International Equipment Solutions Acquires CWS Industries

International Equipment Solutions LLC (IES) has acquired, through an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary, CWS Industries (Mfg) Corp. This is the fourth acquisition by IES since its formation. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

IES was formed in September 2011 as a platform for investments serving the construction, agriculture, landscaping, infrastructure, recycling, demolition, mining, and energy industries. IES’ first two acquisitions occurred in September 2011, when the company acquired Paladin Brands Holding Inc. and Crenlo LLC from Dover Corp. In November 2011, Stephen Andrews was retained as CEO of IES to lead the integration of the first two acquisitions and to aggressively grow and globalize the company. As part of its globalization strategy, IES acquired Siac do Brasil, Ltda., a manufacturer of cab enclosures in Brazil, in June 2012.   

CWS is a manufacturer of attachment products, including tire manipulators, cable reelers, grapples, buckets and various large excavator attachment products. Its customers include a global network of dealers and end-users in the mining, oil and gas, forestry and construction markets.

Pearsall, Texas, to Require Masonry in New Construction

Pearsall, Texas, is a fast-growing South Texas city that has decided to join a growing state trend and require minimum percentages of masonry for new construction. Pearsall, located 54 miles south of San Antonio, is the county seat of Frio County. It lies within the Eagle Ford Shale Play, a major oil and gas exploration and production area, and grew nearly 28 percent during 10 years to a population of 9,146 in 2010. Continued significant population growth has spurred new residential and commercial development, but also concerns about construction quality.

Citing concerns about the city’s appearance and the long-term sustainability of the tax base, the City Council on June 12, 2012, voted unanimously to require minimum percentages of masonry for all new residential, multi-family, commercial and industrial buildings. 

The new masonry requirements are:

Residential – Minimum 3 feet of masonry at the ground level and minimum 50 percent masonry or stucco on all walls visible from a street.

Multi-family – Minimum 3 feet of masonry at the ground level and minimum 50 percent masonry or stucco on all exterior walls. Minimum 75 percent masonry or stucco on all walls visible from a street.

Commercial – Minimum 3 feet of masonry at ground level and minimum 75 percent masonry or stucco on all exterior walls.

Industrial – Minimum 50 percent masonry on the building front.

Leila Siqueiros, representing the Texas Masonry Council, says that, by enacting the masonry requirements, Pearsall joins a growing trend in the state. Statewide, more than 170 cities have enacted masonry requirements, according to the Texas Masonry Council. Pearsall is the first city in South Texas to adopt masonry requirements.

Research has shown that masonry (brick, stone, concrete block) provides greater protection against fire and windstorms, such as tornadoes and hurricanes, than non-masonry siding products. In addition, other research has shown that masonry requirements result in higher overall property values; growth in the tax base, lessening the tax burden on residents; continued population and housing growth, and no significant impact on affordability for either renters or buyers of housing.

Largest Shake Table Test Research Awarded Raymond C. Reese Prize

In 2009, SimpsonStrong-Tie collaborated with academia on the NEESWood Capstone project in Japan, the world’s largest earthquake shake table test. A research article based on that test was awarded the 2011 Raymond C. Reese Research Prize by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

The research paper, “Experimental Seismic Response of a Full-Scale Six-Story Light-Frame Wood Building,” co-authored by John W. van de Lindt, M.ASCE, Shiling Pei, M.ASCE, Steven E. Pryor, M.ASCE, Simpson Strong-Tie, H. Shimizu and H. Isoda, describes testing and results from the NEESWood Capstone project.

The Raymond C. Reese Research Prize is awarded annually to a notable achievement in research related to structural engineering, with special consideration for how the research can be used. The award was presented at SEI and ASCE’s 2012 Structures Congress in Chicago on March 29-31.

The NEESWood Capstone project was developed to test new design methods for multistory, wood-frame buildings during large seismic events, and featured a seven-story, 40- by 60-foot condominium tower with 23 one- and two-bedroom living units and two retail shops on the ground level. The condo building was subjected to and withstood several earthquakes created by Japan's E-Defense shake table. The test was also intended to provide a landmark data set to the seismic engineering research community.

"The testing done in Japan shows that performance-based design for light-frame wood structures works. This will allow the engineering and building community to provide safer, better performing buildings in the most cost-effective manner,” says Simpson Strong-Tie International Director of Building Systems Steve Pryor, who co-authored the paper.

Call your U.S. Representative today to support H.R. 8

On Tuesday, July 24, 2012, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee introduced H.R. 8, a bill that would extend the 2001 and 2003 tax cut rates for an additional year.

H.R. 8 would extend through the end of 2013 the current income tax and estate tax rates, which are set to expire at the end of 2012. This extension would also include a "marriage penalty" fix, a $1,000 child tax credit, a 15 percent top rate on dividends and capital gains, and a "patch" to ensure that the Alternative Minimum Tax does not ensnare millions of taxpayers it was never intended to affect.

Some Members of Congress are opposed to extending the 2001/2003 tax cuts for upper-income taxpayers who earn more than $200,000 for individuals and $250,000 for families. You and I both know that many of us and small businesses throughout the country would be hit with skyrocketing taxes if these extensions are capped at $200,000 and $250,000, respectively.

It is imperative that you contact your Member of Congress and state your full support for H.R. 8 and your opposition to capping the cuts at the reduced levels. Estimates from the Joint Committee on Taxation state that H.R. 8 would prevent taxes from rising by $384 billion over 10 years. Our families and small businesses cannot survive any increase in taxes and we need to make sure Congress hears your voice.

If you do not know your Representative, you can use the links below to identify your congressperson in the U.S. House of Representatives:

• Search by State
• Search by ZIP Code

The Mason Contractors Association of America thanks you in advance for your efforts on this issue.

Upgrades Improves Processes at EDCO

EDCO has upgraded its manufacturing process by incorporating both a Powder Coating system and Laser Fabricator. Switching from liquid paint to powder coating eliminates flaking, scratches and other common problems associated with traditional painting. Powder Coating gives products extra protection against daily wear as its more durable and environmentally friendly than liquid paint, says EDCO.

EDCO adds that laser fabrication helped the company significantly reduce manufacturing times - resulting in short order lead times and constant stocks of core products. Laser technology replaces outdated fabrication methods and assures correct part dimensions.

Free MasonrySystems.org Demo, Tuesday, July 24

By Imani Brodie

The website MasonrySystems.org (MSO) was created nearly a decade ago, due to the interest in such an initiative by different MCAA chapters across the nation. Since then, the website has not changed from its original form. However, now that our industry has become heavily involved with other internet ventures, a new and improved MSO website was the first order of business for the year 2012.

The overall goal for the MSO website is to create a user-friendly, aesthetically pleasant, and informational website that is used as an industry standard not only for mason contractors but also for architects, owners, masonry suppliers, and other interested parties. With this new design, I do believe we will achieve all of these goals. MSO will reflect on all of us, as an industry. With that said, we are inviting your feedback into this design process! 

Please join us for a free, formal introduction and demonstration of the new MasonrySystems.org website via webinar on Tuesday, July 24, 2012, at 3 p.m. EST. You must register at http://www.masoncontractors.org/mso. The more participants we have, the more feedback we can consider into the final design schematic of the website.

If you cannot participate, please let me know, so that we can somehow engage your feedback on this initiative. For any questions, comments, or concerns with regards to the website, please feel free to contact me also.

Imani Brodie is chairperson of the MasonrySystems.org committee and project manager for Brodie Contractors Inc. She can be reached at imani@brodiecon.com or 919-782-2482.

Papers Invited for ASTM International Symposium on Masonry

Papers are invited for the symposium Masonry 2014, to be held June 24, 2014, at the Sheraton Toronto in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The symposium is being co-sponsored by ASTM International Committees C01 on Cement, C07 on Lime, C12 on Mortars and Grouts for Unit Masonry, and C15 on Manufactured Masonry Units, and will be held in conjunction with the standards development meetings of the committees.

The objective of Masonry 2014 is to gather and disseminate the latest information on all aspects of the innovations in masonry materials, design, specification, construction, maintenance and rehabilitation. It will emphasize the application of ASTM standards to those areas, and their coordination with building codes, project specifications and international standards.

Papers are sought on the following topics: anchors and ties; building codes; cements (portland, blended, hydraulic, masonry, plastic); flexural bond strength; limes (hydrated, hydraulic, putty); masonry inspection; mortars; plastic/stucco; structural masonry; sustainability; veneers; water penetration and more. See the full list of topics at www.astm.org/C07callforpapers.

To participate in the symposium, presenters/authors must submit a 250-300 word preliminary abstract at www.astm.org/C07callforpapers by April 4, 2013. The abstract must include a clear definition of the objective and approach of the work discussed, pointing out material that is new, and present sufficient details regarding results. The presentation and manuscript must not be of a commercial nature nor can it have been previously published. The symposium chairman will notify you via postal mail by June 1, 2013, of your paper's acceptability for presentation at the symposium.

Symposium presenters are required to submit their papers to the Selected Technical Paper (STP), an online and printed, peer-reviewed publication for the international scientific and engineering community. Manuscripts to be peer reviewed for the STP are due online no later than Sept. 8, 2013.

   

Oldcastle Architectural Launches Artisan Masonry Stone Veneers

Oldcastle Architectural, the largest producer of concrete masonry products in North America, has created     Artisan Masonry Stone Veneers, a collection of high-density, pre-finished architectural concrete masonry units whose designs reflect timeless aesthetic appeal with artisan, hand-cut appearances.

Because they are manufactured with a high-performance water repellent admixture, Artisan Masonry Stone Veneers repel moisture, resist mold and offer efflorescence stain resistance. The aggregates of each stone are mixed throughout to prevent color fading, which adds to the aesthetic appeal.

The new line includes Cordova Stone, Franklin Stone, Waterford Stone, Dufferin Stone, Lamina and Slatestone.

Cordova Stone achieves the look of natural stone by using all natural aggregates for clean lines and a more modern look. Other than routine cleaning with a standard commercial grade cleaning agent, Cordova Stone masonry units require virtually no maintenance and will last the lifetime of your building.

Franklin Stone has the smooth texture and clean lines of cast stone with all the advantages of concrete masonry. Franklin Stone’s unique texture reveals the natural look of stone and allows sunlight and shadows to dance across a building’s facade, creating an ever-changing, visually appealing finish which enhances the character of any structure.

The distinctive look of Waterford Stone’s rich features and natural beauty is surpassed only by its durability. This cost-effective, versatile masonry veneer is available in a variety of warm color blends and rich textures.

Dufferin Stone is a natural texture veneer with an elegant old-world appearance. Installed using the same construction methods used to lay brick, Dufferin Stone's modular configuration and variety of stone sizes allow for a hand-hewn look in customized ashlar patterns.

Lamina is the only thick masonry veneer that offers a stacked stone look providing a distinct appearance that enhances architectural design through innovative texture. Lamina may be used on the entire façade or just to accentuate certain architectural elements such as wall sections or skirting.

Slatestone is a modern product that has the look of large stonework highly sought after in urban settings. Slatestone features three distinct textures with marked edges, a rich finish and earth tone hues, clean contours and a modular shape. Its durability and refined appearance will make it look timeless throughout the years.

Each product is available in multiple sizes, and all are suitable for residential, commercial and institutional applications. Additionally, all of the products in the Artisan Masonry Stone Veneers line can be cut and shaped in the field making for an efficient and cost effective installation.

FMI Releases Q2 Construction Outlook

FMI, a provider of management consulting and investment banking to the engineering and construction industry, has released the second-quarter 2012 Construction Outlook Report. FMI’s forecast calls for 3 percent growth for construction put in place (CPIP) by the end of 2012, and another 7 percent in 2013, for a total of $882.4 billion. This is $92.6 billion more than the lows of 2011. 

Despite the constant confusion of news from Europe and uncertainty and inaction in the U.S. Congress, there are some positive signs in the economy. As one might expect, improving housing construction is helping to lead the way, especially multi-family housing. However, power construction is another strong point, and even commercial construction will show signs of rising from its slumber. Nonetheless, slow growth may be even more challenging than large market drops or boom times, because it requires improved management, precision market research and creative business development. 

Residential Construction is coming back lead by 32% growth in multi-family housing. In Nonresidential Construction the forecast is mixed, with healthcare and manufac­turing showing the most positive signs of growth.

• Lodging CPIP is expected to grow 4% and rebound, somewhat, to 7% and 8% in 2013 and 2014.
• Office construction should be 4% by the end of 2012 and improve to around 6% for 2013 through 2014.
• Commercial construction is beginning to grow again. FMI expects 5% growth in CPIP this year, followed by 8% growth in 2013 to around $49 billion.
• Healthcare construction is expected to only rise 3% in 2012, that will strengthen to double digits by 2015, achieving record highs around $52.6 billion.
• Education construction will have only a 1% increase in CPIP in 2012 and a slight rise of 2% in 2013.
• Religious construction will be flat in 2012, with some revival in 2013 to 6% growth at $4.3 billion.
• Public safety construction will be flat in 2012, but will the grow 6% in 2013 to $4.3 billion.
• Amusement and recreation construction will climb 8% to $17.4 billion in 2013.
• Transportation construction will grow 3% in 2012 and to 5% through 2015.
• Communications construction will experience steady growth of 4% to 6% through 2015 with 2012 ending up around $18.5 billion.
• Manufacturing construction is expected to rise 3% in 2012 and show steady increases to 2015.
• Power-related construction is forecasted to have a 10% rise for 2012 and another 10% in 2013 to $108 billion.
• Highway CPIP will drop 2% in 2012 and grow just 1% in 2013 to reach $77.7 billion or back near 2007 levels.
• Sewage and waste disposal CPIP is expected to be around $23.9 billion.
• Water supply is beginning to grow, but will gain only 2% in 2012 and 3% in 2013 to reach $14.7 billion.
• Conservation and development growth is expected at 2% in 2012 and demonstrate slow, steady progress through 2015.

AEMP Launches Asset Management Webinar Series

Building on its Professional Development Institute webinars, the Association of Equipment Management Professionals (AEMP) has launched a new educational Webinar Series. The series kicked off July 12 and will continue through June 2013. A new topic will be highlighted each month, covering the latest challenges, issues and trends faced by asset management professionals. Each hour-long seminar will be led by a knowledgeable industry expert and feature a live Q&A portion at the close of the session.

Like other AEMP-led educational offerings, the webinars are designed to bring up-to-date information in a convenient format. Each featured topic will be offered two times, first on the second Thursday at 11 a.m. CST, and again on the fourth Thursday at noon CST.

The webinars are open to anyone looking to enhance and expand knowledge of crucial asset management issues. Each session is limited to the first 22 registrants. Price per seminar is $59 for members, with a discount offered on select series-based webinars. Additional information and registration are available at www.aemp.org, or those interested may contact Jim Phillps, VP of educational services, at 970-384-0510, ext. 202, or jim@aemp.org.