PRODUCERS Rotondo Weirich named Joseph Laspina Jr. controller, overseeing all of the company's financial operations from the Lederach, Pa. headquarters. He holds masters and bachelors business degrees from Drexel University in Philadelphia and brings the company 20+ years' financial experience.

Carolina Concrete Pumping has acquired the assets of AR Concrete Pumping, a division of Anderson Rent-All of Anderson, S.C. The deal has brought Carolina Concrete, an affiliate of Durham-based Unicon Concrete, a fleet of Schwing boom pumps and several pump operators. Company officials note that the merging of the two entities has more than doubled the daily pumping schedule and allows faster, more efficient service to customers in upstate South Carolina, plus bordering areas of North Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia.

Steve VanHorn has been named building materials sales representative for Lafarge Corp. Wisconsin Division, formerly known as Tews Co. VanHorn will promote specialty products in his new position, encompassing an area in which he has more than 20 years of experience. His territory will consist of the lakefront counties. He will be located at the company's West Allis plant.

Lafarge Wisconsin has also named Jim Cassidy ready-mix sales representative. He worked for the company in a similar capacity between 1994 and 1997, and will be located at the main Milwaukee office.

Two bronze Telly awards, annually given for television, film and video productions, are being presented to Oregon-based Morse Bros. Inc. for a corporate image video production entitled Rockin' the Northwest. The production was a finalist in the corporate image and low budget categories. A third bronze Telly in the low budget category is being presented for a training video entitled, Your Stuck, Now What?, produced for the Morse Bros. Mentor Driver Program.

Vulcan Materials Co. has announced acquisition of a granite quarry operation in Mitchell County, N.C., from Maryland Stone Co., Inc. Located north of Asheville near the western North Carolina town of Spruce Pine, the quarry will be operated by Vulcan's Mideast Division, headquartered in Winston-Salem. Vulcan Chairman Donald James notes, "We are very pleased with this opportunity to expand the geographic scope of our operations in western North Carolina, which has been very progressive in education and transportation infrastructure investment."

Joseph Ferrara of Ferrara Building Materials Corp., Flushing, N.Y., has been named one of Concrete Industry Board of New York's 1999 Leaders of Industry.

Metromont Prestress Division has appointed Harry Gleich vice president of engineering, with additional responsibilities for quality control; promoted James Knight to vice president of sales; and appointed Chuck Gantt director of project management for the company's north region, which includes concrete products manufactured at Greenville, S.C. and Charlotte, N.C. plants. Additionally, the producer has named Fred Steinlein chief engineer and Robert Webb director of project management for the south region, which covers Atlanta and Dalton, Ga., and Nashville, Tenn., operations.

ORGANIZATIONS Stan Lanford of Lanford Brothers Co., Roanoke, Va., was elected 1999 American Road & Transportation Builders Association chairman. The appointment was made during the group's annual convention in Las Vegas, which also saw the naming of Oldcastle Material Group's Tom Hill and Granite Construction's Joseph McGowan as vice chairman at-large. Also, new and re-elected ARTBA directors include Vulcan Materials/Construction Materials East's G.M. Badgett and Rogers Group's Richard Warden.

The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association named Monte Stewart and William O'Connell co-winners of the 1999 Joseph E. Carpenter Award, recognizing outstanding industry contributions. Stewart is vice president of operations for Kansas ready-mix producer Ash Grove Materials Corp.; O'Connell is president of Milwaukee-based concrete plant manufacturer RexCon.

ASTM names 1999 officers and directors James Pierce of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation's Technical Service Center in Denver has been elected 1999 American Society for Testing and Materials chairman. A resident of Littleton, Colo., Pierce holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Purdue University School of Civil Engineering. He began his career with the New York State Department of Transportation. Subsequently, he worked for BuRec, then Martin Marietta Cement, returning to the federal agency in 1976. In his current position, he is a senior manager with direct responsibilities for BuRec Water Services.

Pierce is a member of ASTM Committees C-1 on Cement, C-9 on Concrete and Concrete Aggregates, C-27 on Precast Concrete Products, and D-18 on Soil and Rock. In addition, he serves on a C-9 executive subcommittee. He has been a member of the ASTM board since 1993 and chaired the Committee on Technical Committee Operations. In addition to his activities with ASTM, Pierce is active in the American Concrete Institute, for which he served as president and continues as a member of its board of directors. He is also a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Donald Marlowe, director of the Office of Science and Technology at the Food & Drug Administration's Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Rockville, Md., will serve a two-year term as vice chairman of the board. A society member for more than 30 years, Marlowe has been active on many committees and served as a board member since 1994.

Richard Schulte, Brecksville, Ohio-based energy industry consultant, will serve a one-year term as treasurer. His career has principally been concentrated in consulting activities related to the planning, operation, and management of electric and gas utilities; management of research programs for the electric and gas utility industry; and management of testing laboratories for military weapons, electrical equipment and gas appliances. He been a board member since 1996.

Six new directors will serve three-year terms from 1999-2001: Stephen Driscoll, professor, Department of Plastics Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Lowell; Robert Moyer, manager of the Bridgestone/Firestone Technical Test/Equipment Development and Compound Development Laboratory, Akron, Ohio; James Myers, associate with Massachusetts-based engineering consultant Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc.; Gale Page, state flexible pavement materials engineer for the Florida Department of Transportation, Gainesville; Arthur Schwope, vice president and leader of the Design and Development Practice for Arthur D. Little, Inc., Cambridge, Mass.; and Eugene Zeller, director of planning and building, City of Long Beach, Calif.

John Carew, vice president of Carew Concrete in Appleton, Wisc., has been elected president of the Wisconsin Ready Mixed Concrete Association. The group has also announced election of Donald Moyle, general manager of Winger Concrete Products in Hazelhurst, vice president (president-elect); and Robert Shea, vice president of Wingra Redi-Mix in Madison, secretary-treasurer.

Producer members elected to WRMCA's board of directors for three-year terms are Robert Brown of Baraboo Concrete; Ron Brown of American Materials; and Gene Vandemark of MCC Inc. Jesse Jacobs of Otto Jacobs LLC will serve a one-year term. Blue Circle Cement's Greg Leiteritz and Fibermesh's Dan Large have joined the board as associate members.

The National Concrete Masonry Association Board of Directors and Executive Committee members took office during the group's 1999 convention in Orlando, Fla. In addition to 1999 Chairman Ben Fry of California-based Blocklite (Concrete Products, February 1999), newly elected members include Max Hunt of Illinois-based Northfield Block Co., chairman-elect; and Peter Hoyt of Virginia-based Betco Block/Oldcastle APG, immediate past chairman.

New NCMA board members are Steven Doty of Peerless Block & Bridge, (representing) Region I; Eugene Weston of Burgess-Brogdon Building Supply, Region II; James Weber of Bend Industries, Region III; James Browning of Capitol Concrete Products and Bobby Staten of Pavestone Co., Region IV; and Donald Jones Jr. of Willamette-Graystone Inc., Region V. Brian DeMaris of New Holland Concrete and Scott Weber of Basalite Block were elected Appointive members, while Jeff Speck of Big River Industries was named to represent the Associates Division.

New to NCMA's Executive Committee are Thomas Tallman of Riefler Concrete Products, Region I; Allen Tutewile of Majestic Block, Region III; Eugene Chubb of RCP Block & Brick, Region V; Steven Doty of Peerless Block, Appointive; and Dave Lower of Southdown Inc., Associates Division.

Separately, NCMA has appointed Robert Zobel structural engineer. With strengths in structural engineering, seismic design, concrete materials and computer programming, he will represent the group as a liaison to several national organizations and assist in technical publication and software development; technical inquiry response; educational programs and seminars; and industry research. Zobel was most recently an assistant professor of civil engineering at the University of Akron. He earned a Ph.D. from the University of Texas-Austin in civil engineering, concentrating in nondestructive and in-situ evaluation and repair of prestressed concrete bridge structures. He holds University of Florida bachelor's and master's degrees.

CSDA profiles contractors Craig Group, Inc., a Columbus, Ohio, marketing research firm, recently completed a survey to develop a contractor member profile for Concrete Sawing and Drilling Association. Results were consolidated into three main sections:

1) Financial. The typical company's total sales volume for 1996 was $1.5 million and for 1997 was $1.7 million. The average estimated total sales volume for 1998 was $2 million. Core drilling typically accounted for 24.4 percent of total sales; flat sawing for 31.8 percent; wall sawing for 22.7 percent; wire sawing for 3.1 percent; demolition for 9.9 percent; and the remaining 7.8 percent classified as miscellaneous. The average company's sales per truck for the most recent fiscal year was $149,628.

12) Operational. Member firms had 14 sawing and drilling trucks, three demolition trucks, three supervision trucks, two sales trucks, two management trucks, and four trucks for other use. The typical firm surveyed had 21 trucks.

3) Personnel. The typical firm had 16 sawing and drilling operators, five demolition operators, two mechanics, two sales representatives, two estimators, two dispatchers, three clerical employees, one safety supervisor, and two managers. The starting average hourly wage for trained operators was $14.71; $13.71 for mechanics; $15.71 for dispatchers; and $16.42 for estimators. The average operator work week was 41-50 hours. Just under half of the respondents reported a typical management staff person work week of 41-50 hours.

On the business side, the move to computerized systems is prevailing. More than nine out of 10 firms' accounting operations were computerized. More than 55 percent of personnel and tax operations were computerized, although only 30 to 37 percent of dispatching, estimating and inventory management operations were computerized. Fewer than 5 percent of responding firms had no computerized operations.

Separately, CSDA reports a doubling of membership, to 400+ companies, in the past six years. "This achievement would not be possible without the dedication of the officers, board members, committee members and staff to provide increased member value," says outgoing CSDA President Rick Norland. Executive Director Patrick O'Brien adds, "Committee participation was up 80 percent in 1998, and this record level of volunteer commitment allowed CSDA to accomplish a broader range of programs."

While CSDA membership doubled, dues income increased 190 percent, and the budget grew 450 percent during the same period. This increased funding allowed the association to introduce many new programs in 1998, including "The Flat Sawing and Blade Safety," the first in a series of safety and training videos. A second video on wall sawing is in final production for 1999 release.

CSDA reports that training programs continue to attract students and gain prominence in the construction industry. More than 500 students have graduated since the first course was offered in 1993. Current programs include Cutting Edge, an introductory course; Operator Certification, an advanced course; and OSHA Construction Safety.

In addition, CSDA has named its 1999 officers and board of trustees: Jim Dvoratcheck of Hard Rock Concrete Cutters, Des Plaines, Ill., president; Roger Allen of Cushion Cut, Torrance, Calif., vice president; and Susan Hollingsworth of Holes Inc., Houston, secretary/treasurer. Rick Norland of Diamant Boart/Target, Olathe, Kan., is immediate past-president. Trustees elected for two year terms include Steve Garrison of Diamond B, Cerritos, Calif.; Mike Greene of Greene Concrete Cutting, Woods Cross, Utah; Patrick Harris of Concrete Renovation, San Antonio, Texas; Karen Johnson of Roughneck Concrete Drilling & Sawing, Morton Grove, Ill.; and David Tuttle of Diamond Products, Elyria, Ohio.

MANUFACTURERS Deere dedicates operation John Deere's Worldwide Commercial & Consumer Equipment Division has opened a $38-million engineering and assembly operation near Knoxville, Tenn. The 300,000-sq.-ft. Commercial Worksite Products facility produces a new line of Deere-developed skid steers.

"With our experience in the skid steer business, and engineering and manufacturing expertise, we felt it was time to design and build the product ourselves," says CWP General Manager Chuck Mogged. "As we place more emphasis on commercial products, skid steers represent a natural outgrowth of our division."

Sales of skid steers are increasing rapidly as more contractors and commercial operators discover the versatility of these units, he adds. "We've made a commitment to increase our share of this business, and that requires us to have more control over design and production. We want to assure dealers we can deliver products and support their sales."

Giuffres seek to breathe new life into Rexworks When brothers Frank and Dominic Giuffre took over the concrete mixer division of Rexworks in December 1997, they knew they had become heirs to a company with Milwaukee roots dating to 1891-one with a history of inventions, good business practices and steady growth. Yet they also knew they were acquiring what by the mid 1990s was an ailing business in need of change.

Acknowledging that Rexworks' reputation and market share had suffered in recent years, president Frank Giuffre says, "In the field, they tell us they loved the product but had problems with the company management team." He and his brother intend to apply their business acumen-underscored by a 35-year track record operating Milwaukee's Giuffre Bros. Cranes-to Rexworks.

Since widespread brand acceptance is a good start, they report, the company is now differentiating itself from the competition by stressing low price and having standardized units available for immediate delivery. The Giuffres have also reorganized manufacturing operations for greater efficiency and made immediate customer financing available.

Equipment becomes brand One of the industry's oldest brands, Rexworks grew into concrete after its founders had established a business based in agriculture. Chain belts used by farmers on their early-1900s harvesting machinery were the company's first offering. Metal links provided positive drive, replacing leather belts that stretched in the rain and shrunk in the sun. As an agricultural economy gave way to industrial growth, Chain Belt Co. expanded its product line to bolt and rivet clippers, couplings, pulleys, and gears of all sizes and shapes.

Concurrent with the development of concrete as a widely used construction and building material, the early 1900s advent of the automobile brought about a demand for better roads. In 1908, Chain Belt developed a concrete site mixer with a chain-belt drive. To distinguish this first piece of construction machinery from other Chain Belt products, it was named Rex, implying that it was the king of all concrete mixers. Other mixers on the market were operated by gears.

The Rex had a cast-iron drum that was mounted on a horse-drawn iron frame with a steam engine and boiler. Before long, the Rex trademark began appearing on pavers, conveyors, belt idlers, traveling water screens, dewatering pumps and saw rigs. In 1922, Rex acquired the patent for a machine that pumped concrete to the point of placement.

Through fluctuations in the economy, evolving markets and two world wars, what once was the Rex Chain Belt Company thrived by responding to changing product demands. It eventually became Rexworks, with a focus on mixers, concrete pavers, grading and road construction equipment, portable asphalt plants, and soil stabilizers.

Sale separates lines In the 1997 sale of Rexworks, compactor and grinder operations were purchased by CMI Corp. and relocated to Oklahoma. The Giuffres have maintained the concrete mixer division in Milwaukee, not far from the company's original 1800s site. Located just off Interstate 94, their 375,000-sq.-ft. manufacturing facility has a seasoned production work force of 72, they note, with office space for sales, accounting and administrative staff.

Rexworks reports that customers have taken note of the ownership transition. Merle Froese, who has been vehicle maintenance coordinator for 12 years at Penny's Concrete Inc., Shawnee Mission, Kan., recently placed a six-truck order, noting that Rex mixers have been used at his company for a majority of its 75 years in concrete. "Since the management change, I sense a better listening ear," he observes, referring specifically to a suggestion he made to add a feature that he believes would improve an already good product.

Froese also senses a "genuine attempt to be on time" with delivery promises. He believes controls on Rex mixers are easier for drivers and customers in the company's 50-mile Kansas City area radius to operate, and that the models' configuration spans the spectrum of job site unloading, from a wheelbarrow to a paving operation.

At St. Louis' Raineri Building Material Inc., Peter Raineri maintains a fleet of 40+ mixers, more than half of which are Rex models. The company he and his three brothers operate employs 60 people and serves metropolitan St. Louis, St. Louis County and parts of St. Charles, Franklin and Jefferson counties. Raineri has had four mixers on order from Rexworks for this Spring. The narrower axle on Rex boosters is the feature he appreciates most: "When we travel on back country roads, it keeps the tires from dropping onto the shoulder, which can be a serious problem for drivers. It's difficult to get a slipped booster back on the road, and the danger of rollover is high."

Raineri adds that his drivers always outperform their competitors. "They load and go to the job and get out 50 percent faster," he contends.

Back-to-basics philosophy Peter Raineri agrees that Rexworks needed to make some changes. Under new owners, he notes, the company can deliver a mixer before other equipment manufacturers get back with a quote.

"We've already reduced our mixer lead time from six months to two months, and we have mixer packages that are ready for immediate delivery," affirms Frank Giuffre. Mixers are typically mounted on Mack, International or Sterling trucks. Giuffre stresses simplicity and a commitment to get back to business basics: on-time shipment, dependable quality, promotion and aggressive pricing.

The new Rexworks logo has taken on a decidedly Giuffre twist: Tyrannosaurus Rex, a fierce, jagged-tooth dinosaur erupts from behind the Rex name. The logo links Rexworks to the Giuffre Bros. giant Dino 1500, a truck-mounted crane whose symbol is a familiar long-necked green dinosaur.

Command Data Inc. has announced the promotion of Dave Crocker to vice president of operations for the Dallas office. He has been with the Birmingham, Ala.-based software developer for more than 15 years, serving as engineering manager, marketing manager, vice president of U.K. operations and mobile signaling division.

Alex Bernasconi has been named director of business class and vocational sales for Freightliner Trucks. He is responsible for sales of Class 5-8 business class product line and Class 8 vocational trucks, and will relocate from Seattle to Portland. Bernasconi will report to Jon Wyman, who was recently appointed general manager of marketing. Bernasconi joined Freightliner in 1997 as manager of vocational sales, with responsibilities for construction and refuse industries.

Crown Andersen Inc. of Peachtree City, Ga., has acquired Griffin Environmental of Syracuse, N.Y. Crown supplies engineered products and systems for environmental control and waste processing. Griffin, a dust control equipment specialist, will be operated as a wholly owned subsidiary. With the exception of previous owner Frank Smith, who will retire after one year as a consultant, Crown Andersen is retaining all Griffin staff and plans to expand operations in Syracuse, plus the Western U.S. and Europe.

With an eye on global growth and integrating its Volvo heavy truck axle, LucasVarity Heavy Vehicle Braking Systems and Euclid Industries acquisitions, Michigan-based Meritor Automotive, Inc. has announced these appointments throughout its Heavy Vehicle Systems business: Walter Frankiewicz, vice president and general manager, and John Dotson, vice president of operations for HVS Braking Systems; Clive Smith, manager of operations integration for HVS Braking Systems/Europe; Brian Payne, manager of operations integration for HVS Braking Systems in North America; Greg Spence, York, S.C., site manager; Brad Arnold, vice president and general manager, HVS Axles; and Rakesh Sachdev, vice president and general manager, HVS Trailer Products.

Three inorganic pigment suppliers have combined operations to form Laporte Pigments, Inc., with headquarters in Beltsville, Md. Its North American sales and distribution organization will market the complete product lines manufactured by Mapico, St. Louis; Mineral Pigments, Beltsville, Md.; and Davis Colors, Los Angeles. Laporte Pigments produces a range of products in the industry, including Granufin granules, liquid and powder colors, and color dispensing systems for construction applications. The product line also includes synthetic and natural iron oxides, heat-stable colors, and corrosion-inhibiting pigments for coatings and other industrial uses.

David Dutro has been appointed president of Elementis Pigments, Inc., Fairview Heights, Ill. A former ICI executive, Dutro has joined the company from Universal Foods Corp.

Texas-based Continental Mixer has named David Levin vice president of marketing. He holds two degrees from the University of Houston and brings more than 20 years of construction experience to CBMW. His duties will include promoting the company through industry publications, trade shows and technical seminars, and marketing Continental mixers and related equipment.

Nordberg Americas, Milwaukee, has appointed Michael Bruce vice president of product support. His responsibilities will include Spares & Wears inventory management, purchasing and marketing, plus service and quality assurance. Bruce has more than 20 years of mining and construction machinery experience, including North America and international product support and sales representing major OEMs. Most recently, he served as president of Highway Excess Parts Corp., an Internet-based OEM parts centralized interactive database.