Concrete company resumes operations

By Dan Nakaso
Advertiser Staff Writer

Ameron Hawaii worker Dennis Perreira was welcomed back by a colleague yesterday at Haseko's Ocean Pointe development. Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser

But Ameron Hawaii could only deliver 600 cubic yards of concrete yesterday — about half of its normal output of 1,200 to 1,500 cubic yards. Today, Ameron expects to only deliver another 600 cubic yards.

The machinery and equipment worked after being out of commission for eight weeks. And Ameron Hawaii workers were able to fulfill all of their orders — and on time, said George West, the company's vice president of operations for O'ahu.

Today, West hopes that Ameron workers can return to producing the raw material that becomes concrete. By the end of the week, West hopes to have production back up to 90 percent.

Yesterday began with supervisors emphasizing safety for workers who haven't been moving concrete for an extended period.

"Yes, we have to get back out there and get to work," West said. "But first and foremost, everybody has to do it in a safe manner."

West had been Ameron's point man during negotiations with the Hawai'i Teamsters and Allied Workers, Local 996. But yesterday he was nearly euphoric and spent much of the day shaking hands with employees.

"I enjoyed doing that," he said. "It was busy, hectic ... But people were stepping lively. It's almost as if it (the eight-week strike) didn't happen. I'm very enthused about that for the company and for the sake of the employees."

Reach Dan Nakaso at dnakaso@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8085.