NASSAU, The Bahamas – Bahamix’s new Astec Asphalt Plant is expected to improve the company’s credibility and reliability to its customers.

 
The Hon. Alfred Sears, Minister of Works and Utilities, ceremonially commissioned the plant at the northern compound of Bahamix, Fire Trail Road west, Friday, September 16, 2022.

Minister Sears said the Astec Double Barrel Six Pack Asphalt Plant, a state-of-the-art production facility, is a “major” development that was a long time in the works.

He thanked General Manager Ryan Rahming and the “extraordinary” team members of Bahamix for their dedication and service “beyond the call of duty” for the celebration.

 
Minister Sears remarked, “Bahamix has always offered an asphaltic concrete known as Marshall Asphalt, which is manufactured to specifications outlined in the Florida Department of Transportation Road Building Codes. Bahamix will continue to offer the same product, but this new plant will improve Bahamix’s credibility and reliability as service providers to its customers.

“Additionally, speed and rate of production are the key components which will further distinguish Bahamix from all other competitors.  Rapid and high-rate production translates into shorter lag time which will improve Bahamix’s efficiency in supplying asphalt."

He said the recycling capabilities of the system will allow Bahamix to add quantities from five to fifty percent of millings or waste material to the asphalt production process, thereby increasing cost savings.

 
Purchased from Astec, a company located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, it is classified as “environmentally friendly” with “Bag House” technology which eliminates atmospheric contamination. It also offers technology required to meet current demands and is designed to produce 200 tons of asphalt per hour.

 
Established in 1981, Bahamix manufactures and supplies asphalt for the private and government sectors including the Ministry’s pothole patching crews.

 
The Hon. Myles Laroda, Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, brought greetings on behalf of Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis. He recognized the employees of the Ministry of Works more specifically those employed at Bahamix and congratulated them for their “stellar” work.

 
Today’s ceremony, held on the northern compound, was attended by employees of the Ministry of Works and Utilities and officials including Bacchus Rolle, and McKell Bonaby, Parliamentary Secretaries; Luther Smith, Permanent Secretary; and senior officials in the Ministry of Works and Utilities. Participants included: Ryan Rahming, General Manager; Trevor Newbold, Finance Officer and Bishop Delton Fernander, President, Bahamas Christian Council.

 
Rt. Rev’d Laish Boyd, Anglican Bishop, gave a prayer of blessing and sprinkled holy water on a section of the new plant.  (Photos/Ministry of Works)