Operating Engineers 513’s Randy Martin named 2014 Craftsman of the Year

Saluted for work on Missouri State University athletic field upgrades

Springfield, MO – The Springfield chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) has bestowed its highest craftsmanship honors on Randy Martin, a member of Operating Engineers Local 513 working for St. Louis-based Byrne & Jones Construction, has been named 2014 Craftsman of the Year by the Springfield chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for his work on the athletic and recreational improvements at Missouri State University (MSU).

Martin, of Puxico, MO, served as site superintendent for the sports division of Byrne & Jones, building MSU’s new track and three synthetic turf fields as part of $24 million in new construction and improvements to the campus. Martin helped orchestrate the creation of a stable sub-base that sheds water efficiently by importing 15,000 tons of rock delivered in 750 truckloads for the three fields.

“We’re very proud of Randy,” Pat Kammer, President and Business Manager of Local 513 told the Missouri Times. “Any time somebody shows excellence in their field and their one of our members, we are extremely proud of the skill set. He showed, in an area where unions aren’t predominantly the choice, that we could go down there with a union contractor, make money, and do a heck of a job.

Byrne & Jones Construction, located in Maryland Heights, is the region’s largest commercial paving contractor providing concrete, sports, and asphalt paving.

Jeff Aboussie, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the St. Louis Building and Construction Trades Council said the recognition is indicative of the high quality of union operating engineer training.

“For somebody to receive that type of an award just goes to show you the training that is entailed to be a union operating engineer,” Aboussie said. “Operating engineers have one of the best training sites in the state, and this is just a testament to the work they do.”