March 2015, Vol. 70, No. 3
Features
ShowStoppers Awards A First At UCT
On the second day of the 2015 Underground Construction Technology International Conference & Exhibition, five exhibitors received an unexpected but pleasant surprise.
Representatives of each company were notified that their exhibits had been named “ShowStoppers” in UCT’s new program to recognize exhibitors that feature exciting new products or have a particular striking and impressive display.
The 2015 winners were Diamond Drilling Industries, Geneva Polymer Products, ReachMaster, Tiger Industrial Rentals and TT Technologies.
Winners were selected by a panel of five industry veterans knowledgeable in the varied technologies employed in underground construction and rehabilitation. Judges walked the exhibit floor during exhibit hours on the first day of the show looking for exhibits that stood out and prompted attendees to stop to learn more about the exhibitor’s products or services.
Factors influencing selection of the winners included exhibit design that stood out to attendees, actual products or services being displayed and the level of interest the display generated.
Diamond Drilling Industries (ddbits.com). This exhibit featured a large number of bits displayed in a manner that drew attention while at the same time allowing space for visitors to learn about the products. The company offers a wide selection of PDC (polycrystalline diamond compact) drill bits for several markets, but for UCT emphasized PDC bits and hole openers for horizontal directional drilling. PDC synthetic diamond bit cutters are effective at drilling rock formations and are extremely durable. Diamond Drilling Industries promotes its PDC products as outperforming and outlasting other bits in the industry.
Geneva Polymer Products (genevapolymerproducts.com). The Armorock corrosion resistant polymer concrete manhole system won the award for Geneva. Installation of an Armorock polymer manhole structure is similar to that of a conventional manhole, but its lighter weight facilitates improved handling, requires no welding and linings and coatings are unnecessary. The structure is corrosive resistant throughout and can be scratched, dented and withstand routine maintenance procedures without compromising its chemical resistance and has a 50-year bonded warranty.
ReachMaster (www.reachmaster.com). ReachMaster brought the Mighty Crane to UCT, and that product was judged a showstopper. The compact size of a track-mounted Mighty Crane allows it to work in areas where larger equipment can’t go, and is surprisingly powerful with a lifting capacity of 6,670 pounds and a lifting height of 28 feet, 6 inches (Model CR285D). Powered by a Tier 4 compliant engine, two models are available with a five-section full automatic boom, four falls, two falls and one fall hook block plus hydraulic outriggers. Remote control is available as an option. Mighty Cranes are applicable for handling pipe on pipeline construction projects.
Tiger Industrial Rentals (www.tigerindustrialrentals.com). Stepping inside the booth, visitors were standing on the showstopper Ecomat. The three-ply mats are made of a highly engineered formulation of high molecular weight, high density polyethylene with impact strength and physical properties that contain UV and anti-static inhibitors. Ecomats do not absorb water and do not float. They are lighter than oak, sections are bolted together and have a traction grain surface matter. They are used for temporary roads and for underground construction such as placement in of pits. Standard Ecomats are 8 by 16 feet with larger crane mats and custom sizes available. They are available for sale or rent.
TT Technologies (www.tttechnologies.com). The use of space and arrangement of equipment displays won TT Technologies a showstopper award. Even with large and small equipment, the exhibit provided plenty of open space for visitors to move around displays and talk to booth personnel. A product that drew judge’s attention was the Mini-Grundotugger mini-winch pull and split system for gas service lines. TT Technologies offers a wide range of pipe bursting, pipe ramming, horizontal boring and directional drilling products and support equipment.
ShowStopper winners received a special plaque which they displayed in their exhibits for the remainder of the show. This program will become an annual event at UCT.
UCT is the only annual industry event that brings together contractors, utility providers, consulting engineers, manufacturers and service providers in a business and educational environment.
The 2016 UCT show is scheduled for Feb. 3-5 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
UCT, (281) 558-6930, ext. 220, www.uctonline.com
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