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Dodge Momentum Index at highest mark in two-plus years
The Dodge Momentum Index rose for the second straight month in January, climbing 2.7 percent to 97.6 and providing some optimism for the nonresidential building segment. The index is a monthly measure of the first report for nonresidential building projects in planning, and the 97.6 mark is the index's highest reading since mid-2010. According to McGraw-Hill Construction, which calculates the Dodge Momentum Index, January's increase was the result of stronger activity for both its commercial and institutional segments. The institutional segment, in fact, climbed 3.1 percent in the month, driven by a surge in new hospital projects entering the planning phase. A 2.3 percent gain in the commercial segment, meanwhile, reflects an uptick in plans for new offices and stores, including a Chevron office complex in Texas and a mixed-use tower in San Francisco. Keep Reading
Thompson Pump names dealer in three Midwestern states
Thompson Pump and Manufacturing Co. Inc. has appointed KM Specialty Pumps & Systems as regional sales, rental and service representatives for Thompson Pump products in parts of Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky. KM Specialty is headquartered in Chandler, Ind. Keep Reading
Sany getting involved in NASCAR
Sany America is partnering with Tommy Baldwin Racing to serve as the primary sponsor of driver Dave Blaney’s No. 7 Chevrolet SS for 14 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events, and as the associate partner for 22 races. The No. 7 Sany car features a large rendition of the Sany logo on the hood and the word "Sany" emblazoned in red on the rear sides, trunk and roof. Keep Reading
Mining deaths in 2012 second lowest on record
Preliminary data released Jan. 31 from MSHA indicates that mining fatality rates reached an all-time low for the second straight year in 2012. Fatality rates are calculated based on the number of mining deaths per 200,000 hours worked. Thirty-six miners, including 17 in metal/nonmetal mines, died in work-related accidents at U.S. mines last year. The 36 represents the second-lowest annual fatality total on record and is one more than the historic low of 35 deaths that occurred in 2009. Three of the 17 miners killed at metal/nonmetal mines had less than one year of experience at the mine. Five miners had less than one year of experience at the job or task they were performing. Seven miners died in West Virginia, five in Kentucky, three each in New York and Alabama, two each in Montana and Florida, and one each in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Virginia. The leading cause of all miner deaths was powered haulage, which claimed the… Keep Reading
NSSGA chairman’s event, Hall of Fame ceremony are March 17
NSSGA is hosting its 2013 Chairman's Welcome Reception on March 17 from 6 to 7 p.m. in San Antonio. The event, for which Pit & Quarry is the sponsor, will take place at the Grand Hyatt. It precedes the inaugural Pit & Quarry Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, which starts at 7 p.m. at the Grand Hyatt. Those interested in attending the Chairman's Welcome Reception can register at http://convention.nssga.org/registration. Tickets for the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony are available here. Keep Reading
Atlas Copco names Coetzer business development manager
Victor Coetzer has been named business development manager for Atlas Copco CMT USA’s Mining and Rock Excavation Technique Service division. Coetzer will be based in Commerce City, Colo. Coetzer has held various positions within Atlas Copco since joining the company in 2003 as a solutions developer for Atlas Copco in South Africa. Since joining Atlas Copco CMT USA in 2010, Coetzer has worked as a financial analyst and assistant business controller. Keep Reading
Atlas Copco acquisition to expand underground product range
Atlas Copco is in the process of acquiring Switzerland-based Meyco from BASF Construction Chemicals Europe. When finalized, Atlas Copco will add mobile equipment for applying sprayed concrete in underground mining and tunneling operations to the product line. The acquisition will include offices and an assembly facility in Switzerland with about 40 employees. Product lines include carrier-mounted concrete spraying equipment, concrete spraying arms and accelerator dosing systems. The majority of sales currently are for underground construction projects. Both parties have agreed not to disclose financial details of the transaction. Keep Reading
NSSGA paying tribute to Parker with safety and health award
Abel Parker, risk and regulatory affairs manager at Luck Companies, Richmond, Va., has been named NSSGA's 2012 James M. Christie Safety & Health Professional of the Year. The award recognizes individuals who have made substantial contributions to their company's and the industry's efforts toward safe and healthful operating practices. Parker will receive his award March 18 at NSSGA's Annual Convention in San Antonio. According to NSSGA, Luck Companies has helped forge efforts under Parker's guidance to boost compliance and adherence to principles of worker safety and health. The company has an injury incidence rate of 1.32 for every 200,000 hours worked. In addition, Parker has helped set up a visible emissions workshop for the Virginia Transportation Construction Association, and he has supported and hosted noise and dust workshops for NSSGA. Keep Reading
Mine safety and health conference debuts this spring
The inaugural Northeast Mine Safety and Health Conference is taking place April 1-3 at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel in State College, Pa. The goal of the conference's executive committee, which is made up of 35 representatives from industry and government agencies and four elected officers, is to make mines safer and healthier workplaces. The conference contains up to 16 hours of technical contact time and may be eligible for ABIH CM credit in Category 4. Conference attendees can also qualify for BCSP recertification points for up to two days in Category 6 credit. Keep Reading
