SEMCO Debuts AggNexus
The live event – held Sept. 9-10 on the University of Texas, Austin campus, and sponsored by SEMCO Publishing, parent company of Rock Products – engaged representatives of technology-savvy multinational or independent cement, aggregate, concrete and asphalt producers plus allied software developers or service providers.
Wendling Quarries
DeWitt, Iowa-based Wendling Quarries announced that it is “honored and humbled to announce a major milestone in Wendling’s journey of growth and innovation.” Wendling has officially acquired the assets of Gehrke Quarries Inc. This acquisition marks a significant step forward in enhancing Wendling’s capabilities and expanding its market presence in central Iowa.
Johnson Leaving NSSGA
Michael Johnson, president of the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA), is leaving his position this month to head the American Coatings Association. NSSGA Board Chair Jim Nickolas issued a statement announcing Johnson’s departure.
USGS
The U.S. Geological Survey reported that an estimated 644 million metric tons (Mt) of total construction aggregates was produced and shipped for consumption in the United States in the second quarter of 2024, a decrease of 6% compared with that in the second quarter of 2023, according to Jason Christopher Willett, commodity specialist. The five leading states in descending order of production for consumption were Texas, California, Florida, Ohio and Michigan. Their combined total production for consumption in the second quarter of 2024 was 86 Mt, a decrease of 7% compared with that in the second quarter of 2023.
ECONOMIC INDICATORS
The AVP Pulse Index for September – brought to you by Rock Products and Allen-Villere Partners – decreased 0.4% for the month, with year-over-year growth of 3.5%. Over the past 36 months, the index increased 14.0%.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, construction spending during July 2024 was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $2,162.7 billion, 0.3% (±1.0%) below the revised June estimate of $2,169.0 billion. The July figure is 6.7% (±1.8%) above the July 2023 estimate of $2,027.4 billion.
The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI), issued by Dodge Construction Network, increased 2.9% in August to 220.4 (2000=100) from the revised July reading of 214.2. Over the month, commercial planning expanded 1.9% and institutional planning improved 5.7%.
MSHA WATCH
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) completed impact inspections at 16 mines in 10 states in July 2024, issuing 239 violations and one safeguard. The agency began conducting impact inspections after an April 2010 explosion in West Virginia at the Upper Big Branch Mine killed 29 miners. Inspections took place at Carmeuse Lime and Stone Inc., Keystone Cement, Auburn Aggregates LLC, GCC Rio Grande Inc. and Wedron Silica, among other operations.
ENERGY
WTI Crude Oil Inventories
9/13/2024: 417.5 million barrels, down 1.6 million barrels from week earlier; down 0.9 million barrels from year earlier.
Natural Gas Inventories
9/13/2024: 3,445 Bcf, up 58 Bcf from week earlier; up 194 Bcf from year earlier.
Retail Diesel
9/16/2024: $3.526/gal.; down $0.029 from week earlier; down $0.107 from year earlier.
Electricity
6/20/2024: Average price to industrial customers 8.44 cents/kilowatt hour; up from 8.08 cents/kilowatt hour from year earlier.
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration
WOMEN IN AGGREGATES
Women in Aggregates is a new group dedicated to supporting women working in the aggregates industry. The Mission Statement of the group is: “To create a supportive space for women that fosters leadership growth, networking opportunities and advocacy of the aggregate industry.” Membership in Women in Aggregates is open to any woman working in, or working in support of, the aggregates industry, including producers, manufacturers and distributors; and marketing, advertising or public relations professionals. Interested parties can go to www.womeninaggregates.com to join the mailing list and to stay apprised of future developments, meetings, events and other communications from the group. There is also a LinkedIn discussion page, at www.linkedin.com/groups/12717856/.