Industry News, trenchless people
Total Equipment, Inc., a full-line Vermeer Industrial dealer headquartered in Puerto Rico, today announced it has acquired the rights from Vermeer Caribbean to represent the Vermeer Industrial product line in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Under the leadership of Charles de Armas, Total Equipment has represented Vermeer Corporation’s sales, service and parts in Puerto Rico since 2014. With this acquisition, the dealership will now operate under the brand of Vermeer Total Equipment. Company headquarters will remain in Puerto Rico, while the dealership offers the full line of Vermeer industrial equipment and full-service operations on the island of Saint Thomas, the U.S. Virgin Islands and a commercial office in the Dominican Republic.
“As we expand our representation of Vermeer into new territories, we are excited to continue serving the customers who depend on us today in Puerto Rico, while also partnering with the professionals who are doing the critical work to drive progress in the Dominican, USVI and Haiti,” said Charles De Armas, Vermeer Total Equipment dealer principal. “This is an exciting chapter for us as we build on our strong legacy in the region and grow our regional footprint under the Vermeer Total Equipment brand.”
De Armas has been in the equipment industry for more than 30 years. He began his career by following the steps of his father, Jose de Armas, who founded in 1965 Compresores & Equipos Inc. (C&E), which grew into a well-known rental equipment company in the southern United States and Caribbean. In 2008 Charles assumed leadership of the organization under the Total Equipment name.
As Vermeer Total Equipment expands its territory, the dealership plans to invest in additional inventory, on-the-road service trucks and customer service representatives to drive growth and better serve its customers in underground infrastructure installation, landscaping, clean-up, construction and other industries.
Vermeer Caribbean will continue to represent the Vermeer product line across other key Caribbean islands.
“Vermeer Total Equipment and Vermeer Caribbean have been great partners known for providing dependable support to Vermeer customers across the Caribbean islands for some time,” said Herb Waldhuetter, managing director of Vermeer Latin America. “With significant infrastructure and natural resource management investments being made across the region, we are excited for what this new alignment and the investments being made across these two dealerships will do to give our customers an even stronger network of Vermeer equipment, service and support they need to get important work done in smart, efficient ways.”
About Vermeer Corporation
Vermeer delivers a real impact in a progressing world through the manufacture of high-quality underground construction, tree care, surface mining, environmental and agricultural 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.
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
(Alpharetta, GA – June 17, 2020) With every intent to grow responsibly, Madewell® Products Corporation initiates an Advisory Council comprised of five executives of top producing contracting partners among its nation-wide network of Certified Applicators. This proactive and progressive move signals to infrastructure owners, specifying engineers, and utility contractors demand for the Mainstay-branded products is on the rise.
For nearly forty years, Madewell dedicated itself to one thing—researching, developing, and producing a breed of restoration mortars and corrosion resistant epoxy topcoats for structurally enhancing and protecting concrete surfaces. Capitalizing on the unique Mainstay® Composite Liner process acquired from US Steel in 1971, much of Madewell’s strength and market appeal is derived from its execution arm—Certified Applicators. These independent organizations are equipped, trained, and supported by Madewell Tech Services team.
It is good to be essential. Mainstay-branded products are growing in volume, value, and share of market. In the last year, Madewell leadership made a wealth of management decisions and capital investments across the full spectrum of the business. Now with the Advisory Council’s strategic contribution, decisions will be made as a unified force, with high confidence, and at the speed of business.
Invitations to serve on the Madewell Advisory Council (MAC) were issued on June 1 and without hesitation, all five proudly accepted to give time and energy to the greater good of Madewell (pictured left to right):
• Chris Culy, Culy Contracting: IN, TN
• Horacio Franco, H&R Underground: CA
• David Ventresca, Advantage Manhole & Concrete: MD, LA, TX
• David Reaves, Prism Contractors & Engineers: VA
• James Fleming, National Water Main: MA, FL
With excellent geographic disbursement throughout North America, the Madewell Advisory Council provides a nation-wide brain trust, sounding board, and source of strategic input to grow partnerships and fuel mutual, responsible growth for the coming years.
About Madewell Products Corporation: Based in Alpharetta, GA, Madewell is the developer and manufacturer of restoration mortars and corrosion resistant protective coatings under the Mainstay® brand name. Established in 1974, Madewell and the Steele family are pioneers in the coatings industry and the NACE inspector certification program with certificates of #001, #016, #018. Today, Mainstay products produced by Madewell are available exclusively through a network of Certified Applicators in North America. For more information, go to www.madewell.net.
Industry News, trenchless people
The Bothar Group of companies is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Maureen Carlin as Vice President of Engineering and Preconstruction Services for the United States (US) division. Dr. Carlin’s hiring marks Bothar’s expansion into the US market through the well-established and highly accomplished IPC brand in North America.
Prior to her involvement with Bothar, Dr. Carlin spent six years with Laney Group, Inc. most recently heading up the company’s efforts in strategic markets. She has more than 16 years’ experience in construction engineering and project management for both vertical commercial construction and trenchless pipeline construction. Dr. Carlin’s areas of expertise are in advanced project planning and market analysis for trenchless engineering and construction in the oil, gas, water, sewer, power, desalination, sustainable energy and defense sectors. She currently sits on the North American Society of Trenchless Technology Board of Directors.
“I cannot express how excited and honored I am to accept this position and join the team. I feel privileged to be part of an organization built on advanced engineering, cutting edge technology applications and safe and skilled project execution. Bothar as a contracting organization is truly the complete package,” stated Dr. Carlin.
“We are thrilled to have Maureen as part of our family. Her ability to comprehend the complexity of
trenchless projects and the client’s needs and combine that with IPC/Bothar’s capabilities, will allow our
organization to continue its successful journey. Dr. Carlin is a great addition to our leadership team. Her
great personality and solution focused demeanor are in line with the goals we are aiming to achieve,” says Mr. Peter Hennig, CEO of IPC.
Bothar’s US efforts will focus on trenchless applications for complex projects. The company will also focus on design-build opportunities that offer turn-key solutions to critical crossing applications. Owning one of the largest fleets of Herrenknecht microtunneling machines globally, the group will leverage their ability to swiftly ship and assemble equipment to project sites anywhere across the US, reducing project lead time. Customer service will remain the driving force for the group as it seeks to cement its place as one of the world’s leading trenchless installation companies.
About IPC | IPC is currently one of the largest and most successful design-build contractors in Canada for trenchless infrastructure construction. IPC specializes in solving complex trenchless projects through
technical expertise, passion, commitment to excellence and a client-centered culture. IPC is currently the
leading Direct Pipe® contractor in North America having completed 12 applications. The company
amalgamated with the Bothar Group of Companies in November 2018. Since then, it has expanded its range of trenchless operations to include Microtunneling , shaft sinking, pipe manufacturing, Auger Boring and Pipe Jacking.
About Bothar | Established in 1990, Bothar is an international leader in the provision of engineering
solutions for complex subsurface infrastructure. It provides microtuneling, traditional tunneling (pipe
jacking) up to 4 meter diameter as well as shaft construction, Direct Pipe®, auger boring, horizontal
directional drilling (HDD), Bothar Cranes and Bothar Built equipment. The Group currently has offices in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Singapore and the Middle East with the capabilities of expansion into other geographical areas. The “Bothar Brand” has developed an enviable reputation as a reliable and high-quality contractor, renowned for the successful delivery of difficult projects whilst maintaining excellent public safety standards, quality, efficiency and reliability. The Company has a strong focus on employee and public safety also ensuring that it minimizes its environmental footprint. These strengths coupled with an in-depth understanding of the unique challenges of each project have helped Bothar to become a leading tunneling contractor in its core markets.
Industry News, trenchless people
East Canton, OH — Barbco, Inc. was deemed an essential industry and has been working during the Ohio’s stay-at-home directive. The company has been adhering to and exceeding both the Federal and State’s strict protective guidelines to ensure employee safety through the proactive approach of appointing a COVID19 Workplace Coordinator.
Despite the pandemic, Barbco has delivered strong sales result for the first quarter of 2020. While certain parts of the country and certain industries have been shut down, others have been working at full capacity. Subsequently, Barbco has seen strong sales of its augers and parts business. Sales for the first quarter met the budget goals. Being the brand and technology leader in horizontal auger boring machines and augers has enabled Barbco to have a very successful first quarter.
“Our manufacturing team has stepped up in these very challenging times to produce machines to meet and exceed customer demand,” said Dave Barbera, President and Co-owner. Sales during the first quarter have been strongest in the Southern states, where the weather broke soon and contractors have been able to work around the clock improving America’s underground infrastructure on many important projects.
The sales success was also aided by the introduction last year of Barbco’s patented FlexBor and partnered with its existing industry leading TriBor technology which allows for horizontal directional drilling, (HDD) using only air or air and water which protects the environment better than any other technology available. The FlexBor and TriBor is truly disruptive technology which will change the HDD market for the better because it is safer for the environment.
“With more stringent regulations in the use of chemicals and liquids in HDD, the marketplace is quickly recognizing our patented technology as the only way to safely do HDD,” commented Tony Barbera, CEO and Co-owner.
As the country begins to reopen in certain states, Barbco is well-positioned to meet the need for HDD augers and equipment. Barbco’s commitment to build environmentally safe equipment will only strengthen its technology leadership.
About Barbco, Inc.
Barbco, Inc. (www.barco.com) is HDD manufacturing company based in East Canton, OH. The company’s line of Auger Boring Machines, its FlexBor and TriBor technology position the company to continue its leadership position in developing superior equipment that meets strict environmental guidelines ensuring a better, safe environment.
Industry News, trenchless projects
Join Deep Trekker for a free virtual conversation on Friday, June 26 from 10-11AM EDT.
FROM SEWER TO STORM TO CLEAN WATER PIPE INSPECTIONS
This week’s “Think Tank Friday” addresses robotic solutions for trenchless technology. Providing tools, techniques, and best practices, this panel gives you the inside scoop on optimizing your trenchless operations. Hear from maintenance operators, and software and asset management experts in this live, interactive conversation.
Visit Deep Trekker’s website to register.
Industry News, trenchless people
This week we’re featuring the fifth and final installment in the latest NASTT blog series featuring the 2020 Argent Memorial Scholarship winner essays.
One of the requirements to apply for a student scholarship from NASTT is to write an essay on the state of the trenchless industry and what the student sees for them self in the future within the industry.
Ian Walczak of Rutgers University was awarded a $5,000 scholarship.
The North American Society for Trenchless Technology was introduced to me last year by the Rutgers Student Chapter. Before that I had never given tunneling and trenchless construction any thought. Now I am the President of the Rutgers Student chapter. Through my time in NASTT I attended the No-Dig show in Chicago and learnt about all the different applications the trenchless industry is capable of.
One specialty area that interests me most is tunnel engineering. I live close to New York City so trench cutting to replace utilities or build tunnels is a thing of the past. From now on most of the work done underground is in the trenchless industry. Last year I got the opportunity to go to The Moles Students Day at the East Side Access project in NYC. This was the first time I had seen a massive trenchless project firsthand. The logistical challenges and the innovative solutions the engineers needed to come up with required not only a sound understanding of engineering fundamentals, but also a creative mind. This kind of challenging work is why I decided to become an engineer. Deciding to become an engineer is more than just deciding on what career to pursue, it is more like deciding the kind of lifestyle you want to live throughout life. Life as an engineer means lifelong learning, serving your community and never halting innovation. These main aspects of life as an engineer are what intrigue me most and I believe the most rewarding industry is the trenchless industry.
Within the near future I do see myself pursuing a career in the trenchless industry. I am currently talking to Mott MacDonald about an entry tunnel engineering job. I am to start an internship next semester and that will work into a full-time position as a tunnel engineer at Mott MacDonald. My goal is to hopefully be a critical part of the planned Gateway Project in the Northeast Corridor. The project will expand and renovate the existing deteriorating Northeast Corridor Rail Line. Within this project major tunneling operations will be conducted and it is my hope that I will be involved in the design and construction of these tunnels.
In conclusion, The North American Society for Trenchless Technology has given me opportunities that I never could imagine. There is a great sense of community within NASTT and I am proud to be apart of it. Community is very important to me; when we collaborate with one another there is nothing we can not accomplish. I hope to hear from you soon and I thank you in advance for your anticipated generosity. I will leave you with a quote, “An optimist will tell you the glass is half-full; the pessimist, half-empty; and the engineer will tell you the glass is twice the size it needs to be” – Anonymous
Congratulations Ian! Best of luck in your current position and future endeavors in the trenchless industry!
Total Equipment, Inc., a full-line Vermeer Industrial dealer headquartered in Puerto Rico, today announced it has acquired the rights from Vermeer Caribbean to represent the Vermeer Industrial product line in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
