Thursday, May 2, 2019
Wednesday, May 1, 2019
Fraley Construction Marketing Celebrates Five-Year Anniversary
Fraley Construction Marketing will celebrate five years in business on Memorial Day. The company has continuously streamlined its market and services and experienced organic growth year after year.
Fraley launched in May 2014 to bring marketing services to the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector. In January 2017, the firm narrowed its focus to the heavy construction industry and rebranded as Fraley Construction Marketing in an effort to deliver even greater value to this market.
“Most businesses start small and expand into new markets,” said Owner Brian M. Fraley. “We’ve done the exact opposite. Our passion and knowledge intersect in the heavy construction market and I’m not aware of anyone that can bring greater value to the industry.”
Fraley’s core expertise lies in the creation of marketing content that makes sense for the heavy construction industry. The firm’s current offerings include website design, social media marketing, writing and editing, email marketing, public relations, job stories, professional photography, and video production
“The original mission was to offer a broad range of services to this niche market, said Fraley. “We pared down these offerings to reflect areas in which knowledge of the heavy construction market is critical. As an industry specialist, we collaborate with generalist agencies at the request of our customers, but we have no interest in competing with them.”
Fraley anticipates expanding services in response to ever-changing market conditions, but its focus on the heavy construction market will remain. “It’s very rare to find a firm that truly operates as a pure play in a single market segment,” Fraley said. “Our mission is to own this space so we can continue to bring maximum value to our customers.”
Fraley Construction Marketing is a marketing content specialist with a complete focus and deep knowledge of the heavy construction industry. The company offers website design, social media marketing, writing and editing, email marketing, public relations, job stories, professional photography, and video production. Fraley’s customer base includes construction equipment manufacturers and distributors; heavy highway, demolition, and building contractors; material suppliers; subcontractors; and even trade magazines and associations.
ARTBA President & CEO Dave Bauer released the following statement on Whitehouse Infrastructure Meeting
“Common ground has always been there for the taking when it comes to making major new infrastructure investments. Today’s meeting was a positive and constructive step forward in what should be a bipartisan process.
“The foundational pillar of any long-term infrastructure package is a sustainable, growing, user-fee based revenue stream for the Highway Trust Fund. It remains the linchpin for any final and meaningful deal between the Trump administration and Congress.”
Established in 1902, and with more than 8,000 public and private sector members, the Washington, D.C.-based ARTBA advocates for strong investment in transportation infrastructure to meet the public and business community demand for safe and efficient travel. For more information visit: www.artba.org
Tuesday, April 30, 2019
AEM Calls for Bipartisanship to Fix and Modernize U.S. Infrastructure
“By passing a comprehensive infrastructure bill in 2019, Republicans and Democrats have an opportunity to create jobs and keep our nation strong,” said Dennis Slater, president of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). “Today’s meeting is a new opportunity to work across the aisle on a legislative solution that works for all Americans. One of the fundamental responsibilities of the federal government is to provide a safe and well-maintained infrastructure to allow for the transportation of goods and services that keep our nation strong. We believe there are several viable solutions on the table that can provide a long-term funding solution for the Highway Trust Fund, but a renegotiation of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is not one of them. Tax reform works and it’s helped boost our economy, benefiting millions of American workers. By kicking the can further down the road, our country risks losing tens of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity if Republicans and Democrats don’t work together. Now is the time for bipartisan leadership.”
AEM supports Republican and Democratic leaders providing a long-term and sustainable funding mechanism for the Highway Trust Fund, solutions that connect urban and rural America, delivering projects in a cost-effective and time-efficient manner, providing job training programs for the workforce, and maximizing the use of smart technology. That’s why AEM has consistently advocated for comprehensive legislation to fix and modernize our nation’s infrastructure by holding town halls, panel discussions, and running nation-wide public affairs campaigns.
AEM is the North American-based international trade group representing off-road equipment manufacturers and suppliers, with more than 1,000 companies and more than 200 product lines in the agriculture and construction-related industry sectors worldwide. The equipment manufacturing industry supports 1.3 million jobs in the U.S., and 149,000 more in Canada. Equipment manufacturers also contribute $188 billion combined to the U.S. and Canadian economies. AEM is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2019.
Caterpillar Announces Its First Global Operator Challenge: A Tough Competition to Find the World’s Best Operators
Operators qualifying in the local heats conducted by Cat dealers around the globe will participate in regional semi-final competitions that are to be held in Japan, Brazil, Spain, and the United States during October and November 2019. The winners in each regional semi-final will take part in the global finals that will take place at Conexpo-Con/Agg, Las Vegas, in March 2020. The crowned champion will be awarded an all-expense, “VIP” trip for two to a global Caterpillar facility of his or her choice.
The Caterpillar 2019/2020 Global Operator Challenge will be the largest-ever competition of its type, following in the success of the European “New Range-New Rules” competition in October 2018 at the Caterpillar Demonstration & Learning Center in Malaga, Spain. In Malaga, 18 operators from 10 nations across Europe, the Middle East, and Eurasia were in the final competition; German operator Sebastian Behr took the top prize.
Sunday, April 28, 2019
Engineering and Construction Costs Increase at Slower Pace in April, IHS Markit Says
Construction costs continued to increase in April for the 30th consecutive month, according to IHS Markit (Nasdaq: INFO) and the Procurement Executives Group (PEG). The current headline IHS Markit PEG Engineering and Construction Cost Index registered 58.2 this month, a slight decline from March’s reading of 60.4. The materials and equipment price index fell to 59.2 in April with labor indexes also taking a step back in April but both remain firmly in positive territory, indicating continued price increases. Survey respondents reported falling prices for carbon steel pipe; all other categories ranging from turbines to transportation registered price increases. The index for fabricated structural steel climbed into positive territory, indicating more reports of price increases than decreases, for the first time since November. “Fabricated structural steel prices picked up late in the first quarter due to higher raw materials costs and a seasonal pick-up in demand,” said Amanda Eglinton, principal economist, pricing and purchasing, IHS Markit. “Steel input costs will decline over the near-term, however rising labor costs and supportive demand will limit declines in prices until later in the year.”
The sub-index for current subcontractor labor costs came in at 56.0, down from 59.7 in March. Labor costs rose in all regions of the United States and stayed nearly flat in both Western and Eastern Canada.
The six-month headline expectations for construction costs index reflected increasing prices for the 32nd consecutive month. The six-month materials and equipment expectations index registered 70.6 in April after sliding to 66.1 last month. Expectations for sub-contractor labor rose to 74.6 in April, up from 68.1 in March, with labor costs expected to rise in all regions of the U.S. and Canada.
In the survey comments, respondents indicated a tight labor market for all skilled trade workers.
o learn more about the IHS Markit PEG Engineering and Construction Cost Index or to obtain the latest published insight, please click here.
About IHS Markit (www.ihsmarkit.com)
IHS Markit (Nasdaq: INFO) is a world leader in critical information, analytics, and solutions for the major industries and markets that drive economies worldwide. The company delivers next-generation information, analytics and solutions to customers in business, finance, and government, improving their operational efficiency and providing deep insights that lead to well-informed, confident decisions. IHS Markit has more than 50,000 business and government customers, including 80 percent of the Fortune Global 500 and the world’s leading financial institutions.
Saturday, April 27, 2019
Volvo Construction Equipment: EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL FOR 5G IN CONSTRUCTION
In a global first, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) is among a small number of pioneering companies trialing 5G mobile connectivity. With the program set to make a big impact on construction innovation, we find out more from 5G expert Calle Skillsäter, Volvo CE’s Technical Specialist for Connected Machines.
Volvo CE is currently testing the potential for 5G in powering a remote-controlled wheel loader.
CALLE, WHAT DOES THIS TRIAL MEAN FOR VOLVO CE?
SO, WHAT EXACTLY ARE YOU TESTING? AND HOW IS THE TEST SITE LAID OUT?
HOW FAR?
In 2017, we successfully placed a machine 400m below ground and controlled it from the surface. And when we first tested the technology back in 2015, we had an excavator placed in Eskilstuna and operated from Barcelona. So that tells you the potential for remote operation. And now with the increased latency that 5G provides, it really does mean you can achieve remote operation from extremely far away. But at a certain distance the latency in the network will be significant anyhow.How long will the trial go on for and what do you hope to achieve?
HOW FAR?
In 2017, we successfully placed a machine 400m below ground and controlled it from the surface. And when we first tested the technology back in 2015, we had an excavator placed in Eskilstuna and operated from Barcelona. So that tells you the potential for remote operation. And now with the increased latency that 5G provides, it really does mean you can achieve remote operation from extremely far away. But at a certain distance the latency in the network will be significant anyhow.How long will the trial go on for and what do you hope to achieve?
HOW LONG WILL THE TRIAL GO ON FOR AND WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE?
We will be testing this technology for two years. Over this time, we will see the performance of the network evolve and get better. What is really exciting is that at this very early stage, we are in a unique position to iron out any problems and play a key role in actually influencing how 5G will work for industrial purposes when it is rolled out more widely.
Of course, the goal for us here at Volvo CE, is that we want to make this system so mature and so successful that we can test it with our customers. To see how this technology can function on a real construction site. Hopefully that will be something we can achieve by the end of the trial.
WILL YOU BE TESTING TECHNOLOGY OUT WITH OTHER VOLVO MACHINES?
Absolutely. The aim is that after the initial testing phase with the wheel loader, we will then be able to test it with the HX2 hauler concept machine to see whether it is possible to have a work cycle operated entirely using 5G. In principle, we can then test 5G with six to eight autonomous haulers transporting gravel across the site.
IT SEEMS THAT MINING OFFERS SOME OF THE BEST POTENTIAL FOR EXPLORING THIS TECHNOLOGY. WHY IS THAT?
Mining can be dangerous – either for people operating the machines in remote locations or because of the fumes that are released after blasting rock. But if we can remove people from the site, then we are reducing the risk of accidents entirely. You’ll also have the capability to operate several operations and sites from one central location – increasing productivity.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER SECTORS THAT COULD BENEFIT FROM 5G AUTOMATION?
Absolutely, it’s not just mining. The forestry industry could certainly benefit, as an industry where you have lots of incoming trucks loading and unloading on to trains, often at night. Clearly working at night offers some dangers for visibility so removing operators makes the operation more safe. And again, for really dangerous jobs in the steel industry or the energy sector, where physically moving material can risk explosion or toxic gas emissions, then removing people is clearly a good solution.
BUT FOR CONSTRUCTION IT’S REALLY ABOUT BOOSTING PRODUCTIVITY?
Safety is obviously a big factor, but clearly 5G will have a direct positive impact on productivity. Today’s remote control technology provides a delay which makes it very difficult to control a machine with any speed or precision, but 5G will be as good as real time. In addition, the picture quality is much better, video footage is in a better resolution and 5G provides a more reliable connection – all of which makes it easier for the operator in the simulator.
WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED SO FAR?
We did find it hard to initially get the hardware. We are so early in the trial that we have trouble finding modems to communicate with the antenna. Telia has been useful in providing the right equipment for us to use. We are so early in trialing this technology that this obviously has its advantages and disadvantages.
AND WHEN THESE ISSUES ARE RESOLVED, WHEN CAN WE SEE 5G ROLLED OUT TO THE WIDER INDUSTRY?
It depends on different use cases in construction – how do they work, do they meet the demands of the industry, is it feasible for customers? 5G will come first to those that benefit the most, but it will take time to build the network and required infrastructure. For us here in the construction industry, and for static operations like a quarry or mine it really can come quite fast. The timing is good – our customers need connectivity and they want more data. And we’re the ones providing the research to see just how possible it is.