40 years of
Mole·Master.

From our first silo cleanout to projects in all 50 states and more than 30 countries. Founded in Marietta, Ohio, in 1986.

40
Years of Mole·Master
50
U.S. States
30+
Countries
Thousands
Of Cleanouts

Four decades in the field

Proprietary equipment. Experienced crews. A commitment to safety that has shaped our work since the beginning.

Watch the company overview.

Mole-Master service vehicles beside a group of storage silos.

The Mole·Master story

1980s

The first cleanouts

  • The first silo cleanout begins, and R. John Lehman joins First Colony.
  • December 1986: Lehman acquires the Mole·Master division.
  • First grain project for Cargill. The first “Cootie” drill and Junior 180 are built.
  • Dedicated supervisors join to meet growing demand with personal service.
  • First international projects in Guadeloupe and Martinique.
  • First $100,000 project completed.
1990s

Expanding the operation

  • Operations move to 117 Industry Road.
  • Multiple years of zero lost-time accidents.
  • Bridge Breaker / Arch-Master launches, and Serve All is acquired.
  • First vacuum trucks and hydro-blasting services. Depots in California and Texas.
  • Services reach more than 20 industries. First $200,000 project completed.
2000s

Reaching all 50 states

  • Move to the current facility in Reno, Ohio.
  • Hydraulic and pneumatic Junior 360 equipment is developed.
  • Corporate contracts with Cargill, Mars, Lehigh Cement, and others.
  • First project in Hawaii completes coverage of all 50 states.
  • First $500,000 project completed.
2010s

25 years and growing

  • Mole·Master celebrates its 25th anniversary.
  • Featured in Grain Journal.
  • Mid-Ohio Safety Council award for zero lost-time accidents.
  • New website and technical resource library launch.
  • Abrasive blasting services expand.
  • Membership in the Renewable Fuels Association.
2020s

The next chapter

  • Featured in World Cement.
  • Major international trade-show presence.
  • Continued investment in proprietary equipment and emerging technologies.

In their words

“I started in June of 1988, and back then, Mr. Lehman was right there with us on the job.”

Steve SchoonoverChief Safety Officer

“I joined on May 15, 1987, as a field tech, and over the years worked my way up, reflecting our commitment to growth.”

Tim SmithbergerService-Fleet Manager

“We were a small company with tough farm boys who knew how to get the job done.”

Luke BergProject Manager

“Our ongoing commitment to the vital industries we serve, where uninterrupted production, accurate material flow, and worker safety are critical, drives us forward.”

Michael BaileyGeneral Manager
Two Mole-Master technicians with silo cleaning equipment on a silo roof.

History of Excellence

The people and projects behind four decades of Mole·Master. Watch the video series.

Watch on Vimeo
Two Mole-Master technicians with silo cleaning equipment on a silo roof.
Mole-Master silo cleaning equipment and hoses at an industrial site.
Mole-Master crew working with cleaning equipment beside a silo.
Overhead view of a silo roof with Mole-Master equipment and service vehicles below.
Mole-Master equipment displayed at a trade show.
Mole-Master trade show booth with cleaning equipment and display panels.
Mole-Master service vehicles beside a group of storage silos.
Archival photograph of a Mole-Master equipment unit on a truck.
Archival photograph of Mole-Master crew members with cleaning equipment.
Archival photograph of Mole-Master cleaning equipment at an industrial facility.

Let’s talk about your project