Embracing “precast innovation powered by collaboration” has positioned carbon fiber reinforced element licensor AltusGroup and producer members to sustain momentum in developing advanced commercial building enclosure solutions. “In the two decades since our founding, we’ve seen a deepened focus on energy savings, carbon footprint mitigation and on-site labor reductions, all amid an enhanced desire for aesthetic freedom and versatility,” says…
Read MoreDay: February 13, 2024
Argos USA merger positions Summit Materials as top five U.S. cement player
At levels just under 100 percent, Summit Materials Inc. shareholders approved proposals at the heart of a September 2023 agreement with Colombia-based Cementos Argos S.A., paving the path for a mid-January merger of Summit Materials and Argos North America Corp. Valued at $3.2 billion, the merger creates the fourth-largest U.S. cement producer—behind Holcim US, Heidelberg Materials and Ash Grove—and significantly…
Read MoreConcrete Masonry Checkoff leaders eager to drive investor returns
Design, promotional and technical support for architectural and gray block in U.S. building markets will reach a new peak this year with the launch of 23 inaugural Concrete Masonry Checkoff (CMC) projects, funded with nearly $5 million from initial 2023 assessments. The projects contour the six programs that CMC directors defined in their November 2022 charter meeting—Codes & Standards, Design…
Read MoreAGC suit makes union, nonunion case against White House PLA mandate
An Associated General Contractors of America and Louisiana AGC chapter suit filed in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana challenges the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council’s late-2023 final rule, per February 2022 White House executive order, mandating project labor agreements (PLA) on major federal construction work. The White House lacks the authority to impose sweeping labor policies that…
Read MorePolicy-minded startups charter Decarbonized Cement and Concrete Alliance
Ten companies aiming to lower carbon dioxide emissions tied to cement production and finished concrete have launched a first-of-its-kind, U.S. coalition dedicated to growing awareness around policies that will accelerate the adoption of CO2-wise solutions in public construction. Founding Decarbonized Cement and Concrete Alliance (DC2) members are commercializing technologies that a) offer organic or inorganic alternatives for full or partial…
Read MoreAmerican Concrete Pavement Association honors federal agencies, lawmaker
The American Concrete Pavement Association has named recipients of its annual awards for individuals, organizations and agencies in transportation engineering, construction, education and funding program advocacy, plus those excelling in concrete pavement promotion. Sustainable Practices Recognition Award. Presented annually to an organization demonstrating leadership by implementing sustainable design and construction practices that consider societal, environmental, and economic factors. This year’s…
Read MoreHow Smart Plants Lower Producers’ Costs
Optimize your resources to reduce the debt of becoming a least-hassle supplier. When Albert Einstein was once asked to name mankind’s greatest invention, his answer was “compound interest.” While the federal funds rate was near zero, it made sense for businesses to load up on debt and pay virtually no interest. Now, with higher interest rates compounding the impact, it’s…
Read MoreA Return to Population Growth
One of the key drivers to growth in our economy is sheer population growth, which by its very nature spurs household formations. But so many other corners of our economy benefit from population growth other than just the housing market. These new entrants to our economy have to buy goods and services, put gas in their cars, pursue entertainment options,…
Read MoreContractors reinforce arguments against White House PLA Mandate
The Associated General Contractors of America followed up challenges noted here last month to a Federal Acquisition Regulatory (FAR) Council rule requiring Project Labor Agreements (PLA) on federal construction contracts exceeding $35 million. By offering perspectives on competition, federal labor and procurement statutes, and taxpayer dollar stewardship, the group exposes the dubious nature of what its counsel calls the PLA…
Read MoreAgency charts crushed stone and sand & gravel production leaders
Sources: U.S Geological Survey; Rock Products The U.S. Geological Survey has updated its Top 100 Producers Of Crushed Stone and Top 100 Producers of Sand & Gravel lists, reflecting 2022 shipments and compiled from data available through October 2023. Seven operators—three based in North America, four Europe—are among the leaders on both lists: TOP 10 PRODUCERS BY 2022 VOLUME Crushed…
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