Zech Canfield, owner of Canfield Materials LLC, is no stranger to the mining industry. With nearly 15 years of experience in frac sand mining and a background rooted deep in the field, Zech took a bold step by venturing into the aggregates world with the purchase of an impressive limestone quarry in Blum, Texas, trusting Powerscreen Texas as his go-to equipment dealer.
Zech's opportunity to enter the aggregates industry came through his brother, who owns a pit just down the road from the current quarry. His brother introduced Zech to the site’s former owner, sparking a new chapter in Zech’s career and launching Canfield Materials into the market. Canfield Materials now runs an all-Powerscreen fleet of two jaw crushers, a cone crusher, two scalping screens, and five conveyors.
Limestone for Texas Roads and Infrastructure
Canfield Materials focuses on both tan and blue limestone. While the blue limestone is more abundant and serves a broad range of uses, the tan limestone has proven to be in high demand due to its rarity. The quarry primarily produces road base, along with by-products such as 2 -5 inch oversize, 4 -8 inch rock, and 1 inch utility rock. Customers pick up most of their materials on-site, but Canfield also offers a direct and efficient distribution model within a 100-mile radius around Blum.
Zech’s eyes are firmly set on high production with a goal of hitting 2 million tons annually. He knew early on that his success in aggregates would rely on partnering with the right equipment provider, Powerscreen Texas.
The Power of Powerscreen
Zech’s relationship with Powerscreen Texas dates back to 2017 when he was working with another company in West Texas. It was there he was first connected to Barry O’Reilly, Vice President of Powerscreen Texas. Zech recalls, “Back then I rented equipment from Barry to screen frac sand, and when I made the move into aggregates, I knew exactly who to call.”
“POWERSCREEN WILL
OUTPERFORM
ALL OTHERS IN EVERY ASPECT.”
Today, Canfield Materials runs a robust line-up of Powerscreen equipment, including a Premiertrak 400X jaw crusher, a Premiertrak 450 jaw crusher, a Warrior 1800X scalping screen, a 1150 Maxtrak cone crusher, a Titan 1800 scalping screen, and 5 CT80 stacking conveyors. These machines are the heartbeat of the operation.
The Premiertrak 400X is a workhorse, ideal for medium-scale quarrying, capable of achieving up to 441 US tph, and includes user-friendly features like hydraulic crusher setting adjustment and overload protection. The 450 model steps it up with a two-piece grizzly feeder and direct-drive chamber for efficient fuel use and fast setup times.
Meanwhile, the Warrior 1800X reaches up to 689 US tph. On the secondary side, the 1150 Maxtrak cone crusher plays a crucial role, producing up to 330 US tph with its high-capacity hopper and reliable Scania engine. This machine is responsible for making the utility rock, one of the site’s staple products.
The Titan 1800 works aggressively to size material properly, with an impressive output capacity of 661 US tph thanks to its 16’ x 5’ double-deck screenbox. With five CT80 stackers in play, material movement and organization across the site is seamless.
Building with Purpose
Zech is currently in a rent-to-buy arrangement with his Powerscreen machines, but with the production results he’s achieved so far, he’s making the move toward ownership. “We had to prove ourselves first,” Zech explains. “Being new to aggregates, we needed to show we could keep up with demand. Now that we’ve seen what these machines can do, it’s a no-brainer to make them ours.”
He adds, “I’ve worked a lot with other machines in various industries, including Powerscreen, and Powerscreen will outperform all others in every aspect.”
What truly sets Powerscreen Texas apart, according to Zech, isn’t just the equipment; it’s the people. “Powerscreen Texas is a one-stop shop. I tell them my output goals, and they get back to me with the right setup. Their knowledge and experience make all the difference,” he says. Beyond the machines, it’s the parts and service departments that Zech speaks most highly of. “Their response time, their expertise, and the fact that they’re local, those are major advantages. It’s a real partnership.”
Zech Canfield Owner Canfield Materials LLC
Expanding the Vision
With a rapidly growing operation and a reliable equipment partner in Powerscreen Texas, Zech is already looking ahead. His expansion plans include duplicating his current equipment setup as he increases production capabilities at his current quarry. “The goal is to keep scaling,” Zech says. “As long as Powerscreen equipment keeps delivering, I’ll keep investing.”
Zech Canfield’s transition from frac sand to aggregates may have only started in late 2024, but with his deep industry knowledge, proven operational performance, and strong supplier partnership, Canfield Materials is poised to become a major name in Texas limestone for years to come.