Industry News, trenchless people
The Lithos Team Continues to Grow!
James Halverson joined the Lithos Denver Team in March as a Geological Engineer, having previously served in multiple industries including Seismic Exploration, Geotechnical Engineering, Electrical Construction, and Mining Geology. His diverse experience, attention to detail, project and cost management, analysis and management of complex data systems, teamwork, communication, and subsurface analyses are but a few of the assets that James brings to the Lithos team. In his free time, James enjoys spending time with family; road, mountain, and gravel biking; bike packing; weight training; and volunteer work. You can reach James at jhalverson@lithoseng.com.
Keely Stevenson joined the Lithos Fort Collins team in July as a Geological Engineer, having recently received a B.S. Degree in Geological Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines. During her time at Mines, she worked as an undergraduate research assistant on a project modeling flat roofed mine excavations and optimizing rock bolt placement for maximum stability and minimum cost, primarily programming in UDEC. Another project she worked on focused on recycling minerals in mine tailings. In her free time, Keely enjoys hiking, machining, reading, painting, and can be found trying out new things and learning new skills. You can reach Keely at keely@lithoseng.com.
Adisa Husejnovic joined the Lithos Denver team in August as an Administrative Assistant. Prior to joining Lithos, Adisa worked at a commercial General Contractor where she managed the bidding process and supported multiple project management teams, in addition to assuring the whole office ran smoothly. In her free time, Adisa enjoys film photography, biking, thrifting, and hiking with her dog Axel and partner Austin. You can reach Adisa at adisa@lithoseng.com.
In keeping with their core values, the Lithos team has grown substantially over the last few years, and remains committed to developing a diverse team of experts that bring recognizable value to their clients and their projects.
The Lithos team is excited to welcome James, Keely and Adisa!
Industry News, trenchless people
August 3, 2021, was a significant day for North American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT) as the 12th and latest Regional Chapter was formed, covering the 32 states of Mexico.
Matthew Izzard, NASTT Executive Director and Alan Goodman, Chair of the Board of Directors, met with founding members Sergio Alvarado (Underground Construction Equipment Mexico), Chapter President; Adrian Cordero (Tubepol), Chapter Vice-President; Itzel Mora (Tubemas), Secretary; and Caesar Alvarado (Hammerhead), Executive Officer for the inaugural meeting of the NASTT Mexico Regional Chapter – MEXTT.
The addition of this Chapter offers complete coverage of the North American continent for NASTT with Mexico joining the three Canadian and eight United States Chapters in the Society.
The NASTT Board, under Craig Vandaelle, formed an initiative group to create the Chapter, with Board Members Tiffanie Mendez and Alan Ambler central to its development and working with Itzel Mora to engage volunteers in the creation of the new chapter. This culminated in the inaugural meeting and formation of the Regional Chapter Board to provide local engagement to the members in developing trenchless technology knowledge and education.
MEXTT President, Sergio Alvarado commented: “I am very grateful for the opportunity to be one of the founding members and to be elected president of MEXTT, as well as recognizing my colleagues Itzel Mora, Adrian Cordero, Eduardo Ortegon and Cesar Alvarado who are part of this executive board.
We are very excited about the future growth of our association, and we will be preparing our work plan in the short, medium and long term to publicize the benefits that we can bring to our members through the different existing trenchless technologies for the benefit of the projects of infrastructure generated in Mexico.”
NASTT Chair, Alan Goodman added: “NASTT has been blessed to work with five incredible people that are passionate about bringing trenchless technology to every corner of Mexico. On the historic day of August 3rd, 2021 the Mexico Chapter was formed and inaugurated into NASTT. Whether it be new installation or rehabilitation the Mexico Chapter wants to educate all sectors (municipalities, state agencies, utilities, contractors, and engineering firms) in all industries including water, sewer, gas, power, fiber and telecommunications. Watch this Mexico Chapter grow, and we can’t wait to learn more about the future conferences and Good Practices Courses offered in Spanish.”
An opening webinar to outline the Chapters activities, introduce members and how to be involved is planned for early 2022 followed by in-person events. This includes the delivery of NASTT’s Introduction to Trenchless Technology Good Practices Courses, translated to Spanish with the assistance of grant funding from International Society for Trenchless Technology (ISTT). Work is also starting on a website and membership magazine and many other initiatives. If you are interested in being involved, please contact us at info@nastt.org.
In expanding their activities and delivery of trenchless technology education in Spanish to a wider audience, NASTT and MEXTT look forward to another exciting Chapter in NASTT history.
Industry News, trenchless products, trenchless projects
Kobus Inc. was featured on the news together with their customer and friend Van Rite Plumbing. They were awarded a contract for 250 lead water replacements in Shawano, WI. 50 replacements have been done thus far.
Watch the news video here!
Kobus Inc’s headquarters are based in Michigan. Their aim is to provide innovative trenchless techniques for Water, Gas and other service pipe replacement. Initially the company was set up to develop the concept of a Pipe Puller from an idea into a practical, working product. As a result, their engineers created the Kobus Pipe Puller. They now supply Pipe Pullers in North America directly from their facility in Michigan. Additionally, they train your crews to safely and effectively get the best from the equipment.
Visit Kobus at the NASTT 2021 No-Dig Show in booth 522 in Orlando, March 28-31!
Industry News, trenchless people, trenchless projects
Michels Corporation will be heavily involved in the 2021 NASTT No-Dig in-person show in Orlando, FL, March 29-31, 2021.
In addition to exhibiting in one of the larger booth spaces on the floor (Booth 1001), Michels will give two presentations during the conference: Creating Efficiency for Project Success: Zach Osborn; and Using UV-cured CIPP to reline 8.5 miles of sanitary sewer in Guam: Lee Zubrod and John Manijak.
During the show, Michels will also receive two Project of the Year awards. The Project of the Year for New Installation is given to Michels Bakken Missouri River Crossing, which featured a record-setting 2.5-mile horizontal directional drill. The Project of the Year for Rehabilitation is awarded to Michels Northern Interceptor Rehabilitation Sewer, which utilized ultraviolet light (UV) cured-in-place (CIPP) pipe liners for pipe rehabilitation of 43,984 linear feet of sanitary sewer pipes, making it among the largest UV projects in the United States. Winning both awards in one year is a great honor and a first-time occurrence for the company, their crews and their leadership teams. Find more information and videos on these projects at Michels blog: 2 projects named best in trenchless | Michels.
As the premier trenchless service provider in the industry, Michels offers fully customizable solutions. Utilizing a tool case of trenchless options, they listen to you, and work in conjunction to propose the best feasible option for your project. They offer complete rehab and new build solutions. No other contractor can deliver many trenchless answers under one roof. Visit Michels March 29-31, 2021 in Booth 1001 or www.michels.us/trenchless to find out more.
Industry News, trenchless people
Kevin Slarb has been named as the Inside and International Sales Director for Michael Byrne Manufacturing. Kevin has over 20 years of experience in the Trenchless Technology industry and has proved to be a valuable resource for many trenchless contractors in locating parts or other options to problems. Kevin was the go-to guy for many international customers while at American Augers and will continue that role with Michael Byrne Mfg. Michael Byrne continues to look to strengthen their team and name with the addition of employees like Kevin Slarb, welcome aboard!
Visit Michael Byrne Mfg in booth 523 at the NASTT No-Dig Show!
Industry News, trenchless products
PELLA, Iowa – Vermeer Corporation announced today that it has signed a distribution agreement with BRON that gives the manufacturer of utility track plows and plow attachments the rights to sell its products through Vermeer industrial dealers worldwide. The agreement establishes Vermeer dealerships as the exclusive distributor for two of BRON’s tracked utility plows in the 200-HP (149 kW) and 300-HP (224 kW) class, and provides them the ability to sell the line of BRON utility plow attachments.
BRON is a family-owned company based in Woodstock, Ontario, Canada. The brand has supported utility and underground infrastructure installation markets for more than 40 years and has reliable, heavy-duty plows and attachments that include static and vibratory plows, trenchers, rippers, add-on plows and more.
Vermeer is teaming up with BRON to support customers who are working to keep up with major global investments in rural fiber and underground infrastructure. BRON’s products complement the Vermeer utility plow lineup by providing additional options for heavy-duty plows and attachments that are geared for some of the deeper and more extreme installation applications.
“This agreement positions Vermeer to better help our customers capture more of the underground telecom and energy work that will be required to provide more reliable access to critical infrastructure around the world.” said Vice President of Environmental and Infrastructure Sales, Dave Wisniewski.
“As a fellow family-owned company, we are excited to deepen our partnership with Vermeer and its dealers around the world,” said Robert Hall, president of BRON. “Our products, partnered with the reach and expertise of the Vermeer dealer network, put us all in a stronger position to support our customers with the tools and service they need to stay productive.”
BRON expects its products to be available at Vermeer dealerships in February 2021.
Learn more at vermeer.com or bronrwf.com.
James Halverson joined the Lithos Denver Team in March as a Geological Engineer, having previously served in multiple industries including Seismic Exploration, Geotechnical Engineering, Electrical Construction, and Mining Geology. His diverse experience, attention to detail, project and cost management, analysis and management of complex data systems, teamwork, communication, and subsurface analyses are but a few of the assets that James brings to the Lithos team. In his free time, James enjoys spending time with family; road, mountain, and gravel biking; bike packing; weight training; and volunteer work. You can reach James at jhalverson@lithoseng.com.
Keely Stevenson joined the Lithos Fort Collins team in July as a Geological Engineer, having recently received a B.S. Degree in Geological Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines. During her time at Mines, she worked as an undergraduate research assistant on a project modeling flat roofed mine excavations and optimizing rock bolt placement for maximum stability and minimum cost, primarily programming in UDEC. Another project she worked on focused on recycling minerals in mine tailings. In her free time, Keely enjoys hiking, machining, reading, painting, and can be found trying out new things and learning new skills. You can reach Keely at keely@lithoseng.com.
Adisa Husejnovic joined the Lithos Denver team in August as an Administrative Assistant. Prior to joining Lithos, Adisa worked at a commercial General Contractor where she managed the bidding process and supported multiple project management teams, in addition to assuring the whole office ran smoothly. In her free time, Adisa enjoys film photography, biking, thrifting, and hiking with her dog Axel and partner Austin. You can reach Adisa at adisa@lithoseng.com.
