November 2015 News Archive
Construction Job Growth Rebounded in October
Thirty-five states added construction jobs in the past month, and 43 states and the District of Columbia posted employment increases over last year, according to the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) analysis of Labor Department data.
Deere's Full-Year Revenues Decrease 20 Percent
With global weakness for farm and construction equipment sales, Deere's sales and earnings dipped significantly compared to last year. However, the company points out, all of its businesses remain profitable. The company's 2016 forecast projects a 7 percent sales decline.
New Construction Starts Climb 13 Percent in October
October's new construction starts grew 13 percent in October, according to Dodge Data & Analytics. The increase follows the lackluster showing of the two previous months. Much of the gain came from a sharp rebound by nonresidential building, while nonbuilding construction (public works, utility plants) decreased for the month.
Atlas Copco Service Training Program
To improve technician productivity and quality of work, Atlas Copco Construction Equipment offers dealers and rental centers a service training program for its full breadth of products. According to the company, the program enhances customer satisfaction, as well as minimizes warranty claims and labor hours per project, which maximizes profitability.
Terex AWP Opening New Facility
Terex Aerial Work Platforms (AWP), manufacturer of Genie aerial lifts, will open its new Redmond, Wash. facility in December. Already located in Redmond, the company will consolidate buildings to provide more than 100,000 sq ft of work space for its 400+ team members.
JCB Adds Haney Equipment Company as Dealer
Haney Equipment Company Inc., headquartered in Athens, Alabama, has opened a dedicated JCB equipment dealership, Haney JCB, in Cullman, Alabama, carrying JCB articulated and compact wheel loaders, material handling, agricultural and compact Loadalls, fixed mast rough terrain forklifts, Fastrac high speed agricultural tractors and skid steer and compact track loaders.
Housing Starts, Builder Confidence Slip, Permits Rise
Multifamily starts dropped 25.1 percent and single-family home slipped 2.4 percent in October, based on data from HUD and the Commerce Department. Seasonally adjusted rates for construction are now 338,000 multifamily and 772,000 single-family homes.
Five Years of Steady Growth Forecast for Equipment Rental Industry
Though slightly more moderate than the past two years, the American Rental Association's latest forecast projects 6.7% growth in 2016 and 2017, 6.2% in 2018 and 5.8% in 2019. The industry shows steady growth, regardless of changes in oil and gas, construction and other segments equipment rental companies serve.
Genie Offers New Approach to Preventive Maintenance
Genie's new consolidated maintenance protocol lets customers complete the entire program for any Genie S- and Z- boom lift models in less time. With rental equipment constantly going out and coming in, the maintenance protocol for Genie boom lifts provides the flexibility rental store owners need to keep their equipment on rent longer while making routine tasks a priority.
STIHL Dealers Raise More Than $67,000 to Support Veterans
STIHL, on behalf of its more than 8500 dealers, recently presented a check for $67,000 to the Resurrecting Lives Foundation (RLF), a nonprofit focused on raising money to assist Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
Hyundai Appoints New Midwest District Sales Manager
Edward Harseim is now Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas' Midwest District sales manager. Harseim joins Hyundai with 15 years of sales and support experience in the heavy equipment industry.
Morbark Receives "Pillar of the Industry" Award
Because of its efforts to improve the business environment for the equipment manufacturing industry, Morbark received a "Pillar of the Industry" Award from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). Morbark was recognized for its efforts in advocating pro-manufacturing solutions to elected leaders and for its participation in AEM’s “I Make America” grassroots program.
Maintenance Kits Now Available for Boxer Compact Utility Loaders
Morbark, who manufactures Boxer equipment, has introduced Maintenance Kits for current and legacy model Boxer mini-skid steers. Machine maintenance kits include a service reminder decal, synthetic blend replacement engine oil (10W30 Oil for gas-powered machines and 15W40 Oil for diesel machines), engine oil filter, fuel filter, air filter and hydraulic filter for gas and diesel engines.
2016 Construction Outlook from Dodge Data & Analytics
Dodge Data & Analytics released its 2016 Dodge Construction Outlook at its annual Outlook Executive Conference in Washington, D.C. Heading into 2016, the reports says, the economic environment has headwinds with domestic and international uncertainty, and tailwinds, with a recovering job market and ongoing economic recovery.
'Tough Road Ahead for Highway Funding'
Though a week-long debate led to a six-year, $325 billion highway and transit reauthorization bill getting passed by the House on Nov. 5, Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) President & CEO Brian McGuire issued a supportive but cautionary statement.
Point-of-Rental Software, Epicor Software Integrate
Point-of-Rental Software's enterprise rental management system is now integrated with Epicor Software Corporation's Eagle retail business management solution. The integration of these two platforms streamlines operations for businesses providing both retail and rental products.
Manitou Adds to Dealer Ranks
Manitou has added Alma Tractor & Equipment, Inc. to the company's dealer network. Alma Tractor & Equipment provides sales and service to western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma.
JCB Receives 'Pillar of the Industry' Award
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) today honored JCB North America with its 'Pillar of the Industry' Award as part of its annual I Make America initiative. To be eligible for this award, a member company must demonstrate its involvement in their local community to take action on state and national issues effecting manufacturing.
Atlas Copco Strengthens Mid-Atlantic Dealer Network
Atlas Copco has added Best Line Equipment and Asphalt Paving Equipment & Supplies Inc. to its dealer network, expanding its coverage from Pennsylvania to Delaware. Both companies will offer Atlas Copco's complete line of road construction equipment and pneumatic tools.
Vermeer Names Jason Andringa as President, CEO
As announced last year as part of Vermeer's family succession planning, Jason Andringa is now the Vermeer Corporation's president and CEO. Andringa has served as president and COO, along with several other roles within the organization.
Perkins Appoints New VP
Perkins has appointed Chris Snodgrass as its vice president of global sales, marketing service and aftermarket parts. Snodgrass is the company's first vice president who will have offices in Texas, the UK and China.
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