2015 – Page 5 – Concrete Products

Sika Corp. parent pushes back hard on glass giant’s pursuit of a controlling stake

December 8, 2015 Concrete News

Sources: Sika AG, Baar, Switzerland; Saint-Gobain, Paris; CP staff

A year after an initial overture and subsequent Swiss agency and European Commission legal proceedings, Sika AG management remains steadfastly opposed to a stock transfer to global glass and building materials giant Saint-Gobain. Sika Chairman Dr. Paul Hälg calls the transaction “unparalleled in the world” and reiterates board concerns rooted in the bid’s structure: Saint-Gobain seeks the stake of the largest shareholder—the Burkhart family—amounting to 16.1 percent of shares, but vested with 52.4 percent of voting rights.

ICPI, ASCE publish benchmark reference on permeable pavements

December 8, 2015 Concrete News

Sources: American Society of Civil Engineers, Reston, Va.; CP staff

The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute has teamed with the ASCE Water Resources Institute and Water Resources Research Council’s Low Impact Development Committee to publish the first comprehensive handbook for the proper design, construction, and maintenance of permeable concrete or asphalt pavement systems.

Tindall Mississippi division clears ISO 9001 quality audit

December 8, 2015 Concrete News

Sources: Tindall Corp., Spartanburg, S.C.; CP staff

Located near the Gulf Coast, Tindall’s Moss Point, Miss., plant recently received ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System certification for the design, manufacture and erection of precast/prestressed concrete structures. The five-plant producer previously attained such certification for its Atlas CTB precast concrete wind tower fabrication, and is eyeing additional ISO 9001-2008-level audits for processes at sister operations.

Argos Innovation Center to tackle industry challenges

December 7, 2015 Concrete News

Located on the campus of EAFIT University in Medellín, Colombia, the recently opened Argos Innovation Center is a sign of the company’s commitment toward the productive, competitive and sustainable growth of the industry, the region and the country. Through its Innovation Center, Argos hopes to create a meeting place for the challenges of the cement and concrete industry and academic solutions, stimulating the discovery of new uses of the materials. The center is currently hosting R&D, new business development and innovation processes that are tackling industry challenges throughout different regions, including the U.S. and Caribbean where Argos has operations.

Ruggedized connectivity

December 7, 2015 Concrete News

New network infrastructure offerings for harsh environments include Ruggedized G2 LC Fiber Adapters, Ruggedized Category 6 UTP Patch Cords and DIN Rail Patch Panels. An addition to the company’s existing Ruggedized LC Fiber Solution, the new Gen2 (G2) Ruggedized LC adapters combine the performance of the LC fiber connectivity with durable IP66/IP67 ruggedized shells equal to harsh environments.

Chevron service targets particle contamination

December 7, 2015 Concrete News

Chevron Products Co. bills Isoclean as a first-of-its-kind national program that offers a solution to particle contamination through products and in-plant services designed to assist customers in maximizing vehicle and machine life by meeting original equipment manufacturers’ quality control standards. The program includes Isoclean Certified Lubricants to meet OEMs’ fluid ISO Cleanliness requirements, plus Isoclean Services, which are in-plant services designed to clean up and manage contamination of in-service lubricants and operating systems.

Energy-efficient pump

December 7, 2015 Concrete News

The new PS20 102-mm (4-in.) Original Metal AODD Pump equipped with the energy-efficient Pro-Flo SHIFT Air Distribution System has a clamped configuration for ease of maintenance, diaphragm replacement and cleaning. The Pro-Flo SHIFT’s air control spool automatically restricts the amount of air going into the pump during the latter part of each stroke, which eliminates chamber over-filling and lowers power consumption.

Utility mount air compressor

December 7, 2015 Concrete News

With 185-cfm free-air delivery and 100-psi rated operating pressure, the P185WDOU offers the power to meet a variety of applications, including powering handheld air tools, sandblasting, cable laying, pipeline testing and paint striping. The above deck portability provides towing capacity for larger machinery. The utility mount P185 compressor offers easy access to all major service points, and is equipped with full-sized, locking end doors that speed fluid level and filter inspection, plus quick access to the battery and spin-on oil separator.

Terex machines a true 10-yard mixer

December 7, 2015 Concrete News

With its 33.8-ft. front axle to tag axle span and 11-yd. drum, the Terex FDB7000 Front Discharge Mixer offers a full 10-yd. capacity, while meeting the strict Federal Bridge Formula standard. It gives producers in Bridge Formula-bound states the ability to cross highway and interstate bridges with the FDB7000 carrying its maximum payload.

RENEWED INVESTMENT

December 7, 2015 Concrete News

2015 Chairman Joseph Bowen reflects on a solid year for the National Concrete Masonry Association

National Concrete Masonry Association Chairman of the Board Joseph Bowen has assured members that the industry, while back from the recession, confronts a construction market considerably different than what they saw leading up to 2008—one demanding renewed investment in operations, human capital and market development for block, hardscape units and stone veneer.