Industry News, trenchless people
Offers expert-led, hands-on curriculum in a distraction-free environment
Nov. 6, 2018 – LAKE MILLS, Wisc. – The first class of contractors to graduate from HammerHead University, the world’s most advanced trenchless technique learning center, received manufacturer certification after three days of hands-on, guided instruction Sept. 17. The training facilities and curricula had been officially announced as fully operational at the Lake Mills, Wisconsin, headquarters of HammerHead Trenchless, a Charles Machine Works company, during its annual August sales meeting.
The new two-story, 5,000-square-foot educational facilities provide trenchless method contractors, plumbers, project engineers and utility company and municipal crews both classroom and hands-on application training for every HammerHead product line. Courses are available for the pipe ramming, pipe bursting and pipe slitting methods; lateral and vertical cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) cleaning, preparation and rehabilitation; and pipe and culvert spot repair.
HammerHead University’s first graduates included six Apollo Home employees. Founded in 1910, the Cincinnati-based business provides sales, service and repair of home mechanicals including heating, cooling, ventilation, electrical, plumbing and sewer systems for more than 800,000 customers in its Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana service area.
Services such as drain cleaning, water line replacement and sewer repair are overseen by Apollo Excavation Manager Dustin White, who was one of those returning for a three-day course on HammerHead cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining systems and point repair. White received his initial HammerHead CIPP certification prior to the existence of the facilities. He compared how much the university-like setting improved the learning experience for four Apollo technicians attending with him for their initial certification.
“The controlled environment really makes a difference,” White said. “The mockup creates a better real-life experience. It takes away the anxiety of a ‘game-time’ situation. The pipe was embedded in gravel, but everything was above ground, giving our people who are new to CIPP better visual access to see exactly how it works.”
Jeff Urbanski, HammerHead Training and Technical Services Manager, said a fully controlled learning environment allows students to focus on the fundamentals of the applications without the distraction of specific, site-based complications. Initially grounded in an application’s principles, students are better prepared to anticipate how such jobsite factors will affect an operation, as well as help them to more quickly determine the root cause of any problem that arises.
“This is innovative education. It’s not just reading from a book. We simulate real-life applications, replicating situations that put participants inside a house or a manhole on a street. But taking away the soil, watery ground conditions and confined entries in their first experience with the method results in more consistently repeatable performance over a wide range of worksite conditions.”
A controlled learning environment is also a safer environment to gain practical experience before applying techniques in the field, he said. “Mistakes in a controlled setting result in greater understanding, whereas on an actual job, mistakes can cause expensive downtime due to equipment or property damage.”
For those who already have that grounded understanding, Urbanski said instructors can alter mockups to duplicate a specific site’s set of complications. “Contractors can study in advance the impact of certain variables like cobbled soils and flooded pits before they face them on the job.”
Courses are led by application experts. “Our HammerHead University teaching staff consists of former plumbers, knowledgeable factory and industry equipment specialists and experienced field technicians – all highly trusted advisors,” Urbanski said.
The HammerHead University setting enables courses to be held year-round. “No matter what the weather is outside, 365 days a year, participants can be using Same Path technologies to install, replace or rehab pipe, from gas-line slitting to CIPP applications.”
HammerHead is currently in the process of establishing an “e-learning platform” with continuing education units for its courses. Urbanski said, “In association with our courses, students will be able to go online and for a small fee take a pass-fail course to receive certification that applies specifically to their state or a given municipality if its governed by specific guidance. Certification will be annually renewable.”
Average class sizes in a given application range between two and five people. The University demonstration area accommodates up to 18 participants in as many as eight separate application stations simultaneously. Larger class sizes can be accommodated in the HammerHead University conference room.
To enroll or request information about specialized courses, contact HammerHead Trenchless at (920) 648-4848, or go to https://www.hammerheadtrenchless.com/training.
Photo 1: HammerHead University, the world’s most advanced trenchless technique learning center.
Photos 2-3: Students learn the hands-on curriculum in a distraction-free environment.
Industry News, trenchless people
Missen brings over 25 years experience to the position
GREENVILLE, S.C. — September 24, 2018 — McLaughlin Group, Inc. continues to grow its expertise in the underground construction industry with the addition of Neville Missen, an industry veteran who has played in integral role in developing microtunneling equipment and steerable rock systems. In his new role as applications engineer for McLaughlin auger boring equipment, On Target steering systems and steerable rock systems, Missen will work with contractors, dealers and the McLaughlin team to develop innovative equipment solutions that will continue to advance the industry.
Missen, a native of Australia, has owned and operated Boretec Microtunneling Pty, Ltd, managed Bullseye Microtunneling, and served as an equipment sales representative for Vermeer Australia.
“Neville has been a trusted partner of ours for many years,” explained Dave Gasmovic, business development manager at McLaughlin. “We worked with him when he was a contractor and he always provided helpful information for developing new products. From the work Neville has done testing machinery to the role he’s served in designing new equipment, he has helped fuel the growth of auger boring and microtunneling. We are excited to have him working for McLaughlin.”
For more information about McLaughlin products and services, visit www.mclaughlinunderground.com or email McLaughlin at mmole@mightymole.com.
About McLaughlin
McLaughlin, a Vermeer Company, has been actively involved in the drilling tool industry for more than 95 years. McLaughlin has a reputation for designing and building dependable trenchless construction equipment. McLaughlin takes pride in providing solutions for OEMs and the underground industry.
McLaughlin Group, Inc. reserves the right to make changes in engineering, design and specifications; add improvements; or discontinue manufacturing at any time without notice or obligation. McLaughlin and the McLaughlin logo are trademarks of McLaughlin Group, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries.
© 2018 McLaughlin Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Industry News, trenchless people
PHILADELPHIA, PA ‐ Pipe Lining Supply is pleased to announce the appointment of Augustus “Gus” Bozzano, II to the position of Technical Representative serving the north eastern USA.
Gus brings many years of plumbing and drain cleaning experience to the new position.
Gus will support Pipe Lining Supply’s customer base with training, advice and sales for CIPP lateral lining and AIPPR pipe coating projects for drain, waste and vent in the Philadelphia and surrounding areas.
Pipe Lining Supply is a leader in the manufacturing and distribution of materials and equipment used in the lateral sewer lining and DWV rehabilitation business. The company was formed to support customers who need training and support as well as the equipment and materials to rehabilitate aging sewer laterals and pipe to restore your pipes to LIKE new condition, extending pipe life 50+ years!
Their goal is to serve the industry with a complete warehouse stocked with the best products at the lowest delivered cost on a timely basis. Visit their website for more information.
Industry News, trenchless people
To mark their 45th anniversary, Akkerman is commemorating their years of providing the industry’s best guided boring, microtunneling, pipe jacking and tunneling equipment with valuable educational sessions, equipment displays, factory tours and entertainment.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
SEPTEMBER 18-19
Two days of educational sessions featuring in-depth Factory Certified Hands-On Equipment Training and a Trenchless Technical Seminar on the latest trends, technologies and issues given by industry experts to earn CEU/PDHs.
Hands-On Equipment Training will be offered for GBM, MTBM and TBM System Operation and Maintenance Tracks Schedule
Trenchless Technical Seminar Schedule
- Overview of the ASCE Manual of Practice No. 133: Pilot Tube and Other Guided Boring Methods with Jeff Boschert, P.E., NCPI
- Effective Site Investigation for Determination of Trenchless Technologies with Robert Martin, P.E., Jacobs
- Guided Auger Boring with Jim Weist, Michael Byrne Mfg.
- ASCE Standard 36-15 Standard Design and Construction Guidelines for Microtunneling with Dr. Glenn Boyce, Ph.D., McMillen Jacobs Associates
- Guided Pipe Ramming with Rick Melvin, TT Technologies
- Sliplining with Vince Paparozzi, HOBAS
- Guided Boring with Vitrified Clay Pipe with David Gill, The Logan Clay Products Company
- Lubrication Methods, AZ100 TGS Tunneling Navigation System for Extended and Curved Alignments and Secrets to Successful Long Distance Pilot Tube Installations with Akkerman staff.
Visit the Akkerman website for more info!
Industry News, trenchless people, trenchless products
A strong dealer support network combined with a safe and reliable product are yielding satisfied customers and increased revenue for Texas First Rentals, sister company to Holt Cat®, one of the Largest Caterpillar Dealers in the US. At Texas First, you can rent the Cat® equipment you’ve always trusted for your toughest jobs – plus a whole lot more: equipment from Genie®, JLG®, Sullair®, Wacker®, LayMor®, Vermeer®, and other top-notch manufacturers including Vac-Tron Equipment.
Project Challenge
Finding the perfect vacuum excavator and industrial vacuum equipment to add to the rental fleet. “The most important factors in determining what fleet we bought was the relationship we have with our dealer support network and the fact that we can utilize one model and maintain a commonality of parts.” said Colin Martin, District Manager of Texas First.
Solution
Vac-Tron Equipment vacuum excavators and industrial vacs. “We started buying the Vac-Tron machine when we initially started the company back in 2015. It’s a product that appears across all our stores, we have about 15 stores across the state of Texas,” said Martin. Michael Rutledge, Outside Sales Rep added, “The best advantage for us to be carrying Vac-Tron is our competitors don’t, so we have the upper edge. So, for an outside sales rep, its an absolute gold winner. The hydro vac makes it simpler and safer to use than the conventional excavator.”
Results
Satisfied customers and satisfied company owners. “I hear probably weekly that our customers are very satisfied with the product. At this current location, there are three customers that currently use these Vac-Tron’s monthly, some even use them long term on a 3-6-month basis” says Rutledge. “I would recommend these machines to others just for the ease of use, ease of maintenance, service ability concerns, and the return on investment” says Martin. “The rental return on investment (ROI) is how we are opening our doors everyday and closing them at the end of the day. I think this product is really making that bottom line more effective” added Rutledge.
Check out the full video interview with Texas First Rentals here. For more information on Vac-Tron Equipment and its full fleet of vacuum excavators, please visit them online at www.vactron.com or call 1-352-728-2222.
Industry News, trenchless people
GSSI, the world’s leading manufacturer of ground penetrating radar (GPR) equipment, is pleased to announce the hire of Brett Caldwell to the position of Technical Applications Specialist supporting the geophysical, geotechnical, environmental, and academic markets. Brett is a GPR Technician with a diverse background in geosciences and construction.
After serving in the US Army’s 10th Mountain Division Core Air Defense Element as an Assistant Operations Sergeant, Brett worked in a variety of customer facing positions, including sales, coaching, and management positions in the automotive and athletic apparel industries. Brett then studied Geology at Towson University before beginning his work for Penhall Technologies, first as a GPR analyst, and then as a field supervisor, in which he managed all aspects of GPR activities for Penhall in the Central United States Region.
In a Facebook post announcing being hired by GSSI, Brett explained his longtime desire to join the GSSI team, writing that “Every experience I have had as a consumer of their [GSSI’s] GPR products has been nothing short of positive. Sales, marketing, training, support, engineering – they’re all top notch.” Brett went on further to express his excitement over joining GSSI: “I’m very excited to say that I’ll be joining GSSI as a Technical Applications Specialist…While I’ve enjoyed my time in Construction, I couldn’t be happier to get back to my roots.”
GSSI is confident that Brett’s wealth of experience in a variety of industries, as well as his natural competitive spirit (he is an Ironman finisher), will help GSSI continue to lead the GPR industry.
About GSSI
Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. is the world leader in the development, manufacture, and sale of ground penetrating radar (GPR) equipment, primarily for the concrete inspection, utility mapping and locating, road and bridge deck evaluation, geophysics, and archaeology markets. GSSI’s equipment is used all over the world to explore the subsurface of the earth and to inspect infrastructure systems non-destructively. GSSI created the first commercial GPR system over 45 years ago and continues to provide the widest range and highest quality GPR equipment available today.
