Somero Laser Screed Training: Big-D Logistics Elevates Precision

On any concrete pour, the final finish tells the whole story. You can have the right drawings and the best materials, but if your laser screed isn’t dialed in and the crew isn’t trained on the machine, those inconsistencies will show in the slab.

At Big-D Companies, we have been anchoring the West’s most significant builds since 1967. We view our Logistics department as a centralized engine that supports our brands and protects the craft. Recently, our Logistics team put this philosophy into practice, hosting a two-day Somero Laser Screed training at our North Salt Lake facility.

What is a Laser Screed?

For those outside of the concrete trade, a Laser Screed is the difference between a “standard” floor and precision engineering.  

While traditional manual screeding relies on physical labor and hand-leveling, this machine utilizes a telescoping broom and a sophisticated laser-based guidance system. A transmitter sends a 360-degree plane of light across the jobsite, which sensors on the machine receive to adjust the leveling plow and vibrator hundreds of times per minute.  

By removing the human-eye element of “eye-balling” the grade, we ensure the finished surface is consistently flat from one end of the building to the other. The result is a denser, more durable slab that can withstand the rigors of high-reach forklifts and heavy industrial traffic. 

The training focused on making sure crews from McAlvain, Martin-Harris, and Big-D Self Perform have the technical backing they need when it’s time to pour.

Strengthening Operational Consistency

As a centralized resource supporting all Big-D companies, the Logistics team coordinated the training to strengthen operational consistency and improve equipment performance. 

The goal was simple. Share best practices, strengthen internal service capabilities, and ensure crews across the company can rely on the same high standards in the field. 

The training was led by Somero field support technicians Leo Oury and Aaron Cox, who bring a combined 40 years of industry expertise to the table. Our teams focused on several critical mechanical and operational fundamentals: 

• Machine Calibration: Conducting laser checks and establishing accurate grades.
• Mechanical Fundamentals: Preventive maintenance to reduce downtime in the field.
• Operator Responsibility: Prioritizing safety and precision during joystick operation and drive-around orientation.
• Communication Protocols: Setting up headsets and site-specific protocols to ensure seamless execution.

By managing these technical requirements and service capabilities internally, we reduce potential downtime and ensure our laser screeds continue operating at peak performance.

Equipment Backed by Expertise 

To ensure our gear meets our standards, we prioritize hands-on training that keeps our maintenance in house. Earlier this year, our Logistics team attended Whiteman training in Texas to master trowel repair and service. Whether it’s a laser screed or a power trowel, we are committed to building the inernal service capability necessary to keep our projects moving forward. 

We do not adopt technology for the sake of it. We invest in the tools and training that make jobsites safer and results more predictable for our clients. Our ongoing investment in the Somero service agreement ensures our fleet remains calibrated, maintained, and ready to perform at the highest level.