AMAXX Inc. Adopts Technology
- Charlie Parks
- Jun 27
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 6
Komatsu Smart Construction solutions help this family-owned company expand its site work capabilities and increase efficiency
For nearly three decades, AMAXX Inc. has taken on a wide range of sitework projects, establishing itself as a premier site contractor in the Pawling, N.Y., area. Founded in 1995, the family-owned company’s turnkey services have allowed new businesses and residential areas to flourish.
“We’re a full-service site development contractor working in Dutchess, Putnam, Westchester, Ulster and Orange counties in New York, as well as Fairfield County in Connecticut,” elaborated AMAXX President Adrian Maxwell, who joined the company in 2003. “We do everything from drainage to foundation excavation, septic systems, sewer systems, ponds, and utility work. Most recently, we’ve started specializing in smaller commercial projects and larger residential projects.”
In 2014, AMAXX Vice President Patrick Kehoe became Maxwell’s partner in the business.
“I started working for Adrian’s dad when I was 15,” recalled Kehoe. “Initially, we focused on smaller residential jobs. Over time, we’ve evolved to the point where we primarily complete high-end residential and commercial projects. Our major break came when we undertook a project for our town’s bank, which was our first commercial venture. That success led to more, pushing us into the commercial realm and larger jobs.”
Both Maxwell and Kehoe grew up around the construction industry, so their experiences have helped them successfully run the business. Maxwell noted that while their leadership is important, the cornerstone of AMAXX’s success is its workforce.
“Most of our guys have been with us for 10 or more years,” Maxwell emphasized. “I attribute a lot of our success to our employees and the opportunities we’ve given them, and the projects we’ve been given.”
Kehoe added, “We run the company like a family because we truly believe everyone’s family here. Without our team, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
The company’s investment in its employees and in doing things the right way has helped it quadruple in size over the last five years. One of the more recent driving factors in the firm’s success is its commitment to using GPS-equipped machines on every project.
“Adding GPS set us apart from other companies in the area,” stated Maxwell. “Once we have the control points from the design engineer or surveyor, we can create digital layouts of the job site ourselves. That allows our guys to hit the ground running with the GPS machines and avoid a lot of the holdups that come from doing things the old-school way with stakes and lasers.”
Tapping into Technology
Building on its impressive transformation with Smart Construction, AMAXX is breaking new ground, literally and figuratively. Currently, the company is breathing life into a project that began as an old restaurant site, transforming it into a four-story indoor storage facility. The project wasn’t without challenges, particularly the unexpected discovery of substantial rock deposits. Yet, with the innovative application of Smart Construction, AMAXX hasn’t missed a beat.
“The whole Smart Construction thing was Pat’s vision, and it’s elevated us to a different level,” shared Maxwell. “Despite the unexpected challenges, like the rock, we’re still on schedule, and we owe that to Smart Construction.”
Navigating the complexities of such projects requires cutting-edge equipment, such as Komatsu excavators and Intelligent Machine Control (IMC) dozers.
“We’re using the Komatsu PC290 excavator with a Topcon indicate kit, and the Komatsu PC130 excavator with Komatsu Smart Construction 3D Machine Guidance," explained Kehoe. “The 130 is equipped with an NPK GH7 hammer while the 290 has an older hammer. We also have a Komatsu D51PXi-24 IMC dozer that is fully integrated with GPS, and we use a drone to map and analyze the job site from an aerial perspective.”
Bruce Flint, an operator and a foreman at AMAXX, added, “With the Topcon and indicate-only systems, I have plans and elevations right in front of me. I don’t need to get in and out of the machine as much, which allows me to work faster and more efficiently. I know exactly which depth to hammer to.”
Technology not only accelerates AMAXX’s workflow but also refines it.
“Before Smart Construction, we were always pulling tapes, using marking paint, and constantly laying out,” noted Kehoe. “Now, with GPS kits, layout time is hours instead of days. Everything is right there on the screen.”
This efficiency extends beyond the construction site.
“Everything with Smart Construction can be done remotely,” Maxwell added. “No physical delivery of files is needed. We can show engineers and landscape architects the as-builts without them having to leave their offices.”
Maxwell and Kehoe aren’t just utilizing Smart Construction for its efficiency. They’re deeply invested in its potential for precision and collaboration. For instance, AMAXX’s ongoing project at an 800-acre maple syrup facility has transformed from house construction to a myriad of tasks, including pond work, stone laying, drainage, and a complete site package. This massive undertaking required careful planning, most of which became possible due to the capabilities of Smart Construction.
“We found three abandoned wells on this project,” Maxwell revealed. “Using Smart Construction, we marked them out and communicated directly with the engineers, allowing us to decommission them as per-town specs.”
AMAXX’s integrated use of different technologies — excavators with indicate kits, an IMC dozer, and a drone — also helps it be successful on the maple syrup facility project.
“The Komatsu PC240 excavator and Komatsu PC138 excavator are critical for building the rock bridge across the pond to the island,” mentioned Kehoe.
Maxwell added, “We used the D51 for grading and fine grading, which was impressive to see. There was a shortfall of topsoil on the job site, and we were able to fix it within a couple of hours. It was amazing.”
One particularly innovative application is AMAXX’s use of drone technology.
“For sites like ours, we get paid by the yard for rock removal,” Kehoe elaborated. “Being able to measure our stockpiles with a drone is invaluable. Within 24 hours, I can have a quantity check against surveyors’ measurements.”
C.N. Wood Partnership
On top of the efficiency AMAXX enjoys through its tech integration is a pivotal relationship with C.N. Wood, especially sales representative Charles Venezia. The relationship between the two companies goes beyond business transactions. It’s built on trust, reliability and a shared vision for delivering excellence.
“C.N. Wood, our sales, our service, everybody has been great,” declared Kehoe. “Anytime we call, there’s always an answer. There’s always somebody available to help. Parts and service have been great also. The machines seldom break down, but when they do, help arrives promptly.”
In addition to the impeccable after-sales service, AMAXX values the proactive approach of C.N. Wood in ensuring continuity in its operations.
Maxwell attested, “The rental department is incredible. When we faced challenges like the recent storm and needed an excavator urgently, C.N. Wood was right there. Their support truly sets them apart.”
For Kehoe, honesty is what makes their relationship unique.
“We’ve dealt with others who oversold their capabilities,” commented Kehoe. “Komatsu and C.N. Wood have always been transparent about what they can and can’t do. We’ve grown a really great relationship with Ed DeLaurentis, who manages the technology solutions experts for C.N. Wood. He’s always there to answer any questions we have, and his passion for what he does is evident. If he doesn’t have an answer, he’ll get it within a day.”
Future
As AMAXX continues to embrace cutting-edge technology, its vision for the future is ambitious and clear.
“Right now, we’re still growing,” noted Maxwell. “We have a great group of guys, and we aim to expand in the Smart Construction sector. We’re eager to undertake projects like our current ones, possibly even larger.”
It’s not just about the tech for AMAXX. Its company culture is also a driving force.
“We take immense pride in our work, and our team embodies that,” stated Kehoe. “There’s no ‘that’s not my job’ mentality here. Whether it’s commercial or residential, our standards remain consistent. Delivering the best is paramount. Our emphasis is on productivity and excellence. Job site cleanliness, unity and a sense of family are crucial for us. It’s a collective effort every step of the way.”
*The opinions expressed here are from the end user as quoted. The results described herein are those of these end users under certain conditions. Your results may vary.
🎥 Watch the full Customer Salute episode here: ▶️
👉 Contact Us and learn more about Smart Construction