Civil Engineers Give Wisconsin Infrastructure a C+ Grade as Part of Comprehensive Assessment
MADISON, WI — The Wisconsin Chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE WI) releases the 2024 Report Card for Wisconsin’s Infrastructure, assigning 17 categories of infrastructure a cumulative grade of C+, which is higher than the state’s 2020 grade of C and two notches ahead of the national …
Adolfson & Peterson Construction Receives 2024 Headwaters Award
MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Adolfson & Peterson Construction (AP), a national, family-owned construction management and contracting company, announces it has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 Headwaters Award from Great River Greening, an organization focused on conserving and caring for land and water. The annual award recognizes partners who …
Bobcat North Dakota Open Celebrates 60 Years of Professional and Local Golf, Creates Community Impact
FARGO, ND — The 60th annual Bobcat North Dakota Open brought professional and amateur golf to the Fargo Country Club, while also supporting The Village Family Service Center, a local nonprofit agency dedicated to improving the lives of area children and families.
Brady Calkins of La Quinta, California, won the …
Regional Construction Industry Booms, Workforce Gains Struggle to Keep Up
In Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, the construction sector continues to benefit from an uptick in job creation, outpacing the rate of general economic expansion. At the same time, the broader picture reveals a labor market stretched uncomfortably thin.
Over the past year, employment growth in the construction …
Bobcat Company Donation Supports University of Mary Engineering School
WEST FARGO, ND — Bobcat Company is donating $250,000 to the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, in support of the Hamm School of Engineering.
“Supporting STEM-based education is a key component of Bobcat’s foundation of innovation — a longstanding belief that has generated community progress and fueled the …
Your local Trimble Construction Division dealer |
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SITECH Northwest |
Wisconsin Addresses Traffic Congestion, Traffic Safety, and Road and Bridge Condition Challenges with Increased State and Federal Funds
MADISON, WI — State and federal transportation funding increases have allowed Wisconsin to move forward with projects to improve the condition, reliability, and safety of the state’s transportation system. Despite these funding increases, Wisconsin still faces challenges in improving and maintaining its transportation system to improve traffic safety, relieve traffic …
Big-D Midwest Celebrates 10 Years of Building Community in Minnesota, Surrounding Areas
ST. PAUL, MN — Big-D Midwest, a regional office of Big-D Companies, one of the largest groups of contractors in the United States, is celebrating a decade of operations and community building in the Midwest market. In its 10th year of operation, Big-D Midwest has a list of …
Solving the Suspension Scaffold Rescue Challenge
It’s been on the news time and time again — a window washer crew or a crew utilizing some form of suspension scaffold is trapped in mid-air stories above the ground. Their work platform has failed in some way, and the workers are dangling from their safety lifeline. With no …
Marshfield Scrap Looks Beyond Their Own Yard for More Revenue Opportunities
When faced with new challenges, Chris Burt looked beyond his company’s scrap yard to new revenue opportunities. He saw potential with more mobile services. And they’ve since led to considerable company growth and success.
As the General Manager of Marshfield Scrap, Burt wears many hats. One area of expertise …
HNTB’s Continued Growth Leads to Expanded Lease in Two-Fifty Building
MILWAUKEE, WI — HNTB expanded its office space again in downtown Milwaukee, after adding new space just a year and a half ago. The firm has seen significant growth in Wisconsin by increasing the full-time workforce by over 55% in the last three years. As a result, HNTB is now …
Your local Gomaco dealer |
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Swanston Equipment Co |
Hayden-Murphy Equipment Co |
AZCO Cuts Ribbon on Downtown Appleton Headquarters, Enters New Era of Growth
APPLETON, WI — AZCO welcomed a new era of growth for the company as it cut the ribbon on its new headquarters in downtown Appleton, the community the construction and prefabrication services company has called home for more than 70 years.
“The investment AZCO has made in our community is …
HNTB Further Expands Presence in Green Bay with New Office Space
GREEN BAY, WI — HNTB Corporation, an infrastructure solutions firm, is expanding into Green Bay to support the increasing amount of transportation- and infrastructure-related work in the area and clients throughout Northeast Wisconsin. The firm has leased a 2,456-square-foot office located in the Ashwaubenon Boardwalk building.
“We are thrilled …
What Can You Expect From the Best Safety Trainers?
A vital component of an effective environmental, health, and safety (EHS) program is the team of safety trainers who educate employees at every level in the company, from executives to team members in the field. Learn what you should expect from the best safety trainers. When selecting a safety trainer …
McGough Brings Capabilities to Rapid City to Support Community Expansion
RAPID CITY, SD — McGough, a general contractor and developer in commercial construction, announces its expansion into the Black Hills region with a new office in Rapid City, South Dakota. The expansion comes at a time of record growth for the company and opportunity to bring advanced construction capabilities …
KLJ Engineering Announces New Location
BISMARCK, ND — KLJ Engineering LLC, announces the organization’s plans to relocate its Bismarck office to the Grand Pacific Center office building in downtown Bismarck. The multi-disciplined engineering company signed a long-term lease agreement with Presidio Property Trust, Inc.
“We are extremely excited to relocate to the heart of …
Your local Volvo Construction Equipment dealer |
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Nuss Truck & Equipment |
AGC of Wisconsin Releases the Impact of Construction on the Wisconsin Economy 2022 Study
MADISON, WI — In partnership with the University of Colorado Leeds School of Business, the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Wisconsin has released its 2022 study on the Impact of Construction on the Wisconsin Economy.
The Construction industry in the state of Wisconsin helps drive economic growth and provides many …
Transforming Everyday Workers Into Jobsite Safety Leaders
Safety professionals come to their roles with different backgrounds and knowledge levels, so they might not always agree about the best approach for a particular situation. But one thing you will find agreement among all safety professionals is the common belief if they can get workers on the site to …
Sunbelt Rentals Sets the Gold Standard for Recruiting, Employing, and Retaining Veterans
FORT MILL, SC — Sunbelt Rentals, an equipment rental company, has been recognized with three awards for its efforts to recruit and retain military veterans in North America and globally.
For the first time, Sunbelt Rentals has received the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans (HIRE …
HGA Celebrates v
MILWAUKEE, WI — HGA, a national interdisciplinary design firm with 12 offices across the country, recently celebrated its 35th Anniversary in Milwaukee, as the Mayor of Milwaukee officially proclaimed October 6, 2022 “HGA Day.”
Located in the renovated Marine Terminal Building overlooking the Milwaukee River in the Historic Third …
Vermeer Wisconsin Opens New Facility in Appleton
APPLETON, WI — Vermeer Wisconsin recently celebrated the grand opening of its new 26,000-square-foot facility in Appleton, Wisconsin, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house event. The new building replaces the Little Chute location, which the business had been operating in for the last 20 years. The Appleton location, constructed …
Your local Komatsu America Corp dealer |
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Road Machinery and Supplies Company |
Adolfson & Peterson Construction's Inaugural 'Golf Fore Gratitude' Tournament Raises more than $38.5K for Local Charities
MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Adolfson & Peterson Construction (AP), a Minnesota-based and family-owned construction management and contracting company, announces the results of its inaugural "Golf Fore Gratitude" fundraising golf tournament. More than 120 golfers participated in the sponsored 18-hole scramble golf tournament and games at Brookview Golf Course. AP is matching …
Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas Adds Universal Truck Sales to its Dealer Network
ROSEVILLE, MN — Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas announces a dealership agreement with Universal Truck Sales, of Roseville, Minnesota, under which Universal Truck will sell and service Hyundai wheel loaders, excavators, and other construction machines in the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul area.
Universal Truck Sales is an independent truck and trailer …
Safe Site Check In and Procore Automate the Daily Log to Improve Labor Productivity and Safety
SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Safe Site Check In, a construction management software company for jobsite productivity, announces an integration with Procore Technologies, Inc., a global provider of construction management software. Safe Site Check In quickly and accurately integrates field data into the Procore Construction Platform to help boost …
Hyundai Construction Equipment Expands Dealer Network in Minnesota with Blackhawk Equipment
LAKE CRYSTAL, MN — Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas has expanded its North American network with the addition of Blackhawk Equipment, making the Lake Crystal, Minnesota, location an authorized dealer of Hyundai compact excavators, attachments, parts, and service.
“We are proud to add Hyundai compact excavators to the lineup of …
Adolfson & Peterson Construction Announces 2nd Annual Company-Wide Day of Giving
MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Adolfson & Peterson Construction (AP), a national construction management and contracting company, announces the second annual company-wide Day of Giving program in which team members will give back to their local communities. Employees will receive paid time off to spend a portion of their workday donating their …
Your local Link Belt dealer |
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Hayden-Murphy Equipment Co |
Brooks Tractor Opens Location in Sparta
Brooks Tractor recently opened a new location in Sparta, Wisconsin. This is location number seven for the John Deere dealer. The Sparta location will represent a large section of western and southwestern Wisconsin.
“We are in our 77th year of business and added the Tomah, Sparta, and La Crosse area …
Ohland Begins Her Term as ASME President, Aims to Promote More Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
An active member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) since 1983, Karen J. Ohland has recently begun her term as the 141st President of the society. She is an ASME Fellow and the Associate Director for Finance and Operations at the Princeton University Art Museum.
Ohland has also …
The Future is Now: Examining Construction’s Power Alternatives
At the center of any construction alternative power discussion is diesel. Diesel remains the go-to power on jobsites. According to the Diesel Technology Forum, 98 percent of construction's energy use in the United States comes from diesel.
But with global initiatives underway to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by …
Construction Workforce Shortages Risk Undermining Infrastructure Projects As Most Contractors Struggle To Fill Open Positions
Construction workforce shortages are affecting nearly all construction firms, undermining the industry’s ability to complete projects on time and on schedule and threatening the success of new federal investments in infrastructure and manufacturing, according to the results of a workforce survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America and …
Drones are Benefitting Earthmoving Operations
MILWAUKEE, WI — Drones — the aerial eye of the jobsite — have become a very versatile tool for earthmoving operations. Among the benefits: increasing efficiency, productivity, and accuracy on jobsites. In addition, drones help reduce unplanned costs and rework throughout a project by providing a steady stream of jobsite …
Your local Trimble Construction Division dealer |
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SITECH Northwest |
Preventative Maintenance Tips for Backhoes
MILWAUKEE, WI — Preventive maintenance “is a very broad term,” said George MacIntyre, Product Manager at CONEXPO-CON/AGG exhibitor CASE Construction Equipment. “It can be as formal as the critical practice of performing regular service, as prescribed by the manufacturer of the machine, throughout the machine’s life. Or it …
Burns & McDonnell Launches Integrated Construction Group in the Twin Cities
BLOOMINGTON, MN — Burns & McDonnell announces the launch of an integrated construction group at its Minneapolis-St. Paul office. The team of construction professionals joins the more than 130 engineers and architects at the office who deliver turnkey project solutions that include preconstruction planning and estimating, project schedule and cost …
Kohler Engines Approves Usage of HVO in the USA
KOHLER, WI — All Kohler diesel-fueled engines are approved to use HVO in the United States, in line with ASTM D975 standard. This confirmation comes just a few months after European compliance was announced. In February, in fact, Kohler had announced approval to use HVO for all its diesel engines …
Safety Culture in the Workplace: How Generational Differences Present Challenges, Opportunities
MILWAUKEE, WI — How do you create an effective safety culture in the workplace when you have an employee base that is so diverse?
It’s an important question for equipment manufacturers to ask and answer, and the latter can’t really be accomplished without a better understanding of what “culture” refers …
Tips for Minimizing the Impact of Rising Fuel Prices
No one in the construction industry needs to be made aware of rising diesel prices over the past year. They have felt the pain. Through the first week in July, the average price of diesel fuel was nearly 70 percent higher than the year prior. There is no single magic …
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SITECH Northwest |
Leica Geosystems Launches New Safety Awareness Module in Leica ConX Cloud Solution
Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, announces the launch of the new safety awareness module in the cloud-based collaboration platform Leica ConX. The integration of Leica Geosystems’ safety awareness solutions with ConX increases safety on construction sites by collecting and visualising data that enhances awareness, speeds up hazard response, …
Terex Utilities Hosts Technicians at Hands-On Service School
WATERTOWN, SD — Equipment dealers, utilities, and utility contractors recently participated in hands-on service training for digger derricks and aerial devices at the Terex Utilities Service School at the Lake Area Technical College facility.
The three-day event was at capacity with 48 participants and a waiting list. Participants were either …
Biden Signs Inflation Reduction Act into Law, $5B in Funding to Drive Low-Carbon Procurement in Buildings and Construction
The largest federal climate investment in U.S. history was made on August 16, after President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) into law. The act aims to fight climate change and address record inflation.
The IRA includes policies that will invest in U.S. energy production, reduce carbon emissions, …
American Institute of Architects Elects 100th President, Dowdell to Become First Black Woman President in AIA History
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) recently made history when the delegates at the 2022 AIA Annual Meeting elected Kimberly Dowdell, AIA, NOMAC, NCARB, SEED, LEED AP BD+C as 2023 First Vice President/2024 President-elect. As the 100th AIA President, Dowdell will be the first Black woman and first Millennial President. …
More than 40 Industry Organizations Support Extending Buy America, Build America Act Waiver
When the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) was passed back in November 2021, it expanded Buy America, Build America Act (BABAA) coverage to include certain construction materials used on federal-aid highway and transit projects. This was intended to strengthen Made in America requirements by ensuring projects use American-made iron, …
Your local Trimble Construction Division dealer |
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SITECH Northwest |
Choosing Screen Media to Improve Production and Solve Screening Problems
With proposed infrastructure programs being discussed to offset the economic impacts of COVID-19, aggregate materials could see a spike in demand. This progression can lead to increased profits for mineral processing operations. However, maximizing efficiency to capitalize on this opportunity requires the right equipment. It is critical that operations evaluate …
Doosan Announces its Top-Performing North American Dealers of 2021
MANDAN, ND — Doosan Infracore North America announces its top-performing dealers of 2021. The top 10 dealers are among more than 170 Doosan construction equipment dealers in North America.
Doosan annually recognizes its heavy equipment dealers that have excelled in providing top-level performance in sales, parts, and service to customers …
Milwaukee-Based Symbiont Joins Mead & Hunt
MILWAUKEE, WI — Symbiont, an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firm based out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, joins Mead & Hunt, a national architectural-engineering firm. This move allows both Mead & Hunt and Symbiont to offer enhanced services to clients and expand their geographic and market reach, specifically in …
US Traffic Fatalities Surged 19 Percent from 2019 to 2021
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The number of traffic fatalities in the U.S. surged by 19 percent from 2019 to 2021. Traffic fatalities began to increase dramatically in 2020 even as vehicle travel rates plummeted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Traffic fatalities continued to increase in 2021 as vehicle travel returned to …
Minnesota Civil Engineers Give the State’s Infrastructure a C Grade for the Second Time
MINNEAPOLIS, MN — The Minnesota Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) releases preliminary findings from the 2022 Report Card for Minnesota's Infrastructure, with 10 categories of infrastructure receiving an overall grade of a C, meaning Minnesota’s infrastructure is in mediocre condition.
Minnesota has taken steps to make …
Your local Trimble Construction Division dealer |
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SITECH Northwest |
Telematics Expert Gives Industry Outlook
Most construction jobs run on tight timelines and margins, and to keep everything running on schedule and within budget, fleet managers use telematics to give visibility into their equipment’s location and operating condition any time of the day or night.
Telematics has been around for quite a while, however, it …
Construction Salaries are on the Rise According to NCCER 2022 Construction Craft Salary Survey
Skilled craft professionals continue to earn high wages, according to NCCER’s 2022 Construction Craft Salary Survey. More than 135 commercial, industrial and residential construction companies across the U.S., representing over 337,000 employees, participated in the survey. The individual craft areas reported provide average annual salaries, not including overtime, per …
Labor Shortage is a Universal Issue in the Construction Industry
The ever-growing labor shortage is a universal issue, affecting nearly every business sector that relies on the availability of a workforce. It’s an issue that was happening before the COVID-19 pandemic and has persisted.
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, there are 11.3 million job openings in the U.S., …
Is Poor PR Driving Construction's Labor Shortage?
The global upheaval of the last few years has undoubtedly rocked the construction industry – and stories of labor shortages driven by COVID-19 abound. Add to that an aging workforce further stressed by current conditions, combined with a lack of skilled replacements, and the current struggle makes sense.
But beneath …
How the US Will Deploy Intelligent Transit Networks That Enable Connected Vehicles
While America’s transportation infrastructure continues to be one of the country’s greatest historical accomplishments, as well as the lifeblood of the American economy, the system itself continues to have serious challenges during the last two decades.
This is mainly due to the rise in traffic congestion which has ensnarled hundreds …
Your local Trimble Construction Division dealer |
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SITECH Northwest |
Understanding and Protecting Against Mold on Jobsites
Most hazards you’ll find on a construction site are big and generally obvious. It might be the inherent danger of certain power tools, the possibility of an electric shock, or the potential for a fall. Because workers recognize these hazards, they can take steps to avoid or minimize them.
But …
Poor Project Data and Miscommunication Responsible for 52 Percent of All Rework
Most people in the construction industry will say that on any given work site, there is always an amount of waste that could have been avoided. Whether it be poorly handled materials, re-work, weather damage, or working from out of date documents, there are plenty of ways that humans can …
New App Forecasts Future Liquid Asphalt Prices Lowering Financial Risk for Asphalt Producers and Highway Contractors
KENNESAW, GA — Liquid asphalt must compete with other products that are refined from crude oil, and energy prices are currently soaring due to inflation. Imagine bidding today’s cash price and the cost of the hedge instead of guessing at some future price. The solution is a new app that …
Why Ongoing Safety Programs are Critical
Most companies understand that safety is an important part of today’s workplace, but they may not realize why ongoing safety programs are critical to their organization’s well-being.
Some companies view safety as a “check the box” kind of activity, believing that once they’ve addressed safety topics, they’ve done what they …
ABC and AFSP Announce Partnership to Address Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in the Construction Industry
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Associated Builders and Contractors and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention announce a collaborative partnership to address mental health and suicide prevention throughout the U.S. construction industry.
The goals of the partnership are to improve the mental health of construction workers through effective suicide prevention education, intervention, …
Your local Trimble Construction Division dealer |
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SITECH Northwest |
Safer Practices for Working Around Concrete
Many of the most famous structures of ancient times were constructed from a material we often think of us as modern. The workers who built them needed a material that could be shaped into blocks and other forms more easily than carving from stone. Finally, someone concocted a mixture of …
Proven Ways to Increase Worker Awareness of Safety Issues
Companies develop safety programs for reasons that may seem obvious: they want to prevent injuries of all kinds, so workers don’t suffer the physical effects and both workers and companies don’t endure negative financial or operational impacts. In addition, safety programs can also minimize the potential for damage to facilities …
Fortin Consulting Joins Bolton & Menk
MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Bolton & Menk, Inc. announces the acquisition of Fortin Consulting. Fortin Consulting has been a leader in advanced chlorides management and reduction research and education for 25 years. Founded in 1996, they have provided project design and coordination that unites citizens, environmental organizations, and industry with …
Automated, Connected, and Intelligent
The future is looking bright for the construction industry, with project pipelines full and the promise of infrastructure spending infusing the industry with confidence and optimism. But as we face another year of supply chain issues and crippling workforce shortages, it’s possible that our industry’s biggest challenge could be too …
Heritage Petroleum and Allied Oil & Supply Announce Merger
EVANSVILLE, IN — Heritage Petroleum and Allied Oil & Supply announce a merger of their two-family businesses broadening not only their geographic coverage, but their company-wide capabilities.
“I am thrilled to connect with the vast customers, sales team, and the operational excellence Allied provides with a broader customer base offering …
Your local Trimble Construction Division dealer |
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SITECH Northwest |
Aebi Schmidt Group to Acquire Monroe Truck Equipment from Industrial Opportunity Partners
MONROE, WI — Aebi Schmidt announces an agreement to acquire Wisconsin-based Monroe Truck Equipment from Industrial Opportunity Partners. Monroe is a truck and trailer equipment platform with around $270 million in annual revenue. The addition of Monroe will significantly strengthen Aebi Schmidt’s market position in the U.S. and globally, boosting …
Recognizing and Addressing Worker Stress on Jobsites
Stress has been a part of human lives from the beginning. In the past year, we’ve seen additional attention placed on stress and its effects thanks to the coronavirus pandemic and highly publicized statements from top athletes and celebrities. Because stress can have a profound effect on the well-being of …
With U.S. Vehicle Travel Nearing Pre-Pandemic Levels, Freight Bottlenecks Slowing Shipments, and New Federal Transportation Funding Reaching States, Additional Investment in U.S. Freight Network will be Needed to Improve Supply Chain Reliability
WASHINGTON, DC — As vehicle travel returns to pre-pandemic levels and federal transportation funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) begins to reach states, it will be critical that states make additional investments to improve the efficiency and condition of the nation’s freight network to minimize supply chain …
The 2021 WCMLE Show Overcomes Challenges to Hold Successful Expo in September
WEST ALLIS, WI — Whether you are a contractor involved in road construction or maintenance, landscaping, building construction or maintenance, property management, municipal facilities, safety, or environmental protection, the Wisconsin Construction, Municipal, and Landscape Expo (WCMLE) had something for you and your company.
Although it was postponed from its usual …
Closing a Critical Gap In Utility Safety: Identifying Serious Injury and Fatality Potential
Most utility companies have stepped up their safety efforts in recent years, and the decline in safety events and minor injuries provides positive proof that safety programs are an effective way to protect workers.
However, there’s a disturbing trend underlying this success: despite all the progress in worksite safety, the …
Your local Trimble Construction Division dealer |
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SITECH Northwest |
Next Gen Demolition
A nation’s buildings stand as a visual representation of its history. In New England, that history is written in stone and red-brick facades overlooking century-old neighborhoods. Recent trends are bringing people and businesses back to these urban centers, forcing developers and city managers to find ways to reimagine spaces to …
The Impact of BIM on Construction Projects
BIM (building information modeling) is an intelligent 3-D model-based process that gives architecture and construction professionals the insight and tools to more efficiently plan, design, construct, and manage projects.
Forgoing the traditionally siloed architecture, engineering and construction disciplines using BIM can develop more integrated workflows to improve collaboration through the …
Miron Construction's 5th Annual Build Like a Girl Event Welcomes the Next Generation of Construction
NEENAH, WI — Miron Construction Co., Inc. recently welcomed 30 female students to its Neenah headquarters for the fifth annual Build Like a Girl event. The day-long program aims to showcase opportunities for women in the construction industry and combat both the severe lack of women in the field and …
Horizontal Directional Drilling Operator Training Pays Dividends
For over a decade, the team at Rays Electrical Services in Elgin, Illinois has worked diligently to earn the reputation of being a quality residential and commercial electrician for the greater Chicago area. Since Ray Sakolari opened the company in 2008, he’s made a commitment to employees, customers, and family …
Preventing Heavy Equipment Theft
Heavy equipment theft of everything from forklifts, skid steers, and trucks to bulldozers, backhoes, excavators, and wheel loaders can be a serious issue for business owners, whether at the rental yard or jobsite. Stealing batteries, catalytic converters, and entire vehicles can be a relatively low-risk, high-reward opportunity for thieves unless …
Your local Trimble Construction Division dealer |
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SITECH Northwest |
For Workforce Wearables on Construction Sites, Comfort and Mobility Must Go Hand In Hand With Assistance
A few years ago, I worked with a warehouse stocker named John who had injured his back and was looking to get back to full duty. His job was important to him because he had a family to support, which included taking care of an adult son with special needs. …
Construction Retrofit Opportunity
Construction professionals have a golden retrofitting opportunity as commercial facilities expand their precautions against viruses: an effective new type of “germicidal” LED fixture that can be quickly and easily installed in existing structures. This specialized, enclosed LED fixture draws in air and irradiates it with ultraviolet light (UV), significantly improving …
Safer Approaches for Excavating Around Underground Utilities
Few things bring construction projects to a sudden halt quite like the surprise discovery of a gas pipe, electrical line, sewer tile, or water pipe. While digging a trench, the backhoe crew makes an unfortunate discovery. If they’re lucky, they spot the problem before any damage is done, or are …
Optimizing Self-Cleaning Screen Media to Reduce Blinding and Plugging
In the aggregate industry, efficient screening is critical to achieve not only high production but also accurately sized product for particular applications and projects. However, two of the most common production bottlenecks – screen blinding and plugging – must be minimized to run an effective, profitable operation.
Blinding occurs when …
How Innovative Technology Can Support the Response to the Infrastructure Damage Caused by Wildfires
As California concludes another hot, dry summer, the state faced another historic wildfire season. Not only are residents subject to unhealthy levels of smoke and significant property destruction as a result of the wildfires, but they must also face damage to public infrastructure caused by the fires or other related …
Your local Trimble Construction Division dealer |
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SITECH Northwest |
Heavy Equipment Dealers Increase Profitability with GPS Tracking
Heavy equipment dealers’ profitability depends on efficiently renting out their assets and keeping it in good working order for the long term, whether that involves tractor trailers, semi-trailers, or moving trailers; buses or RVs; backhoes, bulldozers, cranes, excavators, scrapers, graders, dump trucks, or all-terrain forklifts.
To maximize profitability, dealers need …
Why Smart Roads are Just as Important as Autonomous Vehicles
There’s no doubt that self-driving cars, or autonomous vehicles (AVs), are much safer than the average person-manned vehicle. In fact, more than 90 percent of serious crashes are due to human error, which means autonomous vehicles have the potential to significantly reduce the number of collisions and save lives.
However, …
Weekly News and Year-Round Value
When David Gordon joined the Independent Equipment Dealers Association (IEDA) as Executive Director in December 2020, he focused on one main goal.
“As we continue to grow our membership, we have to continue providing year-round value,” he said. “Our mission is to help our members be more profitable and successful …
BIM Industry Standards Create Predictability and Cost Efficiency
The adoption of technology in the construction industry in 2020 hit a record high, outpacing even the most aggressive forecasts and there are no signs of this momentum slowing. In fact, the annual Global BIM Industry Report has projected the global building information modeling (BIM) market will grow from $4.5 …
CTS Maintenance Tips to Extend Equipment Life
Landscapers and dedicated green industry professionals know that the key to success lies in their machines. Whether operating a ride-on trencher or walk-behind machine, it’s the performance parts – the chain, teeth and sprockets (CTS) – that often determine the productivity of an operation. In other words, when faced with …
Your local Trimble Construction Division dealer |
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SITECH Northwest |
Six Tips for Selecting the Right Traveling Axle Trailer
Finding a level surface with plenty of room to load a trailer on today’s congested jobsite is challenging. Towing and recovery operators have it even worse – struggling to move dead equipment, often singlehandedly, while also contending with traffic, poor visibility and soft shoulders. Operators in the towing and recovery, …
New President of Butler Machinery Company Announces Expansion
FARGO, ND — The President of Butler Machinery Company announces the company’s plans for growth through spring 2022 with the purchase of an existing building in Watertown, South Dakota. With this expansion plan comes many job opportunities at the location, and throughout the company, as the need to add team …
Budgeting Ahead for Safety is Critically Important
When companies try to predict costs for projects, they tend to concentrate on visible items such as materials. All too often, less tangible items – such as worker safety – become an afterthought and may not be budgeted adequately.
There are two primary ways in which safety affects the bottom …
New Training Facility Supports Power Industry Apprentices
INDIANOLA, IA — Michels Power, Inc. is supporting the future of the electrical power industry and the people working in it by contributing to the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee’s (JATC) new Missouri Valley Line Constructors Apprenticeship and Training facility in Indianola, Iowa.
The facility is a regional hub for substation …
Electrical Safety Awareness for Non-Electrical Contractors
Electrical safety awareness isn’t just for electricians. Believe it or not, non-electrical workers actually run the largest exposure to electrical hazards. Without the electrical training that licensed electrical professionals receive, one careless mistake can turn into a big accident – or worse.
By paying attention to the small details, you …
Your local Trimble Construction Division dealer |
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SITECH Northwest |
The Risks of Not Knowing Who’s On Your Job Site
The pandemic has driven general contractors (GCs) to diligently record who is at their job sites and headquarters. This primarily includes workers, subcontractors, developers, realtors, and property managers. With so many different people coming onto a job site and staying anywhere from 30 minutes to several weeks or months, it …
The Simple Keys to Vacuum Excavation Success
Vacuum excavators are one of the fastest growing machine segments in the underground construction industry. Originally popularized by their role in daylighting existing utilities on directional drilling jobs, these machines are now being used for irrigation installation, landscaping, and even nursery tasks.
One reason for this growth is that vacuum …
Tier 3 Nozzles Optimize Sewer Crew Efficiency and Profitability
For contractors responsible for sewer, storm and sanitary line cleaning, hose nozzles are an essential tool that directs pressurized water to clear out obstructions such as silt, sludge, grease, mineral buildup, and tree roots as part of required maintenance or to prepare pipes for re-lining. In this way, the nozzle …
Instant Concrete Moisture Measurement Ensures Construction Quality and Speed
In the construction industry, the quality of cast-in-place concrete foundations, superstructure, slabs, stairs, and architectural features, along with the speed of project completion, can largely depend on getting moisture measurement right – and the same is true with the masonry mortar used to build brick, block, or stone walls.
Water …
Proper Care Pays Off Over Time
It’s become a fact of life: When you need to work for extended periods of time in high, hard-to-reach places, you turn to mobile elevated work platforms, or MEWPs (also known as aerial work platforms). Over the years, two of the most popular MEWPs – scissor lifts and boom lifts …
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SITECH Northwest |
Integrated Precision
Hitachi continues to provide customers with efficient, reliable and durable equipment featuring advanced technology – the newest being factory-integrated Solution Linkage 2D and 3D Grade Control.
“We gave a sneak peek of Hitachi’s grade control technology at CONEXPO-CON/AGG last year,” said Justin Steger, Solutions Marketing Manager, Site Development and …
US LBM Completes Acquisition of American Construction Source
BUFFALO GROVE, IL — US LBM, a distributor of specialty building materials, has completed its previously announced acquisition of American Construction Source (ACS) from Angeles Equity Partners, LLC and Clearlake Capital Group, L.P.
With the addition of more than 70 locations in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, …
Why Tank Chances?
Water is an essential component of any construction or roadbuilding project. From dust control to site prep and compaction, thousands of gallons of water are required every day. How it is hauled and applied can significantly impact overall productivity and safety. Though water tanks appear basic, certain factors can have …
Hooklift vs Cable Hoist, What’s the Best Choice for Me?
When it comes to loading containers or truck bodies onto a truck chassis, regions around the world have traditionally opted for different equipment. The North American waste and recycling market usually favors the cable hoist, while the hooklift has been more prominent internationally.
One trend that all customers are impacted …
NETA Shares Outlook for the Work Truck Industry
The work truck industry includes some of the largest motor vehicle businesses in the world supplying truck chassis (incomplete vehicles) that will be completed by upfitters, using specialized bodies and equipment. These companies are all part of the complex process of producing work trucks, which starts with vocational fleets ordering …
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SITECH Northwest |
Succeeding with Standardization
For fleet owners looking to standardize their operation, selecting a trailer manufacturer might feel more like picking a favorite sports team than a strategic move to maximize hauling equipment investments. To some extent, it is. Teams with dedicated fans play smart and deliver results year after year. Similarly, original equipment …
Safety When Working On Geothermal Energy Projects
As debates about global warming get more intense and energy prices climb, there is growing interest in the advantages of geothermal energy. Such energy involves using heat generated by the Earth itself to condition spaces and generate electricity. While geothermal energy has not caught on in a big way in …
WCMLE Reschedules Event for September 2021 at the Wisconsin Exposition Center in West Allis
WEST ALLIS, WI — Wisconsin Construction Municipal and Landscape Expo (WCMLE) has been rescheduled to take place on September 22 and 23, 2021, at the Wisconsin Exposition Center at State Fair Park in West Allis.
It became necessary to move WCMLE, formerly CONEX WI/No. Illinois, from the traditional February dates …
Two Bronto Aerial Platforms Delivered by Aspen Equipment
BLOOMINGTON, MN — Bronto Skylift's distributor, Aspen Equipment, recently delivered two new aerial platforms to customers in California and South Dakota. Though based in Minnesota, Aspen’s build and delivery capabilities allow it to serve customers in many industries from around the country. Aspen Equipment has been a North …
Heavy Equipment Underground Waste Disposal Systems
Heavy equipment dealers, rental companies, and service centers with underground waste disposal systems – floor drains or sinks in service bays that connect to a septic system or dry well (i.e.- catch basins) – are regulated by the EPA.
During normal vehicle repair and maintenance, fluids such as engine oil, …
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SITECH Northwest |
Utility Inspection Systems and Their Benefits
It is obvious that knowing the condition of underground sewer and water infrastructure is necessary to properly maintain essential services, and today’s CCTV (closed circuit television) inspection systems visually identify structural and maintenance issues like cracks, broken or collapsed pipe, infiltration, grease, and roots, as well as other issues.
Mainline …
Congressionally Requested Report Finds That Most of Interstate System Needs to be Reconstructed and Modernized, Requiring More Than a Doubling of Current Funding
WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the U.S. Interstate Highway System reaches 65 years old, it is congested, carries significant levels of travel — particularly by large trucks — and lacks adequate funding to make needed repairs and improvements. America’s most critical transportation link will need to be rebuilt and expanded to …
Vacuum Excavators Help Maryville Municipality Expand and Maintain Its Underground Infrastructure
Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, the City of Maryville, a suburb of Knoxville, Tennessee, is going through a growth spurt. With a population of nearly 30,000 people and climbing, the town has experienced a big spike in utility development within the last two to three years. …
Cutting Inefficiency, Not Corners
Demolition, like every industry, is constantly evolving. To keep ahead of the curve, contractors seek out the machines and methods that increase productivity while decreasing the physical toll on workers.
Concrete sawing is viable option for fast, effective removal. However, savvy contractors are finding that adding remote-control demolition robots to …
Improving Efficiency in Roadbuilding
Let’s face it, road widening, aggregate placement, backfilling, and other road construction tasks have always been messy, backbreaking operations. Busy road construction seasons, limited budgets, and a number of other elements have constrained equipment innovation for decades. This has left road crews in the dust, relying heavily on traditional methods …
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SITECH Northwest |
Eight Factors to Consider When Selecting an Exosuit for Your Workers
A construction site can be a bad back waiting to happen.
Whether it’s a brick mason, concrete finisher, roofer, or any other necessary occupation for a job site, workers are at risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) because of the nature of the job – the awkward postures, repetitive lifting, …
Top Three Technologies That Drive Preconstruction and Streamline the Build
There’s been considerable excitement and energy around machine control and autonomous operations in the construction space in recent years. And rightfully so – big machines that can grade a site to centimeter tolerances on the first go without operator assistance is worthy of celebration.
But what about the tools and …
Pivotal Machines
Skid steer and compact track loaders are pivotal machines on any jobsite, offering compact convenience and robust power to operators of all skill levels. With the ability to tackle a variety of jobs and applications, adding the versatility of an attachment can make all the difference in the capabilities of …
Hitachi Construction Machinery Announces Two New Programs to Increase Productivity
Hitachi Construction Machinery recently announced two new programs aimed to help customers increase productivity and cost-savings. Dedicated to providing customers with efficient, reliable, and durable machines, Hitachi Construction continues to provide the latest technology and product offerings to help customers get the most out of their Hitachi machines.
Turn One Machine into a Multi-faceted Workhorse with Stand-on Skid Steer Attachments
As we transition into the warmer months, demand for a variety of landscape, hardscape, tree care, utility installation, and overall construction-grade tasks begin to rise. While stand-on skid steers have been used primarily as loaders in the past, they are becoming more popular in a wider array of jobs in …
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SITECH Northwest |
Six Tips to Optimize Compact Track Loader Forestry Performance
Spring is just around the corner and that means land clearing contractors will be out in full force. While many jobs can be fulfilled using a standard compact track loader (CTL) with a simple bucket, overgrown areas with thick brush and trees require heavier-duty forestry attachments. And powering these attachments …
Big Iron, Attachments, and Technology Come of Age
For many highway and heavy contractors, it’s not only the machines used on-site that drive project productivity – it’s also the attachments.
From buckets, hammers, and cutters to rippers, brooms, and grabbers, these heavy equipment accessories are designed to enhance the use of big (and little) iron while driving productivity …
A Commitment to Aggregate
With its customization and flexibility, General Equipment & Supplies makes setting up portable aggregate processing plants easier with the correct machinery for local materials and climates.
“We provide plug and play, and we feel we do it better than anyone,” says Don Kern, Vice President of Aggregate Sales for …
The Right Attachment for the Job
Telehandlers are a popular choice for a wide range of material handling applications on job sites due to the variety of attachments they can be equipped with. The versatility of these machines allows operators the ability to perform a variety of job site tasks. Unlike forklifts, which rely on a …
Rise of the Machines
Change has always been a constant in the construction and demolition industry. Contractors, workers and project managers pushing for safer, more productive solutions have transformed the modern jobsite from a buzzing hive that relied predominantly on manual labor to a streamlined operation dominated by hard-hitting machines.
In today’s competitive market, …
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SITECH Northwest |
Equipment Evolution
Demolition and recycling equipment is evolving and is going to change quickly in the next five to 10 years. Manufacturers are leading this effort with input from their customers.
Advances are happening in wireless technology, microchips, machine learning, artificial intelligence, automation, cameras, sensors, touch screens, and batteries. These technologies are …
The Sound of Silence
Like the air we breathe, sound is an important, yet often overlooked, part of our daily lives. And, just as air quality and its effects on health have become an important part of the safety conversation, the negative effects of sound exposure on employees and the public are a growing …
Getting on Top of Tower Safety
Communications towers have long been a part of the landscape, but if you think you’re seeing many more of them, you’re not mistaken. The rapidly increasing demand for wireless communication and private communication networks has triggered a significant increase in the construction of towers.
The growing presence of towers means …
A Snapshot of the Demolition Industry and Trends for 2021
The demolition process involves an unimaginable breadth of products and services to meet the needs of clients and communities. From structural demolition and dismantlement to industrial recovery and C&D recycling, from specialized rigging and landfilling to insurance services and equipment manufacturing, from general contracting and architectural salvage to facilities decontamination, …
Five Tips for Maintaining Low-Level Access Mobile Elevating Work Platforms
Even though preventive maintenance can be the single most crucial factor in keeping an equipment fleet operating in peak condition, while lowering a machine’s total cost of ownership, it is easy to have an “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality. Especially in lean years, maximizing each piece of …
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Industry Partnership Fulfills Young Wisconsin Man’s Make-A-Wish Day
MADISON, WI — At a recent Make-A-Wish Day celebration held at the Vermeer Wisconsin facility in Madison, Wisconsin, Edgar Contreras was presented with the tools of the trade he needs to turn his dream of owning and operating his own landscaping company into a reality. Contreras is a 19-year-old from …
Performance-Based Smoke Detection Reduces Cost and Enhances Safety
Today, the owners of a growing number of non-standard building designs like museums, arenas, stadiums and structures with atria or large open spaces are turning to performance-based design for substantial cost savings and enhanced safety while maintaining architectural concerns.
As an International Code Council (ICC) accepted alternative, performance-based design allows …
Getting the Most From Compact Track Loaders
Compact track loaders are an increasingly vital part of contractors’ businesses. The sheer versatility of these machines allows them to thrive in a variety of working conditions, and – thanks in part to growing attachment diversity – CTLs can be used for more applications than ever. A strategic purchase of …
Getting the Most From Compact Track Loaders
Compact track loaders are an increasingly vital part of contractors’ businesses. The sheer versatility of these machines allows them to thrive in a variety of working conditions, and – thanks in part to growing attachment diversity – CTLs can be used for more applications than ever. A strategic purchase of …
Enhancing Safety in the Heavy Equipment Rental Industry
Renting heavy machinery has become increasingly popular in the construction and mining industries with many companies now opting to rent instead of purchase equipment. In fact, market analysts predict that the heavy equipment rental industry is set to grow by 11 percent over the next three years as construction companies …
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SITECH Northwest |
Enhancing Safety in the Heavy Equipment Rental Industry
Renting heavy machinery has become increasingly popular in the construction and mining industries with many companies now opting to rent instead of purchase equipment. In fact, market analysts predict that the heavy equipment rental industry is set to grow by 11 percent over the next three years as construction companies …
How to Maximize Bridge Repair Productivity with Hydrodemolition Attachments
For decades, road and bridge repair contractors have relied on the power and precision of hydrodemolition robots to increase efficiency for concrete removal and surface preparation applications. Traditional methods of bridge deck repair took hours of manual labor using handheld water jetting equipment or handheld pneumatic tools. By switching to …
Towers of Tomorrow
Despite COVID-19’s tumultuous toll on urban living, there will come a day when normalcy returns to large metropolitan areas. Human beings are resilient; they will continue to work, learn, live, and play following economic downturns and unprecedented times that temporarily rid cities of normal activity. Downtowns have a future, and …
Using Technology to Solidify a Unified Team Culture in 2021
Whether it’s on the front lines of a battlefield, a supply chain or a construction site, culture is a fundamental aspect of human existence. Culture keeps us bonded to groups of people – whether it’s within the context of our families, our communities or even our workplaces – and allows …
Michels Corporation Makes Major Commitment to Local Clean Energy
FOND DU LAC, WI — The Fond du Lac area is showing support for Alliant Energy’s community solar project. The 1-megawatt solar garden announced in December and planned for the southwest side of the city has received a significant boost from Michels Corporation.
The diversified energy and infrastructure contractor …
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SITECH Northwest |
Thorough Accident Investigations Require Seven Steps
While there’s a big difference between investigating a workplace incident and finding someone to blame for it, companies frequently confuse the two concepts. When something goes wrong, they work hard to identify those at fault, and that’s where the investigation ends.
Most workplace incidents are not that clear-cut. An individual …
Economic Impact of Wisconsin Construction Industry Estimated at $50.3B
MADISON, WI — A recent survey conducted in partnership between the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Wisconsin and the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado Boulder found that the economic impact of Wisconsin’s Construction industry totaled an estimated $50.3 billion in economic output and contributed $27.2 billion …
Using Good Catches to Increase Worker Ownership of Safety
There’s an old adage that says, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” It’s applicable to many situations, but especially so when it comes to workplace safety. Safety professionals have long recognized the value of prevention, and the well-known Heinrich model clearly illustrates that value. For every …
Sustainable Construction Waste Management and LEED
There was an estimated 600 million tons of construction and demolition (C&D) waste generated in the United States in 2018 alone, which is more than double the amount of Municipal Solid Waste (i.e. normal garbage). Concrete accounted for the largest portion of this C&D waste (67.5 percent), followed by asphalt …
Finding a Snow-Worthy Track Loader
What’s better for clearing snow, a skid steer or a compact track loader? The common perception is that a wheeled machine would fare better, and it’s often true with many track loaders. It’s why many compact track loaders are parked for the winter while their wheeled counterparts keep working. However, …
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Elon University Puts Vacuum Excavator to Work in a Wide Range of Applications
Traditionally, vacuum excavators have been used by contractors for daylighting buried utilities, minimizing disruption to the impacted area, and leaving behind a negligible mess. Today, the benefits of soft digging – the process of using a combination of suction and high-pressure water and air to remove dirt and other materials …
A Good, Hard Look at Prestressed Concrete
When it comes to bridge design and construction, concrete is the material of choice. It’s easy to make, affordable, and can withstand a tremendous amount of compressive stress. However, concrete is not naturally flexible. It’s weak in tension, which can cause deflection on bridges and lead to cracks, which opens …
Four Strategies for Construction Companies to Rebound from COVID-19
It has been almost a year since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, and unfortunately, we don’t have an answer as to when life will go back to normal, or even what the “new normal” will look like. Disruptions in the hard-hit construction industry – such as supply chain shortages and …
Have You Fallen for These Common Safety Myths?
Safety sounds like a simple concept, but when it comes to workplace safety, that isn’t always the case. As our professionals interact with companies and workers in many industries, they frequently hear things that may sound plausible, but that really aren’t true. We’ve collected several of the most common here. …
U.S. DOT Launches New Regional Infrastructure Accelerators Program
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Transportation recently launched a new demonstration program to establish several Regional Infrastructure Accelerators (Accelerators), which will expedite delivery of transportation infrastructure projects through finance and delivery methods. The department’s Build America Bureau (the Bureau) issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity to solicit applications …
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ABC 2020 Review and 2021 Construction Economic Forecast
Despite chronic difficulties sustained by contractors and others with securing human capital in January 2020, the nation added 214,000 net new jobs. It followed that up with an even more blistering 251,000 jobs in February.
For 113 consecutive months, the nation had added jobs – an unprecedented winning streak in …
McCarthy Building Companies Partners with Adaptive Construction Solutions in Support of Veterans
McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. announces a new partnership with Adaptive Construction Solutions, Inc. (ACS) to recruit and train veterans for careers in the construction trades, addressing a national workforce shortage. Together, the two organizations will identify and enroll veterans with military occupational specialties in an apprenticeship program that can lead …
Wells Fargo 2021 Economic Outlook
The longest U.S. economic expansion since the end of the Second World War came to an abrupt end earlier this year as the COVID-19 pandemic essentially shut down the economy. Following an unprecedented plunge in Q2-2020 – real GDP nosedived at an annualized rate of 31.4 percent – economic activity …
How AGC of America is Making Sure Politicians Learn the Right Lessons from the Election
The 2020 elections appear to have delivered simultaneous rebukes to both President Trump and the liberal agenda. While he performed better than most polls predicted, as of writing, the President’s ongoing efforts to contest the election appear to have little chance of success. Yet enough down ballot elections broke Republicans’ …
The Power of Where Symposium Puts Spatial Intelligence at Your Fingertips on January 26
DENVER, CO — Process innovation specialist to the AEC industry, MG AEC Technology Partners (MG), invites the industry to The Power of Where, an online symposium illuminating the intersection of BIM and GIS technologies. Sponsored by Autodesk and GIS industry leader, Esri, the January 26, 2021 virtual conference will …
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SITECH Northwest |
ARTBA 2021 US Transportation Construction Market Forecast
Transportation construction activity is forecast to decline 5.5 percent in 2021, as transportation authorities, state, city, county, and local governments face unprecedented revenue shortfalls, budget pressures and lower demand for travel and freight services, the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) model shows. The 2021 market will reflect the …
Do Your Workers Truly Understand HazCom?
Workers in all sorts of industries use, or may become exposed to, various types of hazardous chemicals and other substances on a regular basis. Sometimes those hazards are part of a production process, while in other instances it may be something used to clean a worksite.
That’s why OSHA requires …
2021 Manufacturer Forecast
After a difficult 2020, many of us are looking for things to turn around with the new year. Significant progress on a vaccine and the possibility of new funding for infrastructure projects has many in the construction industry optimistic that 2021 will put the U.S. economy back on track. We’ve …
High Efficiency ‘Shaped’ Wire Screens are the Way to the Future
For aggregate producers, efficient and accurate sizing of material during processing is essential to profitability. One renowned screening expert has termed plant screening stations as the "cash box" of the operation. Square opening, woven wire screen is still the media of choice in most aggregate operations. However, carryover of prime …
Demolition Doctors
Like many cities with a long history, the skyline of San Diego, California, has changed significantly over the centuries. Even in the modern era, demolition and construction continue to transform California’s second-largest city. However, with growing populations and congested urban environments, demolition contractors are forced to find safer ways to …
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SITECH Northwest |
Unlocking the Full Potential of Construction Fleet Physical Security Integration
For construction firms with significant fleet vehicle and equipment assets needing to be protected from theft or vandalism, fully integrating the latest capabilities of physical security and access control systems can drive down costs significantly.
This “virtual” approach combines video surveillance, access control, and information technology (IT) integration to replace …
The Role of Rental in 2020 and What It Teaches Us for 2021
If there is any one thing to be said about 2020, it’s that uncertainty ruled the day in many ways and in many aspects of life. The construction industry was no exception, as contractors in all segments juggled the unknowns of an election year, a global pandemic, and everything else …
WCMLE Reschedules Event for September 2021 at the Wisconsin Exposition Center
WEST ALLIS, WI — Wisconsin Construction Municipal and Landscape Expo (WCMLE) has been rescheduled to take place on September 22 and 23, 2021, at the Wisconsin Exposition Center at State Fair Park in West Allis, with emphasis on recovery from the pandemic.
It became necessary to move WCMLE, formerly CONEX …
Construction Industry Companies Putting Employee Well Being at the Forefront
No one can argue that 2020 and the coronavirus pandemic have created major stressors in our personal and professional lives and have caused many of us to experience greater levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and fear. Even before COVID-19, one in five Americans suffered from a mental health condition and …
Improving Contractor Interactions Through the SCARF Model
It happens on nearly every jobsite and nearly every day. A worker performs a task without using the proper safety procedures and a safety professional walks up to correct him. The mood becomes tense, the worker’s resentment is obvious, and the safety pro becomes defensive in return.
The safety professional …
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SITECH Northwest |
Avoiding Costly and Potentially Deadly Shortcuts in Netting System Selection
Construction managers, general contractors, and building owners are certainly familiar with safety netting systems and the reasons to install them, which include protecting workers and debris from falling from structures, as well as façade and ceiling containment. They also believe these passive systems create and maintain a safe work environment. …
Making the Whole Person Matter
The construction worker offers much for which to be celebrated. They transform blank canvasses of earth to create spaces for work, education, or play and build structures to cross bodies of water that connect communities. Bottom line, the construction worker helps to build a country’s future.
Driving this ability is …
HDD Training Teaches More Than Just Basic Skills
When it comes to horizontal directional drilling (HDD), simple training is not enough – it needs to be the right training. Because HDD is an art and a science, the right training, education, and experience is a critical combination in knowing the right balance between the two.
As HDD expands …
Tire Tales
Tires are witness to everything that goes on in a truck and are filled with information that can tell you a great deal about your fleet.
There are many reasons tires are removed from service outside of normal wear – ranging from driver- related behavior, to running the wrong type …
Advanced Water Treatment to Increase Efficiency and Meet Environmental Standards
More and more, concrete repair contractors are turning to robotic hydrodemolition, and the reasons why are simple. The method provides faster, safer, and more efficient removal than traditional means. Recent technological advances have also made hydrodemolition machines more versatile, compact, and durable than ever before. But, one important question still …
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SITECH Northwest |
Mortenson Pushes the Boundaries With Large-Scale Modular Projects
The construction industry has proven to be one of the most difficult industries to revolutionize. Many aspects of constructing a building have not changed for centuries. It is becoming increasingly difficult to build in downtown urban settings where sites are tight, streets are crowded, and skilled labor is difficult to …
Bomanite Cares
Humanitarian, hero, and three-time heavyweight champion of the world, Mohammed Ali once said, “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” Revered for his accomplishments in the ring and beloved the world over for his sharp wit and big heart outside of it, Ali’s …
CII, CURT, and ECC Explore Formation of Official Alliance to Streamline Service and Support for the Capital Projects Industry
AUSTIN, TX — Leaders from the Construction Industry Institute (CII), the Construction Users Roundtable (CURT), and the Engineering and Construction Contracting Association (ECC) are exploring the establishment of a unified, industry alliance to capture benefits of increased content collaboration, better sharing of research, and benchmarking learnings to improve application, diversifying …
Ready to Roll
Near the Kansas City International Airport lies a well-traveled stretch of road that connects NE Cookingham Drive to I-435. A 20-mile jaunt separates the airport from downtown Kansas City, and while some drivers might make their way via the direct I-29 route, others choose the I-435 route that might take …
Virtual Reality Leaps Forward, Providing New Value to Stakeholders
The AEC industry has been experimenting with the use of virtual reality (VR) for well over 20 years, and the medium has successfully provided value and Return on Investment (ROI). However, for many projects, the form factor, technical requirements and user friction for delivering walkthroughs has prevented the medium from …
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SITECH Northwest |
Don’t Get Caught in the Cold
When we think winter maintenance, we start thinking about cooling systems and antifreeze, fuel systems and fuel storage, engine oil, Hydraulic oil and systems, batteries and all the fluids, components and systems that suffer the ravages of cold and freezing temperatures. If its equipment, it needs winter maintenance. If operates …
Pulling Augers No Longer Needed
One of the most time-consuming tasks while auger boring is pulling augers to check line and grade and adjust steering constantly,” said Walter Keyes, a 25-years auger boring veteran and Team Leader/Superintendent with S.J. Louis Companies. “Typically, on large-diameter sewer jobs, crews will pull augers every 20 feet, …
Technology Enables Construction Continuity
As we look ahead and try to make predictions about the future of construction, some aspects are murky. No one would have predicted the situation we found ourselves in during 2020, with a global pandemic bringing the economy to its knees, delaying construction projects nationwide, and changing the way we …
Living on the Cutting Edge
Mining and quarrying are deep-rooted businesses. The oldest known mine is located in Southern Africa and was active, quite appropriately, during the Stone Age – an astounding 43,000 years ago. Possibly even more incredible are the ancient mines that are still producing.
Fast forward to today, where we find an …
What Contractors Need to Know About EMR
It’s a small number that carries a huge impact for a contractor’s business. It affects their ability to stay competitive and maintain profitability, and it gives owners and construction managers powerful insights into the contractor’s business philosophy. It says so much that owners and CMs use it to decide whether …
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SITECH Northwest |
ABC Honors Student Winners of 2020 Construction Management Competition
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Twenty-six teams of undergraduate students from colleges and universities nationwide put their construction project leadership skills to the test during Associated Builders and Contractors’ annual Construction Management Competition, which was held virtually for the first time. The four-person teams, which were assigned to complete the same …
WCMLE to be Held at the Wisconsin Exposition Center in February
WEST ALLIS, WI — Wisconsin Construction Municipal and Landscape Expo (WCMLE) will take place on February 9 and 10, 2021, at the Wisconsin Exposition Center at State Fair Park in West Allis, Wisconsin, with emphasis on recovery from the pandemic.
WCMLE, formerly CONEXSHOW Wisconsin, is planning to expand the educational …
Restoring the Interstate Highway System
At 64 years old, an age at which many Americans are approaching Medicare eligibility and reduced workloads, the Interstate Highway System is deteriorating, its traffic load of cars and trucks continues to increase, and the system lacks an adequate long-term care plan.
The Interstate Highway System remains the workhorse of …
Point and Measure
Traditionally, moisture tests require laborious effort and are slow to return results from the laboratory. The risk of damage increases during transit of the materials potentially altering or destroying the entire sample, making this option much less practical for construction sites. Industry innovators have developed a simplified approach with testing …
Leadership Through Extreme Circumstances
When Robert “Bob” Lanham, Jr., P.E., started his tenure as 2020 President of the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), he set three main goals: expand member engagement, increase federal investment in construction, and reduce and reform federal regulations on construction and development.
Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit. …
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SITECH Northwest |
Ten Equipment Trailer Maintenance Tips
Heavy-haul trailers trek thousands of miles during their service lives and encounter many challenges – from rocks and ruts to bumps and jolts, no trailer gets out unscathed. To get the most from trailers, here are some tips to prevent costly damage and keep your trailers in top shape.
The AED Foundation’s Construction Career Aptitude Test Soon to Launch
SCHAUMBURG, IL — As the AED Foundation (AEDF) continues to address the industry's skills gap through its Vision 2024 plan, the soon-to-launch Construction Career Aptitude Test aims to help address the workforce shortage starting at the high school level. More specifically, the Construction Career Aptitude Test is designed for students …
Wallwork Kenworth Relocates to New Full-Service Dealership
WILLISTON, ND — Wallwork Kenworth relocated its Williston, North Dakota, operation to a larger full-service facility to meet the growing demand for Kenworth trucks and services in Western North Dakota.
The new 27,000-square-foot building features a 12,000-square-foot service department with 12 service bays, and a 10,000-square-foot parts department.
According to …
CII and AGC Bring Together a Panel of Industry Leaders for COVID-19 Webinar
The Construction Industry Institute (CII) and the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) recently held a webinar called “Roundtable on Perspectives and Best Practices in Owner-Contractor Collaboration During COVID-19” to provide updates on a variety of industry topics concerning the virus. The panel for the webinar featured two CII owners, …
We Only Get to the Stars by Starting from the Ground
Given the excitement with SpaceX and NASA’s recent historic manned launch, many people are looking to the stars. To many, space means rockets and satellites. However, every major component of these missions are built, designed, tested, launched, and controlled in one or more ground-based facilities. And every one of those …
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SITECH Northwest |
Braun Intertec Welcomes New Co-ops
MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Braun Intertec and a group of experienced employee-owners recently welcomed this year’s co-ops to the team. This year, Braun Intertec had more than 50 co-ops join them in Texas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin.
The Complex Made Simple
The history of the construction excavator goes back quite some time. The very first excavator is said to have been built in 1882 by Sir W. G. Armstrong & Company in England, where it was used in the construction of Port of Hull docks. Unlike today's excavators that use hydraulic …
Fluid Bridge Repair
Infrastructure repair is a hot topic today, and rightfully so. From potholes to deteriorating bridges, keeping up with repairs – and finding the money to do so – is a constant struggle. In an effort to complete jobs faster and win more bids, contractors are always looking for ways to …
Construction Business as Project Business: Project Business Automation
All project businesses essentially operate the same way. Whether you are in the construction, engineering or architecture industry, the overarching commonality is that your company delivers goods and services to your customers through projects, making your company a project business.
Only by recognizing your company as a project business are …
Accelerator for America Introduces New Partnership on Infrastructure Playbook
Accelerator for America recently hosted a webinar with some of the country’s most determined mayors to discuss the organization’s New Partnership on Infrastructure (NPI) initiative.
Founded by CEO Rick Jacobs, Accelerator for America is an organization led by an advisory council of mayors and other local leaders from across …
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SITECH Northwest |
The Importance of Safely Purchasing, Handling and Storing API Certified DEF
As restrictions are being lifted across most states in the country and with warm weather upon us, it is important for truck drivers to consider proper management of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) used in most diesel-powered trucks.
DEF is made from a mixture of technically pure urea and purified water …
Preventative Maintenance Creates Longevity for Drills
It’s a common situation: Your equipment isn’t working as effectively as it was the day it came off the manufacturing line. With most tools and machines, regular maintenance and replacement of worn-out parts can be the key to restoring it back to maximum power. Earth drills are no exception. Knowing …
Modular Design Trends, Challenges, and Increased Construction Liability Risks
Once again, the U.S. economy has hit a crossroads. Even before the current COVID-19 outbreak, the predictions for the coming year were mixed at best.
On the one side, the Association of Equipment Managers (AEM) said that “Steady and solid growth is likely to continue for the construction sector. As …
Boldt Co. Deploys Innovative Technology to Re-Open Jobsites
APPLETON, WI — The hallmark of construction at The Boldt Company is collaboration. But when physical distancing puts a wrench in the personalized give and take of building complicated structures, adaptation is key. Reopening plans for Boldt’s 14 national offices and dozens of jobsites depends on innovation and a creative …
RP Develops Square Sided Water Tank
Creative thinking and the willingness to take a new approach is often what sets innovators apart from their peers. These qualities are also the fuel that propels industry forward. Construction is one of the oldest industries, but thanks to continuous advancements in technology, techniques and materials, today’s structures have come …
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USGBC Minnesota Achieves 100 Million Square Feet of LEED-Certified Space
MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Since USGBC Minnesota's founding, the state has achieved great progress within the green building community.
Minnesota is a national leader for LEED, ranking No. 8 on USGBC’s list of 2019 Top 10 States for LEED, and its continued progress is an achievement for both the state …
Steering Through Sandy Soils
The economy in Garden City, Kansas, is strong with the recent opening of a Dairy Farmers of America plant. Approximately 4 million pounds of milk from regional farmers make its way to the dairy plant each day, which has led to expansion for many other companies throughout the area. To …
Going the Distance
The hardest part of a project for most contractors is the bid. Balancing customer specs with overhead costs to produce a number both sides are comfortable with takes skill and a deep understanding of an operation’s capabilities. Partnering with industry-leading OEMs to provide efficiency-optimizing equipment can give contractors an edge …
Why Productivity in Construction is Flatlining
Let’s face facts, the construction industry does not do well when it comes to completing projects on time and within budget. Approximately 98 percent of megaprojects suffer cost overruns of more than 30 percent and 77 percent are at least 40 percent late, according to a McKinsey & Company report. …
Cloud-Based Employee Time Tracking
There is no doubt that technology has increased project management efficiency and safety in the construction industry. Case in point: construction worker illnesses and injuries went from 10.9 incidents (in 1972) to 2.8 incidents (in 2017) per 100 people, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. But, there are …
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How Technology is Advancing One of the Most Dangerous Jobs in America
Construction was recently listed in the top 10 most dangerous jobs in America by CNBC. So when it comes to day-to-day operations, what can construction managers do to ensure workers receive the information they need to produce quality work and stay safe on the job? One company, MindForge, is …
AGC of Wisconsin Education Foundation Donates Online Construction Safety Courses to High School Students
MADISON, WI — The Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin’s Construction Education Foundation has donated $5,000 in online courses from ClickSafety, Inc. to help high school students at the seven different AGC-supported ACE Academies across the state to continue their construction education.
The ACE Academy model, which stands for Architecture-Construction-Engineering, …
Diabetes Research Institute Foundation Receives $3M Gift from NABTU to Fund Cell Therapy for COVID-19
MIAMI, FL — The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation (DRIF) announces a donation of $3 million from North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU), to support specific and urgent research on the use of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells to treat COVID-19-related inflammation. The gift will accelerate needed clinical trials.
On April …
Quinn Evans Joins AIA Large Firms Roundtable
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Quinn Evans, a planning and design firm with offices in Washington, D.C., Michigan, Wisconsin, Maryland, and Virginia, joins the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Large Firm Roundtable. Founded in 1984, the Large Firm Roundtable is an independent entity composed of 60 of the nation’s largest architectural …
Burns & McDonnell Foundation Announces $1.5M in COVID-19 Relief Funding
HOUSTON, TX — As organizations and community members face significant challenges during the coronavirus pandemic, Burns & McDonnell is providing additional resources and services to communities, clients, and employee-owners throughout the U.S.
To bolster the support of those on the front lines providing critical resources to those who need it …
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2,000 Contractors Attend Wisconsin Construction, Municipal, and Landscape Expo
WEST ALLIS, WI — Around 2,000 contractors involved in road construction or maintenance, landscaping, building construction or maintenance, property management, municipal facilities, safety, and environmental protection recently attended the 2020 Wisconsin Construction, Municipal, and Landscape Expo (WCMLE) to buy equipment, products, tools, and more. The expo was held once again …
North Dakota DOT Receives Innovation Grant for Autonomous Vehicle
BISMARCK, ND — The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) received a federal grant to use technology to improve work zone safety with an autonomous impact protection vehicle. The Federal Highway Administration recently awarded NDDOT a $241,687 grant through its Accelerated Innovation Deployment program.
This pilot project will include the …
Construction Input Prices Unchanged in October, Says ABC
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Construction input prices remained unchanged on a monthly basis in October but are down 2.2 percent year-over-year, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data. Nonresidential construction input prices fell 0.1 percent for the month and are …
2019 SPEC MIX Bricklayer 500 Wisconsin Regional Competition
LAS VEGAS, NV — Miron Construction Co. Inc. recently hosted masonry’s biggest event, the 2019 SPEC MIX Bricklayer 500 Wisconsin Regional Competition. This is the second year Miron has hosted the event. In 2018, the SPEC MIX Top Craftsman Award went to Miron’s own Roman Graebel and his mason tender …
Eighty Percent of Contractors Report Difficulty Finding Qualified Craft Workers to Hire
ARLINGTON, VA — Eighty percent of construction firms report they are having a hard time filling hourly craft positions that represent the bulk of the construction workforce, according to the results of an industry-wide survey released by Autodesk and the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the …
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Contractors Expect to Increase Rental Activity, According to ARA Survey
MOLINE, IL — Among professional construction contractors who rented equipment in the past year, a majority expects to increase reliance on rental in the year ahead, according to a comprehensive survey of contractors released by the American Rental Association (ARA).
The “Rental Customer Needs Study,” conducted by RSG, an independent …
WCMLE Coming to West Allis, Wisconsin, in February
WEST ALLIS, WI — The Wisconsin Construction, Municipal and Landscape (WCMLE) Expo will take place on February 5 and 6, 2020 at the Wisconsin Exposition Center at State Fair Park in West Allis, Wisconsin.
WCMLE, formerly CONEXSHOW Wisconsin, continues the tradition of presenting a display of construction equipment and attachments, …
IEDA Announces Launch of Revamped Website, Hosted by Sandhills Global
VICTOR, NY — The Independent Equipment Dealers Association (IEDA) is a self-regulating organization dedicated to advancing the goals of independent used equipment dealers and related businesses worldwide. The IEDA's website is a vital part of its mission to help equipment dealers build more profitable relationships, and to provide its members …
Construction Jobs Increase by 4,000 in May as Unemployment Rate Falls to Record-Setting Low
ARLINGTON, VA — Construction employment increased by 4,000 jobs in May and by 215,000, or 3 percent, over the past 12 months, while the number of unemployed jobseekers with construction experience fell to a record low, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of …
OSHA Promotes Safety During Construction of Commercial Building Project in Wisconsin
HUDSON, WI — The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Market & Johnson have signed a strategic partnership to promote worker safety and health during the demolition, remodeling and construction of Phillips-Medisize’s 210,000-square-foot commercial building project in Hudson, Wisconsin.
The partners will focus on falls, …
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Somerset CPAs and Advisors Launches 2019 Construction Industry Survey
INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Somerset CPAs and Advisors will be launching their 2019 Construction Industry Financial Performance and Salary & Benefits Survey. This industry-specific survey provides information about the financial standing of the national construction community, outlining salaries and benefits by position, balance sheets, statements of operations and other information as …
Minnesota DOT Receives Award for Promoting Women- and Minority-Owned Small Businesses
ST. PAUL, MN — The Minnesota Department of Transportation’s (MnDOT) Americans with Disability Act Small Business Opportunity pilot program has received the Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership award from the Women’s Transportation Symposium. The award is given to organizations that promote diversity, inclusion and multi-cultural awareness within the transportation …
Nearly 1,500 Attend WCMLE Show in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
MILWAUKEE, WI — The WCMLE Show (Wisconsin Municipal, Construction and Landscape Expo) was held recently at the Wisconsin State Fair Park and with significant activity and numerous sales being reported.
Nearly 1,500 attendees were able to visit with and purchase from the 100 exhibitors at the show. The attendees included …
General Equipment & Supplies, General Aggregate Equipment Sales Host Tri-Annual Aggregate Expo
FARGO, ND — General Equipment & Supplies, Inc. and General Aggregate Equipment Sales, ULC, recently played host for the Aggregate Expo, which was held over a two-day period at the Fargo Holiday Inn.
More than 400 customers were in attendance for the event, which featured aggregate and construction indoor trade …