Mellott Tech Students and Employees Visit Front Royal Quarry: A Hands-On Experience with Quarry Operations and Equipment
At Mellott, we believe that hands-on learning is essential to understanding the full scope of the work we do. That’s why our Mellott Tech students and a group of employees
recently had the exciting opportunity to visit one of our contract crushing sites in Front Royal, Virginia. This immersive experience provided an inside look at how a quarry operates, the equipment used in production, the variety of products made, and the vital roles that workers perform every day.
A Glimpse into Quarry Operations
The visit began with an introduction to how a quarry functions. Our group learned about the process of extracting stone and aggregate materials, from initial drilling and blasting to transporting raw materials to the crushing plant. Understanding these foundational steps is critical for anyone interested in the quarrying industry. Not only does it demonstrate the physical effort involved, but it also showcases the technical precision required to extract resources efficiently and safely.
Learning About Quarry Equipment
A significant part of the day focused on the machinery and equipment used at the quarry. Students and employees were introduced to a wide array of tools and machinery, including:
• Crushers: These massive machines break down large rocks into smaller, more manageable pieces. This quarry featured the Mellott-made MC120 Jaw plant. The unit at this
location was the first MC120 that we produced and it is still operating beautifully!
• Screens: Used to separate materials by size, screens help ensure that only the correct-sized materials move on to the next step in production.
• Conveyors: Essential for transporting materials across the quarry, conveyors are a critical component of an efficient operation.
• Loaders and Haulers: These machines move materials around the site, feeding them into crushers and stockpiling finished products.
Each piece of equipment plays an essential role in turning raw materials into products used in various industries. Understanding how these machines operate is crucial for anyone working in or with the quarrying industry.
Products Made at the Quarry
During the tour, the students and employees also learned about the different products produced at quarries, which are used in road construction, concrete production, and other vital infrastructure projects. By seeing firsthand how these products are made, students and employees gained valuable insight into the direct impact that quarries have on everyday life.
Exploring Career Opportunities in the Quarry Industry
One of the most enlightening aspects of the visit was learning about the wide range of jobs available in the quarrying industry. The students also had the opportunity to meet and interact with our equipment operators, engineers, and operations managers, all of whom play a vital role in the smooth operation of a quarry. These interactions gave the Mellott Tech students a deeper understanding of the diverse career paths available in the industry, from hands-on operational roles to technical and management positions.
The Value of Hands-On Learning
For Mellott Tech students, the visit to the Front Royal quarry provided invaluable, real-world insight into the industry they are preparing to join. Seeing how quarries operate, interacting with the machinery, and learning about the day-to-day responsibilities of quarry workers gave them a clearer understanding of their potential career paths.
For employees, this visit served as an excellent opportunity to deepen their knowledge of Mellott’s quarry operations and the broader industry. Whether they were new hires or seasoned veterans, the tour allowed them to see the direct connection between their work and the products that quarries produce for industries across the country.
An Experience to Remember
Les Morris, our Training Manager at Mellott had this to say about the day: “Today is always one of the highlights of the Mellott Tech experience. Taking Mellott Tech students to an aggregate mine site offers a hands-on learning experience that bridges classroom theory with real-world applications. It provides them with invaluable exposure to the daily
operations, safety protocols, and challenges of the industry, fostering a deeper understanding of equipment, material flow, and environmental considerations. This immersive experience enhances problem-solving skills and prepares students to enter the workforce with practical knowledge and a competitive edge. Brendan, Stanley and the crushing crew do a great job with creating a memorable experience. I feel our students will always remember their first experience in a quarry.”
Dave Coleman, our Technical trainer added, “The students in Mellott Tech have started their journeys with the company based out of either the manufacturing department where the equipment is made or in the service department where the equipment is being repaired. I believe the trip really shows the students more pieces of the Mellott puzzle. First, with meeting the crushing department managers and understanding their responsibilities in operations and then meeting the Front Royal crushing team and seeing a complete overview of their operations. They also got to meet the engineering department members and get a better understanding of their roles and responsibilities within the company. The students got to see how multiple departments in our company come together to accomplish one goal. The Safety, Training, and Performance department along with the Mellott Tech students would like to give a special thanks to Brendan Kloos for orchestrating the event. His efforts really reflect his dedication to the development of the employees.”
The students and employees had nothing but great experiences as well!
Gavin (Mellott Tech): “It was cool to see all the parts I build put to work in the final product.”
Garrett (Mellott Tech): “One of the most interesting things I saw was how organized the quarry was. I was surprised how neat and organized the quarry was and how a small crew can run such a large operation.”
Logan (Mellott Tech): “Today I got to understand the crushing process from beginning to end. It really changed my perspective on contract crushing in a positive way.”
Maddux (Mellott Tech): “Today I got the chance to talk with and meet the crew that works at the quarry. I was also able to see how everything worked together at the plant.”
Myles (Groundskeeper): “I was able to experience the infrastructure that Mellott has built. It was great seeing the different jobs that go into crushing rock.”
Chad (Machine Bay Team Lead): “I enjoyed seeing the first MC120 that we built. I was part of making that unit and it was impressive to see it still running.”
Mellott is committed to investing in the education and development of our future leaders in the industry, and visits like these are just one way we help prepare our team for successful careers in quarrying and beyond. To learn more about our Mellott University and Mellott Tech programs, visit Mellott University | Mellott.
