In an economy which has seen the housing market collapse and many construction contractors pull up stakes, Posen Construction, Inc., has not just survived, but thrived.

The company's formula for success is a diverse offering of in-house capabilities and the right work ethic.  It also includes having the right equipment.  Posen recently purchased a BOMAG BM 2000/60 cold planer milling machine, which they have used to expand their capabilities and increase their profit margins.

Diverse capabilities provide advantage
Based in Utica, Mich., Posen Construction is primarily a bridge building contractor.  While on vacation in Florida, Norm Zapczynski, who owns the company with his brother Kenneth, observed a need for more construction contractors.

At that time, the housing market was booming, and the counties couldn't keep up with the infrastructure demands.  "The counties were rich with money," said Mike Schook, vice president of Posen Construction.  "So many roads needed to be built, but they couldn't get bidders to come to some of the jobs."

Zapczynski saw an opportunity and decided to open a southern division in Estero, near Fort Myers.  Right away, the move paid off, and Posen took on $110 million worth of business in the first two months of operation.

But the good times didn't last as Florida's once robust housing market was reduced to a fraction of its previous level.  Suddenly, the need for infrastructure was dramatically reduced, and contractors were slashing their prices or leaving the area altogether.