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Polydeck receives certification for management systems
Polydeck Screen Corp., a manufacturer of screen media solutions for the aggregate, coal and mining industries headquartered in Spartanburg, S.C., received ISO 9001:2008 Certification for Quality Management Systems throughout its North American operations. The certification, issued by accredited third party auditing organization NSF-ISR, recognizes that a company continually meets the International Organization for Standardization’s (ISO) quality standards for delivering services that meet and/or exceed customer needs and expectations. The ISO is a network of national standards institutes from 163 countries that work in partnership with international organizations, governments, industries and consumer representatives. “Our mission – since our founding and into the future – is providing effective screen media solutions through outstanding products, service and support,” says Polydeck President Peter Freissle. “To be at the forefront in achieving this significant ISO 9001:2008 certification milestone is a true testament to our skilled employees and their dedication to quality and excellence.” Founded in 1978, Polydeck offers over 1,000 screen media design options for customers. Its 250 employees focus on quality, innovation, service, support… Keep Reading
Hyundai names national sales manager
Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas named Tom Owens its national sales manager. Based at the company’s North American headquarters in Norcross, Ga., Owens will be responsible for the company’s construction equipment sales teams. Owens has an agricultural engineering degree from Iowa State University and has held a number of sales, marketing and dealer development positions for global OEMs. “Tom brings valuable experience and a renewed focus on sales and market share to our distribution network,” says M.S. Kang, president of Hyundai. “We are happy to have him as part of the Hyundai team.” Hyundai provides its customers earthmoving and material handling equipment, including hydraulic excavators, wheel loaders, and electric and diesel forklifts. Photo: Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas Keep Reading
April construction starts rise 10 percent
According to Dodge Data & Analytics, the value of new construction starts in April increased 10 percent from March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $698.7 billion and a Dodge Index of 148. The increase can be attributed to strength in the nonresidential building sector as well as two large projects – a $8.1 billion petrochemical plant in Louisiana and a $1.2 billion office/retail high-rise in New York. In April, nonresidential building surged forward 58 percent to $288.9 billion, with much of the increase coming from the manufacturing plant category, which rose 516 percent. The commercial building group grew 11 percent and the office building category rose 50 percent. Also, store construction improved 2 percent and warehouse construction climbed 17 percent, while hotel construction dropped 23 percent. In addition, the institutional building group grew 7 percent, with educational facilities rising 9 percent, the transportation terminal category growing 33 percent, health care facilities increasing 18 percent, and the amusement and recreational category advancing 15 percent. Despite this, public buildings were… Keep Reading
Terex Finlay appoints global business development and sales director
Terex Finlay appointed Rik Kiddle as its global business development and sales director. In this role, Kiddle will be responsible for driving business growth, increasing market share, and identifying and developing new market opportunities on a global basis. In addition, he will lead the sales, marketing and distribution development teams to drive new product development, while working closely with the company’s aftermarket and engineering departments. Prior to this position, Kiddle served at JCB for 10 years, where he held a variety of export sales and marketing positions. Most recently, he was responsible for the company’s industrial business and promoted the JCB Teletruk. He also worked in the waste, recycling and demolition industries for JCB, where he developed the JCB Wastemaster range of products. “The appointment of Rik is a welcome addition to our team and significant milestone in our continued growth and global expansion plan,” says Paul O’Donnell, global business line director at Terex Finlay. “Rik understands the complexity, has vast experience in developing, nurturing and growing a global dealer… Keep Reading
Cat rolls out CT680 vocational truck
Caterpillar launched its CT680 vocational truck, a Class 8 set-forward-axle model featuring an ergonomic cab, a parabolic taper leaf suspension and a tuned cab air suspension system. According to the company, the new truck handles heavy loads and tough applications without sacrificing comfort and appearance. Powered by a Cat CT Series Vocational Truck Engine, the truck has six forward speeds and one reverse, as well as a Cat CX31 Automatic Transmission that delivers power shifting and improved fuel economy. The truck also has a new, rugged exterior that features composite halogen headlights, an integrated fiberglass grille surround and a dual external air cleaner option. Its redesigned cab includes tuned cab air suspension, premium grade sound insulation, and a routing and clipping wire system. Customers also have the option to choose from truck or tractor configurations and two exterior trim levels – L and LG – depending on their style and serviceability needs. The CT680 comes standard with the company’s asset and fleet management tool, Product Link. According to Caterpillar, customers… Keep Reading
House passes 2-month transportation spending extension
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a two-month transportation spending extension 387-35, delaying decisions regarding long-term transportation funding until the Highway Trust Fund runs out in July, reports Reuters. The measure will now be sent to the U.S. Senate for approval. The current highway program is due to expire May 31. According to Reuters, the two-month extension resulted from lawmakers’ inability to agree on funding for a six-year transportation bill that would cost nearly a half trillion dollars. The House’s transportation spending extension relies on money still in the Highway Trust Fund, says Reuters, requiring no offsetting savings and avoiding disruptions to job sites and road construction if approved by the Senate and President Barack Obama. Because of rising vehicle fuel economy, fewer miles driven and construction cost inflation, the fund has experienced a number of shortfalls, reports Reuters. In addition, lawmakers have ruled out implementing a gas tax increase despite support from the trucking and industry groups. State transportation officials and lawmakers have expressed that short-term solutions may keep… Keep Reading
National Mining Hall of Fame announces 2015 inductees
The National Mining Hall of Fame & Museum announced its 2015 hall of fame inductees and Prazen Award winner. Selected by the National Mining Hall of Fame’s board of governors, the inductees represent technology, management, mineral policy, education, health and safety aspects of the mining industry. According to the museum, the inductees were selected for being visionaries, leaders, educators and ambassadors. Joining 227 other mining industry leaders, the 2015 inductee class includes Dr. Frank Aplan, T S Ary, Ralph Bailey, John Campbell Greenway and Edward Steidle. Dr. Aplan, an authority on flotation, is known for his studies of the wetting of solids and their control through the absorption of surfactant films. Recognized for his studies of the processes involved in the preparation of coal and mineral ores, Aplan also studied the atomic defects on properties and behavior of solid-liquid interfaces. Ary, a recognized authority on mineral policy, served on the U.S. State Department Task Force to the United National Law of the Sea Convention and on the Mineral Advisory Committee… Keep Reading
Martin Engineering launches custom manufacturing process
Martin Engineering launched a new manufacturing process for building its industrial vibrators. The company has already completed two cells, which are operating in the U.S. and Asia. According to Martin Engineering, the process delivers repeatable close-tolerance results for product uniformity, cuts manufacturing time and reduces the physical demands on employees. “Our goal is to avoid a business model of centralized manufacturing and then trying to sell products across the globe,” says Robert Nogaj, vice president of operations at Martin Engineering. “This new process gives us the capability to centralize the innovation and design capabilities for our vibrators in the U.S. and manufacture them to the highest quality control standards at the local level.” The company’s manufacturing process allows customers to choose custom designs, says Nogaj, which allows them to maximize value without extended lead times. Using new lifting methods to ease the movement of heavy cases, the manufacturing process also reduces strain on employees. In addition, run testing and electrical confirmation are also now done in-line during the process. “The… Keep Reading
WPT Power appoints engineering manager
WPT Power Corp. appointed Robert De Hoyos as its U.S. operations engineering manager. Prior to this position, De Hoyos served as a mechanical engineer for Magic Aire, United Electric Company. Before that, he was chief engineer at Washex Manufacturing overseeing production and R&D design projects. According to WPT, De Hoyos has 21 years of manufacturing experience and specializes in new product design, drawing, routing and traditional engineering department functions. He also taught mechanical design classes at Midwestern State University as well as training courses in geometric dimensioning and tolerancing. “Robert's experience, work ethic and vast knowledge has already made a positive impact,” says Bryan Schaffner, chief engineer at WPT Power. "We're excited to have Robert on our team, and our customer's will reap the benefits of our ever-strengthening engineering department!" WPT Power Corp. manufactures clutches, brakes, power take-offs, hydraulic pump drives and winch products. It also manufactures pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical and spring set controlled power transmission products and systems for the industrial, energy, forestry, marine, agriculture, steel processing, mining, dynamometers,… Keep Reading
