Economists see equipment, technology outlays outpacing GDP growth

Investment in equipment and software is projected to expand 4.1 percent in the new year, during which gross domestic product is projected to increase 2.3 percent over 2018, according to the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation. The Washington, D.C. group’s 2019 Equipment Leasing & Finance U.S. Economic Outlook notes that such investment increased at a robust rate in the first half of last year, driven by more preferable tax treatment and a general upswing in the U.S. economy. However, growth slowed in the third quarter and recent federal government figures suggest a continuation of the trend, spelling a weak 2019 springboard.

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ICON Expo 2018: Equipment, Knowledge Garden, Selling Conference

The National Concrete Masonry Association is finalizing the agenda for the International Concrete Exposition 2018: Machinery & Equipment Show. Staged at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, the February 9-10 program will feature 16 trade show hours, plus a host of new features for attendees. ICON Expo 2018 will be held in conjunction with NCMA Annual Convention, February 6-8, and the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute’s Annual Meeting, February 11-14.

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NCMA, ICPI firm up ICON-Xchange 2015

Source: National Concrete Masonry Association, Herndon, Va.

Concrete masonry and hardscape unit producers, along with machinery, equipment and service providers can mark their calendars for NCMA’s 2015 ICON-Xchange, February 18-19, at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa in San Antonio, Texas.

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ConExpo-Con/Agg positioned as decade’s best capital investment barometer

Sources: CP staff; Association of Equipment Manufacturers, Milwaukee

After a second consecutive year where concrete, cement and aggregate interests saw modest shipment gains–while overall construction industry increases in 2013 reached the 7-8 percent range–producers are positioned to act on plant and fleet equipment investment carrying them through the growth phase projected for the remainder the decade.

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Radiant Heater

Wacker Neuson RADIANT HEATER

The HDR 155 Direct-Fired Radiant Heater features a heating design unaffected by the elements, so heat is directed exactly to where it’s needed. Delivering what product engineers contend is best-in-class, 155,000 Btu/hour heat input, the HDR 155 easily heats workspaces, workers and objects such as equipment, concrete form work and other structures from approximately 15 feet away. Since infrared heat radiates directly from the heater’s disc, the HDR 155 does not rely on warming the surrounding air like convection heating, so it produces quick, intense heat.

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Automacad alliance adds wet cast plant technology to Besser offerings

Source: Besser Co., Alpena, Mich.

Besser CEO Kevin Curtis and Louis Hébert, president and owner of Quebec-based Automacad Inc., have announced a marketing plan centered on Besser’s global sales team representing Automacad wet cast concrete production equipment. Compatibility between the two companies is enhanced by what both note are shared values: delivering customer satisfaction through innovative products and responsive technical support.

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Remote controlled dowel drilling

Wireless remote control increases efficiency and safety for concrete dowel-pin drilling applications, company officials note, citing patent-pending technology to improve jobsite conditions by affording operator better vantage point for more accurate placement. By removing the operator from the drilling unit, the wireless remote control allows workers to avoid harmful dust and debris. Furthermore, the operator also has a broader viewpoint…

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Standley adds plant-wide, high-efficiency heating equipment line

Through a distribution agreement with Finland’s Polarmatic Oy, Standley Batch will offer the Turbomatic thermal energy unit, geared for all heating and heat treatment requirements in ready mixed or precast concrete operations. The unit affords quick thawing of frozen aggregates; efficient aggregate pre-heating and heating; and, warm water for mix dosing, form heating, or temperature control in batch plant or production enclosure work areas.

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