Astec, Inc. is proving that its model hot mix asphalt plant was well worth the time, effort and money.

The company realised that taking the full size version of the plant to shows was a giant task, so it decided to ask employees to construct one-eighth scale models of the equipment.

The model was unveiled last year at ConExpo in Las Vegas, USA, and it was again on show at Intermat where Michael Uchytil, Astec''s International vice president-general manager, said: "I think this must be the most photographed stand at the show. We also have a model that is going to ConExpo China in May."

The scale model of the company''s portable turbo Six Pack asphalt plant and its relocatable M-pack asphalt plant, took four people one and half years to build. It means that show visitors can see the whole plant, and how it works.

The relocatable M-Pack is engineered as a set of modules, which are transported by truck and bolted up at the site.

Astec, Inc, makers of HMA facilities and computer-based control systems, shared a stand with Heatec and CEI Enterprises: the companies create innovative equipment to meet the many needs of HMA producers.