ForConstructionPros.com

Milling machines require a substantial investment, ranging from $200,000 to more than $300,000. At first glance, this can make the services of a dedicated milling contractor attractive. But many paving contractors find that the investment in a milling machine makes more sense.

Four contractors who have first-hand experience with the benefits of milling machine ownership share their experiences, which include more control of the entire paving process, a rapid return on investment and increased revenues.

Expand horizons

Chamberlain Contractors is a 29-year-old Laurel, MD-based company that performs pavement repairs and maintenance and rehabilitation, specializing in parking lots. It has a staff of 70 employees. "We run three paving crews and a concrete crew," says Harold Green, president and founder of the company.

Chamberlain Contractors adopted the use of milling machines early in its history. Green embraces the philosophy that you can use technology to expand your horizons and differentiate yourself from the competition. "The milling machines are one way that people can do that. We believe in them and they have made us a tremendous amount of money," he says.

A desire to maintain complete control of its operations helped Chamberlain make the initial purchase decision. "I don't believe in working with subcontractors," says Green. "I want to control my own environment. We do all commercial and industrial rehab work and we have a very tight time horizon. Customers give you the lot at 7 a.m. and they want it back at 7 p.m. Or you are doing the work at night - you are taking the lot down at 7:30 or 8:00 p.m. and turning it back at 8:00 or 9:00 a.m."