Author
Kicking the can
After three years of short-term extensions, we finally have a highway bill, and that's a good thing. But I feel bad for the people at organizations like the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association and others who worked long and hard lobbying for something better. Many wanted a longer-term bill that would provide a much-needed increase in infrastructure investment. As it is, this new bill (MAP-21) provides funding level with the previous, and buys us just over two years -- barely long enough to give aggregate producers the confidence to make large capital investments. Perhaps more importantly, the bill does not answer the question of how to fund highway infrastructure going forward. An industry newsletter, Innovation Briefs, quotes former Gov. Ed Rendell, co-chairman of the Building America’s Future coalition, who says the bill lacks a "long-term sustainable and significant funding source." Pete Ruane, president of the American Road & Transportation Builders Association, comments, "The tough job of coming to grips with how to fund the nation’s investment in transportation over the… Keep Reading
Atlas Copco, ABB collaborate on underground mobile equipment
Atlas Copco’s Underground Rock Excavation division and ABB have come up with what they say is the world’s first system designed to deliver on the vision of a fully integrated underground hard rock mine. The new technology is based on integrating data via a WiFi network from Atlas Copco’s advanced underground mobile mining equipment with ABB’s Process Control System 800xA, all in real time. The system gives personnel in a control room environment a complete overview of activities, allowing them to make informed decisions regarding the production flow. Location tracking, equipment performance, production status and environmental impact are a few of the outcomes the joint project was able to demonstrate. Ed Tanner, business line manager for Atlas Copco underground rock excavation equipment in the United States, said, “Our mine operators want a compelling, all-in-one information center to optimize the use of our machines underground. That’s what this new system can give them.” Patrik Westerlund, product manager for mine automation at ABB, added, “We all agree that the mines of the… Keep Reading
Cemex drops plans for Vegas-area gravel operations
The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports that one of the companies eyeing plans for a gravel operation at Sloan Hills in the south Las Vegas Valley is no longer pursuing the controversial project. Stephen Wild, Cemex's Southern Nevada district manager, wrote to the Clark County commissioner that the company is not pursing Sloan Hills but is looking into other mining sites. According to the report, Cemex officials said the company was responding to protests that were mounted by residents of housing developments within a few miles of the proposed operation. Congressional lawmakers, including Sens. Harry Reid and Dean Heller of Nevada, had introduced bills to block the project. The report says Cemex was one of two companies that had applied for licenses to extract aggregates from the site. Service Rock Products, which has corporate offices in Southern Nevada, also applied, and its application is reportedly still active. Keep Reading
First-quarter aggregate production up 9.7 percent
An estimated 216 million metric tons (Mt) of crushed stone were produced and shipped for consumption in the United States in the first quarter of 2012, an increase of 9.4 percent compared with that of the same period of 2011. The estimated annual output produced for consumption in 2011 was 1.14 billion metric tons (Gt), a slight decrease compared with that of 2010. The estimated U.S. output of construction sand and gravel produced and shipped for consumption in the first quarter of 2012 was 136 Mt, an increase of 10 percent compared with that of the same period of 2011. The estimated annual output produced for consumption in 2011 was 802 Mt, a slight increase compared with that of 2010. The estimated U.S. output of construction aggregates produced and shipped for consumption in the first quarter of 2012 was 352 Mt, an increase of 9.7 percent compared with that of the same period of 2011. The estimated annual output produced for consumption in 2011 was 1.95 Gt, a slight decrease… Keep Reading
Lafarge Midwest celebrates land protection at Cave-in-Rock plant
The Illinois Association of Aggregate Producers reports that Lafarge Midwest, Inc. celebrated its protection of some of Illinois’ highest-quality limestone natural communities with students from Hardin County High School. “These areas owned by Lafarge Midwest represent living museums of our natural heritage,” says Jody Shimp, Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) regional biologist. "[IDNR] applauds Lafarge Midwest’s commitment to protecting these limestone natural communities.” Students from Hardin County High School toured the Cave-in-Rock plant and Lafarge Limestone Glade Nature Preserve, then learned about conservation efforts and ate lunch at Cave-in-Rock State Park. During the event, biologists from the IDNR and the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) explained these areas are important to local wildlife because they support rare species that aren’t found elsewhere. Biologist Bob Lindsay, with IDNR, showed students live animals, including snakes, turtles and frogs, while Steve Widowski, a biologist with NWTF, explained how habitat can be improved for Illinois wildlife. Lafarge collaborated with the IDNR and the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission to dedicate Lafarge Limestone Glade as… Keep Reading
Deere makes changes to senior management team
As a result of the anticipated retirements of two executives, Deere & Company announced changes to its senior management team to enhance the company's ability to execute its business strategy and develop and broaden leadership talent. "Deere is a company well known for leadership development," said Samuel R. Allen, chairman and CEO. "As we continue to pursue our global aspirations, I am confident these leadership changes will ensure continued management effectiveness and improved organizational alignment as we work towards our 2018 growth targets." Allen said David C. Everitt, president of the agriculture and turf division, and James R. Jenkins, senior vice president and general counsel have agreed to communicate their retirement plans early so that Deere may begin a transition of their key roles in the organization. Allen said the following senior management assignments are made in response to these planned retirements and are effective September 1: James M. Field is appointed president, Agriculture & Turf Division – Americas, Australia and the Global Harvesting and Turf Platforms. Rajesh Kalathur is appointed senior… Keep Reading
Luck Stone, XTerra, team up for triathlon
As part of a three-year sponsorship that kicked off last year, Luck Stone will be presenting sponsor of the 14th annual XTerra East Championship off-road triathlon and trail running races June 9-10 in Richmond, Va. The company says it shares a common goal with XTerra to empower others to achieve their personal best in an outdoor rugged-terrain event and to honor the environment. Bob Grauer, president of Luck Stone, said, “We are inspired by XTerra’s athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. Their grit and determination to be the best in the world and to exceed their goals is something we admire and strive to emulate daily in our business.” Luck Stone’s commitment to XTerra, to the Richmond Community and to the Friends of James River Park remains stronger than ever, says the company. “We are thrilled to be partnering with XTerra on the East Championship and to bring elite athletes to a city that encourages healthy outdoor activities and environmental stewardship.” Grauer added. In partnership with the Friends of James River Park,… Keep Reading
Shareholders elect all Vulcan board nominees
Vulcan Materials Co. announced that, based on preliminary results, shareholders have re-elected the company's entire slate of director nominees. Vulcan directors Phillip W. Farmer, H. Allen Franklin, Richard T. O'Brien and Donald B. Rice each received "a substantial majority of votes" cast at the company's annual meeting. The company issued the following statement regarding the voting results: "We sincerely appreciate the support of shareholders throughout this process. Our board and management team are committed to enhancing value for Vulcan shareholders, including through the implementation of our Profit Enhancement Plan and Planned Asset Sales and by continuing to capture the benefits of our superior aggregates operations and operating leverage." In addition, Vulcan shareholders approved on an advisory basis the company's Executive Compensation Program, ratified the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the company's auditor and approved several advisory shareholder proposals voted on at the meeting. Keep Reading
ReichDrill Inc. signs Western U.S. distributor
ReichDrill Inc. announced the signing of a distribution agreement with Komatsu Equipment Co., a Utah-based distributor. The agreement appoints Komatsu Equipment as ReichDrill’s exclusive distributor for the company's line of blasthole and water-well drills. Komatsu Equipment’s territory will cover a large portion of the Western U.S. and includes Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico and North and South Dakota. Keep Reading
