Ash Grove Cement's Sunderland Passes

Words: Dan KamysAsh Grove Cement Company's former company chairman and president, James P. Sunderland, died May 27. Sunderland joined the Ash Grove Lime and Portland Cement Co. in 1957 as its corporate secretary in Kansas City. In his 43-year career at Ash Grove Cement, Sunderland held several leadership positions, including serving as the company’s chairman and president. During Sunderland’s tenure, Ash Grove Cement became one of the largest Portland cement producers in the United States.  
The Important Issues with Masonry Barrier Systems
July 2026

A barrier is an element, device, or material that is intended to stop something from passing through. Road barriers stop traffic, for instance. Sun lotion with a high SPF rating will stop UV rays (for a limited time) from damaging the skin. In masonry, ba

Steven Judd
Technical Talks
Read More
Four Home Design Trends Driving Masonry Demand in 2026
July 2026

As design trends continue to evolve, one theme remains consistent throughout 2026: homeowners want spaces that feel intentional, comfortable and enduring. According to Westlake Royal Building Products’ TrendLine platform, today's most influential trends e

Sarah Lograsso
MAP Partner
Sponsored
Read More
The Modern Masonry Saw: Safety, Efficiency, and Smarter Cutting
July 2026

Masonry is a craft built on precision, strength, and durability. At the heart of every successful masonry project is one essential tool: the masonry saw. As technology evolves, so does the role of the saw on the jobsite. Today’s contractors are not just l

Bryant Figueroa
Technical Talks
Read More
Getting the Finish Right on Burnished CMU
July 2026

The wall is complete. The lines are crisp. The coursing is tight, and the burnished CMU delivers exactly the refined appearance the design team envisioned. After weeks of coordination and careful installation, the project is final

Technical Talks
Read More