About Solite
Solite LLC has been providing solutions to engineering and construction challenges since 1947. Solite's legacy as a leader and innovator in lightweight aggregates can be found in more than 50 different applications worldwide. Solite is used below, within, and above structures and roadways as engineered fill, lightweight masonry, lightweight concrete and lightweight growing medium for greenroofs.
At Solite, we are committed to producing quality and consistent materials, and to make resources easily available to you.
Please contact us if we may provide additional information.
History
Solite was formed in 1947 with the first production facility starting up in Buckingham County, VA. Over the years Solite Corporation grew to include several more lightweight aggregate plants as well as concrete block and ready block_gradationed operations.
Today, Solite, LLC continues operations at the AF Old Plant in Buckingham as a sister company of Allied Concrete Products. Under Allied direction, our facilities have experienced a wave of new improvements to ensure the highest quality, consistent products.
What is Solite?
Solite is slate that has been expanded by the rotary kiln method. It begins as raw slate in the quarry, which is mined and crushed to an ideal size for "burning".
The raw crushed slate enters the rotary kiln at the breech end. The kilns are approximately 110-120 feet long built on a slight pitch down toward the heat source. The kilns rotate slowly allowing the rock to gradually heat up as gravity feeds it toward the burn zone. The flame heats the rock to approximately 2000° F at which point gases form within the slate causing it to bloat.
As the slate becomes Solite, it is nearly plastic and red hot. At this point, when the rock tumbles out of the kiln, it is called Klinker. The Klinker is allowed to cool, before it is crushed to the various gradations available for sale.
Allied Concrete Products, LLC
Since 1946 Allied Concrete has understood the quality of our products goes hand in hand with the quality of the people with whom we work with throughout the masonry construction community.
To ensure the product application produces the best possible result, Allied Concrete Products' performs a role which is inclusive of architect, engineer as well as craftsman. We strive to provide this service through educational, and tutorial sessions in the field or at our manufacturing facilities.
We manufacture and distribute a wide range of concrete products, such as: Concrete Masonry Units, Integrally Colored Split Face, Fluted and Ground Face Concrete Masonry Units, and Integrally Colored Concrete Brick. Anchor™ Retaining Wall Systems and Pittsburgh Corning Glass Block® offer the designer the opportunity to augment both the structure and the grounds that surround it. We strive to work in partnership with architects and engineers sharing our combined knowledge for a greater outcome. Because everyone needs allies.