Pit & Quarry articles from November 2004

Pit & Quarry archives from November 2004

Cemex to acquire RMC in $5.8 billion transaction.(Stockpile: the latest producer news)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Cemex S.A. de C.V. announced the recommended acquisition of RMC Group PLC for US$4.1 billion in cash. Including the assumption of debt, the enterprise value of the transaction is approximately US$5.8 billion. The boards of directors of both...

Hanson North America.(A Closer Look)
November 1, 2004... In its last annual report, Hanson North America reported that in 2003 it had focused on cost-saving capital expenditures, bolt-on acquisitions and a major reorganization. That management shuffle combined its Aggregates East, Aggregates West,...

Vulcan to sell chemicals business.(Stockpile: the latest producer news)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Vulcan Materials Co. has reached an agreement to sell the assets of its chemicals business, known as Vulcan Chemicals, to Basic Chemical Co. LLC, a subsidiary of Occidental Chemical Corp. The consideration to be received by Vulcan for the...

Two Astec companies hold first-ever press day.(Stockpile: the latest producer news)(Kolberg-Pioneer and Johnson Crushers International)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Astec companies Kolberg-Pioneer and Johnson Crushers International (JCI) held their first-ever press day to introduce several new pieces to its Fast Trax (FT) line of portable equipment. Held at its corporate headquarters in Yankton, S.D.,...

Judge declines to confirm Oglebay Norton plan of reorganization.(Stockpile: the latest producer news)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Oglebay Norton Co. says that United States Bankruptcy Judge Joel B. Rosenthal of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware declined to confirm the company's joint amended plan of reorganization. While he agreed that the plan was...

Events.(Calendar)
November 1, 2004... December 5-7, 2004 NSSGA Transportation Forum Jacksonville, Fla. 800-342-1415 www.nssga.org January 18-21, 2005 2005 World of Concrete Las Vegas 866-962-7469 www.worldofconcrete.com February 6-9,...

Conveyor industry sees improvement in first half of 2004.(Stockpile: the latest producer news)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association (CEMA) reports total new orders increasing 7 percent and billed sales (shipments) up 9 percent in the first half of 2004. Increases were owing to strong bulk handling orders and shipments. Orders...

Caterpillar creates new Electric Power, Specialty Industries divisions.(Stockpile: the latest producer news)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Caterpillar Inc. announced a restructuring resulting in two new divisions to provide executive leadership and greater focus to the growth sectors of electric power generation and specialty products. The Cat board named William J. Rohner a...

Caterpillar holds Global Forum on Sustainable Development in Mining at MINExpo 2004.(Stockpile: the latest producer news)
November 1, 2004... Caterpillar held a Pre-MinExpo show at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas for its family of global miners. Held Friday through Sunday before the start of the expo on Monday, the event featured a global forum on sustainable development in mining, a...

ESH Summit attracts who's who in federal regulatory establishment.(Association News)
November 1, 2004... The National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association's first ever Environment, Safety and Health (ESH) Regulatory Summit brought together 125 registrants to the conference, held Oct. 4 - 6 in Alexandria, Va. They heard keynote presentations from...

ConocoPhillips, Quaker chemical develop strategic alliance.(Stockpile: the latest producer news)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... ConocoPhillips Co. has joined forces with Quaker Chemical to offer its Quintolubric 814 universal longwall mining fluids to underground mining customers. ConocoPhillips will now market Quaker's longwall fluid to increase customer options,...

Bridgestone, Continental join forces to develop advanced tire-pressure monitoring system.(Stockpile: the latest producer news)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Bridgestone Corp. and Continental AG will join forces to develop an advanced tire pressure monitoring system for commercial vehicles. The two companies aim to begin mass-producing the system in 2007. "We want to set a worldwide standard," says...

Production Engineered Products, Kolberg-Pioneer combine to create Astec Mobile Screens Inc.(Stockpile: the latest producer news)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Production Engineered Products Inc. (PEP) and Kolberg-Pioneer have combined to form a new company, Astec Mobile Screens Inc. The new operation will handle sales and distribution of mobile screening plants manufactured within Astec Industries,...

ChevronTexaco pioneers program to benefit Hispanic trucking community.(Stockpile: the latest producer news)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... ChevronTexaco Global Lubricants has introduced an initiative to reach out to the growing Hispanic trucking community, which constitutes 15 percent of the nation's 3.2 million truck drivers, according to the company. ChevronTexaco is...

Donaldson Co. Inc. introduces Spanish-language version of Web site.(Stockpile: the latest producer news)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Providing improved access for Spanish-speaking customers, Donaldson Co. Inc. introduced a new Spanish-language version of its Web site. It can be accessed at www.donaldson.com.mx. Like its English counterpart, Donaldson's Spanish Web site...

From the road.(Out in front: critical trends and topics from Pit & Quarry)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... MINExpo 2004 featured total registered attendance of 30,159, with verified attendance of 26,866, according to show officials. About half of total registrations were for representatives of exhibiting companies. Nonmetallic minerals attendance...

Essential economics.(Out in front: critical trends and topics from Pit & Quarry)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... New construction starts decreased 4 percent in August to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $573 billion, according to McGraw-Hill Construction, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies. Nonbuilding construction (public works and electric...

MINExpo.(Top News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... MINExpo takes place in Las Vegas, with about 30,000 in attendance. Of the mining sector attendees, 16 percent are from the nonmetallic minerals industry.

Mexican cement giant Cemex acquires RMC Group PLC.(Top News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Mexican cement giant Cemex acquires RMC Group PLC for $5.8 billion.

Vulcan Materials Co. reaches an agreement to sell the assets of its chemicals business to Basic Chemical Co. LLC.(Top News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Vulcan Materials Co. reaches an agreement to sell the assets of its chemicals business to Basic Chemical Co. LLC, a subsidiary of Occidental Chemical Corp.

Production Engineered Products Inc. and Kolberg-Pioneer Inc. combine to form a new company.(Top News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Production Engineered Products Inc. and Kolberg-Pioneer Inc. combine to form a new company, Astec Mobile Screens Inc.

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers.(Top News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The Association of Equipment Manufacturers says exports of American-made construction machinery totaled $4.2 billion for the first half of 2004, a 19-percent increase compared to the first half of the previous year.

Stock watch.(Out in front: critical trends and topics from Pit & Quarry)
November 1, 2004... STOCK WATCH (AT PRESS TIME) THIS MONTH LAST MONTH Cemex SA f 28.28 30.16 Eagle Materials f 69.39 70.26 Florida Rock Industries d 47.00 ...

Survey says.(Out in front: critical trends and topics from Pit & Quarry)
November 1, 2004... Survey Says Does your company use portable plants at any of its aggregate sites? Yes 71% No 17% Don't work for a producer 12%

Cat tales.(Mark My Words)(MINExpo International)
November 1, 2004... At this year's MINExpo show in Las Vegas back in September, I had the privilege of being the only aggregates industry editor chosen to participate in a special roundtable discussion with Caterpillar executives. On hand at the discussion were...

Brake motors.(Brand new: just released to the market)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Baldor Electric Co.'s new Super-E brake motors are designed to handle rugged conveyor applications while using less energy. The brake motors have ISR (Inverter Spike Resistant) magnet wire and are inverter-ready. They are designed to provide a...

One-man sledgehammer.(Brand new: just released to the market)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Slide Sledge LLC's heavy equipment hammer is designed for safer, faster and more cost-effective maintenance of heavy equipment. The Slide Sledge tool delivers a powerful impact for quick, easy repairs, reducing potentially catastrophic...

Tires for large loaders.(Brand new: just released to the market)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Michelin Earthmover Group's new 60/80R57 X Mine D2 tire provides protection against punctures and cuts in the harshest conditions for large loaders. Designed for surface mining applications, it is the largest size of Michelin X Mine D2 tires to...

Selling your company: seven common pitfalls that can produce failure.(Special Report)(George Spilka and Associates)
November 1, 2004... For many owners, the sale of their company is the largest, most complex transaction of their career. Owing to its magnitude and impact on their future, it also is one of the most stressful. A seller will often find security with an experienced,...

Digital wheeled loader.(TechWatch: cutting-edge solutions)(LeTourneau Integrated Network Control System)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The LeTourneau L-1350 wheel loader uses LINCS, the LeTourneau Integrated Network Control System, which provides digital speed and precision to the management and monitoring of all loader functions--engine, hydraulic and electric-drive. ...

Pseudo-satellite provides accurate positioning.(TechWatch: cutting-edge solutions)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... With the introduction of Novariant's Terralite XPS system, mine productivity will no longer be disrupted by weak or obstructed Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite signals. Unlike GPS, Terralite XPS provides mine managers with direct...

Proper belt installation: the back-to-basic steps.(Conveyor Talk)
November 1, 2004... Even the most veteran plant operator may encounter the need to troubleshoot when installing a new conveyor belt. There are a number of precise procedures, each as important as the next. Cutting corners will undoubtedly result in costly,...

Orange crush: Stavola Contracting's new impactor reduces overtime costs and improves productivity.(Crushing)
November 1, 2004... When your company runs the largest impact-crushing recycle yard on the East Coast, has 10 asphalt plants that consume large volumes of RAP, and operates a highway and heavy contracting business that requires thousands of tons of recycled...

Harness the power: trolley beam style systems vs. safety cables: which is better for fall protection?(Safety)
November 1, 2004... MSHA clearly has been given broad powers of enforcement for fall protection, having been issued a strong regulation open to relatively broad interpretation. The Federal Metal and Nonmetallic Mine Training, Safety and Health Standards, as...

MINExpo 2004 roundup.(Show Review)
November 1, 2004... More than 1,200 exhibitors showcased products and services at this year's MINExpo International in Las Vegas. About 35,000 attendees were on hand to view the 460,600-sq.-ft. exhibition, and following is a sample of products on display at the...

Focus shifts to ConExpo-Con/Agg.(Countdown to ConExpo-Con/Agg 2005)
November 1, 2004... With MINExpo behind us, the spotlight is now on the upcoming ConExpo-Con/Agg 2005 and the International Exposition for Power Transmission (IFPE--which is actually an acronym for the old name of the show--International Fluid Power Exhibition)....

Congress passes eight-month TEA-21 extension.(National affairs: key issues)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... After lawmakers were unable to reach agreement on a funding level for a six-year TEA-21 reauthorization bill, Congress passed an eight-month extension, and President Bush signed it into law. Bush has threatened to veto any reauthorization...

California court upholds board's regulation of rock used on unpaved roads.(National affairs: key issues)
November 1, 2004... A California appeals court upheld a state board regulation barring the sale and supply of rock containing asbestos for the surfacing of unpaved roads. In its October 1 decision, the Court of Appeal of California, Third Appellate District,...

Ethanol Highway Trust Fund provisions pass.(National affairs: key issues)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The new export tax bill contains significant corporate tax incentives, says the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association. Most significantly, H.R. 4520, the FSC/ETI (foreign sales corporation/extraterritorial income tax regime legislation)...

Mid-year equipment exports show growth.(National affairs: key issues)
November 1, 2004... Exports of American-made construction machinery totaled $4.2 billion for the first half of 2004, a 19 percent increase compared to the first half of the previous year, according to data released by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers...

Massachusetts.(Northeast)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... A state Land Court judge has handed a temporary victory to Morse Sand and Gravel by granting an injunction that will allow the company to work all hours of the day and night and prevent the town of Lakeville from collecting fines from the...

Pennsylvania.(Northeast)(mergers and acquisitions )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The possibility that concrete crushing may resume on a partially reclaimed quarry in South Whitehall Township has township commissioners and residents organizing a fight. Haines & Kibblehouse Inc., a Skippack demolition, paving and excavation...

New York.(Northeast)(Plant start-ups of cement industry)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... A company that wants to build a cement plant near the Hudson River in Columbia County must undergo in-depth environmental reviews on issues ranging from the potential visual impact to nitrogen oxide emissions, according to a ruling by the chief...

Alabama.(Southeast)(mergers and acquisitions)(Powell All-Steel Scales )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Rice Lake Weighing Systems has purchased Powell All-Steel Scales of Jasper, Ala. Since 1959, Powell has been manufacturing heavy-capacity scale equipment. Owing to parallel business philosophies, both companies expect a seamless transition....

Florida.(Southeast)(Relocation of National Stone, Sand, and Gravel Association's Transportation Committee)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association's Transportation Committee has relocated the 2004 Transportation Forum to Jacksonville, Fla., Dec. 5-7. The event will include a Sunday committee meeting and reception, and seminars on topics...

Kentucky.(Southeast)(Rogers Group Inc. )(Good Neighbor Award 2003)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The Kentucky Crushed Stone Association (KCSA) announced the winners of its 2003 Good Neighbor Award Program at the annual summer meeting held at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park in Gilbertsville, Ky. The Good Neighbor Award recognizes...

Michigan.(North Central)(Traffic regulations of trucks)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Truck traffic will be restricted within Fenton after residents complained about gravel trucks roaring down S. Leroy and Adelaide streets from a Tyrone Township gravel pit. Officials originally told residents they were not sure much could be...

Ohio.(North Central)(laws for waste management)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... As mandated by the FHWA, the Ohio Aggregates & Industrial Minerals Association (OAIMA) is holding its five-year Ohio Level I Aggregate Technician Certification class for certifications due to expire in 2004. Those whose expiration date falls...

Wisconsin.(North Central)(Aggregate Producers of Wisconsin )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The Aggregate Producers of Wisconsin has joined with other statewide trade associations as a founding member of the Wisconsin Infrastructure Coalition. Participating associations represent groups involved in providing fundamental services, such...

Missouri.(South Central)(construction materials )(laws)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The Missouri Limestone Producers Association reports that the Kansas Supreme Court recently issued a unanimous decision upholding the Kansas Paving Materials Act, which blocks any city or county from competing with private industry by selling...

Texas.(South Central)(mining businesses )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) cited seven Hood County rock-mining businesses for a total of 14 violations in connection with Clear Streams Initiative investigations. "Proportionately, it is a higher percentage than most...

Idaho.(Pacific)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... After waiting for two years, Spokane Rock Products received permission from Kootenai County to mine for gravel on 490 acres near the state line with Washington. Residents of Post Falls, Idaho are concerned about dust, noise and potential damage...

New machine guarding policy.(Law: key issues)(mining guidelines by Mine Safety and Health Administration )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has come out with revised guidelines on how mining operations may safely and lawfully guard machinery and equipment. In MSHA's "Guide to Equipment Guarding," revised 2004, MSHA has done several...

Asarco agrees to reduced $95,000 penalty in case stemming from fatal rock fall.(Legal highlights: key issues)
November 1, 2004... Asarco Inc. has agreed to pay the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) reduced civil penalties totaling $95,000 to settle a case arising from a fatal ground fall accident that killed one miner and seriously injured two other workers....

TXI agrees to $16,500 civil penalty for training violation in fatality case.(Legal highlights: key issues)(Texas Industries Inc. )
November 1, 2004... Texas Industries Inc. has agreed to pay the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) a civil penalty reduced from $26,500 to $16,500 for a task training violation, in a case in which a contract welder at a TXI cement plant was fatally...

Industry looks to 2005 for TEA-21 reauthorization.(Economics: key issues)(Transportation Equity Act for the Twenty-First Century of 1998)
November 1, 2004... It was the stone industry's misfortune to have negotiations for the federal surface-transportation program's reauthorization occur during the run-up to a presidential election--a scheduling quirk of fate that practically guaranteed lawmakers...

Construction recedes 4 percent in August, highways up 11 percent.(Economics: key issues)
November 1, 2004... August construction starts settled back 4 percent from the previous month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $573.3 billion, it was reported by McGraw-Hill Construction, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies. The retreat for total...

The hidden costs of SSTP on industry.(Economics: key issues)(Streamlined Sales Tax Project)
November 1, 2004... In the effort by the states to capture sales tax on Internet and catalog sales, known as the Streamlined Sales Tax Project (SSTP), a number of new definitions have been adopted by member states. The purpose behind the new definitions is to...

New concrete accepts traffic in just four hours.(Supply chain: news from affiliated industries)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Ohio-based Master Builders Inc.'s new 4x4 Concrete is hard enough in just four hours to drive a truck over, the company says. The Concrete Paving Association documented in-place savings of roughly $750 per cu. meter using 4x4 Concrete compared...

Concrete canoe cements championship for University of Wisconsin-Madison.(Supply chain: news from affiliated industries)
November 1, 2004... After nearly a year of preparation and an 800-mile journey to the nation's capital, students from University of Wisconsin-Madison captured their second national title at the 17th Annual ASCE/MBT National Concrete Canoe Competition. The...

Luther named to head RMC.(Supply chain: news from affiliated industries)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Julie Luther has been named as the first executive director of the Ready Mixed Concrete Research Foundation. Luther comes to the foundation with extensive experience with the ready mixed concrete industry and not-for-profit organizations, most...

J.C. Watts and Motown tunes to highlight NAPA's 50th.(Supply chain: news from affiliated industries)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Former U.S. Rep. J.C. Watts Jr. will be the keynote speaker at the National Asphalt Pavement Association's (NAPA) 50th Annual Convention Feb. 13-17, 2005 at the Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island of Hawaii. NAPA committee meetings Feb....

Center for Concrete Research formed by NRMCA and U. of M.(Supply chain: News from affiliated industries)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... In an effort to augment industry training and evaluate emerging technologies, the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) and the University of Maryland's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering are establishing a Center for...

U.S. feels weight of cement shortage as China's building booms.(Supply chain: news from affiliated industries)
November 1, 2004... The construction industry has access to less cement owing to a number of factors, including a building boom in Southeast Asia and fewer ocean freighters available to supply the United States with imported cement. Contractors in Florida,...

Looking to buy? Contact these advertisers for your equipment and service needs.
November 1, 2004... Associations/Shows/Auctions ConExpo-Con/Agg 800-867-6060 www.conexpoconagg.com National Stone, Sand and Gravel Assn. 800-342-1415 www.aggregates.org Richie...