A Lifetime in Stone: 40 Years in the Aggregate Industry

“My name is Wayne Publicover, and I have dedicated over 40 years of my life to the sand, gravel, and aggregate quarry industry. What started as a job quickly became a lifelong career, built on hard work, hands-on experience, and a deep understanding of the industry from the ground up.

I began my career in the early 1980s. I worked at a small sand & gravel operation for 10 years and have spent the last 30 years honing my skills in quarry operations. My journey started with Crupi’s Halton Crushed Stone division, where I worked for four years in operations. It was there that I began to refine my knowledge of crushing, production flow, and equipment management.

In 1999, I joined Strada, where I have now proudly worked for 26 years. During my time with Strada, I’ve operated and overseen annually four to five different crushing plants across both sand and gravel pits and limestone quarries. I’ve had the opportunity to work with several major industry players, including Bott, Lafarge, Dufferin, CBM, and Walker Industries—each bringing unique experiences and challenges.

One of the highlights of my career was being part of the startup team for CBM’s new Severn Quarry, a project that required strategic planning, equipment setup, and production execution. I also spent 10 years at Walker’s Fort Erie yard, where I was responsible for long-term crushing operations and consistent production output.

Over the course of my career, my team and I have crushed approximately 18 million tonnes of limestone across various quarry sites. My experience extends beyond crushing, with responsibilities in stripping, rehabilitation, drilling, blasting coordination, and water management—often working with third-party contractors to ensure efficient and safe operations.

Most recently, I have been managing the Dufferin Quarry in Brechin, Ontario. For the past two years, I’ve led the crushing operations there, producing and selling approximately 600,000 tonnes annually. This role has allowed me to apply everything I’ve learned over the decades, balancing production targets with environmental and operational compliance.

Throughout my career, I’ve taken pride in being a reliable and knowledgeable asset to every team I’ve worked with. My practical experience and leadership in the field have contributed significantly to Strada’s long-standing success in the aggregate industry. I believe that experience matters, and after 40 years, I still bring the same work ethic, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence as I did on day one.”

Wayne Publicover
Pits and Quarries Operations Manager