January 2024 Vol. 79 No. 1
Business News
Business News
Aries Industries
ariesindustries.com
Aries Industries, the industry leader in state-of-the-art equipment for inspection and maintenance of underground infrastructure, has strengthened its western U.S. market reach with the addition of a three-location Colorado dealership.
Faris Machinery specializes in new and used heavy equipment for municipalities and construction operations. The company provides sales, rentals, service and training from dealerships in Commerce City, Colorado Springs and Grand Junction.
Now in its 70th year, since its founding in 1953, Faris Machinery has focused on long-term relationships created by providing specialized products from industry-leading manufacturers, and responsive after-sale support. The company offers tailored equipment financing and warranty repair. Its service departments are staffed with factory-trained technicians and provide field service trucks that respond 24/7.
The addition of Faris Machinery furthers the rapid growth of the Aries Industries dealer network, which has added over 14 dealers in North America, since 2019.
“While our footprint has grown dramatically in recent years, the process has been selective and diligent,” said Jim Kraschinsky, vice-president of Sales at Aries Industries. “Faris Machinery is a dealer who meets our exacting criteria to provide Aries customers in their region a great sales and service experience.”
CNH Industrial
cnhindustrial.com
CNH Industrial has completed its purchase of the global satellite navigation technology leader Hemisphere GNSS (Hemisphere), for a total consideration of $175 million.
This acquisition solidifies CNH’s in-house precision, automation and autonomy technology, and furthers the company’s vertical integration efforts to deliver cutting-edge core technologies to its customers’ fleets for top performance, combined with a smooth and seamless user experience.
With Hemisphere’s expertise and network, CNH is accelerating its strategic plan to attain leadership in automation technology, expedite delivery of a fully autonomous farming cycle, and extend and enhance automation and autonomy across a broad range of agriculture and construction applications.
CNH is devoted to customer-inspired innovation, making farming and building easier, more productive, and more sustainable by giving its customers smart machinery that helps them make informed decisions.
Bobcat
bobcat.com
Bobcat Company, a global compact equipment, innovation and worksite solutions brand, will expand its footprint with a new manufacturing facility in Monterrey, Mexico, anticipated to begin production in early 2026.
The approximately $300-million investment will expand Bobcat’s existing global footprint to create additional production capacity and manufacturing capabilities for select compact track and skid-steer loader models. The new facility is expected to create an additional 600 to 800 jobs in the region.
“As a global company with manufacturing facilities, offices, dealerships and customers across the globe, we have seen tremendous growth and increased demand for our products,” said Scott Park, Doosan Bobcat CEO and vice chairman. “We are excited to continue growing our footprint to meet demand for Bobcat solutions worldwide.”
At 700,000 square feet, the manufacturing facility is expected to increase Bobcat’s North American compact loader production capacity by 20 percent. It will feature areas for welding, painting and assembly, as well as an onsite warehouse and office space. Bobcat will implement state-of-the-art technology with an emphasis on quality, precision and energy efficiency.
The Monterrey location will manufacture Bobcat M-Series compact loaders for North American distribution. This strategic manufacturing capacity alignment will allow Bobcat to focus its industry-leading R-Series compact loader production at its Gwinner, N.D. facility. Also, its Dobris, Czech Republic facility will continue to manufacture M-Series loaders for the Europe, Middle East and Africa regions.
Bobcat will continue to focus on talent retention and hiring at all locations in support of continued expansion and growth.
“This new facility allows us to design a manufacturing space for maximum efficiency, quality and production output,” said Mike Ballweber, Doosan Bobcat North America president. “By growing our manufacturing footprint, we can also further optimize our other global facilities to improve our operational efficiency and enhance employees’ workspaces.”
This new location was selected after extensive review and consideration of expansions at existing Bobcat locations, along with the potential for new developments at locations across the globe. Monterrey was selected for its well-established industrial sector, skilled workforce, proximity to the U.S., cost competitiveness and strong business environment, among other factors.
Plastics Pipe Institute
plasticpipe.org
Plastics Pipe Institute’s (PPI) newest online course, “PEX Tubing for Water Service Line Applications,” is now available on the PPI eLearn channel.
This online course provides a self-directed learning opportunity for professionals in the plumbing and underground infrastructure industries. CEU credit will be awarded to those completing the ASPE-accredited course.
The course is based on requirements of the updated industry standard AWWA C904-22 Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Pressure Tube, 1/2 Inch Through 3 Inch for Water Service, the ANSI-approved standard for PEX tubing intended to deliver potable water into homes and buildings.
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law contains $15 billion for lead service line replacement (LSLR), and PEX tubing is an ideal material for that work,” said Lance MacNevin, P. Eng., director of engineering for PPI's Building & Construction Division.
“PEX tubing certified to AWWA C904-22 can help installers meet the rapidly growing need to replace lead pipes, as well as other metallic service lines. PEX is also ideal for new construction and is widely used for this purpose.
PEX tubing has been used for water service lines in North America for more than 25 years, providing safe delivery of potable water and protecting the health of building occupants.”
The one-hour long course has seven learning objectives:
- Discuss how the properties of PEX tubing can protect health, safety, and welfare of building occupants when used as water service lines and building supply lines.
- Describe PEX water service line standards and code compliance.
- List several joining systems that are approved for use with PEX water service tubing.
- Explain how to size PEX water service line tubing for reliable performance.
- Direct installers on correct installation techniques to ensure long-term safety and performance.
- Identify practical reasons to specify PEX water service line tubing as a replacement for lead and copper.
- Show how to access industry resources for additional material, design, and installation information.
The PPI BCD PEX Tubing for Water Service Line Applications eLearn course can be found here.
PPI also published a new document that offers a common basis and understanding to industry.
PPI TN-68, Historical Review of the PE 100-RC Concept – How PE4710 Compares to PE 100-RC, provides a perspective on the Slow Crack Growth (SCG) resistance requirements for the PE 100-RC designation, in comparison with the North American PE4710 designation.
“The PE 100-RC concept has been around since 2009,” stated Patrick Vibien, P.Eng., technical director, PPI, “but there is a lack of clarity to the implications of the designation and a lack of consensus on whether a comparable designation has value for the North American industry, given the already elevated SCG resistance requirements of PE4710.
“The development of the PE 100-RC designation was not due to documented performance issues with PE 100. This grade designation has been promoted internationally by the PE 100+ Association and is now being introduced into ISO and CEN standards. While PE compounds are fairly similar, the test methods and requirements for assessing the performance of the designations differ significantly.”
TN-68 can be found on the Technical Notes page of the PPI website: https://plasticpipe.org/PPI-Home/ALL-PPI-PUB/Technical-Notes.aspx
Volvo
volvoce.com
The Sweden-US Green Transition Initiative, a collaborative program founded by Business Sweden, the Embassy of Sweden in USA, the Swedish Energy Agency, and Sweden’s innovation agency Vinnova, has a new partnership to electrify the construction industry.
A milestone in the journey towards a more sustainable construction sector, the consortium is represented by industry leaders Atlas Copco Group, Husqvarna Construction and Volvo Construction Equipment.
With the goal of demonstrating the potential of electrified construction equipment, it will initially focus on the construction of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in the United States, utilizing exclusively electrified machines.
This marks the first-ever collaboration of its kind among these companies, showcasing their commitment to sustainability and innovation. These industry pioneers are at the forefront of developing cutting-edge electrified construction equipment, such as excavators, wheel loaders, portable air compressors, energy storage systems and concrete power cutters.
"The future of construction equipment is electric,” said Bert Derom, president of Atlas Copco Portable Air Division. “There may not be an electric alternative for every application yet, but in Atlas Copco Group, we already have a wide range of electric solutions available and are committed to further developments."
“We look forward to contributing our expert knowledge, along with equipment and diamond tools from the light construction industry, to support this journey toward creating low CO2 emission construction sites,” said Karin Falk, president, Husqvarna Construction.
“Volvo CE is advancing sustainable power in the construction industry with our lineup of low- and zero-emission heavy equipment, yet we know collaboration will be critical to bring about the type of holistic change that is truly needed,” said Ray Gallant, Volvo’s vice president, Product Management and Productivity.
Objectives of this Green Transition Initiative (GTI) are to position Sweden as a key partner to the United States in its climate transition, connect Swedish and U.S. stakeholders within the green energy ecosystem, and leverage opportunities in sectors such as electromobility, renewable energy, sustainable industry, and green buildings.
Schnabel Engineering
schnabel-eng.com
Schnabel Engineering, a leading provider of tunnel, dam, geotechnical and infrastructure engineering, acquired JCK Underground, a recognized leader in tunnel engineering. This strategic merger will bring significant value to clients through the combined resources, expertise, and experiences of two engineering firms that share a commitment to excellence.
The merger will result in an expanded depth of resources and a broader range of capabilities, while maintaining a collaborative and agile approach to projects that clients have come to expect. Combining the companies better positions the team to adapt to the evolving needs of the tunnel engineering and construction industry, while continuing to improve service to clients.
The core of this merger is the shared vision to develop and foster strong relationships with clients. Schnabel and JCK understand that building trust and rapport promotes successful completion of complex underground projects and leads to long-term partnerships. Both firms have established themselves as trusted advisors, known for their ability to provide valuable advice and guidance at elevated levels.
NUCA of Iowa
nucaofiowa.com; nuca.com
A new Trench Training Site, in Urbandale, Iowa, will help play a crucial role in enhancing the safety of industry employees who work in subsurface excavations, and help prepare those in the state who are leading the rescue at any accident scene.
The Trench Training Site, made possible, in part, by a generous donation from NUCA of Iowa, represents a significant leap forward in ensuring the safety and preparedness of the region’s emergency responders. The state-of-the-art facility boasts advanced features and scenarios that allow first responders to simulate real-life trench emergencies, enabling them to train effectively and respond with safe precision.
NUCA’s experienced contractors assisted with the layout and design of the structure. The utility construction workers safely excavated the structure’s foundations, placed, and filled the concrete wall forms for the multiple below-grade trench training structures, and supplied the precast manholes located carefully around the facility.
Iowa-member contractors also installed the subdrainage system and the rock backfill, finishing off the professional construction by performing final grading of the site.
“Trench safety is one of the single largest areas of focus for our members,” said Kim Frey, NUCA of Iowa’s executive director. “Our members and their hard-working employees recognize the inherent risks associated with underground utility work.
Founded in 1964, the National Utility Contractors Association represents almost 2,000 U.S. utility and excavation contractors, manufacturers, and supplier businesses who provide the materials and workforce to build and maintain our nation’s intricate network of water, sewer, gas, telecommunications, and electric infrastructure.
Tindall Corp.
tindallcorp.com
Tindall Corporation, a leading provider of precast, prestressed concrete solutions, celebrated 60 years in business by hosting events at each of its locations to commemorate Tindall’s growth and many accomplishments.
William “Bill” Lowndes established Tindall in 1963, and over six decades, the company has gained a reputation for providing cutting-edge precast concrete infrastructure and building system solutions across North America. Lowndes set clear values early on, and those have not changed since the beginning. The team’s focus on integrity, humility, family, can-do attitudes, and positive growth propels the company toward success.
Several highlights from Tindall’s 60-year journey were key to its current success. Between 1986-2008, the company expanded to include facilities in four additional states, beyond its founding location in South Carolina: Georgia, Virginia, Mississippi, and Texas. Another milestone was Tindall’s introduction of T-SLAB in 2019, which paved the way for total precast designs, mid- to high-rise construction, and new customization opportunities.
Bowman
bowman.com
Bowman Consulting Group Ltd., a national engineering services firm delivering infrastructure solutions to customers who own, develop and maintain the built environment, completed several acquisitions.
- Dennis Corporation, headquartered in Columbia, S.C., supports public and private-sector clients, delivering general civil infrastructure planning and design; program and construction management and oversight; environmental and geotechnical services for traffic and transportation; intelligent transportation systems (ITS); aviation, water resources and public sector facilities.
- Reno-based engineering firm CFA Inc. provides a mix of civil engineering, planning, surveying, mapping, and remote sensing to a mix of public and private sector customers. It works on projects involving public works and utility infrastructure, traffic and transportation management, data centers, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, hospitality venues, and recreational complexes.
- Blankinship & Associates, a Davis, Calif.-based environmental sciences and engineering firm, offers water resources services, natural resource management services, permitting and compliance services, and specialized training. The firm serves both public and private sector clients, providing solutions to complex environmental and natural resources challenges that intersect the built environment and natural resources.
- High Mesa Consulting Group, a multi-disciplinary consulting firm based out of Albuquerque, N.M., provides land and UAV (drone) based surveying, mapping, and geospatial services; sub-surface utility infrastructure engineering, inspection, and mapping; civil engineering; and planning services throughout New Mexico, Eastern Arizona, and Southwestern Colorado.
The firm also opened a new office in Orlando, Fla., its 15th in the state, that initially offers civil engineering and land development services, with plans to expand operations in the future. David Kelly leads the office as branch manager.
ASCE
asce.org
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) released a first-of-its-kind standard.
ASCE/COS 73-23: Standard Practice for Sustainable Infrastructure provides guidance for infrastructure owners to develop and implement sustainable solutions through a project’s entire life cycle. It is a non-mandatory, performance-based standard designed for civil infrastructure ranging from transportation projects to water systems to the energy grid, developed over a period of five years involving a multitude of diverse stakeholders.
“This is a transformational standard that, for the first time, will establish consensus guidance on how infrastructure owners should address sustainability in their projects,” said ASCE President Maria Lehman.
“As of early September [2023], there have been 23 confirmed weather/climate disaster events in the U.S., with losses exceeding $1 billion. That’s almost one every week and a half.
“Sustainability and resilience are more important than ever. Infrastructure owners and designers have a responsibility to develop and implement practices that promote sustainability and long-term reliability of infrastructure projects, while also being cost-effective and collaborative with community stakeholders,” she added.
The standard complements existing ASCE standards and tools like the Envision rating system.
Reduction of embodied carbon – referring to the greenhouse gas emissions stemming from the entire process of transporting materials, constructing, operating and maintaining an infrastructure project – is also a focus of the ASCE/COS 73-23 standard. There are a variety of methods and many trade-offs to consider when addressing these reductions, but the Standard encourages infrastructure owners to contemplate all of these factors in the planning of current and future assets.
To purchase the standard, use this link.
Stantec
stantec.com/en
Stantec, a global leader in sustainable design and engineering, has begun the final design phase of Segment B for the South Hillsborough Pipeline, with longtime client Tampa Bay Water.
Tampa Bay Water awarded the firm a contract amendment to include final design engineering and construction-management-at-risk (CMAR) support services, bringing Stantec’s total fees to US$14 million. With a construction cost of approximately US$100 million, Segment B will help meet the growing demand for potable water in Hillsborough County’s South-Central service area.
During the initial phase of the project, Stantec conducted a route study to determine the most feasible path for the pipeline and prepared preliminary designs. Following final design completion, the firm will provide CMAR and construction support services throughout construction.
Unprecedented population growth is driving this project as Hillsborough County, the fourth largest county in Florida, experienced a 24-percent growth rate since 2010 and a 1.5 percent increase in 2023, according to the U.S. Census data. The Tampa Bay Economic Development Council estimates the county will grow by a further approximate 8 percent by 2026.
To meet the rapid increase in water service demands of new residents, the South Hillsborough Pipeline project will deliver potable water to a new connection point with Hillsborough County and supply water to the growing area.
The Stantec-designed Segment B will account for eight out of 26 total miles of pipeline with a design life of more than 50 years. Segment B will connect to Segment A near Fish Hawk Boulevard and terminate at the County’s new point of connection. Up to 72-inch-diameter pipes will pass through urban and rural corridors, crossing a river, railroad, state and county freeways, and road intersections. Stantec is designing special tunneling sections as part of the project to mitigate effects on the local, rural environment and the public.
Henkel-Critica
henkel.com; critica.com
CUTLINE: Critica Infrastructure’s portfolio comprises composite wrap and reinforcement solutions, as well as insertion valves for oil and gas transmission, refining, chemical, and water supply systems.
Düsseldorf, Germany-based Henkel acquired U.S.-based Critica Infrastructure, a specialized supplier of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) composite solutions for the world’s most critical infrastructure, such as oil and gas transmission as well as municipal water supply systems. Active in many countries, with a strong focus on North America, Critica is expected to reach sales of around 100 million euros (around $110 million USD) in 2023.
With aging infrastructure and the increasing relevance of sustainability, demand for repair solutions that extend asset life is gaining importance. Therefore, maintenance and repair solutions for industrial and municipal applications are becoming increasingly significant.
While Henkel has been expanding its portfolio for MRO solutions over the past years, acquiring this attractive, adjacent business adds a large, innovative and certified portfolio of composite repair and reinforcement products for the industrial and municipal infrastructure market.
“As part of our strategic growth agenda, compelling acquisitions play a key role in actively shaping our portfolio,” said Henkel CEO Carsten Knobel. “This transaction is an important step to significantly strengthen our maintenance, repair and overhaul portfolio in a dynamically growing market by expanding our offering through innovative solutions in adjacent application areas.
“Our aim is to create a new platform that will enable us to add further adjacent businesses, stimulate further growth and enhance our position as global leader in the adhesive technologies market,”
The portfolio comprises composite wrap and reinforcement solutions as well as insertion valves for oil and gas transmission, refining, chemical, and water supply systems. The solutions are marketed under the brands CSNRI, Advanced Valve Technologies, Fyfe FRP and GeoTree Solutions.
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