In the early 1990’s, a contractor had been observing large milling machines and wondered if a similar capability could be had in an attachment that would help him open utility trenches faster and easier. After several tries, the early Asphalt Zipper® machine was born in 1994. Thereafter, contractors started realizing significant cost and time savings with asphalt removal tasks that used to take an entire day being completed in 30 minutes. Contractors were also finding that by eliminating saw-cutting, chunking, hauling and disposal, their cost savings were easily in excess of 70%.
A few years later experimentation began with pothole and street repairs. Early tests showed that crews that had been completing 1-2 patches per day with traditional repair methods were instantly doing 8-9 patches per day with what would later prove to be even greater durability. It wasn’t long before full roads of up to a half-mile or more were being completed per day.
Over the years a dedicated team of factory engineers responding to the input and needs of customers have produced significant improvements in design and power. Now Asphalt Zipper machines dot the landscape with contractors, municipalities, counties and DOT’s. What began as a small contractor’s hope has blossomed into the most cost effective and simple way to repair roads and open utility trenches.
International NOVA Award Winner
In 2005
Asphalt Zipper received the NOVA Award, the preeminent
international award for innovation in construction.
“The NOVA award recognizes innovations that have been proven to save money and improve quality in construction. The NOVA award is the pinnacle of construction worldwide.” Dr. Robert I. Carr, P.E. University of Michigan, CIF Co-Founder
“In my 25 years in construction, prior to spending 11 years as a professor here at the University of Florida, I feel the Asphalt Zipper is the most innovative product I’ve seen come out of the construction industry in my time.” Dr. Charles R. Glagola, P.E. University of Florida, NOVA Juror
Six-Sigma Quality
Asphalt Zipper is proud to be a Six Sigma certified manufacturer with an industry leading customer-oriented, data driven approach to process improvement.
Asphalt Zipper Six Sigma Black Belt certified engineers employ proven methodologies to minimize defects and variability in every aspect of the design and manufacturing process. This means that every new Asphalt Zipper machine is built to the highest quality standards and will arrive as expected.
Manufactured to Precise Engineering Standards
Four generations of machines later, Asphalt Zipper is considered by those who use it to be the world leader in portable reclamation. Utilizing state-of-the-art design and manufacturing methods, Asphalt Zipper produces the most powerful, yet affordable, asphalt reclamation attachments in the world.
Asphalt Zipper has successfully incorporated the power of large asphalt mills into portable attachments for loaders and backhoes costing only a fraction as much.