By Heather Clarke - New Member Profile

When Derek Learning and his friend and co-worker, Brian Appleby, found themselves out of work in 1993, they were facing a big decision: head to Alberta to look for a new job, or create their own opportunities right here in Truro.
“We really wanted to stay here, and employ local people,” says Learning. “Truro is so centrally-located, which makes it the perfect place to start a business.”
Learning is the Operations Manager of Aggregate Equipment, which is based in Truro Heights. He, Appleby, and the other owners -- Ian Crowe and Allan Irving -- are still working at the company daily, along with a team of 25 people whom he calls “the best employees around.”
Catering to professionals in road-building, quarries, mines, and asphalt companies, Aggregate Equipment markets rock crushing and screening equipment, drilling equipment, weighing equipment for trucks, and loaders -- as well as conveyor belting. Serving all four Atlantic provinces, they are considered to be the No. 1 supplier of crushing and screening-related equipment in Atlantic Canada.
Learning says being a locally-owned and operated business makes Aggregate Equipment stand out from the rest of the industry.
“Traditionally, most of this equipment would be handled by factory representatives, and all of the servicing would be done by technicians that would be flown in,” says Learning. “Whereas we do all of our own servicing. We’re a fully-accredited warranty shop and rebuild shop.”
Providing outstanding customer service is a key factor in their success. Learning says it would be inconvenient for customers to deal with companies across the country, or even in the U.S., and Aggregate makes the process easy by providing “instant reaction” to all customer calls.
“We can be on-site within hours, anywhere in the Maritimes. We can usually be in Newfoundland on the same day, as well,” says Learning. “We keep a large selection of parts required to repair units, so that our customers keep operating.”
“When the season is on, sometimes these units run 24 hours a day. It’s critical to be able to have the ability to back up the equipment, and be able to do it right away.”
Learning says Aggregate Equipment has “wonderful support” from their customers, who continue to buy their products year after year.
“We don’t like to blow our own whistle, but we started off with one product, and now we have the majority of the market,” says Learning. “It’s all because of our local service and commitment to our customers.”
The Aggregate Equipment team loves working and living here in Truro, and Learning says they show their gratitude by giving back to the community through supporting businesses and charities.
“We’re local people, and we really appreciate what we’ve been able to accomplish,” says Learning. “We just want to continue to grow and build, and provide a good future for our employees.”
Aggregate Equipment is located at 186 Truro Heights Road. For more information, please call (902) 896-6000 or visit www.aggregateequipment.ca.