Industry News, trenchless people
New leadership leverages strengths for next level of strategic growth
HOUSTON, March 2, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — ClockSpring|NRI, the leading high-performance critical infrastructure solutions company, today announced that Frank Firsching has been named the company’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective immediately. Firsching succeeds Matt Boucher, who is stepping down after leading the transformation of ClockSpring|NRI over the last few years.
“We thank Matt for his leadership and laying the foundation for the success of ClockSpring|NRI, including the acquisition and integration of six companies and achievement of nearly 30 percent annualized organic growth over his tenure,” said Alex Washington, Managing Director, Wind Point Partners.
Frank Firsching brings close to 30 years of experience starting, leading and building businesses serving the oil & gas, water & wastewater, and power utility industries, with an emphasis on pipeline rehabilitation technologies over the past 15 years. Most recently, he served as the President of the $600 million Infrastructure Solutions business unit of Aegion Corporation. He was a founding partner in Underground Solutions, Inc. which was sold to Aegion in 2016. Frank spent 13 years with USFilter where he was President of the $1.0 billion Water & Wastewater Systems Group from 2001 – 2006. Frank has a B.S. Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Virginia, an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and is the immediate past chair of the North American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT).
“As we look to scale the platform, Frank’s deep understanding of the technical, regulatory and commercial landscape will provide strong leadership as we continue to meet the evolving needs of infrastructure asset owners,” noted ClockSpring|NRI Board Chair, Guy Broadbent.
“ClockSpring|NRI is shaping the future of critical infrastructure renewal by delivering solutions built around high performance composite materials, specialty valves and geopolymer offerings designed to extend infrastructure asset lives while minimizing downtime, maximizing cost-effectiveness and adhering to the strictest industry safety standards,” said new CEO Frank Firsching. “I look forward to supporting the continued growth of the business and delivering value for our customers and business partners.”
About ClockSpring|NRI
ClockSpring|NRI is shaping the future of critical infrastructure through innovative composites, valves, and concrete solutions. With global headquarters in Houston, TX, the company manufactures high-performance critical infrastructure construction and repair products and provides associated engineering support and training services. ClockSpring|NRI solutions are delivered via the CSNRI, GeoTree and Advanced Valve Technologies brands and are used to construct, maintain, strengthen, protect, and rehabilitate oil, gas, and water pipelines, natural gas distribution lines, high-consequence industrial pipework, tanks, storm and sanitation assets, and civil structures. ClockSpring|NRI products are easy to install, cost-effective to deploy, and durable for decades. www.cs-nri.com
Media Contact
Judy Murray
713-419-1552
Media@CS-NRI.com
Industry News, trenchless projects
Barbco, Inc. Co-Owner and CEO, Anthony R. Barbera was granted U.S. Patent #10465460 for the Barbco FlexBor tooling and technology on November 5, 2019. This is a proud moment in this East Canton, Ohio manufacturer’s storied 30-year history of driving the trenchless technology, horizontal boring, and underground manufacturing industries forward with world class capital equipment and cutting-edge technology. The FlexBor is an extremely cost-effective, environmentally safe trenchless method and tooling. The FlexBor is designed to virtually eliminate “frac-outs” / ”inadvertent returns” that are often associated with horizontal directional drilling and the use of bentonite.
The Patent Abstract reads: “A cutting assembly and method for drilling an underground borehole. The cutting assembly includes front and rear cutting heads of different diameters mounted on a shaft. An air passage defined through the cutting assembly may be placed in fluid communication with a pressurized remote air source and with a bore of a casing extending rearwardly from the cutting assembly. Pressurized air flows through the air passage and entrains cuttings produced by the front and rear cutting heads. A housing extends rearwardly from the larger diameter rear cutting head and an auger provided within the housing aids in directing cuttings into the casing. The auger rotates independently of the rest of the cutting assembly and may be configured to further reduce the size of the cuttings. A collar on the housing seals the borehole cut by the rear cutting assembly and aids in preventing frac-out.”
For more information on Barbco’s products and services, visit their website.
Blog, Industry News, trenchless people
Cleveland, Ohio – The North American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT) celebrates 30 years of industry advocacy and education in 2020. NASTT is an engineering society of individuals, public organizations and private companies with strong beliefs in the practical, social and environmental benefits of trenchless technology.
Founded in 1990, NASTT represents nearly 2,400 members throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico who all promote better and more responsible ways to manage underground infrastructure. NASTT’s mission is to advance trenchless technology and to promote its benefits for the public and the natural environment by increasing awareness and knowledge through technical information dissemination, research and development, education and training.
As NASTT continues to grow and take on new challenges, it is important for the not-for-profit Society to serve and support their diverse industry partners. NASTT proudly represents municipalities and public utilities, consultants and engineers, manufacturers and suppliers, trenchless contractors and academia. NASTT reaches out to all these groups and shares with the community the latest industry trenchless advancements and their continuing education opportunities. For 30 years, the all-volunteer members of NASTT have presented non-commercial information seminars and training about these “green alternative” engineering methods to North American communities.
The annual NASTT No-Dig Show is the Society’s flagship educational and networking event. This conference and trade show offers 160 quality, non-commercial technical papers; an exhibition hall with more than 200 trenchless companies displaying their products and services; a series of specialized trenchless training courses, plus many entertaining networking events and special industry related awards. The NASTT No-Dig Show is the largest trenchless technology conference in the world averaging over 2,000 industry professionals.
In 2019 the Canadian Regional Chapters of NASTT hosted the inaugural No-Dig North conference. Nearly 600 attendees from across Canada met in Calgary, AB to learn from each other, network and discuss all things trenchless. This show will be an annual event with the 2020 No-Dig North being held October 19-21 in Vancouver, BC.
In celebration of its 30th Anniversary, NASTT will look back at the history of the Society with a series of Flashback Friday (#fbf) social media posts along with various activities throughout 2020. You are invited to join in a celebratory toast during the NASTT 2020 No-Dig Show Opening Ceremony Ribbon Cutting in Denver, Colorado on Monday, April 6 at the Colorado Convention Center.
Industry News, trenchless products
Company to offer product line through minority ownership and distribution partnership with Vacuum X-Traction Products Inc.
PELLA, Iowa, February 14, 2020 – Vermeer Corporation announced today it has purchased a minority equity investment in and signed a distribution agreement with Vacuum X-Traction Products Inc. (VXP). Through the agreement, VXP will supply a series of Vermeer-branded, high-capacity, truck-mounted vacuum excavators to be sold exclusively through Vermeer industrial dealers. The first of these products, the VXT500 Vacuum Excavator, will be introduced during the 2020 WWETT Show in Indianapolis on February 18.
The VXT500 is an eight-inch vac with an eight-yard spoil tank capacity. It is ideal for utility applications where a higher capacity machine with a smaller footprint is desired. The VXT500 joins a family of proven VXP-manufactured vacs featuring vacuum blowers that deliver 5,000-6,400 cubic feet per minute and spoil tank capacities ranging up to 16 yards. In addition, VXP has built and will offer a vacuum excavation truck equipped with a pressurized detachable box, and a truck with an extendable long-reaching boom for specialty applications.
This new lineup and strategic partnership with VXP are the next step in Vermeer’s commitment to offer the widest range of innovative and specialized vacuum excavation solutions across industries where soft-dig technology is in demand. Vermeer created a leading powerhouse for vacuum excavation solutions for the underground utility markets in 2018 after bringing together the McLaughlin and Vac-Tron brands. Adding a high-capacity product offering means Vermeer will have one focused product team working together with its dealers to provide one of the most comprehensive lineups of vac solutions on the market.
“Building on our strong Vermeer vac lineup and our recently introduced XR2 vacuum excavator, this VXP partnership will help us offer an even broader range of equipment for our customers to consider depending upon their unique jobsite needs,” said Doug Hundt, president of Vermeer Industrial Solutions. “From utility, to oil and gas, to industrial plant and environmental clean-up applications, these VXP products are proven to meet the specific demands of customers looking for high-capacity vac solutions that will improve their productivity.”
Based in Fort Morgan, Colorado, VXP was founded in 2014 by Gary Harms and Juan Mota, long-time innovators of vacuum excavation equipment. They will continue as majority shareholders and product development leaders through the new partnership with Vermeer. Their expertise and experience, combined with the product innovation Vermeer was founded on, will help drive the continued advancement of soft dig technology in the high-capacity arena.
“The needs for soft dig equipment are ever-changing with customers requiring a wide variety of products on a wide variety of jobsites. We are excited to partner with Vermeer and its dealers who are well equipped to offer and support our range of high-capacity solutions designed to help customers work more efficiently and cost-effectively,” said Harms.
VXP will begin supplying Vermeer machines to Vermeer dealers in mid-2020 with a focus first in North America, and later expanding into other regions of the world where large truck-mounted vacs are in high demand. For more information about these products, please visit vermeermvs.com/truckvacs.
About Vermeer Corporation
Vermeer delivers a real impact in a progressing world through the manufacture of high-quality agricultural, underground construction, surface mining, tree care and environmental equipment. With a reputation for durability and reliability, that equipment is backed by localized customer service and support provided by independent dealers around the world. To learn more about Vermeer, products, the dealer network and financing options, visit vermeer.com. Learn more about Vermeer MV Solutions by visiting vermeermvs.com.
Vermeer Corporation reserves the right to make changes in engineering, design and specifications; add improvements; or discontinue manufacturing at any time without notice or obligation. Equipment shown is for illustrative purposes only and may display optional accessories or components specific to their global region.
Please contact your local Vermeer dealer for more information on machine specifications.
Industry News, trenchless people
East Canton, Ohio – Barbco, Inc, a world class manufacturer of capital equipment for the trenchless excavation, horizontal directional drilling, and underground manufacturing industries is pleased to announce its newest employee, Thomas W. Schmidt, has been promoted into the newly created position of Operations Manager. Mr. Schmidt is a manufacturing veteran with many years of leadership in numerous local plants including Harrison Paint, Heinemann Saw Company, and Georgia Pacific.
While reporting directly to the Owners, he will oversee the following departments: Quality Control, Safety, Compliance, Shipping/Receiving, Maintenance, Fleet, Facilities, Janitorial, and Marketing.
While at Georgia Pacific, he led two ISO 9001 certifications, both resulting in “On The Spot” certifications, which only occurs less than 2% of the time! At the Heinemann Saw Company, he led four consecutive record setting quarters and capital improvement projects in excess of $250,000. Lastly, at Harrison Paint, he personally saved the company from permanent bankruptcy enforced closure, returning 50 people to their well-paying manufacturing positions and maintaining the legacy of company founded in 1911.
Mr. Schmidt is a long time Canton, Ohio resident with a B.A. from Kent State University (Summa Cum Laude), a M.B.A. from the University of Akron (Cum Laude), holds APICS certification, and is a Leadership Stark County graduate. He is also a passionate local business advocate and dedicated community volunteer. While his community service and awards would too exhaustive to list in its entirety, he has served two terms on both the Jackson Belden (Board President) and Canton Regional Chambers of Commerce Boards of Directors. He is currently the Past President and current Treasurer of the National Sales and Marketing Executives of Akron Canton’s Board of Directors.
Recent awards include the 2016 United Way of Greater Stark County Volunteer of the Year, the 2017 Canal Fulton Chamber Commerce Volunteer of the Year, and the 2019 United Way of Greater Stark County Collaboration of the Year for his creation and leadership of Progress4TheCure, which to date has raised nearly $50,000 to equally benefit the breast cancer departments of Aultman Hospital and Mercy Medical Center. Last fall, Mr. Schmidt was ‘knighted’ as a Squire of Hope by the St. Baldrick’s Foundation recognizing his long history in raising both awareness and money in the Fight Against Childhood Cancer! Lastly, by Mayoral Proclamation, May 10th is officially “Tom Schmidt Day” in Massillon, Ohio in recognition of his decades of community service and charitable activities to make his community a great place to live, work, and play.
For more information, visit the Barbco, Inc. website.
Blog, Industry News, trenchless people
Tri-State Utilities enters their 30th year of operation in 2020. As they look forward to new leadership and direction, they are excited to announce the following promotions and present their management staff.
Tri-State Utilities is pleased to announce that Jonathan Thomas, PE has been promoted to Vice-President / General Manager and will lead them into the new decade. With 10 years of project management experience at Tri-State Utilities, Jonathan will be overseeing the Chesapeake, Virginia and the Winston-Salem, NC offices. The addition of Jonathan to the Senior Management team will position the company for continued growth in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Ron Parsons has been promoted to Vice-President of Operations. With 15 years of experience at Tri-State Utilities, Ron will now lead field operations to bring a continued expertise in Cleaning & CCTV services and CIPP (Cured-In-Place Pipe) Lining. Ron started his career as a Vactor operator and has held positions as a CIPP cutter operator, CIPP Foreman and Superintendent. Ron has invaluable experience cleaning and lining pipe of all sizes and possesses great personnel management skills.
Craig Welsh will now lead the Estimating Department in addition to his role as a Project Manager. With 16 years of experience at Tri-State Utilities, Craig will oversee an estimating department that will focus on Cleaning & CCTV services, CIPP (Cured-In-Place Pipe) Lining, and traditional open-cut storm, sewer, and water line services. Craig’s experience with site work as well as rehabilitation methods provides him with a unique skill set for providing accurate estimates for Tri-State to build.
John Saintsing is the Business Development Manager for Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. With seven years of experience at Tri-State Utilities, John will continue to explore new, better and innovative methods for CCTV services and CIPP (Cured-In-Place Pipe) technologies. John’s responsibilities will include attendance to industry conferences, building key customer relationships, and developing new services and products in Infrastructure Rehabilitation.
Sean Merryman was hired last year as the Business Development and Project Manager for the southwest North Carolina region and South Carolina. Sean will maintain a heavy presence in the area while establishing a new lining crew and Clean & TV crew to service this growing region. Tri-State Utilities is very excited about the experience Sean brings with him from his previous employer and the opportunity to service municipalities and engineers who have historically been outside of our footprint.
Connor Mathis is a Project Manager with eight years of experience at Tri-State Utilities. Connor will manage projects throughout Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina while focusing most of his time on the Construction Services contracts for the Cities of Norfolk and Virginia Beach. These services include: Cleaning and CCTV, CIPP Sectional Liners, Rausch Repair Sleeves, and CIPP (Cured-In-Place Pipe) for Storm and Sanitary Pipe Rehabilitation. Connor is also certified in land disturbance and manages all heavy excavation work, road repairs and off-road ditch maintenance.
James Farris is a Project Manager with a total of six years of experience in utility construction and the last four years with Tri-State Utilities. He has gained valuable experience on Consent Order driven inspection and rehabilitation of storm and sanitary sewer systems. Before coming to work at Tri-State Utilities, James spent four years with Real Estate Improvement, a Virginia Beach based Class A construction company. Prior to that, James was with Norfolk Southern Railway for eight years focusing his efforts primarily on customer service, purchasing, and sales.
Rick Sharp is the newest member and Project Manager of the Tri-State Utilities’ team. Rick brings with him over 15 years of project management experience from residential and commercial construction as well as land development. Rick will be managing projects throughout Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Andy McSweeney will continue to lead Tri-State Utilities as Vice-President of Project Management with a focus on Estimating and Business Development as they grow their footprint deeper into North and South Carolina.
Joe McSweeney, after 27 years of service with Tri-State Utilities, has decided to retire. A career that included responsibilities of a CCTV Operator, CIPP Foreman and Superintendent, and Vice-President of Operations. A career full of accomplishments and a future full of possibilities. Tri-State Utilities wishes Joe much more success in his future endeavors.
The management team of Tri-State Utilities is can all be reached at (757) 366-9505. Visit their website for more information on the company.
HOUSTON, March 2, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — ClockSpring|NRI, the leading high-performance critical infrastructure solutions company, today announced that Frank Firsching has been named the company’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective immediately. Firsching succeeds Matt Boucher, who is stepping down after leading the transformation of ClockSpring|NRI over the last few years.
