Crushing Confidence with Kleemann

Background

Building a contracting business in Oregon’s challenging terrain takes more than hard work; it demands precision, efficiency, and the right equipment from the start. Steele Earthworks entered the market in 2022 with determination and a growing workload, but efficiency and uptime quickly became the keys to staying competitive. They needed more than equipment. They needed a partner who could match capability with growth and deliver a long-term plan for productivity and performance.

Challenge

Steele Earthworks faced three critical challenges as they scaled:

  • Unreliable Support Disrupting Schedules: Downtime and delayed service calls stalled progress during critical startup phases, increasing exposure to risk across job sites.
  • Challenging Terrain and Logistics: Oregon’s rocky terrain and shifting ground conditions drove costly inefficiencies and material flow delays.
  • Balancing Growth with Capital Constraints: Steele Earthworks needed to scale efficiently without overextending financially or investing ahead of workload.

The goal was clear: gain control of material flow, keep operations moving, and grow the business in a sustainable way.

Solution

Papé Machinery Construction & Forestry partnered with Steele Earthworks to bring crushing and screening in-house using Kleemann equipment, paired with a rent-to-own financing plan designed to build equity while preserving cash flow.

Key solutions included:

  • Phased Fleet Approach: Starting with a screen, then adding a Kleemann jaw and cone crusher as volume increased.
  • On-Site Crushing: Reduced trucking miles, delays, and import costs.
  • Flexible Rent-to-Own Program: Payments built ownership without tying up capital.
  • One-Call Support: Responsive service kept projects on schedule.

“Papé fully jumped on board, supporting us from day one,” said owner Brandon Steele. “They helped us build capability step by step.”

Result

The shift to Kleemann equipment transformed Steele Earthworks’ operations:

  • Reduced Costs: On-site crushing cut hauling and material expenses.
  • Increased Uptime: Premium equipment and service eliminated delays.
  • Improved Efficiency: Consistent material flow accelerated production.
  • Scalable Growth: Financing and support aligned with workload.

For Steele Earthworks, Oregon’s rocky terrain is no longer a barrier; it’s an advantage. With Papé Machinery Construction & Forestry and Kleemann, they’re crushing the competition and building growth on solid ground

Video Overview

From rocky terrain to rapid growth—Steele Earthworks teamed up with Papé Machinery and Kleemann to crush challenges and build a stronger foundation for success.

“Papé fully jumped on board, supporting us from day one. They helped us build capability step by step.” Brandon Steele

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