50 recipes for strength and durability: Anchorage Sand and Gravel has the mix.

• Author: Zerbe, Victoria
• Position: Anchorage Sand and Gravel Co. Inc.

Anchorage Sand and Gravel Company, Inc. was formed 60 years ago by Art Waldron for a self-serving reason: to meet the needs of his expanding developmental projects.

Waldron established AS&G along Ship Creek in 1938 to provide sand and gravel for his statewide construction projects. After World War II, AS&G built the first ready-mix concrete and block plants in the territory in South Anchorage. Then in 1964, the company was purchased by an investment group that included current Chairman and CEO Herb Lang. AS&G has since continued its expansion and now reigns as the largest supplier of sand and gravel products in South Alaska.

Depending on the size and type of projects, Anchorage Sand and Gravel can supply everything from foundation gravel, to plastering materials, to decorative concrete blocks (various colors and shapes). AS&G also produces special sand mixes for use on city roadways, and on runways at Anchorage International Airport and Elmendorf Air Force Base. AS&G was the first supplier in Anchorage to bring design-strength concrete into the market, and more than 50 different aggregate mixes are currently listed in AS&G's product catalog.

"Some of the basic forms of concrete have been around forever, but add-mixtures are being used to increase strength, enhance durability, improve set times. . . .," said Steve Lovs, vice president and general manager. "These add-mixtures are the new technology."

Since 1982, aggregate has been moved by rail from the Palmer area to the present crusher site at the Klatt Road Terminal, located in South Anchorage. (The sales office and warehouse are located near the Klatt location). Currently, materials are being transported...