to appreciate the level of care and effort that goes into the materials they use every day.

“I would love for the community to understand how much we put into having quality materials,” he said. “There is much more training and testing involved than people think”

From the ground beneath our feet to the roads that connect us, imi’s work reflects dedication, innovation, and strong partnerships. The company continues to help build a better Indiana, one load at a time.