Mobility matters

Another factor that sets Kleemann machines apart from the competition, Perzan says, is their mobility. “They’re track machines, so they’re easy to move around. Set-up is very quick, and they can be moved around if there needs to be re-set-up on the site. Some competitors are chassis machines, which means you have to wheel a truck in and hook it up to the machine to move it. The Kleemann models are remote control and independently mobile.”

Belleau is impressed by how easy it is for the machines to go from production to transportation. “You just turn on the remote, flip the key, press the button, and let it do its start release. Ten seconds later, you’re walking the machine wherever you need it. It’s not stationary like the old machine that had to have everything brought to it. If we find a better spot in the pit to work, everything else can be moved. It’s on tracks and can be hauled over to a new spot, ready to set up the next day.”

Construction projects revitalize the community

The Garden River First Nation has 3,500 band members, with just over 1,000 people living on the reserve. They employ approximately 200 people in their community, with 13 currently working on the aggregates operation.

Because aggregates are such an essential part of construction of both roads and housing, increased production made possible by newer compression crushers means more revenue and jobs for the community.

“We’re trying to bring in more revenue to reinvest in the community. Our chief and council use it for programs or to revitalize the community, like maintaining our roads. We’ve been opening up new subdivisions, which hasn’t been done for years,” Belleau says. The band built 20 new houses last year, supplying all the aggregate themselves, and they’re opening up two more subdivisions soon. “That gives us more work for the community and makes it possible for more people to move back.”

The resurfacing of Highway 17A opens up work not just in aggregates, but also in roadbuilding — heavy equipment operators, labourers, surveyors, and more. “We’re also getting into blasting soon, which will create even more jobs. And, as our operation gets bigger and bigger, more people can move back to the reserve to fill those roles,” says Belleau.

Highway project is a route to economic self-determination

The Highway 17A resurfacing project represents more than just an infrastructure upgrade, it’s a testament to how strategic investment in modern technology can drive economic self-determination and community growth. By choosing equipment that offers superior efficiency, lower operating costs, and greater output capacity, Garden River First Nation has positioned itself not just to meet current contract requirements but also to compete for future opportunities in the aggregates sector.

As Garden River First Nation continues to expand its aggregates operations and move into blasting, the foundation laid by this Kleemann system investment will support the community’s growth for years to come.

“Our current aggregates team is exceptional — from the foreman to the operators to the skilled labourers and scale house reps — and we also look forward to adding even more members as we move forward,” says Belleau.

At 176 years old, Garden River is proving that honouring tradition and embracing innovation aren’t mutually exclusive — they’re the formula for building a thriving, self-sustaining future.

Sabrina Cataldo is a senior copywriter at Brandt.

This article originally appeared in the April 2026 issue of Heavy Equipment Guide.