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Green building outlook strong despite soft economy
The U.S. green building market continues to accelerate, according to McGraw-Hill Construction's 2013 green construction outlook report. Green building has grown from $10 billion in 2005 to $78 billion in 2011. In 2012, the total market for non-residential and residential green buildings is expected to be worth $85 billion. By 2013, that figure is projected to rise to between $98 billion and $106 billion. By 2016, this number is expected to reach $204 billion to $248 billion. Green building is expected to represent 44 percent of all commercial and institutional construction in 2012, growing up to 55 percent by 2016. Residential green construction is also on the rise. McGraw-Hill Construction expects green homes to comprise 20 percent of the market by the end of this year. In 2013, a 22 to 25 percent share by value is expected, equating to a $34 to $38 billion opportunity. Keep Reading
Near double-digit growth in works for construction put in place
FMI is forecasting an 8 percent increase in total construction put in place for 2013, attributing the forecast to more robust growth in residential construction and a few strong markets in nonresidential and non-building construction. According to FMI, private markets must lead the way in order for the economy to grow at a faster rate. Private markets must lead, FMI says, because of the looming fiscal cliff and the fact that state and municipal budgets are still in repair mode. In residential construction, FMI reports housing starts rose to 603,000 units per year as of September. Single-family permits also rose to a 545,000-unit pace, or 6.7 percent, returning to levels not seen since July 2008. Keep Reading
MSHA files record number of temporary reinstatement requests
MSHA filed 39 requests with the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission during fiscal year 2012 for temporary reinstatements on behalf of miners who submitted complaints of discrimination in the form of a suspension, layoff, discharge or other adverse action. The 39 requests are the most MSHA has filed in a single fiscal year. MSHA filed 79 temporary reinstatement requests from October 2009 through September 2012 – an average of 26 per year – compared to an average of seven per year from October 1993 to September 2009. "MSHA strongly encourages miners to exercise their rights under the Mine Act and maximize their involvement in monitoring safety and health conditions," says Joe Main, MSHA assistant secretary of labor. "In turn, we will vigorously investigate all discrimination complaints." Keep Reading
Garlock now capable of producing belts up to 25 tons
Garlock Rubber Technologies (GRT) has nearly doubled the weight of individual, bulk-haulage conveyor belts it can produce for a wide range of industries, including mining and construction. "With the recent acquisition of a larger crane, we now have the capability to produce belts weighing up to 25 tons," says Jeff Phillips, GRT sales manager. "That means we can run longer segments – 72 in. wide and, depending upon construction, up to 1,500 ft. in length." GRT's previous lifting capacity was limited to 15 tons. Keep Reading
New facility expected to improve screen manufacturer’s productivity
Smico and Symons Screens, now based near Oklahoma City, recently moved into a new office and manufacturing facility that is expected to improve manufacturing efficiency, shorten lead times, improve test lab capabilities and parts delivery and make room for company growth. The company's 45,000-sq.-ft. facility houses new equipment such as a high-definition plasma cutter, a modern overhead crane system and CNC machines, which the company says should improve production speed by more than 50 percent. In addition, the company plans to expand to another shift next year and further increase the facility size at some point. Keep Reading
Longtime Eriez employee dies unexpectedly
Dan Norrgran, manager of minerals and materials processing and heavy industries at Eriez, died Oct. 16. He was 59. Norrgran was employed at Eriez for 27 years. In his most recent position, he traveled extensively worldwide to expand the company's global equipment sales to the mining, coal processing and industrial minerals industries. Norrgran was a member of several associations, including the Society of Mining Engineers, which he served as national committee chairman. Norrgran received Eriez' highest honor in 2004 when he was named Person of the Year. Keep Reading
Aggregates marketing firm officially changes name
The Barlow Marketing Group (BMG), the Midwest firm focused on sales development, marketing and research for aggregates and other industries, has changed its name to Barlow Strategic Sales & Marketing. The firm decided to change its name to more accurately reflect its services, which include strategic direction; sales development; channel management; marketing; research; sustainability; and international expansion. Keep Reading
Vulcan sets record as third-quarter results are shared
Vulcan Materials Co.'s aggregates segment gross profit improved by 10 percent in the third quarter, reflecting increased pricing and lower unit cost of sales due to improved productivity and cost reduction initiatives. The 10 percent stride was announced as Vulcan released its results for the third quarter Thursday. Another third-quarter development at Vulcan was that aggregates pricing increased 4 percent from the prior year, reflecting an improvement in most markets, the company said. Unit cost of sales decreased 1 percent from the prior year. On a same-store basis, aggregates shipments decreased 6 percent from the prior year. Aggregates cash gross profit was $4.75 per ton, a mark that set a third-quarter record at Vulcan. "This quarter marks the fourth consecutive quarter of year-over-year higher unit profitability in aggregates, lower SAG expense and growth in adjusted EBITDA," said Don James, chairman and CEO. Keep Reading
Majority of transportation ballot initiatives passed on Election Day
U.S. voters approved 68 percent of the measures that appeared on Nov. 6 ballots to increase or extend funding for highways, bridges and transit, according to the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). The association tracked 31 measures overall, including five statewide initiatives and 26 that were local. Voters approved all seven of the bond initiatives on ballots. Eighteen measures were designed to increase, extend or renew a sales tax for transportation purposes; two were property tax extensions; and one was for a local gas tax. The total value approved was $2.4 billion. The results are consistent with previous elections, ARTBA says. In 2010, voters approved 61 percent of similar measures, with 78 percent approval in 2008, 77 percent in 2006 and 76 percent in 2004. “The results show the American people are looking for solutions to address their transportation challenges and are willing to pay more if they know the revenue generated will be used for its intended purpose,” says Alison Premo Black, the ARTBA chief economist who… Keep Reading
