News

Turkish construction equipment manufacturer Hidromek is expanding the capacity of its production facilities at its headquarters in Ankara. This follows on from developments to its factor in Izmir, which makes its backhoe loaders, as well as its assembly facility in Thailand. The company has bought a site of 1 million m2 close to its existing facility, located in an industrial zone close to Turkish capital Ankara. The factory expansion forms part of Hidromek’s strategy to develop its profile in the global co

Topcon Positioning is broadening its solutions to the construction sector with a combination of partnerships and acquisitions. The firm has acquired a significant share of Finnish design software specialist Viasys VDC, adding to its portfolio of (BIM) technologies. This firm offers a comprehensive suite of tools and services for building Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) models for infrastructure and site-work projects. The VDC models from Viasys can be used to optimise the construction process through

Massenza is broadening its range of capabilities with the acquisition of the Strassmayr business.

Kohler Engines is preparing its dealer network for further emissions regulation with increased training, including the use of its iService multimedia platform. The company offers service training courses throughout its network, in branches, distributors and authorised workshops. In addition it is offering distance learning through the iService portal. This combines the traditional viewing of service manuals with interactive content including 3D movies. This can be accessed on computers, tablets and smartpho

The IMER Group was proudly displaying its prototype skid steer loader at Intermat 2015: the 3S, a ‘smart, sustainable, skid’. The new hybrid technology has been developed by the group’s earth moving business IHIMER which is a joint venture between the IMER Group and the construction machinery arm of Japanese giant the IHI Corporation.

The new Mecalac 12MTX features all the versatility of previous machines, with enhanced capabilities. The result is user-friendly, offering efficiencies in productivity and even fuel savings. “It has a very intuitive operating concept,” said Bianca Sierks-Schilling of Mecalac. “It’s a very versatile and efficient machine.”

The Volvo Group has removed Olof Persson from the role of president and CEO of the company. This move came following pressure from certain shareholders due to the group’s weak financial performance in recent years. Instead the Volvo group plans to appoint Scania’s head Martin Lundstedt to the role. Lundstedt will take the post in October 2015, with the Volvo Group’s chief financial officer, Jan Gurander, standing in as temporary president and CEO.

Bell customers across Europe are to receive their replacement articulated dump truck parts quicker than ever before after the South African hauling giant completes its new giant logistics facility in Germany.

Haulotte has added to its range of masts, articulated booms and scissor lifts as part of an ambitious programme to increase its global market share. In the vertical mast market, where the company already has a leading share, Haulotte has introduced the Star 10 and Star 6 machines. Both masts feature AC electric drives that provide precise, smooth and agile handling, says the company. Zero tail swing and tight turning radius make them suitable for confined environments.

Ninja Button Bits from Padley & Venables have earned good reviews in the field, with users saying the bits drill straighter. That is a key benefit as they are used primarily in blasting applications. “If the holes deviate, you don’t get the rock fragmentation you want,” said Steve Harper, product manager for Padley & Venables.

New Intrame products were on display at INTERMAT Paris. They included the mixer from a Flow-Mix 220 continuous asphalt plant, driven by two 30 kw gear boxes and set for delivery in France.

JCB Power Systems, the engine business of the British equipment manufacturer, is experiencing growing demand for its products, thanks to its ability to meet Stage IV emissions regulations without a costly DPF. “We’ve struck some major deals with manufacturers,” said JCB Power Systems’ OEM engine sales and development manager Robert Payne. “Our OEM business is five times the size it was in 2009 and we saw 63% growth in OEM sales volumes from 2013 to 2014.”