In a world where large pieces of construction equipment often herald destruction and demolition, one man is doing his part to turn the tide. Mike Jahnigen, founder and owner of Sun Marine Maintenance, leaves destruction to the forces of nature. His work begins after the damage is done. For more than 20 years, Jahnigen has been a marine contractor, working to prevent or restore damage to sensitive coastal areas in Delaware.

Sun Marine Maintenance acquired its first Daewoo excavator almost eight years ago, and began using the machine to aid in erosion prevention efforts. That first excavator was perfect for hauling the sometimes 5-metric-ton (6 ton) stones required for rock revetment and the construction of sea walls. Heavy stones placed on a slope along coastal areas can dramatically dissipate wave energy, helping to minimize the effects of water erosion on beachfront property.

“Before I discovered Daewoo excavators, I was using a combination of cable cranes and large bed trucks to haul these massive stones,” Jahnigen explained. “That way was painstaking and time consuming — I wanted a new way and to get that, I needed a durable machine with a tremendous hauling capacity. My dealer at Chesapeake Supply & Equipment suggested that I try a Daewoo excavator. I’ve been a Daewoo user ever since. The excavator immediately improved San Marine’s performance and efficiency. Not only did it offer the heavy-duty hauling power we needed, but the machine proved durable enough to withstand the salt and sand abuse that comes with our extreme work conditions.”

Sun Marine Maintenance owns several Daewoo excavators, including a Solar 55, Solar 130 and Solar 330. Jahnigen said he’s loyal to the Daewoo brand for several reasons. Daewoo offers what he believes is a strong machine for an even stronger price.

Jahnigen said the machines are user-friendly and maintenance is easily accomplished. His excavators readily accommodate accessories and attachments. He also cites the parts supply and fulfillment process as a company strength.

Jahnigen began his career in contracting at his father’s marine construction company, Jaco Marine, in his teens. In 1974, at the age of 21, he founded Sun Marine Maintenance in Frankford, DE. Today, the company works along the Delaware coast from Wilmington to Annapolis.

“My company has been and always will be a company founded on dedication — to a cause and the people backing it. Most of my employees have company tenures that span more than a decade. My relationship with Daewoo is founded on a similar sense of dedication. I am dedicated to getting a job done, and Daewoo is dedicated to helping me get there,” Jahnigen said.

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