HOUSTON, TX — Dozens of CEMEX USA employees are keeping the company at the forefront of the building- materials industry after learning about the latest in technology and equipment at one of the largest global conventions, the CONEXPO/CONAGG in Las Vegas earlier this month.

“It’s a complete learning experience,” said Lance Griffin, CEMEX USA’s director of aggregate operations in Texas. “The industry changes year-to-year, and for CEMEX to stay at the top of our game, we need to meet with others in the industry and see what they are doing. We have innovations of our own within CEMEX, but this helps spark new ideas.”

More than 2,500 exhibitors from every major construction industry presented at CONEXPO/CONAGG from March 7-11. CEMEX USA employees met with several vendors to strengthen their connections within the industry. They also learned about new innovations to make their jobs easier.

“Each time I come to these conventions, I come away with at least three ideas to try,” said Rob Walker, CEMEX USA’s director of mining - cement operations. “Seeing some of the new equipment that’s available helps CEMEX think of new ways to enhance safety standards and deepen sustainability at our operations.”

CONEXPO/CONAGG followed conventions for the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association and the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association. CEMEX USA employees were highly involved in those conventions, meeting with key players in those organizations.

“This is extremely important. Pretty much anybody in the industry is out here,” said Jim Mack, CEMEX USA’s director of marketing development for paving solutions. “You can meet them in a more casual atmosphere, but it’s also business-related, so you can talk about things.”

Mack serves as the second vice chair on the board of the American Concrete Pavement Association and participated in a meeting while he was at the convention. Mack also helped strengthen CEMEX USA’s bond with NRMCA by meeting with representatives of the organization.

“There are also other meetings with legislative activities within the industry,” Mack said of the experience. “Being able to see all these people and connect with these people in good, short order is very helpful.”

CEMEX USA recently joined NRMCA’s Build with Strength campaign that promotes the ease of use, safety and efficiency of building with ready-mix concrete. CEMEX USA has more than 270 ready-mix facilities across the U.S.

CEMEX is a global building materials company that provides high-quality products and reliable service to customers and communities in more than 50 countries worldwide. Its U.S. network includes 11 cement plants, 44 strategically-located distribution terminals, and 57 aggregate quarries as well as more than 270 ready-mix concrete plants. For more information, visit cemexusa.com.