Today, the company has been passed down to its third generation, with Jeremy Frazee as co-owner, CEO and director of field operations.

Frazee said:

“Working outside in such a beautiful place like Colorado…it’s just hard to beat. I wouldn’t give it up for anything. The cubicle life just isn’t for me.”

That seems to be the way of thinking for many in the Frazee family – Jeremy’s cousin Bobby Frazee is co-owner of the company.

Frazee said:

“Bobby and I both started as laborers in the field for our fathers when they were running the business, and now we’re full owners. It’s kind of a rare thing. We’ve got a lot of pride in our family name in this town.”

Pride in the name

That pride in their family name revolves around the integrity in which the business operates, and the reputation for quality work. To get their jobs done right, they trust one brand name when it comes to excavators: Hitachi.

Frazee said:

“We started running Hitachi excavators about four years ago. Now, we have eight of them. We continue to choose Hitachi because we’ve had great luck with the equipment.”

Their fleet ranges in size, with six ZX470LC-6 excavators that are their production workhorses, down to a ZX245USLC-6 and a ZX135US-6 for excavation and compaction in tight spaces. This versatility is important for the wide range of utilities that Frazee typically installs.

The smoothness of the Hitachi machines is another big factor for why the company is growing its Hitachi fleet.

Frazee said:

“I think the smoothness and overall operation of the machine is huge. Operator comfort and Hitachi machines have always been great. And they’re quiet, which is another bonus.”

Frazee noted that there’s just something about the excitement of having a new machine on a jobsite that energizes the team.

Frazee smiled:

“These guys will fight over who’s going to run the new 470. And I’d be lying if I said I didn’t like to run the equipment myself, especially new machines. That is the kid in me. Even though I’m not digging all day every day, I’ve always loved running an excavator.”

All-day productivity

At a recent residential jobsite in Colorado Springs, Frazee Construction laid more than 500 feet of new water lines. When jobsites have big expectations and fast turnarounds, productivity is paramount.

Frazee said:

“Productivity is everything. When one of our machines goes down, it’s a lot of guys standing around and it’s a lot of money. With our Hitachis, that rarely happens. We get great support from our dealer 4Rivers to keep us up and running.”

You can’t have productivity without durability. And the Colorado terrain demands machines that can conquer the variety of rock and soil conditions over time.

Frazee said:

“Durability of the machine is huge, especially in Colorado where we’re dealing with a lot of different soil conditions. It has to dig through solid rock, granite, sandstone, clay and even frost in the winter. We’ve found that the Hitachis can handle the terrain the best.”

And when maintenance is needed, Frazee noted that parts availability is critical.

Frazee said:

“We get mechanics and parts extremely fast. Some of it can even be done remotely. Having trust in our dealer to support us in that way is huge. We keep that relationship and continue to choose Hitachi because if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Accuracy with utilities

With the growth that Colorado Springs has seen as a city in recent years, more and more projects Frazee has tackled have been utilities installations. While productivity is key for installing utilities, so is attention to detail. Water lines, in particular, require high attention to detail and accuracy.

Frazee said:

“Everything is inspected, which means we have to be even more precise. So, it takes another layer of quality control, more training and more sophisticated equipment.”

Municipalities have stringent guidelines and utilize video equipment to test the pipes before contractors get the green light. Because of this, the training and experience of each operator and crew member is critical when it comes to quality. It’s also very important for the crew’s safety.

“There’s a lot of training involved in the way we install utilities because it’s large equipment very close to people on the ground. You’ve got a 120,000-lb. excavator that’s digging literally a few feet from people. There’s a mutual trust and respect, and continuous training to make sure our team is always safe.”

Frazee said.

In it for the long run

Frazee Construction has built a culture of longevity, not only with their machines, but also with their employees.

“My grandfather started this company back in 1946, and as it has been passed down, we’ve had employees who have been here for decades. I think the one thing that makes our company unique is almost all of our employees, foreman, superintendents and project managers all started as laborers and worked their way up. It really is a family culture here.”

Frazee said.

Frazee is hopeful that the company continues with a fourth generation of the Frazee family at the reigns.

“So far we’ve been able to build upon the company. Hopefully my kids and Bobby’s kids can build on what we hand over to them.”

If the kids decide they’re interested, they’re going to have to work their way up like everyone else.

“You don’t want the boss’ kid to come out of school and just all of a sudden be in charge of people. Our dads’ idea was to put in the work, so that’s what they can do, too,”

Frazee smiled.

The article first appeared in Hitachi’s BREAKOUT magazine, Fall 2020 issue, and it was written by Caroline Schweitzer

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For Hitachi, this year marks more than just the beginning of a new decade. It is a milestone achievement highlighting the start of full-scale production for Hitachi Construction Machinery Co. Ltd.

Jonny Spendlove, product marketing manager, excavators, Hitachi Construction Machinery – Americas, said:

“This milestone is possible because of Hitachi’s incredible customers and employees. Hitachi’s longevity is so impressive, and it’s a tribute to the machine quality and innovation. We continually provide the efficiency, reliability and durability our customers are looking for.”

Hitachi’s mass production of construction machinery kicked off in 1950 with the development of the U06 cable-operated shovel. The company also pioneered hydraulic technology in 1965 by building the UH03, the first hydraulic excavator in Japan made purely with domestic technologies. Since then, the company has continued to succeed as a major heavy equipment manufacturer. From compact excavators and foresters to mining shovels and haul trucks, Hitachi continues to provide the range of machines customers trust for their operations.

The company has established powerful partnerships along the way. In 1983, Hitachi Construction Machinery Co. Ltd. and Deere & Company collaborated to reach an OEM supply agreement. Since then, two joint venture companies with three manufacturing facilities have been created. In 2002, Hitachi and John Deere also integrated marketing operations in North, Central and South America to streamline decision-making and improve customer support.

Hitachi continues to make significant investments in its manufacturing facilities to boost future production capacity and efficiency. Each machine is built to order, made possible by a lean manufacturing system combined with a quality assurance process.

The company has kept its focus on integrating advanced technology into its equipment to further help customers increase efficiency, reliability and durability on jobsites. One such technology is Hitachi Solution Linkage Integrated Grade Control with Topcon. The new construction excavator technology allows an operator to set a grade and hold it – increasing efficiency while also lowering daily operating costs.

As Hitachi continues trekking its innovative path, new machines are introduced to meet and exceed customers’ needs. In 2019, that included the fuel-efficient EX-7 Series excavators: the EX1200-7, EX2600-7, EX3600-7 and EX5600-7.

Spendlove said:

“The Hitachi team is constantly developing new machines and technology that can give our customers a competitive edge. We thank our customers for trusting Hitachi equipment the last 70 years and look forward to a promising future.”

The article first appeared in Hitachi’s BREAKOUT Magazine, Fall 2020 issue, and it was written by Kristin Stires and Sarah Larson

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“The ZW370-6 wheel loader is the newest model in our Dash-6 wheel loader line, and it is specifically designed around the needs of North American contractors,”

explains Nathan Little, North American Product Specialist for HCMA.

“Over the past several months, we’ve been rolling out the Dash-6 line, which will include 13 new models in total. Each comes equipped with diesel after-treatment system that eliminates the hassle and costs associated with DPF systems and onboard technology to help contractors better manage their fleet and operating expenses. An incredible amount of effort has gone into engineering and developing the Hitachi Dash-6 loader line, and customers in every size category have told us how impressed they are with the results. We’re confident large machinery fleet managers will feel the same way about the ZW370-6.”

Durable performance

Designed with a full box rear frame for heavy applications and dual Z-Bar linkage that puts less torque on boom arms and gives the machine better balance, the rugged ZW370-6 can handle heavy loads day-after-day, year-after-year. Its reliable performance is complemented by a fuel-efficient Tier 4 engine with a high-volume cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, a common rail-type fuel injection system and diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) instead of a diesel particulate filter. Since the ZW370-6 does not have a DPF filter, there is no DPF regeneration cycles, no expensive DPF filters, no DPF maintenance or regen related downtime, and more space for better access within the engine compartment.

Also, the loader has a lock-up transmission that provides 30 percent more tractive force than its predecessor, the Kawasaki Z7, and reduces fuel consumption.

Cab environment

The Hitachi ZW370-6 wheel loader’s cabin provides optimum comfort and control with a multifunctional monitor, roomy cab with plenty of storage and superior visibility. A smooth ride control minimizes machine pitching on the roughest of terrain, and extra engine output for going uphill can be achieved with the flick of the quick power switch. The low-noise engine and sound insulated cab provide a quiet operating environment. There is also an optional Joystick Steering System available for the ZW370-6 to give operators the option of choosing their preference — steering wheel or fingertip operation.

Onboard technology

In addition to featuring the latest in diesel engine and after-treatment technology, the ZW370-6 also incorporates industry-leading telematics to give fleet managers real-time accurate information at their fingertips. Hitachi Owner’s Site and ConSite provide ongoing maintenance and operation data and help alert service technicians when service is required. Using this information, fleet managers can improve the efficiencies of their overall operation and help maximize the performance of their equipment.

The Hitachi ZW370-6 wheel loader delivers impressive performance with a low overall cost of ownership.

Source: Hitachi

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Robby Causey is a laid-back, simple guy. He’s lived in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, his whole life. His mom lives right down the road from him. He doesn’t travel much and prefers to stay around the house. If he needs to get away from it for a while, he’ll spend time at Garden City Beach – less than 30 minutes away.

Even though he’s an even-keeled guy, Robby has worked tirelessly over the years to build his construction company, RL Causey, by hiring the right crew and taking care of them.

“When I was in middle school and high school, I worked for my dad,” Robby said. “He was in the lawn business and then we ventured out into the landscaping business. I went out on my own in ’95, and I grew it from the landscaping business to where we’re at now. It’s been a pretty wild ride, and I’ve enjoyed it.”

Behind the scenes

Today, RL Causey employs nearly 100 people. Despite its growth, the company has kept the feel of a tight-knit, family business. Robby’s “better half,” Annette, works in the office and helps run day-to-day business operations. In fact, Robby and Annette grew up together and went to the same high school.

“Without Annette, I probably wouldn’t be here,” he said. “She’s very important to me. I’ve known Annette all my life, and it just clicked and works.”

Randy Pettit is another team member keeping RL Causey on track.

“Randy is our head estimator,” Robby said. “He helps run the office and has been with me since the beginning. He is very well respected throughout the site work industry.”

Perhaps the friendliest employee in the office is Moose – Robby and Annette’s 115-pound, a 9-year-old chocolate lab. Annette takes Moose to work every day.

“If he’s in trouble, it’s her dog; if he’s not in trouble, it’s my dog,” Robby laughed. “Doesn’t matter what kind of day I’ve had, when I come home, he’s wagging his tail and he’s happy. So, it’s just us three – Annette, Moose and me – and that’s what I like.”

Playing in the dirt

While Annette, Randy and the team run the office (with Moose’s supervision, of course), Robby’s out in the field with his guys.

“I’m not much of an office guy,” he said. “I talk with them probably five or six times a day, but I’m just not an office person. Never have been and I probably never will be. I’m an outside guy. If I don’t get a phone call before 6:30 a.m., it’s normally going to be a pretty good day. If it rains that night, well, then I know it’s going to be a little bit of a rocky start because if you don’t have plan B, C and D in effect, you’ve got problems.”

If you’re on an RL Causey job site, you can almost guarantee you’ll spot a Hitachi excavator working. Robby has run an all-Hitachi excavator fleet since the beginning.

“We play in the dirt,” he said. “We do clearing, earthmoving, utilities – water, sewer, pipe – everything is pretty much done in-house, except for curb and asphalt. When I first decided to start clearing lots, I tried buying Hitachi. Mr Roddy Stanton with L.B. Smith was my Hitachi dealer, and he got me hooked up with the guys at Hitachi. That’s when I bought my first one, an EX200. I didn’t forget that because he helped me greatly in getting it, and I’ve just kept right on with them.”

Robby has worked with his current sales rep, Bob Simmons (formerly with L.B. Smith, now Flint Equipment), for more than 20 years. They play golf every Sunday and give each other a hard time.

“Bob has been great to work with over the years; just don’t listen to anything he says about what happens on the golf course,” Robby smiled.

RL Causey’s Hitachi fleet consists of roughly 50 excavators ranging from a ZX35U-5 compact up to the ZX470LC-6. They still have an EX200 working on jobs.

“Hitachis are smooth and very reliable”

Robby said.

“We’ve still got some of the older machines and we use a lot of them for clearing, so that’s why you see a few bruises on them. They just keep right on running, though. When you’ve got an engine that’s got 15,000 hours on it and you’ve never been into it, that’s good in my book.”

Putting people first

While Robby enjoys his work, he’s thankful for his crew and makes them his first priority.

“I’ve got a great group of guys that work for me and have been with me for a long time. That means a lot to me,” he said. “I’m a people person and I try to take care of my guys. It’s not about me, it’s about them. One that stands out is Joe Turbeville, who has been with me since the landscaping days, and has operated Hitachis for the company for all these years.”

When it comes to equipment, Robby keeps his guys happy with Hitachi.

“My guys do not like to share; they keep their own equipment and I’ve accepted that,” he said. “They take care of it and if something goes wrong, they know what happened and how it happened.”

Bill Barber, an operator for RL Causey, currently runs a shiny, new ZX350LC-6 and is a fan of it.

“This machine is sweet! It’s as smooth as silk, really strong and stable, and has great power and speed”

he said.

“We’ve got a long stick on it since we have to dig down about 18 feet. It cuts through all the material like butter. The cab is so comfortable; it’s like sitting at home watching a Green Bay Packers game.”

Charles Johnson, another long-time operator for RL Causey, runs a ZX470LC-5 on a D.R. Horton residential development that will include 1,000 home sites. RL Causey is moving about 500,000 tons of dirt for the project, and Charles said he has the right machine for the work.

“Hitachi’s are smooth and move a lot of dirt – fast! Can’t ask for anything better than that”

he said.

At the end of the day, Robby said it’s his family and his guys that continue to inspire him to keep moving forward.

“I enjoy seeing the guys that work for me prosper,” he said. “Whenever one comes to me and says, ‘I just bought a new house,’ it makes me feel great. Or ‘I’ve got a new vehicle thanks to you.’ I like that. To me, it’s not about the money. I just like doing things for people, and it’s just the way I was raised. I grew up with a loving family – not wealthy, not rich – just a great family. I’ve been well blessed. It’s all good.”

Source: Hitachi

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Ferlin Kang didn’t always know he wanted to go into the construction industry. Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, he was exposed to the energy and opportunity that comes with living in a growing, evolving city. Ferlin knew he could pursue different paths in life, but he also knew how unique it was to have the opportunity to carry on his father’s business as a first-generation Canadian.

“My father had humble beginnings, immigrating from Asia. He had been in construction since the 1960s before starting Kang Construction Ltd. in 1982 in Calgary,” Ferlin said. “When I was in my teen years, I started working with the company and thought there was no way I’d be doing this.”

But for Ferlin, the opportunity to carry on the family business was something he grew interested in, and soon began to enjoy.

“My father came here, established himself, started a business and became an entrepreneur. Being able to grow the business to this point is not something to take lightly,” Ferlin said. “I didn’t want that legacy to go away.”

And that legacy will remain intact. Ferlin is now the vice president of the 60-employee Kang Construction, as his father, Alvin, gradually steps back.

Forged from orange

Initially, Kang Construction began carving out a niche in the petroleum industry. Due to an industry need for excavation, Kang Construction purchased its first excavator in early 1988: a Hitachi EX200LC. It was the first excavator of its kind to operate in Alberta.

“For us, the Hitachi brand loyalty reaches all the way back to our beginnings as a company when we first purchased our EX200,” Ferlin said. “Hitachi’s always been known for manufacturing heavy equipment that is tried, tested and true. They’re very reputable and providing the right equipment for the right job is always very important to us.”

The EX200 wasn’t the only “first” for this company. In December 2018, Kang Construction was also the first company in Alberta to purchase the ZX345USLC-6.

“Our fleet of Hitachi excavators ranges from a 470, which is our largest, to the 225, 160, 135, 85, all the way down to the minis. We also have a 350 that has a long-reach telescopic boom mounted to it for deep excavations, or we can change it to a 60-feet-long-reach boom,” Ferlin said. “Just from our fleet, you can see the versatility that Hitachi equipment provides.” 

While Kang Construction began with a niche in the petroleum industry, they have since grown drastically. Their growing fleet is a result of growing services.

“We started to go more into the earthwork side of things and away from the petroleum side toward the 2000s,” Ferlin said. “We got into more detail and mass excavations for commercial, retail and industrial projects.”

Bringing an edge to the fleet

Soon, Kang Construction expanded to offer installation of water and sewer underground utilities to their projects. This is where the 345’s versatility really shined.

“With the inner-city job sites, we deal with some tighter areas,”

Ferlin said. “Accessibility of the 345 is definitely positive.”

As it has grown, Kang Construction has tackled larger, high-profile jobs within the area. Recently, the company has been working at the Foothills Hospital Calgary Cancer Centre connector, providing earthworks, and water and sewer utilities to the project.

“The 345 worked out really well for this project in the sense that we have a new Tier 4 engine in there, which just gives minimal emissions,” Ferlin said. “A new machine like the 345 is perfect when working near a sensitive hospital environment.”

Another advantage of the 345 is the power it brings to tight spaces as a reduced-tail-swing model.

“The fact that it’s a reduced-tail-swing and has power, that’s just an added bonus,”

Ferlin said. “It’s perfect for our fleet.”

Productivity is the name of the game

If Ferlin had to choose one word that is most important to Kang Construction, it would be “productivity.” As technology advances and the needs of their clients become more stringent, he has to rely on equipment that can deliver.

“If the equipment works efficiently and safely, that’s paramount,” Ferlin said. “Breakdowns or reliability issues are critical in our business. I find that for us, Hitachi works.”

For their Hitachi equipment needs, Kang Construction turns to Wajax, one of Canada’s longest-standing and most diversified industrial products and services providers.

“Our dealer support from Wajax has been fantastic. We’re able to get anything we need from them quickly to keep us up and running,”

Ferlin said.

Along with contributing to the bottom line, Hitachi excavators are a favourite among Kang Construction operators, too.

“Getting a new piece of equipment is always like Christmas to everybody,” Ferlin said. “They love the 345. They find that being inside the machine, it’s quite roomy. They’re not crunched like they are in some other machines.”

The future of Kang

Ferlin has hopes that the company will continue to grow in Calgary, a city which he describes as “opportunistic.” And he is grateful for the growth Kang Construction has seen thus far.

“We’ve always been aggressive, ever since our small beginnings. But I couldn’t have envisioned us being involved in the types of jobs we’re working today, 15 years ago,” Ferlin said. “We are excited to see the legacy continue for our company.”

As for the company’s culture, Ferlin plans on keeping a family mentality at the core.

“I think in our current society, some-times family might be overlooked. Family is very important to me and has always been,” he said. “We always try to treat our company and employees like family, and I don’t see that changing in the future.”

Source: Hitachi

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