Crane inspection going paperless
Crane Inspection & Certification Bureau (CICB) has partnered with N4 Systems to bring electronic, paperless inspections to the crane industry. CICB will work with N4 Systems to tailor Field ID, N4 System's flagship inspection and safety compliance system, for the crane industry.

“Crane inspections are typically performed using paper checklist inspection forms,” said Craig Epperson, president and CEO of CICB. “We have been looking for a way to significantly improve the crane inspection process and eliminate any reliance on paper. Field ID will allow us to introduce a revolutionary new way to conduct inspections. We are very excited to be working with N4 Systems in this venture.”

“CICB is the expert when it comes to crane inspections,” said Somen Mondal, president and CEO of N4 Systems. ”Their history and proven track record in the crane industry is a testament to their expertise. Working jointly with CICB to introduce Field ID to the crane industry will allow us to gain the experience and knowledge that CICB has built over the decades to cater Field ID for crane inspections. We are truly excited to be working with CICB.”

WAGO Corp. offers new seminars
WAGO Corp. announced the offering of five, three-day industrial control seminars focusing on the latest in control technology at its headquarters in Milwaukee, WI. The first of the free seminars occurred in March.

“The seminar will advance the working knowledge for those programming and installing PLC- or PC-based industrial control systems,” said Marc Immordino, WAGO product training manager. “The I/O information will be augmented with hands-on exercises featuring a complete node equipped with the WAGO 750-841 Ethernet PFC. The sessions will also focus on the system’s internal functionality, the use of WAGO's newest programming tool, web integration and more.”

The first day serves as an introduction to WAGO-I/O-SYSTEM hardware followed by extensive hands-on programming with live nodes from the 750 Series WAGO-I/O-SYSTEM, use of WAGO software tools for commissioning/troubleshooting and coverage of various industrial Ethernet protocols. Day two covers IEC61131 programming topics such as address mapping, use of multiple programming languages and CoDeSys Visualization tutorials. The last day features web page design, examples of WAGO DLL and use of the 750-841 file system.

“There will also be opportunities to discuss a variety of applications, including those brought up by attendees,” Immordino said. “We are immersing attendees in control technology by incorporating open discussion with hands-on exercises, which benefits both attendees and their employers.”

WAGO will provide all course materials, meals and coordinates ground transport. Attendees will be responsible for lodging and travel.

Spidescape, SUCO combine to form DUES Rescue
After working together for three years, Spidescape in the U.S. and SUCO in Germany are joining forces to deliver innovative professional rescue solutions worldwide. Effective immediately, the two companies will be operating together as DEUS Rescue.

DEUS said it will continue to bring a new, imaginative approach to every aspect of personal rescue for the professional markets. In addition, they added that they will combine the resources of these two world-recognized organizations together in a single, highly specialized partnership.

Police, drug screening surprise city builders at construction site
An entire construction workforce at one of the largest building projects in Wales was screened for drugs after bosses suspected employees were taking illegal substances. Police officers using specially trained sniffer dogs performed a surprise check on more than 500 workers at the St. David’s 2 shopping center sites in Cardiff city center.

The dogs, trained to detect all types of drugs from heroin to crack cocaine and cannabis, found 12 employees had either used drugs or been in close contact with drug users days before the test. Sergeant Scott Lloyd, of the neighborhood policing team at Cardiff Central Police Station, said six of the 12 workers stopped and questioned admitted involvement with drugs.

An additional 48 workers failed to turn up to work that day. Both Sgt. Lloyd and site bosses believe workers on site may have texted or telephoned warnings to them not to come in, as they would be screened.

Nick Wylie, project director for Bovis Lend Lease, the main contractor on the project, said the safety of both their workers and the public was their top priority, which is why they operate a zero tolerance policy on drug and alcohol abuse.

“We are absolutely passionate about safety on our projects and it was our initiative to do something positive and bring the police in, to let people know that they are being watched and to send the message that if they are working on a Bovis Lend Lease job, drug abuse will not be tolerated,” Wylie said. “Bovis has a duty of care, not only to their staff, but also to people affected by the building work which is virtually everyone who uses the city center. If a crane went down or there was an accident on site as a result of substance abuse, it would be disastrous.”

JLG announces appointments, promotions
JLG Industries, Inc. named Frank Cholewicki vice president – Americas finance. Cholewicki will be responsible for finance practices and fiscal reporting for the Americas. He also has global financial responsibility for the Caterpillar Alliance Group and government business.

“Frank brings a broad range of finance experience to JLG, and has experience with North, Central and South America,” said Jeffrey Bird, senior vice president of finance for JLG. “We’re pleased to add Frank to the JLG management team, and trust he will be a valuable contributor as we continue to grow as an organization.”

Tim Morris was promoted to the position of vice president, market development and sales for the Americas. Morris’ new role will include all of North and South America. His responsibilities include the development and implementation of JLG’s strategic business plan for the Americas and further development of the integrated Americas’ team.

As announced last October, Wayne Lawson, vice president of sales and customer support for EAME, assumed overall responsibility for the development and implementation of JLG’s market development and sales strategies in the Europe, Africa and Middle Eastern markets. In addition to his current responsibilities, Lawson will also assume responsibility for the European aftermarket parts sales business segment.

Andrew Satterley was promoted to managing director for Australia and New Zealand. Satterley will continue to lead the market development, sales and service business in Australia and New Zealand. His additional responsibilities will include continual assessment of markets and the development and implementation of strategic business plans. Satterley has held positions as general manager for sales and marketing and general manager for rentals for the Asia-Pacific region.

Winners announced for first-ever Construction Challenge
A student team from Oklahoma won the first ever Construction Challenge at the CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2008 trade show in Las Vegas, NV.

Teams from Illinois, New Jersey, Ohio and Texas also took home top honors in the teen competition, which was initiated by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), in partnership with Destination ImagiNation Inc., specifically to engage the interest of teens in careers for the construction industry through a hands-on, educational experience.

More than 50 student teams competed at the event, held in March. The teams built pieces of construction equipment, debated other teams on infrastructure issues, and created interactive educational products to help spread the word about construction careers and equipment.

First place went to a team from Perry High School in Perry, OK. The group’s teamwork during the Road Warrior challenge — with self-built construction equipment — impressed the judges, competitors and on-lookers. Each member won a $2,000 scholarship and a computer.

“We learned time management and problem-solving skills, and we logged lots of hours after school to get ready,” said team member Kelsey Cave.

“We built the whole [Road Warrior] course at school so the team could walk in feeling confident and prepared,” said Jeff Zagar, the winning team’s manager and technical education teacher. “We logged our hours and each team member had an average of 112 hours in prep time.”

A total of seven teams won titles and prizes. The team that captured third place overall — the only all-girls team in the competition — also won first place in two of the three challenges, dialogue and product development. Their product, a coloring book for young girls, will now be used by the construction industry as an educational tool to introduce more young people to careers in construction.

“The response that these students have gotten is better than we dreamed of when we started this project 17 months ago,” said Al Cervero, senior vice president at AEM. “Not only were CONEXPO-CON/AGG attendees checking out the challenges, they were talking about the need to increase awareness of the industry and the great jobs that are available. They were stunned by the creativity and knowledge on display this week by all of the teams.”

Safety Vision, L.P. appoints new CFO
Safety Vision L.P., a provider of mobile digital video solutions, announced Michael Ondruch as chief financial officer. Ondruch duties will include forging a business strategy leadership role within the company while serving as financial liaison within the business community, reinforcing relationships and maximizing efficiencies among employees, suppliers, and clients alike.

“Michael Ondruch’s expertise will be invaluable as we set down that path,” said Bruce Smith, president and CEO of Safety Vision. “He has managed change in large companies that experienced 20-plus percent growth in top-line revenue annually, while helping to manage the change in infrastructure needed to support that level of growth. (Ondruch) knows firsthand that the challenge is to plan proactively and adapt quickly while keeping operations running smoothly, ensuring uninterrupted support to clients old and new.”

Prior to joining Safety Vision, Ondruch held CFO posts at Victory Packaging and Academy Sports & Outdoors.

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Trico Lift announces new appointments, promotion
Trico Lift, a full service aerial lift company, recently named Pat Schmetzer as the company’s vice president of operations. Schmetzer will be responsible for Trico Lift’s daily operations and delivery of all parts and services at the company’s six branches in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, and Virginia. In addition, he will oversee the company’s repair, maintenance and inspection services provided to outside companies and private aerial equipment owners.

Schmetzer served most recently as general sales manager for Bobcat Enterprises, Inc., and worked for the Trico organization previously as a sales and training manager in Ohio.

Andrew M. Volponi was appointed the post of Trico Lift’s vice president of logistics. Volponi, a 12-year company veteran, was formerly vice president responsible for operations and services for the company’s fleet of nearly 3,000 aerial lifts. He will now direct the company’s expanded equipment life extension program at its fleet maintenance center in Millville, NJ, and all central dispatching services involving rentals, field service and transportation.

Steve Phillips was promoted to vice president for safety. Phillips is a former senior manager for Halliburton/KBR, one of the world’s largest providers of services, equipment, maintenance, engineering and construction to governmental customers worldwide, and for several other global companies. He will be responsible for Trico Lift’s complete risk identification and prevention efforts.

Haulotte Group expands in North American market
Haulotte Group continued its expansion in the North American market following a successful exhibition in Las Vegas. Two new subsidiaries will be opened in Houston and Chicago.

The new openings will complement the existing Frederick, MD, Atlanta, GA, and Rialto, CA facilities. The company wants to look to meet the market’s need by developing its network of support.

A Haulotte representative said additional expansion and growth in their aerial product offerings, facilities, and product support functions will continue. Haulotte added the group will constantly adapt its product range and services to the requirements and interests of its North American customers.

Texada Software sells Internet address for $400,000
Texada Software Inc., a provider of equipment rental and mobile asset management software, announced that it has sold the ownership of one of its Internet addresses for $400,000.

“One of the legacy issues that made little sense to me upon recently becoming CEO was to have our company incur the confusion and expense of operating two separately named websites,” said Nigel Miller, president and CEO of Texada Software Inc. “I therefore decided to consolidate all our Internet information under our most appropriate name: www.TEXADAsoftware.com. We were fortunate to identify a non-competing company in Europe who was interested in acquiring the name of our discontinued website, www.systematic.com.”

Construction continued to be hit hard, with a loss of 51,000 jobs in March. Construction employment is down 394,000 since its peak in September 2006.
 – www.wsws.org

Despite overwhelming signs that the economy is now in a recession, some investors are increasingly pondering another 'R' word: Recovery.
 – www.cnnmoney.com

Railroad, trucking and homebuilding stocks have been rallying—a surprising occurrence considering those sectors have been among the hardest hit by the credit crunch.
 – www.cnnmoney.com

Surging energy prices have hurt profits at airlines, the package delivery firm UPS and some of the truckers. Yet, the railroads in general are more fuel-efficient and have lower costs than other forms of delivery, which has helped them.
 – www.cnnmoney.com