Caterpillar Inc. reported that first-quarter 2014 sales and revenues were $13.241 billion, about flat with the first quarter of 2013 sales and revenues of $13.210 billion. “Given the business and economic uncertainties around the world and continuing decline in our mining sales, I am pleased with our performance in the first quarter. We understand we don’t control the economy and have instead focused on what we can improve. We’re lowering costs, improving cash flow and driving value for our customers through the continued deployment of our lean manufacturing initiatives. We see the benefits of these actions in our first-quarter results and in improving market position for many of our products,” said Caterpillar Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Doug Oberhelman.
Volvo Construction Equipment experienced growth in sales, earnings, deliveries and order intake during the first quarter of 2014. Much of the improvement during the period came from higher sales of smaller machines, while larger machine sales remained relatively subdued. The biggest sales increases came from more mature markets, particularly North America, where sales were up 21 percent during the period, compared to the same three months in 2013.
CASE Construction Equipment brought the Dire States tour to Washington, D.C., for Infrastructure Week 2014, a series of events designed to “explore emerging solutions, innovative approaches and best practices being developed nationwide to modernize aging infrastructure.” Held May 12-16, the weeklong events were planned and organized by a coalition of organizations that includes the Metropolitan Policy Program at Brookings, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), Building America’s Future and the Council on Competitiveness. The week coincided with the rollout of the U.S. Senate’s Committee on Environment & Public Works’ MAP-21 Reauthorization Act and the U.S. Chamber’s Business Plan for Infrastructure
Atlas Copco has announced that Swanson Industries, Morgantown, W.Va., is now carrying the Powercrusher crushing and screening line of equipment. Jeff Skovira, manager of rock and coal tools for Swanson Industries, said, “Swanson Industries, through its CWS Distribution Group, is excited by the opportunity to represent Atlas Copco’s full line of Powercrushers. Our relationship with Atlas Copco has been longstanding and beneficial, and we are pleased with the chance to expand and grow with Atlas Copco.”