A strategic alliance between Sika AG, Switzerland, and fly ash beneficiation specialist Ash Improvement Technology, New York, will support development of binder products that reduce carbon dioxide emissions tied to portland cement milling. It is the latest in a series of ventures—Calera Corp., Ceratech Inc., Flyanic LLC, Solidia Technologies—inside or outside the concrete industry aimed at a) maximizing coal combustion byproducts’ aggregate-binding capability; or, b) commercializing low-carbon alternatives to ASTM C150 product.
Read MoreDay: March 21, 2012
Twin batch plants fuel construction of just-approved nuclear power site
Construction has stepped up several notches on the nation’s first two new nuclear units in 30 years at the Georgia Power Plant Vogtle, near Waynesboro, Ga. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission voted last month to approve issuance of a Combined Construction and Operating License for Vogtle units 3 and 4, the first such license ever approved for a U.S. installation. It enables work to commence full bore toward Georgia Power’s projected 2016 and 2017 unit start ups.
Read MoreBlack, Lake and Haas gain expanded Oldcastle roles
Effective late last month, CRH Americas Materials Division Chief Executive Doug Black was appointed to a newly created position for Atlanta-based Oldcastle Inc., president and chief operating officer, reporting to CEO Mark Towe. Black joined Oldcastle in 1995 and has held a series of executive positions in the Oldcastle Precast, Architectural Products (APG) and Materials operations.
Read MoreMartin Marietta, Justice/Antitrust officials concur on Vulcan Materials merger review
A “Timing Agreement” will see Martin Marietta Materials and U.S. Department of Justice officials meet in April to discuss resolution of agency antitrust concerns surrounding the company’s proposed merger with Vulcan Materials Co. Discussions will proceed toward a consent order detailing potential asset sales or other measures to gain DOJ/Antitrust Division clearance on a merger plan—itself subject to Vulcan shareholder approval and management’s legal challenges.
Read MoreEquity partners, debt reduction, name change reposition Contech
West Chester, Ohio-based Contech Engineered Solutions, owner of the Con/Span and Bebo precast arch bridge, plus Keystone Retaining Wall brands, has announced a recapitalization plan, $125 million long-term credit facility, and $100 million revolving loan commitment in conjunction with a new ownership team.
Read MoreMasonry leader launches outdoor living and veneer lines under new branding strategy
Brick and block giant General Shale has begun 2012 with new outdoor living and thin brick or stone veneer offerings, plus a shortened name and new logo more accurately reflecting the scope of its operations.
Read MoreICPI launches residential concrete paver installer course
Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute has announced a course for contractors specializing in advanced segmental concrete pavement systems in the residential market, the first session scheduled this month during The Precast Show/Icon Expo in Orlando.
Read MoreHolcim weatherAPP gauges slab evaporation and plastic shrinkage cracking conditions
A new tool Holcim (US) Inc. has developed for cement and ready mixed customers enables Android, Apple 4 & 4S iPhone and Blackberry smartphone users tailors mix design and slab pour schedules according to a four-day forecast of building site evaporation rates.
Read MoreCemex self-curing ready-mixed brand goes global
Timed during World of Concrete 2012 in Las Vegas, construction materials giant Cemex S.A.B. de C.V. announced the launch of its latest ready-mixed concrete brand, Hidratium, to the global marketplace.
Read MoreNew admixture player arrives with shrinkage-reducing agent
Citing a potential to prevent curling and reduce drying shrinkage-induced cracking in slabs by 90 percent or more compared to undosed mixes, Premier Construction Products Group launched a powdered admixture, PREVent-C, at World of Concrete 2012.
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