Command Alkon has acquired Quebec-based Marcotte Systems, noting how the combined companies’ expertise and talents will accelerate heavy building materials plant automation and production optimization, plus cloud applications and artificial intelligence developments for concrete, aggregate, asphalt, cement, bulk hauling and construction interests. “This acquisition underscores our commitment to accelerating innovation and customer service excellence,” says Command Alkon CEO Martin Willoughby.…
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Inform AI-powered transport planning software drives fleet savings
Amid strong market conditions, cement, aggregate and concrete producers face logistics challenges ranging from unpredictable supply chain disruptions and driver shortages to new sustainability mandates for reducing carbon emissions in product transport and common variants. The latter include narrow delivery time windows, ad-hoc orders, and last minute cancellations. Then there is the matter of manual or spreadsheet-based planning processes, which…
Read MoreInstrumental Workhorse
The past decade’s top two mergers in North American cement, aggregate and concrete—Lafarge Group + Holcim Ltd. and HeidelbergCement AG + Italcementi S.p.A.—have spurred realignment of markets up the Atlantic Seaboard, across the Great Lakes and down the Mississippi. Of all the markets those deals and their asset divestitures impacted, none stands out quite like Toronto, where a case study…
Read MoreHolcim capitalizes on solar power for District of Columbia ready mixed plant
New solar panels at the Holcim US Fort Totten ready mixed plant will ease the Washington, D.C. industrial power load and advance the Chicago-based producer’s goal of running all concrete, cement and aggregate sites with renewable energy by 2030. The installation includes cementitious material silo rooftop and carport solar modules, combining to generate 1,300-1,500 MWh per year of green energy.…
Read MoreChryso, GCP application lab supports Great Lakes, Midwest producers
Sources: GCP Applied Technologies, Alpharetta, Ga.; CP staff A new Chryso and GCP Applied Technologies application lab in Chicago focuses on aggregate, mortar or concrete testing, and serves as a dedicated technical center for Ductilcrete engineered slab systems. The facility is equipped and staffed to provide hands-on services so customers can see how their materials perform with Chryso or GCP…
Read MoreLabor Department rule broadens Form 300 data submission requirements
Under “Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses,” a final rule effective January 2024, the Labor Department requires certain employers to electronically submit injury and illness information to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Establishments with 100 or more employees in cement, concrete, construction and other industries deemed high-hazard based on reportable incident rates must relay Form 300-Log of Work-Related…
Read MorePCA opens virtual Sustainability Summit to all Roadmap stakeholders
Sources: Portland Cement Association, Washington, D.C.; CP staff The Portland Cement Association Sustainability Summit, presented August 22-24 from 10 a.m. to Noon via Zoom, will feature member company representatives and industry or government agency allies addressing the five PCA Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality pillars: Clinker, Cement, Concrete, Construction, Carbonation. Open to all stakeholders and interested parties, registration can be obtained here…
Read MoreLabor Department expands Form 300 data submission requirements
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor; CP staff Under “Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses,” a final rule effective January 2024, the Labor Department is requiring certain employers in designated high-hazard industries to electronically submit injury and illness information to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Establishments with 100 or more employees in cement, concrete, construction and other industries deemed…
Read MoreDOE further funds Cemex testing of solar-powered cement clinker process
The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded $3.2 million to Solar MEAD, a joint project of its New Mexico affiliate, Sandia National Laboratories, Cemex S.A.B. de C.V., and Swiss concentrated solar thermal (CST) technology developer Synhelion. Investigators aim to replace the use of fossil fuels with CST energy to provide the 1,500°C heat required to calcine cement kiln raw feed—limestone,…
Read MorePortal tracks PCA Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality stakeholder progress
Through their Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality, Portland Cement Association members have committed to developing cutting-edge methods to reduce carbon dioxide emissions associated with clinker production and finishing—all while continuing to deliver premium ASTM C 150 output. Such efforts are being tracked on www.CementProgress.com, a new microsite highlighting the industry’s advancements and oriented around the Roadmap pillars of Clinker, Cement, Concrete,…
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