Mr. Todd Wesner was born in Reading. As a youth, he moved to New Jersey, Massachusetts and later back to Pennsylvania. His stepfather was a vice president with M.C.I., so the moves were job related.

Mr. Wesner completed his education at Lower Pottsgrove High School in 1981 and started his cement career at Evansville with an independent contractor, who operated the bulk silos and packhouse at the plant. In 1990, he was hired by the former Allentown Cement Co., now owned by Lehigh Heidelberg.

Starting as a laborer, he has worked in the packing department and maintenance. Presently, he operates a loader.

Mr. Wesner said, “We move thousands of tons of slag, iron ore, coal, limestone and tires. Tires are used as an alternate fuel.” Loaders operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The team consists of five hard-working employees - Wesner, Ronnie Hess Jr., Tony Plucker, John Folk and Branden Evans. They keep the necessary material moving smoothly. The men are supervised by kiln supervisor Steve Lorenz and five shift foremen.

Mr. Wesner said, “We have to be very alert on the loaders; there is always truck and plant traffic. We do not want to have any accidents. Each morning, there is a safety meeting to discuss any hazards and the day’s operation. The company wants every employee to go home at the end of the day. We push safety hard. It’s very important to everyone.”

There is excellent communication between the loader team and supervisors. Their goal is a safe working environment and a productive plant.

Mr. Wesner is a friendly gentleman who said, “I live close to the plant, which has provided me and my family with a good living.”

He enjoys fishing and target shooting. He has been married to the former Kelly Brown for 25 years, and they are proud of sons Cole and Connor and daughter Melissa. The friendly couple reside in Ontelaunee Township, Berks County.

We wish Mr. Wesner and all my friends at the century-old plant continued success and a productive year.