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South Ogden, Utah – The Rocky Mountain Chapter of the North American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT) has announced a call for abstracts for their 2016 regional conference, Trenchless Elevated, Oct. 5-6 at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center, Salt Lake City, Utah.
All abstracts must be submitted by July 29, 2016.
A variety of trenchless topics will be covered at the conference. Abstracts from the following subject areas are of interest to the selection committee. Case studies are encouraged.
· Pipeline Rehabilitation for water, wastewater & storm water systems
· Advanced pipeline condition assessment, inspection
· Pipe bursting, horizontal directional drilling (HDD), lateral lining
· New installations: tunneling, microtunneling, pipe ramming, boring
· Trenchless research, emerging technologies, industry issues
For details and submittal information, please visit http://trenchlesselevated.com/wp-content/uploads/call-for-abstracts.pdf. If you have questions, contact Jared Oldroyd, Jared@JWOEngineering.com or Stephanie Nix-Wille, stephienix@chnix.com.
The program committee will review all submissions and select those to be presented at Trenchless Elevated 2016. For more information about the conference, visit www.trenchlesselevated.com.
For information about exhibit/sponsorship opportunities, contact Brittany Maurer at bmaurer@benjaminmedia.com.
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Brownsdale, MN – July 18, 2016 – Akkerman announces the appointment of Cecilia Zavaleta as sales engineer and Yovani Zelaya as project manager to its sales team.
Zavaleta will provide sales and customer support in California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico, and establish new and sustain existing dealership relations in Mexico, and Central and South America. In addition, Zavaleta will have a specialized focus on pipeline infrastructure projects throughout North America.
Zavaleta has been in sales and new business development in the heavy construction equipment industry for over 10 years, predominately in western United States, Canada and Mexico. Zavaleta was most recently employed by American Augers/Trencor, Inc. as a territory sales manager where she was responsible for customer support, new account development, establishing dealerships, and brand training for dealer personnel. Prior to this Zavaleta handled sales and customer management then transitioned to co-owner and general manager for Roadrunner Construction Supply and HDD Repair in Bloomington, CA. Zavaleta is bilingual in English and Spanish.
Zavaleta is completing her Doctor of Business Administration degree at Argosy University, in Ontario, California and completed her master’s and bachelor’s degrees in business administration at California Baptist University, in Riverside, California.
Zelaya will be responsible for domestic sales activities and project forecasting in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana.
Zelaya contributes a unique perspective to the sales team given his varied background in the oilfield and fluid manufacturing industries. Zelaya was previously employed as general manager at drilling fluids manufacturer Glob Energy Corporation in Houston, TX. Early in his career at oilfield products and services supplier Baker Hughes Inc. of Houston, Zelaya was a numerical control (NC) programmer and computer numerical control (CNC) machinist.
He is a graduate of the University of Texas at Tyler in Houston and holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Zelaya is also fluent in English and Spanish.
Jason Holden, Director of Sales at Akkerman comments, “We are very excited to have Cecilia and Yovani as part of the company and I have full confidence in their abilities to expand the reach of Akkerman equipment. Their bilingual capabilities are a key benefit to enhance communications with customers in these territories. Cecilia and Yovani’s contributions complement our existing team in our pursuit of providing project solutions to our customers and positioning our equipment in key markets. We are really looking forward to great things in the future for Akkerman.”
Zavaleta works out of her home office in Riverside, CA and be reached at (800) 533-0386 extension 178, and here. Zelaya is based out of his home office in Houston, TX and can be reached at (800) 533-0386 extension 133 and here.
For over forty years, Akkerman has developed, manufactured and supported quality pipe jacking and tunneling equipment that accurately installs a variety of underground infrastructure. For more information, visit akkerman.com.
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Robbins and NHI Agree to a Three-Phase Merger Plan
An agreement between The Robbins Company and Northern Heavy Industries (NHI) Group was finalized on June 28, 2016 in Shenyang, capital of northeast China’s Liaoning Province.
This initial agreement is the first step of a three-phase merger process and gives NHI minority interest in The Robbins Company. In the next phase, anticipated to occur in July 2016, NHI will assume 61% ownership of The Robbins Company. Lok Home, President of The Robbins Company, will remain vested in the company and continue in his leadership role. In the final phase, The Robbins Company, NFM and NHI will be merged, combining their collective resources and expertise. It is anticipated that Lok Home will assume the role of President of the newly formed company. Operations of The Robbins Company are expected to remain the same.
“This merger puts Robbins in an excellent position to expand our presence in the global TBM market,” said Mr. Home. “It will enable us to provide better global service and support to our customers, and will open the door to new opportunities, especially in China. NHI has very impressive capabilities. Joining forces with them gives us expanded resources to go after more projects and strengthens our reputation as a world leader in the tunnel boring industry.”
“By laying out developing plans in Asia, America and Europe, and making a concerted effort together, we will strengthen our competitiveness in the market,” said Yang Tao, General Manager of the Tunneling Machine Company, a subsidiary of NHI.
Based in Shenyang, NHI employs 10,000 people and is among China’s top three heavy machinery manufacturers. Its products are sold to more than 30 countries worldwide. In 2007 NHI merged with NFM Technologies of France, making it a transnational company.
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HAUPPAUGE, N.Y., July 11, 2016 – ULC Robotics, Inc., a leading robotics, energy services, and research and development company focused on the energy and utility industries, recently appointed Mr. Graeme Cleeton to Vice President of United Kingdom Operations.
With more than 30 years of experience in the UK utility industry, Cleeton has an outstanding track record of developing, implementing and delivering first-class strategy and planning for efficiently driving growth and improving company profitability.
“The UK utility networks are constantly searching for innovative solutions that will enhance their asset’s operations, increase safety and minimize impact to the public,” said Gregory Penza, President, and CEO of ULC Robotics, Inc. “With Graeme in place as the VP of Operations, ULC’s UK business efforts will continue to address those needs while developing beneficial, strategic partnerships that will allow our innovative solutions to be successfully deployed for our clients.”
Cleeton’s role as Vice President of UK Operations will include managing ULC’s well-established CISBOT field operations, client relations, and developing new markets and driving business growth across the UK. Cleeton’s extensive background will be paramount in successfully implementing the groundbreaking CIRRIS XI™ Inspection Robot and CIRRIS XR™ Repair Robot into business-as-usual operation for UK gas networks.
“With my experience working in the UK utility industry, progressing from working in the field to leading businesses for nationally recognized clients and reputable contractors, I am extremely excited to come to such a fantastic company with endless opportunities to change the way our sector operates,” said Cleeton. “My initial focus will be to ensure ULC Robotics’ products and services are deployed with the highest degree of success.”
Cleeton has also held executive positions with Northern Gas Networks and Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions. Cleeton will be based out of ULC’s UK headquarters in Dartford, Kent.
About ULC Robotics, Inc.
ULC Robotics, Inc. is a leader in developing and deploying innovative technology and processes that help pipeline operators and energy companies repair, inspect and assess their infrastructure. The deployment of ULC Robotics’ range of products and services helps to eliminate costly and disruptive excavation while eliminating gas leaks, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving efficiency.
Both ULC Robotics and their clients have shared accolades for developing some of the most innovative products in the energy industry. Recognition includes a 2016 and 2014 Top 50 Global Robotics Companies by Robotics Business Review, Robotics Business Review 2015 Game Changer Award in Construction, Mining, and Energy, and the 2016 and 2014 Energy Innovation Award for enabling gas utilities to deliver a safe and reliable supply of energy to customers. For more information on ULC Robotics, Inc. and its products and services, please visit www.ulcrobotics.com
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Mortimer is staying busy on the job with Midwest Mole!
Mortimer the Sewer Rat was adopted earlier this year during NASTT’s 15th Annual Educational Fund Auction by the generous folks at Midwest Mole!
Check out some of the project sites he’s visited recently:
Tapp Road, Bloomington, IN
As the I-69 project in Bloomington, Indiana continues, Mortimer finds himself in the midst of a reline project. Due to the new interchange, existing culverts need to be rehabilitated. The existing elliptical line shown in the picture is corrugated metal pipe that measures 56”x72” and is being relined with a 42” steel casing. The crossing ends with a 28’ deep manhole on the west end. No evidence of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles so far.
Hobart, IN
This project in Hobart, Indiana involves replacing more than 2,500’ of old and deteriorating cast iron water main installed in the 1940’s and 1950’s. The work is being done with the use of a horizontal directional drill (HDD) machine. The old water main is being replaced with 8” HDPE. In the picture you can see the HDPE pipe being readied to fuse, which allows them to connect two sections of the pipe together.
Peru, IN
Along US 31, near Peru, Indiana, this project involves the rehabilitation of 5 different culverts. The job consists of 4 CIPP relines and a Milliken geo-polymer geo-spray liner. These technologies coat the inside of the existing corrugated metal culvert, which avoids having to have it replaced or slip-lined altogether. Sizes range from 48-78”.
Stay tuned for more updates on Mortimer during his year with Midwest Mole!
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Company hires Jake Jeffords as regional sales representative
GREENVILLE, S.C.— McLaughlin is proud to welcome underground industry–veteran Jake Jeffords to their team as a regional sales representative. Jeffords is responsible for meeting the needs of McLaughlin customers in the Southeast, Mid-South and Eastern Canada regions.
Jeffords began his career in the construction equipment industry in 2003 at Vermeer Southeast, where he served as a territory manager for six years. He eventually moved into a product manager role working at Yanmar America and, most recently, as an attachments manager at JCB North America. He was responsible for developing and executing sales and marketing strategies as well as advancing the capture, revenue and profitably of company products.
“Jake brings impressive sales and industry knowledge to the McLaughlin team,” said Jeff Wage, vice president of McLaughlin. “Jake’s prior experience with Vermeer, his sales expertise, and his deep understanding of customer needs within the construction industry make him a valuable addition.”
McLaughlin is a leading manufacturer of trenchless construction equipment including auger boring machines, Vermeer-branded vacuum excavators and pneumatic piercing tools, as well as locators, directional drills and various attachments. Jeffords’ role will be to support the full line of McLaughlin products to dealers and customers.
Jeffords is replacing John Archambeault, a territory manager who is retiring after 28 years at McLaughlin. Archambeault came to the company in 1988 after serving in the U.S. military. McLaughlin is grateful to Archambeault for the dedication and expertise he provided throughout the years.
For more information on McLaughlin products and services, visit the company’s website at www.mclaughlinunderground.com or email McLaughlin at mmole@mightymole.com.
For over 85 years, McLaughlin has been actively involved in the drilling tool industry. During that time McLaughlin has developed a reputation for designing and building dependable, low maintenance trenchless construction equipment. McLaughlin takes pride in providing solutions for OEMs and the underground industry.
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GSSI, the world’s leading manufacturer of ground penetrating radar (GPR) equipment, announces the release of the UtilityScan Pro, the latest addition to the company’s popular UtilityScan GPR product line. UtilityScan systems are the industry standard for efficiently identifying and marking the location and depth of subsurface utilities, including gas, sewer, and communication lines. Featuring the SIR 4000 control unit, the UtilityScan Pro delivers the configurability and flexibility to address a wide range of utility applications.
This advanced GPR system is ideal for locating gas, communications, sewer lines, and other metallic and nonmetallic targets, including underground storage tanks and PVC pipes. The UtilityScan Pro also allows for real-time data collection, with a back-up cursor and cross-hair cursor that allow the user to accurately locate targets. Additionally, the new GPR system allows users to utilize multiple different techniques to calculate the depth of targets, for added flexibility. It effortlessly integrates with GPS and has the ability to store and replay data easily.
In addition to utility detection, the UtilityScan family of GPR solutions is configurable to the needs of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and environmental applications, including bridge deck assessment and concrete scanning. With a number of different cart and antenna configurations, the UtilityScan Pro can be tailored to meet a wide range of needs. All UtilityScan Pro configurations deliver exceptionally high-quality data and are rugged enough to withstand years of field usage, and include a two-year warranty.
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. Our 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 nearly 45 years ago and continues to provide the widest range and highest quality GPR equipment available today.
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Lechner brings industry experience and extensive knowledge
The Robbins Company announced the appointment of Joe Lechner to the role of Small Boring
Unit (SBU) Sales Manager. With over 18 years of industry experience, the role is a natural career progression for Lechner. It brings him back to his early roots of working with SBUs, while more recently he worked with TBMs. Lechner can continue his success with the company in this new capacity with the trenchless division.
In his new position, Lechner will handle SBU sales and rentals for Robbins, assist customers in equipment specifications for projects, and provide full-spectrum customer support. In addition, Lechner will be responsible for many other tasks such as generating quotes for cutters and spare parts, shop scheduling, forecasting, internal operations for Robbins, and field service support, as needed.
“I want customers to know they can come to me with any issues. I have a good understanding of the industry and our business,” said Lechner. “I want to provide an all-around good experience. Robbins wants your project to be successful, with our equipment and support.”
Lechner began working with SBUs in 1998, starting in field service. When he wasn’t out in the field, he was building SBUs and cutters. He started up and commissioned SBU-As in the field, and transitioned over to working with TBMs worldwide in the mid 2000’s. With his diverse worldwide field experience, Lechner’s knowledge will continue to benefit Robbins and its customers.
Lechner said his goals as Sales Manager for the SBU product line for the next two years include increasing stocking levels and providing fast deliveries to customers. He noted the division is streamlining inspection quoting and repair processes to ultimately provide the most efficient services possible. With a few hundred machines in service, some of which are working around the clock, he anticipates product sales, rentals and repairs all will remain consistent moving forward.
“We’re lucky to have Joe working with Robbins,” said Tom Fuerst, Utility Tunneling Sales Manager. “With his background and extensive knowledge, he’ll easily implement the best solutions for our customers.”
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An agile, interactive, and informative site detailing the world’s leading drilling technology.
THOMPSON, CONNECTICUT USA, June 15, 2016– Numa, the leading designer and manufacturer of DTH hammers and bits, has launched a new website (www.numahammers.com) to provide viewers with the most agile, interactive, and informative site detailing the world’s leading drilling technology. The new website is designed to provide the ultimate user-friendly experience with improved navigation and functionality throughout, allowing customers to not only access detailed product information but also gain insight into the value Numa provides to drillers around the world.
Numa President Ralph Leonard commented, “Numa became a leader in DTH by standing behind our people, products and performance. This commitment gives our customers the peace of mind that we’ll always be there with the industry’s best performing, most reliable products and the industry’s best service and support. Our redesigned site further reinforces these values by giving direct insight into how we provide the highest value in products, performance and service.”
A main goal of the redesign was to help viewers get to know Numa better and get a feel for who we are as a company. The scroll friendly, responsive design allows viewers to gain quick access to Numa’s complete range of DTH products, technical support, drilling project summaries, latest news, industry events, regional sales reps, and current web specials. In addition, a new infographic found on the About Us page helps to quickly convey relevant information about our key strengths.
Created with the user experience firmly in mind, the website is designed using the latest technology so the site is compatible with today’s browsers and mobile devices. This means viewers see essentially the same design optimized for your smart phone, tablet and desktop.
Check out Numa’s new website today at www.numahammers.com
ABOUT NUMA
Numa is the world’s leading designer of rock drilling equipment with over 100 DTH Hammer and Bit products serving 11 different industries. Our products are capable of drilling vertical, horizontal, and reverse circulation holes from 3½ to 48 inches (89 – 1,219 mm) in diameter and are used in 105+ countries. We have built our customer-centric reputation on providing the highest value in products, performance and personal service available in the rock drilling marketplace.
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The Rocky Mountain Chapter of the North American Society for Trenchless Technology
(NASTT) was formed in 2009 to promote the education and implementation of trenchless technology for the public interest throughout the states of Colorado, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming.
One way the Rocky Mountain Chapter will bring trenchless education to its region this year is with Trenchless Elevated 2016, a two-day conference at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center in West Valley City/Salt Lake City, Utah, Oct. 5-6.
“We came up with Trenchless Elevated for this year’s theme because we thought it was a great way to illustrate how trenchless technology is protecting the majestic environment above the ground while restoring the infrastructure below,” says Patrick Laidlaw, member of NASTT’s Rocky Mountain Chapter Conference Committee and Regional Sales Manager for Underground Solutions, Inc.
This conference gives municipal/utility staff, contractors and engineers the chance to get together with like-minded professionals, visit trenchless exhibits, and learn the benefits and best practices of trenchless methods for the new installation of pipelines and rehabilitation of existing pipelines.
For information about exhibit/sponsorship opportunities, contact Brittany Maurer at bmaurer@benjaminmedia.com. For general information about the show, visit www.trenchlesselevated.com.
