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Volvo CE launches SmartCare customer support program
Volvo Construction Equipment launched its SmartCare, a customer support program that comes in three options – SmartCare Basic, SmartCare Plus and SmartCare Complete. According to Volvo, each option is customizable with customer service agreements and includes a wide range of support options to suit its customers’ needs. The company’s SmartCare Basic program comes standard with a broad range of Volvo Machines and includes Volvo Care regularly scheduled on-site visits from certified Volvo technicians. In addition, the basic program comes with a six-year subscription to Volvo CareTrack telematics, which provides operators with remote access to a variety of machine data, including fuel consumption, idle time, machine location, fluid levels and service alerts. The SmartCare Plus program includes all the perks of SmartCare Basic, but also includes a lifetime frame and structure warranty, dealer-provided report analysis using a Machine Tracking Information System, a customizable Customer Support Agreement and Volvo oil analysis. Finally, the SmartCare Complete program includes the benefits of SmartCare Plus, as well as a three-year bumper-to-bumper full machine warranty, ActiveCare… Keep Reading
NSSGA to host AGG1 mine geohazards webinar
The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) is set to host its AGG1 mining geohazards webinar June 25 at 1 p.m. Eastern. According to NSSGA, this webinar will focus on mining geohazard mitigation topics facing operations as well as remediation techniques. The webinar, presented by Dr. Martin Woodard of GeoStabilization International (GSI), will provide attendees with a better understanding of geotechnical considerations for highwall designs; highway/slope remediation techniques and investigation protocols; rockfall mitigation techniques such as stabilization and protection methodologies; and slop monitoring techniques. Attendees also will learn the steps to take when managing geotechnical hazards and how to develop remediation strategies for areas of concern. Registration is $49 for members and $99 for nonmembers per location. Keep Reading
Construction aggregates output up in first quarter of 2015
The estimated U.S. output of construction aggregates produced and shipped for consumption in the first quarter of 2015 was 389 million metric tons, an 8 percent increase from the first quarter of 2014, reports the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). During the first quarter of 2015, the estimated production-for-consumption of construction aggregates increased in seven of the nine geographic divisions compared to the same period in 2014, with the largest increases in percentages in the East North Central, the West North Central and the Mountain divisions. Also, production-for-consumption increased in 30 of the 43 states that were estimated, with Texas, California, Florida, Missouri and Washington being the five leading states. The estimated U.S. output of construction sand and gravel produced and shipped for consumption in the first quarter of 2015 was 159 million metric tons, a 9 percent increase compared to the same period in 2014. The production-for-consumption of construction sand and gravel also increased from the first quarter of 2014 in six of the nine geographic divisions, with the largest… Keep Reading
SME grows Thought Leaders podcast series
The Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME) added new installments to its Thought Leaders podcast series. According to SME, the series provides a forum for mining industry leaders to discuss their views on important topics regarding the industry. Additions to the podcast series include panelists from the SME Annual Conference & Expo’s keynote session, “The Mine of the Future: Forecasting opportunities and challenges for the global mining industry,” this past February. During one of the podcasts, Harry Conger, president of the Americas Division at Freeport-McMoRan and co-chairman of the “Creating Global Prosperity: The Campaign for Mining” initiative, discusses the technical, social and political aspects that are key to a successful operation. During another podcast, Barry Hudson, director of aggregates for northern Europe for HeidelbergCement, talks about the challenges of working in an industry undergoing fundamental changes, as well as mining expertise and skill sets required for fluctuating markets. He also touches on environmental stewardship and corporate responsibility. In conjunction with its goal to provide a growing library of mining… Keep Reading
EPA releases final waters rule
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its final Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule, which expands the federal government’s jurisdiction beyond legal limits but excludes existing quarry and construction pits, reports the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA). However, the rule will subject areas such as dry stream beds to permit requirements. “NSSGA members work diligently to protect our nation’s water resources, following existing federal, state and local laws,” says Mike Johnson, NSSGA CEO and president. “This rule will add significant costs to aggregates producers with little or no environmental benefit. The increased costs and delays will be passed along to the taxpayers through a higher price tag for infrastructure projects like highways.” To state its opposition to the expansion of EPA authority, NSSGA members met with EPA officials and submitted comments on the rule, says Pam Whitted, NSSGA senior vice president. Although NSSGA members are pleased about the rule’s exclusion of quarry and construction pits, the EPA failed to “add clarity when that was the rule’s intended… Keep Reading
FMI report indicates growth in nonresidential construction
According to FMI’s Q2 2015 Nonresidential Construction Index Report (NRCI), the nonresidential construction sector has grown at a solid pace the past 18 months despite rising costs of construction materials and labor as well as a decline in regional economics where most construction activity is taking place. FMI’s Q2 2015 NCRI reported at 64.9 – a number not far off from Q1’s reading of 64.8. However, the NRCI component for the overall economy dropped 1.9 points to 76.9 points this quarter. According to FMI, the index describes the current state of the nonresidential construction sector. Throughout Q2, improvements were seen in the panelists’ construction business, the nonresidential building construction market and the expected change in backlog. Despite the improvements, productivity remained flat at 51.0 and the cost of construction materials and labor dropped one point to 21.4. In addition, the report noted the most important factor characterizing “green construction” is lower energy costs, and only 17 percent of panelists have more than 50 percent of their projects in the “green”… Keep Reading
Superior hosts high school welding competition
Superior Industries hosted a high school welding competition at its headquarters in Morris, Minn. More than 60 students competed in the event, which was held at the headquarters’ campus weld training school. “It’s important for us to celebrate welding as a career choice and essential to connect our students to industries with welding career opportunities,” says Natasha Mortenson, the chief coordinator of the competition and high school teacher in the Morris, Minn., school district. During the competition, the students were given 35 minutes to weld a plate shaped into a “90” into another plate. They then had to weld pipe to one side of the plate and tube to the other side. The competitors were graded on proper weld bead placement, uniformity, blue print reading and other factors by a seven-person judging panel, says Dave Dybdal, Superior’s weld training instructor. The first place winner was awarded a new Lincoln Electric Welder, a welding helmet and one week of complimentary training at Superior’s welding school. The second place winner received a… Keep Reading
Terex MPS expands organizational support in North America, Latin America
Terex Minerals Processing Systems (Terex MPS) expanded its sales and support organization in North America and Latin America due to market growth and increased product development. Terex MPS named David Quail its market area director for the U.S. and Latin America, a newly created position. In this role, Quail will support market expansion and product development in North America and Latin America. He also will be responsible for the sales, technical support and aftermarket teams for North America and Latin America. Prior to this position, Quail served as director of screening media solutions at Metso. He also worked at Powerscreen prior to the 1999 Terex acquisition. In addition, the company appointed Zachary Richard as its regional sales manager and Dave Schuchmann as sales director for North America and Latin America. Richard spent the last five years of his career working for Aring Equipment, where he first worked as the Doppstadt specialist and then became territory manager. Schuchmann accepts his role as sales director after working at Terex MPS for a… Keep Reading
Obama expected to sign 2-month highway bill extension
The Senate passed a two-month highway bill extension, passing it on to President Barack Obama, who is expected to sign it before the May 31 deadline, reports The Hill. According to The Hill, both the House and Senate agree that they need to find a long-term solution to the highway bill. “Senate democrats want to get on a with a long-term solution, because we understand that you cannot have big league economic growth with little league infrastructure,” says Sen. Ron Wyden (Ore.), the top democrat on the finance committee. By passing the two-month extension, lawmakers didn’t have to come up with new cash for the Highway Trust Fund. In fact, the Transportation Department said that, as long as the highway policy was extended, the fund had enough money to last until the middle of this summer, says The Hill. Keep Reading
