AEMA Recognizes Excellence in Manufacturing Plants & Past Presidents Award in Austin

During the Awards Ceremony & Recognition Breakfast at the 2026 AEMA-ARRA-ISSA Annual Meeting in Austin, TX, February 17-20, AEMA awarded both the Bronze and Silver Excellence in Manufacturing Awards and the 2026 AEMA Past Presidents Award.

The Excellence in Manufacturing Award is presented to qualifying plants that meet or exceed AEMA requirements demonstrating best practices in all areas of manufacturing. This year, the Excellence in Manufacturing Award at the Bronze level was awarded to Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions Newport News and Dumfries Plant; Jebro Inc’s Sioux City Plant, and Western’s Asphalt Products Bruderheim Plant. Additionally, there were 10 plants who renewed at this level.

After five years at the bronze level, plants can apply for the Excellence in Manufacturing Award Silver Level. This year, there were 23 plants that were recognized. Asphalt Materials had a total of six plants receiving this award which include their Columbus Plant, Oregon Plant, Warsaw Plant and HG Meigs Eau Claire Plant, Abbotsford Plant and Portage Plant. Associated Asphalt’s two plants included Roanoke and Tampa Emulsions. Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions had five plants including Catoosa, Chandler, El Dorado, Pleasanton, Roswell plants and Ergon Asfaltos Mexico Torreon Plant. McAsphalt Limited Industries had four plants receive this award this year which include their Ottawa, Acheson, Brampton, and Thunder Bay plants. Russell Standard had their Akron 205 and Chambersburg 415 Plants. Lastly, VSS Emultech’s Bakersfield Plant. Additionally, there were 35 plants that renewed at this level.

The AEMA Past President’s Award for Emulsion Excellence recognizes a standout project completed in the past year that demonstrates exceptional use of asphalt emulsions. Each year, the award is presented to the agency, contractor, and emulsion manufacturer whose work best exemplifies innovation, quality application, and long-term value in pavement preservation. For 2026, the AEMA Past President’s Award for Emulsion Excellence goes to the Green Oaks Subdivision Project. This year’s winning project, led by the City of Starkville Engineering Department in partnership with TL Wallace and Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions, showcases a data-driven and community-focused approach to pavement preservation. The team implemented a combination of treatments – including crack sealing, rejuvenating scrub seal, highly modified micro surfacing, and cape seal – to address widespread cracking and extend pavement life across multiple neighborhood streets. These strategies delivered long-lasting durability, improved safety, and significant cost savings compared to traditional mill-and-fill methods.

The Green Oaks project stands as a model of smart infrastructure management, demonstrating the impact of applying the right treatments at the right time while keeping residents informed every step of the way.