Building New Mexico Together: AUI Inc. and 4Rivers Equipment’s Enduring Partnership
In the heart of Albuquerque, New Mexico, AUI Inc. has been a cornerstone of the construction industry since 1981. With nearly 400 New Mexicans on its payroll and a legacy of infrastructure excellence, AUI is now leading the largest project in New Mexico Department of Transportation history: the $255 million I-25 Improvement Project from Comanche to Montgomery.
But behind every great project is a network of trusted partners, and for AUI one of the most vital is 4Rivers Equipment.
A Partnership Rooted in Shared Values
The relationship between AUI and 4Rivers Equipment dates to the early 1980s. What began as a business transaction has evolved into a true partnership built on mutual respect, reliability, and shared values.
“It’s easy to partner with a company when their values run parallel with yours,” says AUI’s Executive Vice President and co-owner, Sam Baca. “We don’t just see 4Rivers as a vendor—we see them as an extension of our business and part of our family.”
Powering Progress with the Right Equipment
On the I-25 project and others, AUI relies heavily on 4Rivers for its fleet of heavy machinery. From 644 loaders to 470 excavators, the equipment provided by 4Rivers is the lifeblood of AUI’s operations.
“Our equipment is our heartbeat,” Baca explains. “Without it running efficiently and effectively, we’re not making money. 4Rivers understands that, and they’re always there when we need them.”
Whether it’s a last-minute rental or a critical repair—even on non-John Deere equipment—4Rivers steps up. The entire team, with special note to Territory Manager Allison Turcotte and Service Manager Trev Jones, is known for going above and beyond to keep AUI’s projects moving forward.
More Than Business: A Commitment to Community
What truly sets this partnership apart is a shared commitment to community. AUI’s leadership, inspired by the values of previous CEO Adam Triolo, believes in giving back—and 4Rivers shares that philosophy.
“They’ve supported us on the job sites, and they’ve supported us in the community,” Baca says about 4Rivers.
“That’s why we show up here every single day, to make sure we’re helping not only ourselves but our customers, and the community as a whole,” Turcotte says. “That’s really what construction is about.”
Looking Ahead
As AUI continues its work on the transformative I-25 project, the company does so with the confidence that comes from having a reliable partner like 4Rivers Equipment by its side. Together, they’re not just building roads—they’re building a stronger New Mexico.
Infrastructure Giants: AUI Inc. and 4Rivers Build a Stronger New Mexico
Since 1981, AUI Inc. has been a staple of New Mexico’s construction landscape. Today, with nearly 400 employees, AUI is tackling the most ambitious project in New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) history: the $255 million I-25 Improvement Project. To keep a project of this magnitude on track, AUI relies on a partnership that is over four decades in the making.
The Heartbeat of the I-25 Project
The I-25 corridor from Comanche to Montgomery is the lifeblood of Albuquerque’s daily commute. Managing the reconstruction of this vital artery requires a massive fleet of high-performance machinery. For AUI, that "heartbeat" is provided and maintained by 4Rivers Equipment.
Featured Fleet on I-25:
- 644 Wheel Loaders: Essential for material handling and site prep in high-traffic zones.
- 470 Excavators: The heavy lifters capable of the massive earthmoving required for NMDOT's largest-ever project.
- Mixed-Fleet Support: AUI Executive VP Sam Baca notes that 4Rivers' commitment goes beyond John Deere; they provide critical repairs even on non-Deere equipment to ensure the project never stops.
Values That Run Parallel
What transforms a vendor into an "extension of the business"? For AUI and 4Rivers, it’s a shared set of values that dates back to the early 80s.
“It’s easy to partner with a company when their values run parallel with yours. We don’t just see 4Rivers as a vendor—we see them as an extension of our business and part of our family.” — Sam Baca, AUI Executive VP
The 4Rivers Support Team:
- Allison Turcotte (Territory Manager): Works closely with AUI leadership to ensure fleet needs are met before challenges arise.
- Trev Jones (Service Manager): Leads the technical team that keeps AUI's machinery running efficiently and effectively.
A Shared Commitment to Community
Beyond the concrete and steel of the I-25 project, both AUI and 4Rivers are deeply rooted in the Albuquerque community. Inspired by the legacy of former CEO Adam Triolo, AUI prioritizes giving back—a philosophy 4Rivers echoes through local support and industry leadership.
As Allison Turcotte puts it, "That’s why we show up here every single day... to make sure we’re helping not only ourselves but our customers, and the community as a whole. That’s really what construction is about."
Common Questions About Large-Scale Infrastructure (FAQ)
What is the scope of the I-25 Comanche to Montgomery project?
This $255 million project is the largest in NMDOT history. It aims to improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and modernize the infrastructure of one of New Mexico's busiest highway segments.
How does 4Rivers support such a massive project?
Through a combination of Connected Support, rapid-response field service, and a flexible rental fleet. When a machine on a project this size goes down, the financial stakes are high, so 4Rivers prioritizes uptime above all else.
Can 4Rivers service non-John Deere machines for AUI?
Yes. 4Rivers is committed to the customer's total success. Our service departments are equipped to handle repairs on a variety of makes and models to ensure our partners' entire fleet remains operational.
How long has this partnership existed?
The relationship between AUI and 4Rivers Equipment began in the early 1980s, shortly after AUI was founded, and has grown alongside the infrastructure of New Mexico for over 45 years.
Building the future of New Mexico requires a partner you can trust. [Contact 4Rivers Equipment in Albuquerque] to learn how our decades of experience and commitment to excellence can support your next project, no matter the scale.
