The publicly traded aggregates companies released their first-quarter reports, and several items beg for a little perspective.
Read MoreCategory: Editorial
Technology in Unlikely Places
Make no mistake, the world is getting more technologically advanced. Whether it is your tablet, phone, apps or the internet of things; or whether it is plant automation, machine telematics or fleet management, the path to greater profitability and better productivity is technology.
Read MoreTwo Pieces of Good News – While Your Are Waiting
I was in Houston last month for the AGG1 show. Trade shows are great to re-connect with old friends – producers as well as manufacturers – and meet new ones; see the latest equipment and technology; and take the pulse of the industry.
Read MoreTrump’s Infrastructure Alchemy
With appropriate fanfare, President Donald Trump released his long-awaited infrastructure plan. Except it wasn’t much of a plan, per se, it was more of an outline of principles, which frankly were mostly quite agreeable.
Read MoreIt’s Time to Raise the Gas Tax
Industry organizations have been quietly advocating for an increase in the gasoline sales tax – aka user fees – for a long time. After all, it has not been raised since 1993. The Highway Trust Fund is clearly ailing.
Read MoreWhat’s Up Ahead?
This is our 2018 Outlook/Forecast issue, and thus it is that time of year when it makes sense to take stock of where we are and where we are going.
Read MoreNothing Beats Experience
As I write this, I am proud to note that I am celebrating my 30-year anniversary as a trade press editor. Of that 30 years, almost 25 has been spent covering the aggregates industry.
Read MoreWhat Sand Shortage?
A strange phenomenon happened in the national and international media this year. Stories began appearing about a global sand shortage:
Read MoreHurricane Hell
Hurricane Harvey hit the Houston area hard. Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas called the storm “one of the largest disasters America has ever faced,” and said the region would not recover anytime soon.
Read MoreThe Best News of All
President Donald Trump will not move forward with a planned Advisory Council on Infrastructure, according to media reports. The council, which was still being formed, would have advised Trump on his plan to spend as much as $1 trillion upgrading roads, bridges and other public works. The council was scuttled along with several other advisory boards. Not good news.
Read More