In order to consolidate competing product lines between Kolberg and Production Engineered Products (PEP), and build on the strong foundation of the Kolberg and PEP brand products, Astec Aggregates Group Vice President Bob Stafford announced May 1 that PEP, Inc., and the Kolberg line of portable screens have joined forces under a new name: Astec Mobile Screens.

“(This move will allow us) to increase our focus on mobile screen products, thereby attracting and broadening our distribution system,” Stafford said. Kolberg and PEP both enjoy an excellent reputation for innovation, superior product quality and unparalleled product support through their distribution channels. It is Astec’s intention that the new venture will continue this tradition, and become one of the world’s premier suppliers of mobile screening plants.

Astec Mobile Screens will be responsible for all development, marketing, sales, distribution and support of mobile screening plants previously manufacturer by PEP and Kolberg-Pioneer as separate entities. Astec Mobile Screens will manufacture the Fold ‘N Go and high frequency screens at its headquarters in Sterling, IL; the 391 wheel/track screen will continue to be built in Sterling, as well, but will be marketed under the Fold ‘N Go family of screening plants. All engineering for mobile screens will take place in Sterling. Kolberg will continue to build the Models 241, 271, and KDS screens – all under the Astec Mobile Screens’ name. Tim Gonigam, former President of PEP, Inc., has assumed the role as President of the newly formed Astec Mobile Screens division.

JCI and KPI will continue to manufacture and support all other stationary and portable screens not classified in the mobile screening plant offering, including JCI horizontal, inclined and COMBO screens; and Pioneer inclined vibrating screens.

While transition of product development, sales and product support is already under way, final integration of all sales and distribution responsibilities is expected to be in place within the fourth quarter of 2004. Astec Mobile Screens plans to unveil four new mobile screen products within the next 12 months.

“We are very excited about consolidating our mobile screen sales and distribution into one focused organization,” said Stafford. “This formation should provide our distribution channels with a product offering of substantial mass, with more products to come very soon. When the consolidation and transition is complete, Astec Mobile Screens will provide the largest and broadest range of mobile screening plants manufactured in the U.S.”