Author: David Oliver

Construction Services

Oshkosh Corp. suing former JLG employee and Sany America

David Oliver

Oshkosh Corporation, the parent company of aerial lift manufacturer JLG Industries, has filed a lawsuit against McKenzie Ditty and Sany America, alleging the former JLG mechanical engineer provided the Chinese equipment manufacturer with confidential information on recently-patented boom lift technology.

A patent for an internally supported power track for boom lifts was granted in April 2021, and according to a report by the Oshkosh Examiner, Ditty was persuaded to move from JLG to Sany with a “50% pay increase” in September.

The suit was filed with the Winnebago County Circuit Court on October 21, 2021.

“Ditty may have taken or retained JLG confidential information and trade secrets after his departure from the company, failing to immediately surrender or return it to the company,” Oshkosh said. “Furthermore, prior to departing from JLG, Ditty wiped his company-issued cell phone before returning it.”

“Ditty was intimately involved with and helped to design and develop the new generation of JLG’s boom lift product line and has substantial knowledge of the new products, new technology and other confidential information and trade secrets relating to same,” Oshkosh said.

The Oshkosh Examiner reported that Oshkosh Corporation is requesting a court order that would block Sany from “misappropriating or threatening to misappropriate JLG’s trade secrets,” as well as monetary damages.

Access equipment is the largest segment of Oshkosh’s business, with revenues increasing by 22% for the 2021 fiscal year. China is an important market for that equipment. 

In its October 28 earnings report, John C. Pfeifer, president and CEO of Oshkosh said, “Access equipment, which faced an extreme decline in demand in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, has since experienced the most rapid rebound of any of our businesses. The access leadership team has taken measured steps to preserve the health of the industry by addressing unfair competition through our trade case. We believe that we are in the early stages of a multiyear growth cycle for access equipment as the rental companies work to lower the overall age of their fleets, which were at historically high levels entering 2021.”

Pfeifer added: “The access equipment segment in China has slowed a bit as China’s economy has slowed a little bit, but it’s still a very robust market and it will be one of the biggest markets in the world. It’s already the biggest construction market in the world. So, while it slowed a little bit, we’re still very bullish on China. We’ve got great operations there, incredible people there who do a great job addressing the marketplace.”

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.3555pacific.com/?p=912

Construction Management

To Stop an Equipment Thief, Think Like an Equipment Thief

David Oliver

Crime is on the rise everywhere and with so many construction companies powering down in winter, equipment theft is rising accordingly. Pandemic issues such as reduced staffing and unemployment also raise risks.

Equipment thieves strike fast. They bring their own trucks and lowboys and it takes them only minutes to get a dozer, excavator or backhoe onto a trailer and down the road. In many cases, these stolen machines are loaded into a cargo container before the sun comes up (making it all but invisible to law enforcement) and then put on a ship bound for a country where they can never be traced.

But there are a number of steps you can take to keep yourself from becoming a victim of equipment theft. Here’s a checklist of things you should do short term and long term to protect your iron this winter and all season long.

Short Term Precautions

Fully illuminate your shop building and equipment yard at night and eliminate any shadowed spots where thieves might hide. New LED bulbs cast a lot of light and use less electricity than traditional lights. Install security cameras and alarms. There are hundreds of these available today, so your best bet is to hire a security consultant to help you choose a robust and tamper-proof camera system. Some of today’s security cameras can distinguish between a raccoon and a human being, so you won’t be alerted every time the local wildlife comes searching for a free meal. The price of an expert consultation on these systems is well worth the money.Regularly test your alarms and cameras to make sure they are working properly and you’re getting good images in daylight and dark.Harden your perimeter. Fences should be at least eight feet high. Razor wire isn’t pretty, but it stops people from going over the top, and cutting through a fence is noisy and time consuming. Install tamper-proof bollards at gates, so even if thieves get over the fence, it will be almost impossible for them to drive a truck into the yard or equipment out.

Long Term Solutions

Telematics have made a huge difference in equipment security. These “black boxes” can be programmed to send you an alert anytime a machine moves outside of a “geofence” you designate on the software. The better systems are hidden out of sight and difficult to tamper with and can track the equipment as it’s being hauled down the road. Most OEMs now offer their own telematics systems, but there are plenty of aftermarket vendors as well. And theft prevention is just one of the things telematics are used for. They also provide diagnostic data and information about fuel use, DEF levels, driver monitoring and all sorts of other useful information.Simpler GPS tracking devices can be attached to non-mobile equipment such as generators, compressors, welders and light towers to give you alerts and position information without the full complement or expense of mobile equipment telematics.If you want to master theft prevention as well as you’ve mastered other aspects of your business, consider downloading and studying the National Equipment Register’s Annual Theft Report. Lots of useful information and good reading for these long winter nights: https://www.ner.net/annual-theft-report/When ordering new equipment consider spec’ing machines that have keypad-only access rather than physical keys. With these, the operator must enter his personal ID or pin number to start the machine. Attempts to tamper or circumvent the system on many will result in an alert. A bonus feature on some systems is that they will store operator preferences tied to the individual ID or pin number.As a company owner or equipment manager, make sure you have photos of all your equipment, serial numbers and complete documentation to share with police in case of a theft.On the jobsite or the yard never leave equipment parked on a trailer. That’s just making it too easy to steal.When you leave a jobsite on a weekend, park all your machines nose to tail so that thieves can’t move one machine without moving the others.

In Broad Daylight

While most theft occurs at night, our sources in law enforcement say there are enterprising thieves who concoct sophisticated schemes to steal equipment on the jobsite, right under the nose of your foreman.

The scam works like this. The thieves acquire a truck and trailer, slap a fake logo of some repair shop or hauling company on the side of the truck and drive to your jobsite. They ask for the foreman and then present him with a fake work order to take a piece of equipment in for repairs. The work order may even have the logo of a local repair shop or equipment dealer and forged signatures of people from your company.

The unsuspecting foreman assumes it’s all legit and might even help the thieves load the machine onto the trailer. An hour later, that $300,000 machine might be in a cargo container headed for a port or hidden in a barn down some rural road. The truck and trailer will be sold at auction and everybody in your company starts fighting over who screwed up.

This scam works best when the jobsite is being run by an inexperienced foreman. To prevent this from happening, brief all your managers and crew members on how the scam works. Make sure people in the field clear any transfer of equipment with the shop manager or office before they let go of it.

As an extra precaution ask for the truck driver’s license, make sure the photo matches and write down the number. Also get the truck and trailer tag numbers and DOT numbers, which may help, assuming they’re not stolen as well, lead back to the thieves.

Top States for Equipment Theft

According to National Equipment Register, the top five states for equipment theft are:

#1. Texas

#2 Georgia

#3 Florida

#4 California

#5 Missouri

Top Stolen Equipment

And the equipment most targeted for theft:

#1 Skid steer

#2 Mower

#3 Tractor, wheeled

 If you really want to get into this subject, take a read through our interviews with an actual equipment thief and law enforcement officers who specialize in this type of crime. Some of the technology discussed here is dated, but the insights gained are well worth your time.

And in case you missed it, take a look at this recent article we did about a guy in jail, who conned a dealership out of $2.8 million in equipment.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.3555pacific.com/?p=909

Construction Blogs

Case debuts two new rollers with torque control and efficient compaction

David Oliver

For being the simplest machine in most construction fleets, the compactor has benefited from numerous technology enhancements in recent years.

Case proves the point with its new compactor duo in the E Series lineup, the SV215E and SV217E single-drum vibratory rollers. The two new models are built for fast, consistent soil compaction on varying lift depths and material types.

High centrifugal forces and standard dual amplitude and dual frequency capabilities enable your operators to dial in compaction performance on each lift. Both rollers operate at 154 horsepower and weigh at 33,420 and 36,500 pounds respectively, with centrifugal forces up to 73,063 and 74,861 pounds.

Each model is also compatible with ACEforce intelligent compaction technology to further ensure compaction quality, documentation and productivity.

Consistent speed and compaction across the job site is enhanced with an electronic self-adjusting torque control system delivering constant power to the drum and wheels. This is further assisted by automatic traction control with HX drive propulsion system – optional on smooth drums and standard on padfoot models. The drive system enables E-series compactors to maintain stability and performance on grades up to 67 percent.


All primary machine information and controls are found in an LED display integrated within the steering wheel of the machine.Case Construction EquipmentCompaction performance is further enhanced with an oscillating articulated roller joint that maintains consistent drum-to-ground contact and an updated drum design that reduces drift and maintains constant compaction throughout each rotation. Standard dual frequencies and amplitudes, along with standard auto vibration control, let your operator set compaction performance based on the type of material and the depth of lift. This helps you reach the desired compaction in fewer passes, improves productivity and maximizes the service life of the machine.

Case E Series rollers are available in both cab and open ROPS configurations. The adjustable seat swivels up to 80 degrees, providing visibility to the drum surface and flexibility for compaction in both forward and reverse. The axle-free design also allows the engine to sit lower in the machine, which further improves visibility to the rear across the low, sloped hood. 

Both new machines are designed for ground-level service with a manual-lift hood that provides easy access to all fluid ports, drains, service checkpoints and filters. The cab can be easily tilted forward to reach to all primary hydraulic components of the machine. Each model is also available with optional CASE SiteWatch telematics for diagnostics and machine monitoring. 

Additional options include a leveling blade, a padfoot shell kit for smooth drum models; a pressurized cab with heat, ventilation, air conditioning and radio; traction tread tires, a rotating beacon, a backup camera, and extra front work lights (only available on smooth drum models).  

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.3555pacific.com/?p=906

Construction Management

Industry Roundup: Merlo names Brooks Tractor as Dealer and more

David Oliver

Brooks Tractor will now carry the entire line of Merlo telehandlers at each of its seven locations, which serve the major metropolitan areas of Wisconsin, and provide support to upper Michigan. The line covers all segments of material handling.

“Brooks Tractor is always looking for ways to diversify its fleet and add value to the customer experience,” said Truie Brobston, sales manager. “If we can be their one-stop shop, it helps us market the rest of our lineup. We were impressed with the technology the Merlo line has to offer and the overall fit and finish of their product.”

Brooks is also an authorized John Deere, Hitachi, Atlas Copco and Dynapac dealer.


The 20-year-old association has created a new program to support those working toward careers in the servicing and maintenance of construction equipment.Independent Equipment Dealers Association

Heavy Diesel Tech Students Earn $5,000 Scholarships

The Independent Equipment Dealers Association presented three, $5,000 scholarships to students at Western Technical College in Lacrosse, Wisconsin during a recent ceremony at the school’s heavy diesel program shop.

IEDA created the scholarship program this year for students enrolled in a heavy equipment diesel program who are pursuing careers as construction equipment technicians.

Recipients were selected based on academic merit, personal character, and demonstrated financial need. Two $5,000 scholarships funded by the association were presented to David Roberts and Natasha Normand. An additional $5,000 scholarship was donated by Rick Newman, owner of Newman Tractor, which was awarded to Jacob Evers.

MANUFACTURERS & SUPPLIERS

Palfinger and Sany End Cross-Shareholding Agreement

Palfinger and Sany have agreed to reverse their cross-shareholding agreement that began in 2012. The companies say the restructuring will allow each entity to react more efficiently to volatile market conditions.

“Following years of constructive and successful cooperation on the operational joint ventures, the cross-holding is no longer necessary,” says Andreas Klauser, CEO of Palfinger. “In addition, the complexity of our partnership is reduced.”

The operational cooperation will be expanded to support the sales structure and access to the Chinese construction industry.

Berlon Industries to acquire Lowe Manufacturing

Berlon Industries, a manufacturer of buckets and attachments, is set to acquire Lowe Manufacturing, a supplier of auger, trenching and grapple attachments, the first week of January 2022.

The Wisconsin-based manufacturers have complementary offerings for the construction, utility, landscaping, rental and agricultural markets. Dealers will benefit from a broader selection of buckets and attachments available from the combined business.

Richard Lowe will retire from Lowe Manufacturing, while Mary Lowe will remain with the business. Terms of the acquisition transaction were not released.

Genie Racks Up 12 Industry Awards in 2021

Genie brought home twelve industry awards for its innovative aerial equipment in 2021. 

Keys awards included:

Highest Retained Value – EquipmentWatchLowest Cost of Ownership – EquipmentWatchLowest Total Cost of Ownership – Genie Z articulating boom lifts – EquipmentWatchIntelligent Product Award – China Machinery Industry Internet ConferenceTechnical Committee Award – European Rental Association

“For 55 years, the Genie® team has been committed to delivering equipment and solutions that provide the quality and reliability equipment owners need, as well as performance and durability to get the job done on even the most challenging jobsites,” says Genie President Simon Meester. “The recognition we’ve received throughout 2021 validates that we are living up to our commitments, and we are honored to be recognized by so many associations and publications.”

XCMG Named One of the World’s Most Influential Brands

XCMG has been named one of the World’s 500 Most Influential Brands by World Brand Lab. XCMG is the only Chinese construction machinery manufacturer to receive the accolade three years in a row, with a new 2021 ranking of 395, up 14 places from last year.

The rankings take into account the brand influence, market share, brand loyalty and global leadership. More than 15,000 notable brands worldwide are reviewed to select the most influential 500 annually.

Terex Expands S.D. Facility

Terex Utilities is adding 11,400 square feet of additional fabrication, machining and welding space to its aerial device and digger derrick manufacturing facility located in Huron, South Dakota. The upgrade also includes investment in new machining and welding equipment, modernized ventilation systems and remodeled office space.

“This expansion enables Terex Utilities to increase vertical integration of its supply chain for the best lead time and flexibility of key components such as booms, turntables, and pedestals,” says Darryl Niven, vice president and general manager of Terex Utilities.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2022.

Topcon Expands Global Headquarters

Topcon Positioning Group has expanded its Livermore, California-based global headquarters with the opening of a newly constructed training facility and the purchase of a 31,000-square-foot building and 60 acres of land nearby.

“The continued expansion of our Livermore headquarters is in direct response to a global increase in digitalization and technology adoption throughout the construction and agricultural industries,” said O’Connor. “This investment not only demonstrates our commitment to supporting the ever-growing demand for technology in the geospatial, construction and agricultural industries, it also shows our dedication to our local economy in a time when so many companies are choosing to leave the State of California.”

The additions bring the total of land owned in the Tri-Valley area to nearly 80 acres at an investment exceeding $20 million.

Doxel adds Chief Revenue Officer, Head of Commercial Sales

Garrick Ballantine has been appointed chief revenue officer at Doxel, an AI-powered project controls solution that helps contractors avoid delays and cost overruns.

Ballantine brings almost two decades of sales experience, spanning multiple high-growth technology organizations, such as Ouster, Autodesk and Planet Labs.  

In addition, Mike Almeida has joined as head of commercial sales, with a focus on general contractors. Almeida was previously head of sales at StructionSite and has also led sales teams at Procore.

Construction Services

EquipmentShare launches Florida Case dealer following Trekker acquisition

David Oliver

EquipmentShare is branching out with the acquisition of six Trekker Tractor locations in Florida.

At its new locations in Miami, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Jacksonville, Tampa and Fort Myers, EquipmentShare will offer a full line of Case Construction Equipment under the name Case Power & Equipment of Florida, as well as equipment rental and service solutions.

“It’s an honor to be able to join forces with these team members and build upon the outstanding reputation they’ve created in Florida,” says EquipmentShare CEO and Co-founder Jabbok Schlacks. “This expansion will support the growing demand that we are experiencing in the region. A readily available fleet combined with a knowledgeable hardworking team already on the ground will accelerate our ability to bring a new tech-powered rental experience to more customers in the area. And we look forward to supporting the existing network of Trekker Tractor customers in the region with their equipment and service needs.”

Case Power & Equipment of Florida will operate independently of EquipmentShare’s rental operations in the state. The assets and operations at these locations will be integrated into EquipmentShare’s technology platform, T3. The platform helps contractors track equipment location and health, monitor spending for accurate invoicing, and manage staff scheduling, compliance, labor costs and service work integration.

“The Florida construction market is one of the fastest-growing and most diverse in North America, and the new Case Power & Equipment of Florida locations operated by EquipmentShare bring a whole new approach and dedication to construction equipment in the region,” says Terry Dolan, vice president — North America, Case Construction Equipment. “The company brings a fresh, technology-driven approach to equipment sales and service that will highlight the innovative solutions Case is bringing to market, while also supporting the uptime and productivity of existing Case customers in Florida.”

“The well-established brand and history that Case brings to the table paired with our innovative approach to solving contractor problems make Case Power & Equipment of Florida the source for construction equipment,” says Schlacks. “We also share a commitment to supporting and giving back to the communities we work in — we look forward to working with businesses all throughout the state of Florida to deliver equipment solutions and service that will take the local construction market to the next level.”

The name “Trekker Tractor” will remain with the Trekker Group. The services, sales and rental company, which was founded by Puerto Rico Wire Group’s leadership in 2010, also serves the southeastern region of the United States.

“For the past 10 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with outstanding individuals at Trekker Tractor,” Jose Cestero Ramirez, CEO of Puerto Rico Wire Group, said. “We have developed close relationships with our partners, brands and each other for the past 60 years. I have full confidence that those relationships will continue to flourish with this acquisition. Our employees have a long history of providing our customers with the absolute best experience possible, and now, our employees can help make history with a growing business forging a new path in the equipment industry.”

The acquisition and name change are effective immediately, bringing EquipmentShare’s Florida presence to nine locations.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.3555pacific.com/?p=900

Construction Blogs

Komatsu’s new V-series breakers maximize efficiency, lower cost per ton

David Oliver

Any breaker can be designed to hit hard. The trick is to hit hard and efficiently all while conserving fuel and increasing the breaker’s survivability and longevity.

That’s the program undertaken by Komatsu for its new V-series breakers. With minimal wasted energy and higher operating efficiency, Komatsu’s 100-percent hydraulic-fired V-series breakers modulate their impact force and frequency with up to 16 working positions to match most application requirements and maximize productivity while lowering cost per ton.  

Komatsu V-series breakers automatically select the best piston stroke length and speed depending on the hardness of the material being broken. By adjusting to either hard material (longer, powerful strokes) or to softer material (shorter, faster strokes), the breakers can achieve high production output, with little wasted impact energy. The breakers are also fitted with an innovative energy-saving recovery valve that drives efficiency. The new breakers are compatible with Komatsu excavators from the PC210 to the PC490.


Swivel mount hoses avoid snags that might damage hydraulic lines and fittings.KomatsuAutomatic greasing and advanced blank firing protection offer guard against damaging dry fires. Swivel hose couplings and heavy-duty housings protect against damage and repairs. Shock-dampening systems in the form of upper and lower suspensions reduce the risk of cracking your excavator booms and breaker housings, while the mounted standard automatic lubrication feature guards against contamination caused by dust and debris.

Vibration control is also important in breaker design and operator comfort. Komatsu’s V-series have suspensions with rubber/poly components to help absorb impact and reduce vibrations through the boom. The enclosed sound-dampening housings reduce noise levels compared to open style breakers and offer customers a solution for urban applications.

Because all breakers must eventually be rebuilt, Komatsu supplies inspection kits with the V-series. The inspection kits come with gauges so you can measure wear on all critical components and plan for — rather than be surprised by — maintenance needs.

 

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.3555pacific.com/?p=897

Construction Management

Reduce Time Sheet Errors with Soil Connect’s eTickets platform

David Oliver

A new time tracking feature designed to reduce timesheet errors and make accurate and timely payments to haulers has been added to Soil Connect’s eTickets platform.

When a driver punches in or out the location is automatically geo-tagged to analyze route efficiency. The time tracking feature integrates seamlessly into the eTickets platform to provide users with a complete data set about the haul.

“We are always looking for ways to solve the many age-old day-to-day problems encountered by contractors in the material hauling and dirt moving world,” says Cliff Fetner, Founder and CEO of Soil Connect. “eTickets was designed with the small- to mid-size contractor in mind, and this new feature provides business owners a time tracking solution that can improve driver and subhauler accountability, without being constantly mired in additional administrative duties, invoice disputes, etc. This can make a real impact on a company’s bottom line.”

eTickets is a contactless, e-ticketing platform designed to eliminate the use of paper tickets and allow users to easily capture customer information, type of truck, destination, pictures, eSignatures, type of material, load count and more.

Soil Connect says its goal is to eliminate the human error associated with traditional paper tickets and ultimately help contractors get paid faster.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.3555pacific.com/?p=894

Construction Management

Link-Belt debuts 3 New Heavy-Duty Excavators Built for Tough Applications

David Oliver

Purpose-built demolition, land clearing, heavy-duty excavating, and pipeline work, Link-Belt is adding three new heavy-duty excavator models to its North American lineup, the 210 X4 HD, 250 X4 HD, and 300 X4 HD.

“These heavy-duty machines give our dealers and customers the ability to buy a machine that has been designed and engineered specifically for tougher applications,” says said Chris Wise, market development manager at LBX. “The lower is impressive with its aggressive stance and is built using upsized components, full track guards, and stronger carrier rollers to protect against all the rock and debris it tracks over.”

Link-Belt says all three models come factory equipped with a high-wide and heavy-duty undercarriage with larger components for added durability, strength, and performance. The 210 X4 HD, 250 X4 HD, and 300 X4 HD have an 11-17% wider stance and 40-50% higher ground clearance than Link-Belt’s standard models, giving them better stability and increased lift capacities to handle rugged work.


Link-Belt 210X4HD Heavy-Duty ExcavatorLink-BeltBuilt off Link-Belt’s X4 platform, traveling performance has also been improved with up to a 30% increase in drawbar pull. The machines come standard with double bar grousers for added traction across rough terrain. In addition, the HD attachments feature a high lift bracket for a greater working range and increased lift capacities.

The cab features a high-resolution 7” LCD monitor, a standard rearview camera, a high-back air suspension seat with heat and tilt functionality, onboard Bluetooth, Free Swing, and a straight travel pedal. In addition, all models come standard with combination hydraulics and proportional joysticks for added tool versatility and performance.

All three machines are powered by Isuzu Final Tier 4 engines that do not require a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to maintain. Regular maintenance items are easily accessible for daily service checks and tune-ups. Customers also have access to RemoteCARE, a 24/7 remote monitoring, machine health and security system for no additional charge. 

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.3555pacific.com/?p=891

Construction Blogs

9th Day of Construction Gifts: Tough Work Boots at a Better Price

David Oliver

Editor’s note: Need more gift ideas? From now until Christmas, Equipment World is featuring a new gift each day for the construction enthusiast in your life. Check back daily to our Gear section or subscribe to our Equipment World Daily newsletter to see each day’s new idea.

High-quality, affordable boots that can hold up to tough jobsite conditions are hard to come by, but a new brand says its direct-to-consumer model delivers on both counts.

Brunt Workwear was founded two years ago by Eric Girouard, who grew up in a blue-collar family and ran his own landscaping business in high school. “Even though my buddies have the means to buy any workwear on the market, they shouldn’t be overpaying for the tools they wear to do their jobs. Guys like them are the backbone of this country, and they deserve more,” says Girouard.

Brunt currently has five models of boots available, but the time-honored look of the Marin model caught my eye.

Constructed with full-grain leather and double-stitching on critical spots, the Marin is built for performance and durability. The boots meet the ASTM F2892-18 protective footwear standards and feature a rubber-skinned sole with built-in oil and slip resistance.

Brunt says the boots are comfortable out of the box thanks to three layers of premium insoles. An insert below the insoles can be removed to adjust the width from regular fit to relaxed fit.

One review said, “I have worked in underground construction for 20 years. These boots are the most comfortable, solid boot I have ever had! I’ve tried all the brands and these boots are hands down the absolute best.”

The boots are available in regular or wide widths in sizes 7 to 14. They are priced at $135 and can be purchased on the Brunt Workwear website.  

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.3555pacific.com/?p=888

Construction Management

Industry Roundup: Takeuchi adds East Coast dealer locations and more

David Oliver

Takeuchi has named GT Mid Atlantic locations in Folcroft, Pennsylvania; Vineland, New Jersey; and Freehold, New Jersey as dealers. All three locations will sell and support Takeuchi’s compact equipment, including excavators, track loaders and wheel loaders.

GT Mid Atlantic will add sales professionals at the locations to support the product line. GT Mid Atlantic, an entity of Groff Tractor, serves Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware and the Philadelphia area.

P&K Equipment acquires Standridge Equipment Co.

P&K Equipment has acquired two John Deere stores from Standridge Equipment Co., expanding its footprint to 20 locations throughout Oklahoma and Arkansas.  

P&K will retain most Standridge employees, including Trey Adams and Josh Adams, who will continue to lead the Chickasha, Oklahoma and Duncan, Oklahoma locations.

Doosan expands Canadian presence

To better serve customers in Manitoba, Doosan North America is partnering with C&C Rentals. The Brandon, Manitoba-based location will offer Doosan crawler excavators, wheel excavators, mini excavators, wheel loaders, log loaders and material handlers.

JESCO celebrates 10 years with Ditch Witch

JESCO is marking the 10th anniversary of its partnership with underground utility equipment manufacturer Ditch Witch.

JESCO says it has sold more than 2,000 mini-skid steers, nearly 3,000 Hammerhead moles and almost 500 vibratory plows across all locations during the past decade. The dealership serves the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast markets.

MANUFACTURERS & SUPPLIERS

Blastrac, Diamatic to be rebranded as Husqvarna Construction

Husqvarna Construction has announced it will be rebranding its Blastrac and Diamantic surface preparation products and integrating them into the Husqvarna offering.

The first wave of rebranded products will launch in mid-2022 and will complement the Husqvarna’s existing lineup of floor grinding, scarifying and scraping equipment. The second wave targeting spring 2023 will include shot-blasting solutions and associated dust extractors.

Husqvarna acquired Blastrac in January 2021.

Sullair acquires Compressor-Pump & Service

Sullair has acquired its Salt Lake City-based distributor, Compressor-Pump & Service. CPS will continue to operate under the same name while servicing, selling and renting Sullair industrial and portable compressed air equipment.

The distributor serves an 83-county territory which spans Utah, Northern, Central & Western Nevada, Southeastern Oregon, Central & Southern Idaho, and Southwestern Wyoming. All employees will remain with the company through the transition.

First Financial to acquire Summit Funding Group

First Financial Bancorp. has entered into an agreement to acquire Cincinnati-based Summit Funding Group, the fourth largest independent equipment financing platform in the United States. 

Summit will operate as a subsidiary of First Financial, with all current associates continuing in their positions, including Founder and CEO Rick Ross. The transaction is expected to close in 2021.

Gearflow Named one of 2021’s ‘Most Disruptive MBA Startups’

Poets&Quants has named Gearflow.com, a construction equipment parts marketplace, one of 2021’s “most disruptive MBA startups.” The honor recognizes startups that have the greatest potential for lasting beyond business school.

Gearflow aims to solve the fragmented parts procurement process and its related strain on construction productivity, by allowing equipment owners to quickly find the parts they need from trusted suppliers.

To date, Gearflow has raised $4.6 million, which includes a $3-million seed round in June 2021 and a strategic partnership with CNH Industrial, the parent company of Case Construction Equipment and New Holland Construction Equipment. 

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.3555pacific.com/?p=885