October 31, 2016 – Concrete Products

Giant Cement deal brings sixth Latin America market player to U.S.

October 31, 2016 Concrete News

Sources: Elementia S.A.B. de C.V., Mexico City; CP staff

Elementia is set for an early-November closing on a 55 percent stake in Giant Cement Holding Inc. through a deal with Madrid-based Cementos Portland Valderrivas, S.A. Giant Cement spans namesake, Dragon Products Co. and Keystone brands, respectively, across South Carolina, Maine and Pennsylvania cement plants, totaling 2.8 million tons/year capacity; six terminals serving New England, New York, Virginia and the Carolinas; three limestone and two sand & gravel operations; and, four waste handling and processing sites.

Masonry Institute’s Wall Systems Library augments BIM-M

October 31, 2016 Concrete News

Source: International Masonry Institute, Bowie, Md.

On behalf of the Building Information for Masonry Initiative (BIM-M), IMI is preparing the Wall Systems Library (WSL) for January launch. Based on SketchUp and its companion LayOut program, WSL will benefit architects, engineers and contractors as it presents design and construction options in a systematic way and simplifies decision making.

Constitutional protections thwart White House’s ‘blacklisting rule’

October 31, 2016 Concrete News

Sources: Associated Builders & Contractors, Washington, D.C.; CP staff

Free speech and due process protections in the First and Fifth Amendments of the Constitution frame a judge’s preliminary injunction order that prevents the Federal Acquisition Regulatory (FAR) Council from implementing key provisions of its final rule—plus companion Department of Labor (DOL) guidance—supporting President Barack Obama’s Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Executive Order.