This article reprinted from Western Roofing magazine May/June 2007.

 

Asphalt Plant Tour

Visit to the Tarah Asphalt Company Plant

by Marc Dodson, editor

 

It’s been about 20 years since we first visited and reported on the Tarah Asphalt Company roofing products manufacturing plant located in Mexicali, Mexico. Peter Sarian, vice president of sales & marketing for Tarah, recently informed us that since that time, there had been quite a few changes to the plant, including expansions and additions to their product line. When Sarian offered us the opportunity to revisit the plant and meet with the president and owner Federico Diaz to see for ourselves, we eagerly took him up on the invitation.

                  The plant is located about 120 miles east of San Diego, just across the international border from El Centro, Calif. In the 20 years since our visit, the Tarah roofing plant has evolved from a modest operation to one of the larger plants of its type; modernized, environmentally sound, and completely integrated throughout its manufacturing process. Tarah has carried the integration to the point of even manufacturing their own paper for their felt.

                  Tarah has expanded into other roofing products, now producing No. 40 base sheet and mineral surface rolls as well. The company’s main distribution area is the Western states, but they’ve also shipped product to the far east.

                  We were impressed with Tarah’s efficiency, attention to detail, and their numerous labs throughout the plant constantly checking product quality through every stage of the manufacturing process. The company has blossomed into a first-class operation with customers and distributors throughout the U.S.

                  Tarah is planning for the future, having recently purchased adjacent acreage to ensure uninhibited growth. This positive attitude of their management reflects on their market position today and their confidence in the future of the Western roofing market. •••