Nov. 21, 2014 – FMI’s Nonresidential Construction Index (NRCI) shows a slight increase from 62.5 in the third quarter to 62.8 in the fourth quarter of 2014. This is nearly 5.5 points ahead of fourth quarter 2013. An NRCI greater than 50 indicates improvement or expansion. There are many good reasons for optimism by NRCI survey respondents this quarter. The top-three are:…
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Frac Sand Insider Day Two
More than 200 people gathered in Pittsburgh for Rock Products’ second Frac Sand Insider conference. The second day of the event featured a transportation logistics panel; an equipment and technology panel discussion focusing on conveyor belts, cyclones and anti-blinding screens; an analysis of what it takes to mine frac sand underground; and a session on how to improve the quality and ROI of proppants.
Read MoreFrac Sand Insider Day One
Nov. 17, 2014 – More than 200 people have gathered in Pittsburgh for Rock Products’ second Frac Sand Insider conference. The first day of the event featured a keynote address by fracking advocate Greg Kozera; a financial analysis of the frac sand market by Brandon Dobell of William Blair; an overview of frac sand drying by Jeff Morris, vice president, Heyl & Patterson Inc.; a session…
Read MoreBecome an Insider
Nov. 14, 2014 – The frac sand market is still going strong. Frac Sand Insider 2014 is the only show devoted solely to sharing operational insights and solutions for the frac sand industry. Presented by Rock Products, the conference will take place at the Westin Convention Center in Pittsburgh. Tailored to both experienced operators and companies just entering the industry, this is…
Read MoreLame Duck Push
Nov. 7, 2014 – Michael W. Johnson, president and CEO of the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association, has an important message for aggregates producers. It goes like this: “The American people have selected who will represent them during the next Congress, but remember six more weeks of work remain for members of the 113th Congress. Tell them today that their job…
Read MoreMSHA Reports Impact Inspections
Nov. 4, 2014 – They’re baaaaaack. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration announced that federal inspectors issued 192 citations, five orders and one safeguard during special impact inspections conducted at nine coal and four metal and nonmetal mines in September.Non-metallic minerals producers inspected were Cemex Construction Materials of Florida LLC, Brooksville South Cement Plant (7 citations); Lafarge…
Read MoreDoes it Play in Peoria?
Oct. 29, 2014 – I am blogging live this week from Peoria, Ill., where Caterpillar is holding a product exhibition for members of the trade press. Products on display this week include F-series excavators, Tier 4 final track-type tractors, and construction machines such as M Series 3 motor graders, the 825K soil compactor and F Series pavers. The event will…
Read MoreWaters of the U.S. Rule
Oct. 23, 2014 – NSSGA is encouraging aggregates producers to submit comments to the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers on the proposed rulemaking on Waters of the U.S., with a new extended comment deadline of Nov.14. NSSGA has created a comment template for members available here. Your comments to the EPA and the Corps are essential. …
Read MoreVideo Emphasizes Role of Aggregates
Oct. 16, 2014 – “The success of the aggregates industry and the success of our nation are undeniably linked,” said Mike Johnson, president and CEO of the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA), to its board of directors when he previewed the association’s effort to promote the industry via an informational video. The three-minute spot, entitled “If the Aggregates…
Read MoreAction, Camera, Shoot!
Oct. 7, 2014 – A quarry is going to be a movie star. Filming of “Where Heaven & Hell Collide,” a military-themed movie, began recently at the Lafarge quarry operation in Lockport, NY. The film focuses on the stories of four wounded service members and is set to be released in 2016. According to the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, there…
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