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Talbert Manufacturing adds area sales manager
Talbert Manufacturing hired Troy Geisler as an area sales manager for the Great Lakes region. Geisler has held various management, sales and customer service positions during his career, with a specific concentration on the trailer industry over the last 10 years. Most recently, he was a trailer sales and leasing representative at ILoca Services Inc. in Naperville, Ill. Keep Reading
Crushed stone production up in second quarter
An estimated 321 million metric tons (Mt) of crushed stone were produced and shipped for consumption in the United States in the second quarter of 2013, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The 321 Mt represent a slight increase compared with that of the second quarter of 2012. The estimated production for consumption in the first six months of 2013 was 533 Mt – a slight decrease compared with that of the same period of 2012. Also, USGS estimated U.S. output of construction sand and gravel produced and shipped for consumption in the second quarter of 2013 was 234 Mt. That's a slight decrease compared with the second quarter of the previous year. The estimated production for consumption in the first six months of 2013 was 375 Mt – also a slight decrease compared with that of the same period of 2012. In addition, an estimated 555 Mt of total construction aggregates was produced and shipped for consumption in the United States in the second quarter of 2013, according… Keep Reading
Nonresidential construction given a slight boost
FMI released its third-quarter Nonresidential Construction Index (NRCI) report, as panelists gave nonresidential construction a 0.2-point improvement over the second quarter for a score of 60.3. The score is the NRCI index's highest since the first quarter of 2009. According to a press release, costs related to construction materials and labor, as well as productivity, continue to keep the index from soaring. In addition, panelists for this quarter's NRCI suggest the uncertainty for investments is a result of the immigration and labor bills, delays in implementation of the new health care law and the impact of residential growth on nonresidential construction. These issues are causing the industry to sit back and wait to see the outcomes before making any risky investments, panelists say. Keep Reading
Program launches to address demand for equipment service technicians
Washburn Institute of Technology launched a full-time, one-year construction equipment and diesel technology-training program to provide equipment dealers and other service providers experiencing technician shortfalls with qualified diesel service technicians. The program, which Case Construction Equipment and The Victor L. Phillips Co. are sponsoring, kicked off Aug. 12 with 44 students at Washburn Tech's training lab on its main campus in Topeka, Kan. According to a press release, program graduates earn a technical certificate or an associate of applied science degree in diesel technology. “Demand is high for skilled technicians in this industry, and service plays a vital role in customer satisfaction for our dealers,” says Jim Hasler, vice president of Case Construction Equipment. “This program will help [Victor L. Phillips] and other dealers cultivate new talent capable of working on diesel machines of all brands and styles, equip workers with in-demand skills that can lead to an excellent living, and serve as a template for future partnerships between manufacturers, dealers and educational institutions.” Keep Reading
Cummins Pacific named Cummins distributor for California, Hawaii
Cummins Cal Pacific LLC and Cummins West Inc. announced plans to merge into a single entity on Sept. 28. The new entity, Cummins Pacific LLC, will serve California and Hawaii as the exclusive distributor for Cummins Inc. According to a press release, Cummins Cal Pacific and Cummins West are merging to streamline service, sales and parts resources for the territory. All 12 Cummins West and Cummins Cal Pacific service centers will operate under the new name. Keep Reading
Metso sells conveyor belt operations
ContiTech acquired Metso's industrial conveyor belt operations based in Helsinki, Finland. The purchase price was not disclosed. The transaction includes a Finnish production plant, where ContiTech will continue to manufacture conveyor belts for use in quarries and other industries. ContiTech also acquired related sales and service locations in Finland, as well as about 130 Metso employees. Keep Reading
Frac sand conference to address inefficiencies in supply chain
The second annual Frac Sand Supply & Logistics Conference is scheduled for Sept. 5-6 at the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort & Spa in San Antonio. According to the conference's website, Petroleum Connection is hosting the event to address the supply constraints and logistical problems that have developed because of the sudden increase in demand for silica sand. The conference is designed to bring together sand suppliers, exploration companies, rig operators, crude producers, rail companies, truckers, barges and others, with a goal being to develop a more efficient supply chain. Registration is $1,200 per attendee and ends Sept. 4. Keep Reading
Illinois congressman tours Hanson Material Service quarry
Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) visited Hanson Material Service in Nokomis, Ill., during Congress' summer recess, according to the Illinois Association of Aggregate Producers (IAAP). Plant manager Jerry Hepburn and area manager Rich Ellis, along with their crew, put together a quarry tour that allowed Davis and a staff member to learn about aggregates production and the economic impact Hanson Material Service has on south central Illinois. Representatives from the Southern Illinois Builders Association, Midwest Region Laborer's Employers Cooperation and Education Trust, Illinois Trucking Association, Mid-West Truckers Association, Montgomery County Highway Department and Teamsters Local No. 916, and IAAP were also present. Keep Reading
Cat dealer support continues following Oklahoma tornado
Several Caterpillar dealers lent support in the aftermath of the EF5 tornado that struck Moore, Okla., on May 20. According to a Cat press release, Warren Cat assisted first responders with rescue operations quickly following the disaster. Also, Warren, Foley and Holt Cat provided power modules, excavators, generator sets and light towers to help. Warren immediately pushed through requests for extra skid steer loaders as well, Cat says. Cat says equipment is still being used in Moore for cleanup efforts. About 90 percent of large machines being used are Cat models – primarily excavators and bulldozers, according to the company. Warren Cat is supporting customers in the area with two to three field representatives, and its four large landfill customers continue to take the bulk of the debris. Keep Reading
