April 2024 Vol. 79 No. 4
Business
Business news
United Rentals
United Rentals Inc. introduced a next-generation access management solution that seamlessly manages jobsite and equipment access through RFID badges. This single-badge, multi-use solution can increase job-site visibility and control for safer, more efficient operations.
Next-generation access management is compatible with a variety of third-party workforce management solutions that register workers and issue RFID badges for site entry. Once connected, workers are authenticated for entry at job-site turnstiles and vehicle access control points.
United Rentals has next-generation access management solutions available for rent as part of its one-stop site mobilization solution that includes fencing, restrooms, offices and temporary power. The same RFID badge can be used for equipment access management, where access control keypads are installed, creating a seamless end-to-end access management solution.
This new solution augments United Rentals’ PIN code-based equipment access solutions.
“Our Next-Generation Access Management Solution connects workers and equipment to help our customers work more safely, productively and sustainably,” said Tony Leopold, senior vice president of Strategy & Digital, United Rentals. “We are differentiating our offerings by connecting and managing data from the world’s largest fleet of over 360K telematics-enabled pieces of equipment.”
United Rentals' cloud-based worksite management platform, Total Control, connects job-site access with equipment access management through user profile data. Administrators can upload user information from workforce management systems and grant access to specific pieces of equipment or equipment category classes. Users can also view real-time and historical insights into equipment usage.
“Access management has become a key component of job-site safety and productivity, especially as we see projects and teams growing larger and more complex,” said Mike Durand, executive vice president and COO, United Rentals. “We’re committed to helping our customers ‘Work United’ through innovative solutions like Access Management.”
Woolpert
The Virginia Beach Public Works Operations Group has selected Woolpert for its annual stormwater engineering services contract. Woolpert is providing consulting, engineering, surveying, architecture, GIS, and related services for the city’s wide range of stormwater infrastructure needs and initiatives. The contract must not exceed $10 million and is renewable annually for a total term of four years.
Project Manager Danny Maas said Woolpert’s experience providing full-service stormwater support specific to coastal regions, from floodplain analysis to pump station design to impervious surface mapping to emergency response, aligns well with the needs of this growing city.
“Virginia Beach is a very forward-thinking client with a highly efficient operational structure,” Maas said. “Flooding is the city’s top priority, and they have developed a flood protection program that supports the everyday needs of their stormwater operations group and neighborhood rehabilitation.”
Hitachi
In a strategic move to bolster support for dealers and customers, Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas opened a new, sustainable, state-of-the-art regional headquarters in Newnan, Ga. This adaptive-use facility will help propel the company’s growth in the Americas, facilitating the development and production of new machinery and elevating customer support.
Encompassing 88,128 square feet of office space and 27,686 square feet dedicated to conference, ConSite command center and training space, the headquarters has been designed to enhance creativity and inspire future growth.
This innovative space includes a robust compact and construction business network that establishes a direct link to the customer in North, Central and South America. Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas also is expanding sales of mining excavators for construction and quarry sites in addition to mining sites.
In addition to the new regional headquarters facility, Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas is also creating operating bases for parts remanufacturing and expansion of the rental business that will also provide the customer with additional support and options.
The campus spans 19 acres and was initially established as a wheel-loader assembly and manufacturing facility in 1987. Embracing sustainable practices, Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas opted for adaptive reuse principles in the development of the existing property.
Aries Industries
Aries Industries, an industry leader in state-of-the-art equipment for inspection and maintenance of underground infrastructure, has strengthened its western U.S. market reach by adding Kellar Equipment to its dealer network.
Based in Yucaipa, Calif., Kellar Equipment specializes in providing top-quality used construction equipment at highly competitive prices. Its offerings also include new vacuum and sweeping vehicles, plus a broad menu of rental equipment. Kellar Equipment is the sole authorized California dealer for X-Broom sweet sweepers, and sole southern California/Nevada dealer for VACALL vacuum trucks and sewer cleaners.
Kellar Equipment is a complete service center, as well, with a team of in-house metal fabricators, extensive parts inventory, and a complete machine shop. Financing services are readily available.
The addition of Kellar Equipment furthers the rapid growth of the Aries Industries dealer network, which has added over 15 dealers in North America since 2019. Kellar Equipment will serve Aries Industries customers in California and Nevada.
“We only partner with dealers who are as committed to outstanding customer service as we are,” said Jim Kraschinsky, Vice-President of Sales at Aries Industries. “While our footprint has grown dramatically in recent years, the process has been selective and diligent. Kellar Equipment is a dealer who meets our exacting criteria to provide Aries customers in their region a great sales and service experience.”
“We’re thrilled to add Aries Industries’ inspection and rehabilitation products to our core business of selling used and new construction and municipal vehicles, and providing top-quality service,” said Cy Kellar, owner of Kellar Equipment. “Products from Aries Industries represent a strategic expansion of our offerings.”
Oxford Plastics
A leading innovator and manufacturer of site safety equipment, Oxford Plastics, has revealed its most successful period to date, with a record-breaking turnover of $32 million.
Despite a dynamic global market, the U.K.-based company continued to expand into the tough USA market in 2022, with its innovative and durable site safety products, which present significant sustainability and carbon reduction benefits.
These products include the LowPro Trench Covers, road plates and temporary fencing.
The strategic recruitment of key positions, in both the U.K. and U.S., has played a pivotal role in Oxford Plastics' success. The team’s eexpansion has been concentrated across vital departments, including commercial, operations, logistics, and customer care. A total of 38 new hires brings diverse expertise, reinforcing the company's commitment to delivering industry-leading service and innovative solutions to its growing customer base.
With a focus on reducing the environmental impact, noise levels, and providing a safer, lightweight product to increase productivity, Oxford Plastics offers versatile and innovative solutions for the construction and utility industries. The company's flagship products – LowPro 23/05 composite road plate and LowPro 15/10 pedestrian trench cover with ADA ramps – are gaining attention in the U.S. market due to their safety, reliability, and eco-friendly features.
Currently, Low Pro 15/10 has been approved in New York City, Georgia State, Las Vegas, Chicago and Utilities Companies Con Edison, National Grid, People’s Gas, Pacific Gas 7 Electric and Atlanta Gas.
CASE
In celebration of the strength of its U.S. and Canadian dealer network, CASE Construction Equipment announced 10 winners of its new CASE Dealer Awards program, comprised of four award categories, which recognizes “the best of the best.”
Power Abe Award: Progressive Tractor & Implement
Also known as the CASE Dealer of the Year Award, the Power Abe Award is given to the dealer who is committed to building the CASE brand and delivers top performance in sales, parts, service and offering Capital financing products to their customers.
J.I. Case Award: Lee Tractor Co.
In recognition of CASE’s founder, who was resilient, customer-first and rooted in practical innovation, this year’s award is presented to the dealer with the greatest focus on technology (precision and connected services).
Building Community Award: GT Mid Atlantic
The heart of the CASE brand is building (and rebuilding) community. This award recognizes the dealer who goes above and beyond in exhibiting CASE's brand purpose.
Power Tan Awards are earned for high sales performance by product category.
- Backhoe Loader / Tractor Loader / Forklift: Bingham Equipment Company
- Skid Steer Loader / Compact Track Loader: Torgerson’s
- Dozer: Hills Machinery Company
- Motor Grader: Scott Equipment
- Compaction: Border Equipment
- Mini Excavator: Progressive Tractor & Implement
- Full Size and Midi Excavator: Progressive Tractor & Implement
- Wheel Loader: Hitrac
- Compact Wheel Loader: ASCO Equipment
Levine Leichtman
Levine Leichtman Capital Partners LLC, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm, has acquired USA Water from Warren Equity Partners, in partnership with management. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Headquartered in Rosenberg, Texas, USA Water is a leading provider of operations and maintenance (O&M) services for water and wastewater systems across the Southeast United States. Its non-discretionary services enable municipalities and utility districts to entrust their water infrastructure maintenance, asset management, and regulatory compliance needs to a professional partner of scale.
USA Water’s industry-leading technical expertise and comprehensive service, offering play a critical role in ensuring the integrity, safety, and reliability of clean, high-quality water access.
USA Water will continue to be led by CEO Jeff Haley and the existing executive team, who will maintain significant equity ownership in the company alongside LLCP.
Levine Leichtman Capital Partners is a middle-market private equity firm with a 39-year track record of investing across various targeted sectors, including franchising & multi-unit, business services, education & training, and engineered products & manufacturing.
Bowman
Bowman Consulting Group Ltd. acquired Trudell Consulting Engineers and its wholly owned Vermont Underground Locators subsidiary (collectively TCE), a multi-disciplinary engineering firm located just outside Burlington in Williston, Vermont.
Since 1975, TCE has continued to evolve and adapt to the changing economy and challenges of an increasingly complex regulatory world. The company develops successful life-cycle project designs that assist its clients achieve their financial and operational goals, from initial concept through final construction. Specializing in site/civil engineering, environmental, landscape architecture, and land surveying – including utility locating for a variety of clients throughout Vermont – TCE clients span the public and private sectors.
“TCE is a dynamic engineering firm in a growing market with an extremely talented collection of professionals,” said Gary Bowman, chairman and CEO of Bowman. “While Burlington and the larger Vermont market is new territory for us, TCE will very much complement and extend our existing presence throughout northern New England and Upstate New York.”
Financed with a combination of cash, seller notes and equity, the acquisition falls within previously discussed target multiples and operating metric ranges and is expected to be immediately accretive. The company anticipates the acquisition will initially operate at an annualized net service billing run rate of approximately $4.5 million.
CNH
Construction equipment owners, contractors, or dealers, who take advantage of CNH Reman parts, benefit from reduced downtime, superior parts, and drop-in assemblies, backed by an industry-leading warranty. In other words, they minimize their total cost of ownership.
“Reman is vital to that because our parts are 30-35 percent less than new, which means when you use our parts, you’re going to have a lower total cost of ownership over the lifecycle of the machine,” Jamie Collins, CNH Reman director of sales and marketing.
In fact, CNH Reman helps customers limit their risk through its industry-leading warranty program with coverage up to 24-months on parts, regardless of dealer or owner installed. First implemented in 2021, the extended warranty program covers remanufactured parts for Case IH, Case Construction, New Holland Agriculture and New Holland Construction equipment.
Contractor Solutions
Contractor Solutions added Thunder Creek to its specialty sales and rental business for underground construction.
Serving utility contractors and other businesses in Des Moines, Omaha, Tulsa, Kansas City and St. Louis, Contractor Solutions will carry Thunder Creek’s lineup of No-HAZMAT fuel and service solutions.
Thunder Creek designs and manufactures innovative, premium fueling and preventative maintenance solutions that are used in a variety of industries including construction, roadbuilding, oil and gas, and utility construction. This includes the original, industry-leading, No-HAZMAT Fuel & Service Trailer (MTT), the Multi-Tank Oil Trailer (MTO), and Service and Lube Trailer (SLT) as well as their medium duty truck upfit counterparts, the No-HAZMAT Fuel & Service Truck Upfit (MTU) and the Service and Lube Truck Upfit (SLU).
“Underground construction, like other markets we serve, is very specialized and can rely on extensive networks of pumps, generators and lighting, in addition to the excavation equipment used on site,” said Larry Lea, vice president of sales, Thunder Creek Equipment. “Dave Hehr and his team at Contractor Solutions have fully embraced the specialization found in his clients’ business and we’re honored to be a part of the lineup he brings to market.”
PPI
Plastics Pipe Institute Inc. (PPI) published a new technical document that addresses the critical differences between crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) tubing systems with polybutylene (PB) systems. The initiative was deemed necessary to eliminate any confusion between the two products because of problems associated with polybutylene, which was discontinued.
Prepared by PPI’s Building & Construction Division, PPI TN-31 Differences Between Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) and Polybutylene (PB) Piping Systems for Potable Water Plumbing Applications discusses the advantages of modern PEX tubing and fittings, as compared with PB tubing and fittings, which were last sold in the U.S. during the late 1990s.
“In short, PEX is not polybutylene,” explained Lance MacNevin, P. Eng., director of engineering for PPI's Building & Construction Division, “but we have found that some misunderstanding still persists in the industry.
“Polybutylene tubing systems were introduced into North America in the 1970s, but by the 1980s some PB systems experienced premature failures in potable water distribution systems. Many failures were attributed to the polyacetal material, also called polyoxymethylene or POM, used to mold the plastic fittings used in those systems. Some failures of the PB tubing material itself were attributed to insufficient resistance to hot chlorinated water or inadequate resistance to slow crack growth.”
PEX systems have several key differences and advantages over the discontinued polybutylene pipe components:
- PEX is a crosslinked material, adding greater long-term stability against internal pressure at high temperatures, improved toughness, and reduced creep (material flow) under compressive loads at fitting connections.
- PEX tubing has thicker walls than PB tubing. All PEX tubing has a standard dimension ratio (SDR) of 9, vs. SDR 11 for PB. The thicker wall of PEX gives better mechanical strength and resistance to damage.
- Mandatory chlorine resistance testing, according to ASTM Test Method F2023, requires that all PEX tubing used for potable water applications shall be tested to meet a minimum extrapolated lifetime of at least 50 years. Such testing was not in place for polybutylene tubing.
- PEX systems do not use polyacetal insert fittings. PEX systems for potable-water plumbing use fittings made from lead-free brass or bronze, copper, stainless steel, or polymers such as polysulfone (PSU) and polyphenylsufone (PPSU), both of which have demonstrated very high levels of chlorine resistance.
According to product standards from ASTM, AWWA, CSA, and NSF, the testing requirements for today’s PEX systems are far more stringent than for PB systems of the past. Third-party certification agencies also require strenuous quality control testing for PEX systems, including frequent unannounced inspections of plants and annual monitoring and re-testing.
PPI TN-31 contains the list of historical standards for PB piping systems plus a comparison of PB and PEX crimp ring fitting dimensions. Access the full content here and go to the ‘publications’ tab, then click on BCD Technical Literature.
DEVELON
For over 100 years and across five generations, DEVELON dealer Feenaughty Machinery has consistently delivered exceptional service to its customers. Now the company celebrated the opening of its third location, in Woodinville, Wash.
Based in Portland, Ore., Feenaughty Machinery has always catered to customers as far north as Seattle. With the addition of the new store, customers in and around the Seattle markets can anticipate enhanced sales, parts and service support from a local dealership.
The newest Woodinville location is authorized to sell DEVELON articulated dump trucks, wheel loaders, log loaders, dozers, and crawler, wheel, and mini excavators.
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