Ready-mix concrete provider Ozinga says it has opened a state-of-the-art Miami facility, representing the 89-year-old, family-run company’s first Florida location. The facility will create dozens of new jobs and economic opportunity for the surrounding region and will supply concrete to build the foundation for local residential, commercial, industrial and infrastructure projects, the company, which traces its roots to Chicago, says in a news release.
To launch Ozinga’s newfound presence in the South Florida area, a convoy of 20 Ozinga mixers drove from Lakeland, FL to the new facility, 2165 NW 17th Ave., arriving on Feb. 3. An invitation-only ribbon-cutting ceremony and press conference will take place on April 28.
The opening of the new South Florida facility demonstrates confidence in the recovering economy, steady growth in the construction industry and a strong testament to a skilled workforce, said company president Marty Ozinga.
“We are committed to South Florida and look forward to creating new jobs and generating tax revenue that will provide a boost to the overall economy in the state for many years to come,” Ozinga said. “This investment will not only strengthen the local construction sector and create good-paying manufacturing jobs for residents, but it will also have a multiplier effect on the regional economy.”
See this Ozinga company profile in our sister publication, Chicagoconstructionnews.com.
Ozinga is seeking to hire drivers, sales staff, operations managers, quality control technicians, dispatchers, mechanics and maintenance personnel. “Ozinga values its team members and offers a fulfilling work experience, competitive salaries, healthcare benefits and retirement plans that are second to none,” the company’s news release says.
“The arrival of Ozinga in the City of Miami highlights the growth we’re experiencing in the area,” said City of Miami Commissioner Wifredo “Willy” Gort. “The investment in the facility and the jobs it will create will serve as a catalyst for economic growth as well as a positive sign for South Florida’s economy.”
The new South Florida operation will be managed by Jose F. Diaz, Jr., vice-president and general manager of Ozinga Florida, Pepe Diaz, vice-president of business development, and JC Calleiro, vice-president of sales for Ozinga Florida.
Ozinga says it has high-efficiency batching plants. In addition, Ozinga’s ready mix trucks are equipped with the latest safety features and technology, including Digital Fleet tracking, 10.5-yard paver drums, aluminum chutes and body cabs, Verifi slump monitoring and management equipment, backup cameras, and Smart Witness forward-facing camera systems.
Ozinga has locations in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan, employing more than 1,500 total workers.
Ozinga supplies concrete, aggregate materials, and energy solutions to a wide array of customers. Ozinga also offers transportation and logistics services through an extensive network of truck, rail, barge and ship terminals.
“We pride ourselves on not only our service and quality of product, but also becoming ingrained in the communities we serve,” Ozinga added. “We are excited about building strong and lasting relationships in South Florida that will enhance quality of life throughout the region.”
The 89-year-old company was founded by Ozinga’s great-grandfather in the Chicago area in 1928 and has remained a family-owned business ever since, bucking recent industry trends. Throughout the country, more and more American-owned concrete and aggregate suppliers have been purchased in recent years by foreign-owned entities and conglomerates.
Along with service and quality, Ozinga has continued to evolve and innovate with the changing times. The company recently launched an advertising campaign to attract new team members. The ads challenged prospective workers, saying that Ozinga is looking for “people who aren’t afraid of a little adventure and hard work. If you’re tired of monotony and looking to build something that matters, then come build with us.”