API Construction President Aaron Lybarger
API Construction’s success in building streets led to a fork in the road as company officials explored building a new headquarters to accommodate its growing needs.
Yet company officials easily decided on a location with an electricity provider to power the new facility: they built on a relationship with a solid foundation.
API Construction chose a location in LaOtto, Indiana, served by Noble REMC over a nearby parcel powered by another provider. API already had an established relationship with the electric cooperative, which powers API’s asphalt plant in nearby Huntertown. Noble REMC partnered with Wabash Valley Power Alliance, its wholesale power provider, to welcome API’s new headquarters with Power Moves® rebates for energy efficiency upgrades, including LED lighting to the new facility. WVPA also awarded $15,000 to API for employee safety training.
A picture of machinery in the lobby of API Construction’s headquarters in LaOtto, Indiana.
“Noble REMC was more engaged and the better value,” API Construction President Aaron Lybarger said of the decision. “With the relationship we already established, it just made more sense.”
The asphalt paving company had rented its old headquarters, which needed upgrades to better accommodate API. Lybarger decided to build a new facility and chose the LaOtto site in summer 2024. That’s when Noble REMC Energy Advisor Brian Hawk contacted API to highlight the Power Moves program.
“I stopped in their existing office and talked to Aaron about the project,” Hawk said. “I told him that he had some neighbors who took advantage of the Power Moves program to the tune of thousands of dollars, not to mention the thousands more in additional energy savings.”
Hawk worked with API and its contractor on the upgrades. The LEDs installed use significantly less energy than other types of lighting, and API installed occupancy sensors to turn lights off when the building is empty.
Equipment in one of the garage bays at API’s headquarters. The company’s chose to build a facility in a location served by Noble REMC.
“I get a lot of solicitations, and you never really know what’s real and not real,” Lybarger said of Power Moves. “I wasn’t familiar at that time with the program, and I’m certainly glad I followed through with it. It was a pretty simple process overall.”
During a project review, Lybarger met Zyan Miller, economic development relations specialist for WVPA. Miller introduced him to the Workforce Automation Grant, which is available for employee training. API trains employees annually for certification requirements and new equipment.
“I enjoyed meeting Aaron, and when I learned about everything that API does, it sounded like they were a great candidate for the training grant,” Miller said. “This was a perfect example of how Noble REMC and we could partner to support a business moving into co-op service territory.”
API finished its new headquarters in May. It features several garage bays to work on heavy machinery and a storage yard for materials. The property is also configured to expand for future needs.
“I am always thrilled when a business looks to invest in our community,” Noble REMC CEO Brad McCrea said. “Electric co-ops, including us at Noble REMC and our partners at Wabash Valley Power, invest in the families and businesses on their lines. We are grateful to Aaron and his team for their vote of confidence, and we are excited to see API Construction grow.”