Kentucky’s colorful history has been directly related to the development of its road system. The automobile had changed virtually every facet of American life, including the transportation sector. The asphalt paving business expanded rapidly in the early 1900′s and by 1924, over 15,000 miles of asphalt surfaced roads had been built in the country. Back in 1912, Kentucky established the Department
of Roads and in 1916, the Federal Highway Administration was formed. The asphalt industry began developing in Kentucky in the early 1900′s with the development of paving businesses and equipment advancements. The Southern Asphaltoilene Roads Company was formed in 1907 in Louisville, Kentucky. Asphalt production in the 1920 was 130 tons per day and required at least 11 workers to feed the cold elevator, charge the burner, supply aggregates, operate the boiler and the hopper mixer. Mechanical pavers and spreaders were available in the 1930′s and nearly 1.6 million tons of plant mixed material was produced in the United States. As the industry grew in Kentucky, it became clear that an organization to represent the best interests of plant mixed asphalt was needed. On the 20th day of March, 1938, Secretary of State Charles D. Arnett authorized and empowered the Plantmix Asphalt Industry of Kentucky (PAIKY) to do business as a Corporation. Under the Articles of Incorporation, the organization’s purpose was the following:
Disseminate information concerning the plant mixed asphalt industry
Eliminate and minimize abuses to the industry
Have the business conducted on legitimate lines maintaining a high standard of education among its members and the general public with respect to the scientific and practical features of the Plantmix Asphalt Industry. Afford representation before government agencies and bodies to assist in the enactment and enforcement of laws and regulations which shall deal justly and equitably with the industry, and
Do business in such a way that the product of the industry shall continue to be the most enduring type of material for street and road building purposes. Following PAIKY’s first paving season, dues were assessed on 43,000 tons of hot mix asphalt. That quantity grew to 93,000 tons in 1941 and by 1950, the tonnage awarded totaled over 100,000 tons. The average unit price for base asphalt in 1957 was $6.55 per ton versus $7.25 per ton for surface mixes. In 1958, a total of 67 asphalt plants were in operation to serve the state. By 1963, the 25th anniversary of the association, PAIKY’s membership included 30 producer companies. The average unit price per ton in 1973 was $11.07 and 4.1 million tons were let by the state that year. In 1975, PAIKY, along with KAHC and KCSA agreed to lease the 0ld L&N Railroad Building in Frankfort, Kentucky. That year, PAIKY moved into the new office complex at Depot Place. In 1983, Dean Blake was hired as the new association Executive. In 1985, PAIKY joined KAHC and KCSA to purchase Depot Place. State tonnage in 1987 increased to 4.7 million, a significant improvement from the 1.7 million tons awarded in 1986. Cherie Stivers joined the association in 1987 as the office manager. In May of 2000, the association hired Brian K. as the Assistant Director/Engineer. A heavy emphasis has been placed on marketing efforts, understanding life cycle cost analysis, technical developments, and expansion of the Winter Training School. In 2005, Brian K. Wood assumed the role of Executive Director of the association while Dean Blake remained in a part-time role as Deputy Director. In September of 2009, the Plantmix Asphalt Industry of Kentucky hired Nick Rodgers as the Marketing Director of the Association. Kentucky contractors own and operate over 140 asphalt plants that serve all 120 counties. In addition to the huge capital investment in these facilities and associated construction paving equipment, the industry employs thousands of Kentuckians. It is clear to see that that asphalt-paving industry has a significant and positive economic impact on our Commonwealth. In recent years, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will typically let and award more than six (6) million tons of asphalt during a paving season. Another three (3) or four (4) million tons of asphalt is produced and laid for city, county, residential, commercial, and industrial clients. The industry association remains strong with over 30 producer members and an additional 30+ associate members.
