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AGG1, World of Asphalt conclude successful San Antonio events
This year's AGG1 and World of Asphalt shows in San Antonio featured a record amount of exhibit space, as well as solid attendance for the first two days of the events. Also, a record number of tickets to AGG1 Academy were sold. "We've received excellent positive feedback on the shows' value to bring together so many qualified buyers and sellers in one place, and for the networking and dialog with peers from across North America and internationally," said Show Manager Rich Prausa. The co-located 2013 AGG1 Aggregates Academy & Expo and World of Asphalt Show & Conference were held March 19-21, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio. Near-record registered attendance topped 6,000 at close of the shows. Registrants came from all 50 states, eight Canadian provinces and 50 other countries worldwide. More than one-third were company presidents/owners, vice presidents, general managers or chief financial officers, and all together more than 84 percent of registrants were in managerial roles. The sold-out show floor covered a record 123,600… Keep Reading
Zelnak chosen for NSSGA’s top award
The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) named Stephen P. Zelnak Jr. as recipient of the 16th annual Barry K. Wendt Memorial Commitment Award for his dedication to the aggregates industry, his family and his community. Zelnak is chairman of the board, Martin Marietta Materials, and 2004 chairman of NSSGA. NSSGA President and CEO Gus Edwards, said, “In my 15-plus years with the association, I have personally witnessed Steve’s commitment to the association, the board and the aggregates industry. We are deeply thankful for his efforts at NSSGA and, undoubtedly, he has helped better every organization in which he has been involved." Zelnak entered the aggregates industry in 1974 with Birmingham, Ala.-based Vulcan Materials Co. His five-year tenure with Vulcan was followed by two years with Koppers Corp. in Pennsylvania. Zelnak joined Martin Marietta Corp. in 1981 as vice president of planning and business development for its aggregates company and was rapidly promoted to positions of increasing responsibility. He was appointed president of the aggregates company in 1982, elected… Keep Reading
Astec Industries announces leadership succession plan
The board of directors at Astec Industries Inc. has established a leadership succession plan in which it intends to transition the position of president and CEO to Benjamin G. Brock and the position of executive vice president and COO to Richard J. Dorris. Pursuant to the succession plan, J. Don Brock, who currently serves as company CEO, will continue to serve as chairman of the board. In addition, W. Norman Smith, who currently serves as president and COO, will transition to the role of vice-chairman of the board. The date of the final implementation of the succession plan, including the appointment of new executive officers, has yet to be determined, but is expected to be implemented prior to the end of the 2013 fiscal year. Commenting on the succession plan, Brock said, "I am continuing to work as my health permits. Personally, I hope to mentor Ben and Rick for the foreseeable future and look forward to their active role in managing and running our company." Keep Reading
Overdue recognition
For nearly 100 years, Pit & Quarry has reported on important innovations, followed the rise of companies and chronicled the growth of the aggregates industry – all of which is accomplished by individuals with a drive to succeed. These achievements are often recognized through awards given out by employers, local governments, media, and state and national associations. With the purpose of honoring “lifetime” achievement, Pit & Quarry has started the industry’s first Hall of Fame. We were happy to announce the inaugural class last month, and those individuals will be honored at a black-tie dinner and induction ceremony March 17 during the NSSGA convention and AGG1 show in San Antonio. The seven people being inducted have made important contributions to the industry through equipment innovation, process development, company building, association work – all important achievements in moving the industry forward and helping the people who work in it. The process to choose the inaugural class began with you – our readers. Many of you took the time to nominate individuals… Keep Reading
Haul truck operators’ bodies found
The bodies of two haul truck drivers were found over the weekend, after a landslide at a quarry in Quebec, Canada, buried the two workers. The Maskimo Construction sand-and-gravel operation is in L’Epiphanie, about 30 miles northeast of Montreal. The two operators -- a man and a woman -- were operating haul trucks when a 100-yd. crater opened under them, sweeping them into the pit. The Gazette, a Montreal newspaper, reports that investigators with both the Sûreté du Québec and Quebec’s workplace health and safety board (CSST) are investigating the incident, and that the quarry operator may face charges. Keep Reading
Rescue efforts now recovery efforts at Quebec quarry
The Gazette, a Montreal newspaper, reports that high winds on Thursday forced suspension of the search for two workers missing at a Maskimo Construction quarry in L'Epiphanie, Quebec. The man and woman were operating haul trucks when a 100-yd. crater opened under them, sweeping them into the pit. The Gazette reports that Sgt. Bruno Marier of the local police said this morning that the search-and-rescue mission is now a recovery operation. Keep Reading
Rescuers search for two buried in landslide at Quebec quarry
A landslide at the Maskimo quarry in L’Epiphanie, Quebec, Canada (near Montreal) buried two workers on Tuesday, and the search for them continues. The Gazette, a Montreal newspaper, reports that about 60 people are working to locate the missing man and woman. A third worker managed to jump free of his vehicle during the landslide and was rescued by helicopter. According to The Gazette, the workers were each operating haul trucks at the sand-and-gravel operation when a 100-yd. crater opened under them, and they were swept away. It is believed the female driver was still in the cab of her hauler at the base of the quarry. The cab of the missing male was found empty Tuesday afternoon, the newspaper said. Keep Reading
US aggregates production rose estimated 7.6 percent in 2012
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has released its 2013 Mineral Commodity Summaries, which include estimated numbers for 2012 aggregates production. Based on the estimates, U.S. aggregates production of 2.08 billion tons in 2012 was an increase of about 7.6 percent over 2011 numbers. The USGS reports the following: In 2012, crushed stone valued at more than $11 billion was produced by 1,550 companies operating 4,000 quarries, 91 underground mines, and 210 sales/distribution yards. Leading states, in descending order of production, were Texas, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Ohio, Illinois, Virginia, Indiana, Tennessee, Florida and North Carolina, which together accounted for one-half of the total crushed stone output. Of the total crushed stone produced in 2012, about 69 percent was limestone and dolomite; 14 percent, granite; 7 percent, traprock; 4 percent, sandstone and quartzite; and 6 percent, miscellaneous. It is estimated that 1.24 billion tons of crushed stone were consumed in the United States in 2012, an increase of 8.8 percent. Of the amount reported by use, 82 percent was used as construction material,… Keep Reading
The Wall Street Journal details Sany’s growth plans in US
The Wall Street Journal published an extensive article detailing Sany America’s plans to become a construction equipment leader in North America. Reporters James R. Hagerty and Colum Murphy wrote that Sany’s goal to be a bigger player globally in construction equipment means challenging long-established brands in the U.S. equipment market. “Sany is No. 6 on the latest ranking of the world’s biggest makers of construction equipment compiled by KHL Group, a publisher of construction magazines,” the article reads. “Sany executives say they are scouting for acquisitions and joint ventures to gain a broader product line, more sales and rental outlets.” Keep Reading
