Terex, famous for their mini diggers for sale, come out of the recession under CFO's auspices

In 2002, Phillip Widman accepted the role of Chief Financial Officer at Terex Corp., the construction equipment manufacturer who are well known for their brand of mini diggers for sale. The company was undergoing a period of rapid expansion, and marshalling this was one of Widman's key responsibilities, and also one his most challenging. Terex, who aside from mini diggers also manufacture a range of heavy equipment and cranes, were, at that time, ploughing through acquisitions, with 11 company purchases taking place between 2002 and 2007. In the same time period, operating profit increased 12-fold and sales increased by 300 percent. However, 2008 saw the global economic recession hit, and Terex, like many companies, suffered greatly, with orders vanishing into thin air, and sales for all product lines dropping by huge margins, sometimes by up to 80 percent. Or, as Widman succinctly put it, during an interview at the firm's Connecticut headquarters, We hit the wall.The recession bit so virulently, that by the beginning of 2009 Terex was haemorrhaging money. Widman was forced, like hundreds of others like him across the world, to confront the fact that they were now operating in an entirely different economic reality. As a result, his job became focussed upon devising cost cutting measures, in order to stabilise the company's finances. As Widman commented, You take all the actions you need to do to stop the bleeding.
This involved making tough decisions, and Terex were forced to close or merge many of their manufacturing plants, cut the hours of work that members of staff undertook at the factories, and freeze much of their spending. Widman said, You’re down to cutting at the bone sometimes. You’ve just got to be very careful about going too far.

Other measures included laying off 30 percent of the work force, and instituting a 10 percent salary cut for all remaining employees, right up to corporate management.

2009 continued to go badly for Terex, with their falling sales putting them at a real risk of violating certain conditions of their bank loans. Widman was forced to agree amendments with their creditors, which bought the company time from having to meet debt payments saying, We needed some escape valves.

In mid-2009, Widman and Ron DeFeo, the chief executive officer of Terex, made the decision to take advantage of the nascent recovery of the stock exchange, and sold stock and bonds worth $600 million, using the money to both pay back debts owed to the banks, and to give themselves the manoeuvrability of cash liquidity. Widman said, You do it when you can, as opposed to when it’s too late and you can’t get the money.

They then sold the arm of the company which makes mining equipment to Bucyrus International Inc. for $1.3 billion, comprised of $0.3 billion Bucyrus shares, and $1 billion in cash. The Bucyrus shares were given on condition that Terex would keep them for at least 12 months, so Widman purchased derivatives which were linked to a variety of shares in companies similar to Bucyrus, in order to ameliorate the risk of a drop in Bucyrus share prices. Widman said:

Their volatility is very high, so we had to look at how we could potentially hedge that risk.

Widman also decided to utilise bundles of derivatives to counter the risk of fluctuating exchange rates affecting foreign-generated revenue. Widman said:

We’re trying to maintain a buffer or a smoothing. I’m not going to take a position that’s really dramatic.

These measures saw Terex enter the middle of 2010 with significantly more cash available than had been the case one year earlier, with $1.5 billion available, and a further $500 million from a credit facility. This money, Widman says, could be used to begin a new campaign of acquisitions, We’re an acquisitive company, and if somebody else can’t survive, we could potentially take advantage of that. We don’t necessarily want to buy very troubled businesses, but good businesses in troubled situations.


As of the interview, no concrete target for an acquisition has been identified, with sellers, who are also still recovering from the debilitating effects of the recession, asking for too much money, with Widman saying, There are a lot of natural combinations that should occur, but the industry hasn’t consolidated very much.

However, Terex's fortunes are recovering, with sales rising once more, and this has allowed the working week at the factories to be re-extended, and salary cuts to be rectified, with Widman saying, We’re producing at a lot higher levels than last year.

The figures from 2009 saw Terex spending $100 million per month on materials, down from $300 million per month in the pre-recession days of 2008. 2010 has seen them rise back to a level of $200 million per month.

Widman predicts that Terex should be able to meet their target of posting a per share profit by the end of 2010, with $4.5 billion worth of sales for the year. He also said that 2013 should see Terex have doubled its revenue, without any new acquisitions. He said:

We think we can taste it, but it’s not going to be as easy as it might have been two or three years ago.

This is partially because Widman is targeting sales growth in new areas. The US and Europe are no longer the be-all and end-all of markets, with countries such as Brazil, China and India increasing in importance month by month. Widman said:

The developed parts of the world are not going to grow as much. In terms of where we see spending, certainly China’s at the top of the list for the next decade or two.

Consequently, Terex is working to significantly expand their operations throughout all three of those countries. Whilst potentially lucrative, there are a labyrinth of new challenges, involving local practices, laws and intellectual property legislation. Widman said:

We’ve made some mistakes.

An example is the sale of an excavator, designed in Germany, to a Chinese firm. In China, the vehicle was utilised virtually non-stop, 7 days a week, whilst it had been designed under the assumption that it would work for 40 hours per week, So you need a different ruggedness, concluded Widman.

Widman was born in Detroit, Michigan, and went on to achieve a Masters degree in Business Administration, awarded by Eastern Michigan University. He worked for Unisys Corp. for more than a decade, before moving to ABB Asea Brown Boveri Ltd, becoming the Chief Financial Officer. He then moved to Philip Services Corp. as Chief Financial Officer, and orchestrated the restructuring of their debt, saying, I liked it from an experience standpoint; it was hell going through. He accepted a position as Chief Financial Officer with Terex in 2002, consolidating the company during a period which, not only did the recession hit, but Terex's make-up was fractured and de-centralised. Widman said:

I had to build the whole finance organization. We didn’t have information technology; it was whatever the guys at the local businesses had.

DAF Trucks

An exciting moment in the world of trucks recently with the unveiling of one of the largest both in size and structure alongside figuratively, the IAA 2010 in Hanover welcomed the arrival of the bran new 12 - tonner LF45 parallel hybrid truk from daf trucks.

The new vehicle which enters production at the end of the year, was a collaborative development between Leyland Trucks Ltd, Eaton and Eindhoven University of Technology after an extensive two year field text that looked at how daily use with consumers both in the UK and on the continent.


Information about the DAF LF45 Hybrid.

It's fitted with a 4.5 litre PACCAR FR diesel engine which acts in complience with ultra low EEV emission requirements without a soot filter.

Producing a max power of 118kW / 160hp and an electric motor installed next to the clutch and gearbox, it is able to provide drive as well as working as a generator. During braking, energy is released and depending on the degree of charge, the lithium-ion batteries determine from the centralised computer, when the diesel engine needs to provide the drive, and when the electric motor should be used.

It is also fitted with a 'start / stop' system.

A transformer comes with the DAF LF Hybrid which is used to change alternating current that has been supplied by the generator to direct current for use with batteries.

To begin with, DAF will supply the vehicle in France, Belgium, Germany, the UK and the Netherlands. If successful, it will then be introduced to other markets.

There are plenty of high spec daf trucks for sale available to purchase for your business from specialist construction trading websites.

JCB 3CX for sale

JCB has decided to join forces with the Michelin Power CL as the original equipment for its latest models of the jcb 2cx, jcb 3cx

JCB has chosen the MICHELIN Power CL as original equipment on its latest 2CX, 3CX and 4CX backhoe loaders. This is in addition to the MICHELIN XMCL which is already the OE radial option.

After extensive development and rigorous testing at JCB's headquarters based in Rocester the parts were put to the test. The tyre was chosen after these tests which were very severe - they needed to make sure that the materials could cope with the rigours of life on and off the road. The power CL is a cross- ply agro - industrial type designed with specifics to enable the use of backhoe loaders, telescopic handlers and compact wheel loaders.

Another added benefit of the tire features is a special damage - resistant tread area something called a closely spaced central lug pattern. This minimises punctures and coupled with a rubber compound, reduces tearing in harsh day to day conditions.

The cross-ply casing of the Power CL further enhances the tire’s resistance to punctures and impact damage due to the type and number of plies.

Because of how the casing plies are positions, they ensure very high levels of sidewall rigidity which thus in turn provides excellent lateral and vertical stability which is absolutely crucial for telescopic handlers to be able to work a their full extension - whilst also providing excellent sidewall protection.

There are five sizes to be fitted to the new 2CX, 3CX and 4CX and these are:

340/80 – 18 (12.5 – 18) 340/80 – 20 (12.5 – 20) 400/70 – 20 (16.0/70 – 20) 480/80 – 26 (18.4 – 26) 440/80 – 28 (16.9 – 28)

The MICHELIN Power CL is also available in up to 11 sizes from 280/80 – 18 TL to 420/80 – 30 TL. MICHELIN Power CL is one of five tire ranges that make up the Michelin Compact Line offer. The Compact Line tires are designed for use in construction, agriculture, landscaping, public works, and roads.
There are plenty of jcb 3cx for sale.

Scania Used Trucks

So you're looking for a used truck and not sure whether to approach Scania to enjoy one or more Scania used trucks or perhaps global brand Volvo for one of their used Volvo trucks? Or perhaps another brand altogether? Whilst Volvo has an impressive track record and has marketed itself into an instantly recognisable branding powerhouse, Scania used trucks is arguably a better place to begin. You can find a great selection of Scania used trucks through www.trucktradex.co.uk.

Scania, a company regarded as one of the world's leading truck and heavy goods vehicle transportation manufacturers have recently held a European competition to find Scania's Young European Truck Driver 2010 as part of the Young European Truck Driver's Championship. You could grab yourself a used truck from the competition itself thus securing yourself a little piece of competition history. The competition first originated in Europe in 2003 but this year holds a little difference in the calibre of entrants with the emergence of the competitions very first female contestant - Swiss dwelling Sandra Zeller, 24.

Always a winner to incorporate eco friendly issues alongside high performing drivers of either sex in equally impressive machinery. Built for longevity a Scania used truck doesn't have to be a compromise on durability, added comfort or style. Industrial and Marine engine maker Scania employs approximately 32,000 people and currently operates in and around 100 different countries so you could quite easily pick yourself up a Scania used truck with relative ease.

The majority of Scania's operations are conducted in Sweden whilst production takes place throughout Europe and South America.
The event held on October 8th saw eighteen of Europe's best young truck drivers emerge to compete with one another for the acclaimed title of Young European Truck Driver 2010 which is decided via a ream of different battles incorporating skill, dexterity and driving ability to determine who had the necessary skills to trounce the competition. Precision driving events typically attract 5,000 to 10,000 visitors to watch the eighteen contestants compete against each other in various runs which include defensive and fuel economy driving, cargo securing and pre driving check lists. Viewers who prefer to watch from afar can enjoy live updates via www.scania.com alongside continual feed from Twitter and Facebook.


“Everyone is welcome to experience the final and to participate in the many different activities we are organising around the competition area, next to our chassis workshop in Södertälje,” says Mikael Person, who is in charge of the Scania competition.

“This competition puts the spotlight on drivers, celebrates their professional skills and highlights their contributions to society. In this way, we want to raise the status of drivers and attract more young people into the profession,” Mr Person adds.

With an eco friendly message incorporated within the strands of the competition, the driver, according to Scania's values, is the single most important factor in an operating economy for the environment and also, for safety. Drivers who are capable and competent contribute to energy efficient transport, increased road safety and lower fuel emissions. Endorsed by the European Commission and the International Road Transport Union and enjoying sponsorship from major player Michelin, the final held in Sweden will also be backed by commercial giant Volkswagen Group, Sweden. Scania is also running similar competitions in Latin America, Africa and Asia.

Forkliftaction.com celebrates 10th anniversary of reporting on the fork lift trucks industry

The popular materials handling internet resource Forkliftaction.com has reached a milestone; it is a decade since it first launched. In the year 2000, the materials handling world was not necessarily au fait with the relatively newfangled nature of the internet, but Forkliftaction.com took a chance and launched, bringing the world of fork lift trucks into cyberspace. Ten years later , and the site is a global hub for the exchange of information about the materials handling industry, with more than 50,000 subscribers benefiting from the services it offers.

Michael Leu founded Forkliftaction.com, and is now the executive director, and he explained the motive behind its creation:

I wanted to connect people in the industry - from east to west and from factory to farm, to let people know what was happening and where to get the best deal, spread the word about workplace safety and let the people who design and fix the machines share their knowledge with each other through the forums.


After having the idea, the implementation required a leap of faith, as Leu describes:

I remember my colleague and I going to CeMat in early 2000, just before the launch, to gauge industry opinion about the venture. It was a very mixed reaction; many in the industry didn’t trust the new technology and couldn’t see how it could help their business.

Something that helped Leu's vision become realised was the change in attitudes towards the internet, and the rapid acceleration of its use, that occurred between 2000 and 2001. People began to see the internet as an integral part of their day. Leu had been part of the forklift industry for almost 15 years, and was familiar with the various magazine publications that pertained to the sector. What he believed the internet could do was maintain the quality of the news and analysis which the magazines offered, whilst at a stroke solving the problems of speed; the dissemination of news by magazine subscription was slow and clumsy compared to the possibilities of the internet.

I was well aware of the global nature of the materials handling industry, says Leu, and how hungry for industry news its members were. I also believed the site should alert dealers to new possibilities for products and spare parts and to provide manufacturers with information about new and innovative technology, alternative component suppliers and news of organisational and marketing strategies used around the globe.

One of the fundamental precepts of Forkliftaction.com is to provide an up-to-date news service, and one which is independent and objective. The purpose of Forkliftaction.com is to treat material handling stories with an even-handed impartiality, allowing the subscribers to make their own minds up on the issues which affect them. The site launched to a mere 50 subscribers, a number which has grown to 50,000 in the ten years that it has been operational, with 120 new subscribers every week. Initially, subscriptions tended to be from manufacturers and distributors of forklifts, who were able to use the service to keep abreast of what their competitors were up to. However the last few years have seen the actual users of forklifts begin to subscribe, and in fact they now outnumber the producers.

The independent nature of the news service is crucial to Forkliftaction.com, as it prides itself on being able to report on stories with no interference. One example is the site's reporting of the news that NACCO were consolidating sales and dealers within their global network, a story which NACCO denied, before eventually confirming. Other subjects addressed by the news team have been industry litigations and legal issues, sometimes involving the biggest names in the sector, as well as important coverage of workplace accidents and tragic deaths due to lack of proper safety training and supervision. In fact, Richard.E.Higgens, the director of the US Open Forklift Rodeo and Safety Expo, said:

Forkliftaction.com can take great satisfaction in knowing that somewhere, somehow you have undoubtedly saved lives by your consistent support in promoting forklift safety.


Forkliftaction.com also reports on the positive aspects of the industry, particularly the response of the materials handling industry to the various natural disasters which have plagued the first decade of the 21st Century. The site has reported on companies such as JCB, Raymond, Komatsu, Linde and Trelleborg, who have donated equipment, expertise, time and hard currency to the relief efforts in the aftermaths of the Tsunami in Asia, Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, the raging bushfires in Australia, the earthquake in Haiti and the floods in Pakistan. Forkliftaction.com has also reported on the regular local charity work of firms such as Mitsubishi and Jungheinrich.


Aside from news updates, Forkliftaction.com also produces features, which are able to provide a more in-depth analysis of various salient issues within the materials handling market. The feature topics are chosen by recourse to subscribers opinions, and so are as topical and relevant as possible. The first ever feature was published in 2001, and concerned the nascent market for forklifts in China, and it was relatively small, at 550 words. The features now are nearer to 2000, and such is the reputation that Forkliftaction.com has built up, usually feature interviews with people who are absolutely key to the topic.

Forkliftaction.com works hard to remain at the forefront of the industry, with Howard Quick, the regional product manager for Linde North America, saying, if it is in Forkliftaction.com, the materials handling community is talking about it. Other industry luminaries who are regular readers include Tim Jamal, the vice-president of Jamco, who said that the site has become, the leading global news source for the materials handling industry, and Bernd Dolk, the sales manager for Raeder-Vogel, who said, with its worldwide coverage and readership, Forkliftaction.com is unique in distributing information on all aspects of materials handling to interested parties, manufacturers as well as end-users.

Terry Wickham from Keyroller cites another benefit of being a subscriber to an industry based community, saying, We were able to gain tremendous exposure for our many new products and ideas.

Michale Leu has a very clear philosophy, which he has brought to Forkliftaction.com. Customer loyalty, he says, is based on the quality of the service. We have customers who have advertised with us right from the start. Svetruck is one such company; they stay with us because Forkliftaction.com has formed strong bonds with them over the years and we offer them value and consistent results for their advertising. New customers are attracted to the website by the extensive range of services Forkliftaction.com offers.

Ann Hofmans is the site's general manager, and she agrees with Leu, observing that the site has always tried to grow in line with what its subscribers want:

Forklift businesses these days have to follow the buyer and respect the changing ways they purchase a forklift. They now do an enormous amount of research - online. The buyer wants to learn what’s on the market, what technology is available and where they can get it.

Forkliftaction.com is always evolving, always looking to improve its service, and Hofmans is keen to extol some of the changes which will be happening in the coming year, saying, Forkliftaction.com News will soon be available online with the ability to switch easily from one news story to another, between media releases and product features. There will be a mobile version of the newsletter for those subscribers who choose to receive it on their mobile phones and RSS feeds which can be used to feature Forkliftaction.com News on subscribers’ own websites. The new design of the newsletter, the improved structure and format of Forkliftaction’s news service will bring it in line with the newest internet usage by our members.

Leu's plans for the site's second decade are simple: to increase membership and visitors in all countries, through development of additional tools for users, regional news in all major economies and translation capabilities for non-English speaking countries.

There may also be an upgraded service for those who opt for a paid subscription, but that is still on the drawing board at present. It has been ten years of hard work, but also of success, and when asked if he would make the same choices again, Leu is gleefully unrepentant: Yes, indeed I would, as long as I was able to assemble such a talented and dedicated bunch of people to come with me!.

Meynell introduce Renault trucks to fleet

Meynell Plant Hire, who supply trucks to Leicester construction contractors Jelson Holdings Ltd., their parent company, have broken the mould by acquiring the first Renault trucks to join their fleet of 50 trucks. The Renault Kerax, Midlum and Premium models will become part of the fleet, which also contains Mercedes, Volvo and new and used DAF trucks. The Renault Keraxs are tipper trucks, and will be utilised in the delivery of stone, as well as transporting debris and earth. The Premiums, meanwhile, will be used to transport breeze blocks for Jelson's subsidiary, Interfuse Ltd., a manufacturer of breeze blocks. The Midlums will be used in the transportation of residential items, for example kitchen sets, across the country, particularly to new developments which are under construction.

Meynell Plant Hire's Operations Manager Troy Harrison, said:

The Renault Premium Lander is versatile enough for delivery to our building sites, with the comfort of a high spec cab and automatic gearbox for motorway driving. One of the best advantages of the Lander is its fuel economy.The first Renault Premium Lander has been on the road for a couple of months now and already we are seeing an excellent fuel return of 8.3 miles per gallon - more than any other truck on our fleet which average at approximately 7 miles per gallon. The Kerax is a great looking vehicle and its ground clearance is second to none. The Kerax offers good bhp and a build quality for construction that is simply made for the job.

Meynell Plant Hire have worked with Renault before, as they operate a franchise for Renault automobiles, but the adoption of the trucks indicates a new level of cooperation. The logic, according to Troy Harrison, was thus:

We had never really considered Renault Trucks before but looking at the quality of the trucks you get for your money, we felt that it was a great value and, with the local support of the new RH Commercial Vehicles depot on our doorstep in Leicester, we thought we would give it a go. This decision has already proved a very positive move, both for quality and for fuel efficiency.

Meynell Plant Hire is one of the subsidiaries of Jelson holdings Ltd., one of the largest construction firms in the UK which is still privately owned. It is a family run firm, and was established in 1889, building residential properties across Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire, for more than 120 years.

MAN to release product range in China, in collaboration with Sinotruk Hong Kong Ltd.

A complex web of interests between industry giant Volkswagon AG, trucker makers MAN SE and Scania, famous for new vehicles as well as MAN and Scania used trucks, and Chinese firm Sinotruk Hong Kong Ltd. can be carefully unravelled, as MAN SE announce their partnership with Sinotruk.

MAN SE own 25 percent of Sinotruk Hong Kong Ltd., and chief executive officer Georg Pachta-Reyhofen revealed that they may increase that stake, on the back of the products that they plan to introduce into the Chinese market together.

MAN SE, itself part-owned by Volkswagon AG, has seen its figures improve significantly in recent months, as demand in Europe slowly begins to climb following the recession, and, more importantly, demand in Brazil rockets. Profits for the second quarter were almost seven times higher than in the previous year for the German firm. The net income was €153, up from a mere €22 million in the same period of 2009. The Latin American boom drove a 16 percent increase insales, to €3.6 billion. Pacht-Reyhofen stated that emerging markets such as Russia, Africa and Asia can be a huge market for the firm, and the collaboration with Sinotruk is part of the strategy to take advantage of these markets.

MAN SE and Sinotruck Hong Kong Ltd. plan to bring out a range of heavy duty trucks for the Chinese market in 2011, with no further information being released as yet.

The relationship between the companies is byzantine, with MAN SE owning 25 percent of Sinotruk, and Volkswagon AG owning 29.9 percent of MAN SE, which they acquired in order to assist Scania, the Swedish firm, in which they also own a majority stake, in resisting a hostile takeover by MAN SE. MAN now own 17.4 percent of Scania, and are interested in opening talks upon the subject of cooperation; a synergistic proposition which Volkswagon will surely facilitate.

Volvo display new FL Narrow Track

A number of luminaries from the petrochemical industry in the UK were amongst the guests at a seminar at the Volvo Trucks headquarters in Warwick. The seminar involved the launch of the new Volvo FL Narrow Track tanker, with the guests being able to view them alongside an FE 6x2 rear-steer tanker. The seminar, whilst focussing on the Narrow Track's specifications, also demonstrated how Volvo can work with their customers on a number of issues. There are a few variables, such as using Dynafleet telematics and Volvo Service Point Online, which can be customised, allowing the customer to reduce their fuel usage and manage the vehicle effectively.

The FL Narrow Track fuel tanker features a payload of 11,000 litres, and the FL Narrow Track gas tanker can hold 6200 Kg of Liquid Propane Gas (LPG). The size of these payloads, and the subsequently less frequent need to reload, mean that they are able to be effective alternatives to a GVW truck, or a Scania P94 fuel truck.

The FL Narrow Track measures 2.1 metres in width over the doors, and 2.3 metres over the mudwings. In order to ensure that the vehicle can be serviced by Volvo's network of dealerships, without recourse to special parts, there have been two modifications: the mirror arms have been made narrower, and the rear wheels and tyres have been replaced by super singles on 8 stud steel wheels. It can also be equipped with Volvo's I-Sync, the automated transmission.

The Narrow Track FL is suited to applications which aren't reliant upon axle loading tolerance, as it is 5.8 tonnes at front and 10.3 rear. Another vehicle that was displayed was the 6x2, which featured a rear-steer tag-axle that is operated by hydraulics, and was there to draw attention to a new rental offer by Volvo and Haartz Tanker Rentals. The offer is a Volvo FE 340 with a capacity of 20,000 litres, replete with pumping equipment, for £804 per week, with a minimum term of 12 months.

Iveco emphasises alternative fuels.

Iveco, alongside other truck manufacturers such as Scania UK, is following a policy which emphasises natural gas and electric power, as it concentrates upon reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

Iveco already produce engines which run on natural gas, in this case compressed biomethane or compressed natural gas, and many customers already utilise this, including Coca Cola and Tesco, which recently ordered 795 vans, including 25 powered by natural gas. Mainland Europe has embraced Iveco's EcoDaily Electric, an electric powered model available in either a 3.5 tonne or 5.2 tonne version. These vehicles use a three-phase traction motor, which is linked to a DC/AC inverter. The two versions deliver power of 30 kW continuous and and 40 kW continuous respectively. The components and the batteries are located either in the engine space or the side chassis, which means that load space is not affected, with Iveco saying, At the end of the vehicle's life, recycling is not compromised; the Zebra batteries are completely recyclable.

Roadtransport.com's group technical editor Colin Barnett test drove an EcoDaily Electric 3.5 tonne vehicle, and said, Negotiating the streets of London was slightly more challenging thanks to left-hand drive, but in every other respect the Daily Electric was simplicity to drive. The steering is not assisted at standstill to save battery life, but comes to life as soon as you move. In normal mode, progress up to the limited 43mph maximum is brisk, surprisingly so for other road users.

Caterpillar expands facility

Caterpillar has announced that an expansion is imminent at the premises in Sandford, North Carolina. A new building measuring 270,000 square feet will be constructed, and is intended to house both logistics and robotic welding fabrication. Caterpillar, famous for their backhoe loaders and mini diggers for sale, stated that the new premises will help them to meet growing demands for equipment. Construction will commence in September, and is projected to be completed in the summer of 2011. The facility will provide employment for a further 325 members of staff over the course of the next 5 years.

Caterpillar also announced the release of seven new versions of the series 3 compact loaders, which encompass multi-terrain loaders and skid steer loaders. The series 3 models have been adapted from the series 2 designs, but with improvement which render them, even more capable, more reliable, safer and easier to operate.

Some of the new elements include a redesigned version of the 'dead-engine lower valve', which allows the arms to be easily lowered if the engine has died, and the electronic control module being moved to a more accessible position in the rear. The engines have also been bettered, with Cat C3.4 DIT engines installed, which delivers a 25 percent increase on the previous model. Hydraulic capabilities have also been increased, by 40 percent, and Caterpillar say that, significantly improve the capability and efficiency of the 242B3 and 257B3 when handling standard-flow work tools, such as brush cutters, power box rakes and trenchers.

Cadzow acquire new Mercedes-Benz Actros Titan

Cadzow Heavy Haulage, an abnormal load specialist, has acquired a new vehicle; a huge Mercedes-Benz Actros Titan. The vehicle was made at the Mercedes-Benz facility in Wörth, and features a customised 6x4 tractor unit, equipped with a V8 engine that delivers 609 hp. It was subsequently converted into an 8x4 version at the Titan Spezialfahrzeugbau GmbH.

In order to prepare the vehicle for the operations that it will be required to undertake, the chassis was significantly reinforced by Titan, and the air tanks, batteries, exhaust stack and transmission coolers were moved in order to maximise space. It also features a 900-litre fuel tank.

Cadzow Heavy Haulage is a Lanarkshire based firm, and this is the fourth Mercedes-Benz Actros Titan that they will have acquired, and they were supplied by Western Commercial, a dealer which also deals with tipper trucks for sale. Managing Director Jim Macauley said, Our Mercedes-Benz Titans have done us proud since we bought our first two from Western Commercial in 2003. They’ve always been man enough for the job and very reliable, our only outlays having been on the kind of wear and tear items you would expect. There’s no doubt that Mercedes-Benz makes a good heavy truck, which explains why most of the guys in this very specialised business choose to run them.

The vehicle features a luxurious long distance sleeper cab, which features uspended seats, air-conditioning, a refrigerator and a blue-tooth compliant CD-radio player. Jim Macauley commented, Unsurprisingly, our driver Campbell Stewart is over the moon with his new truck.

Potain cranes employed in major Italian development

Trento, a city in the North of Italy, is currently witnessing the construction of a new multi-purpose development called La Albere, and it is utilising eleven Potain cranes, with two further cranes scheduled for arrival in August.

La Albere is the largest development in the Trento province, and Sabino Riefoli, the sales and marketing support manager for Manitowoc in Italy, said, The three-year project will completely transform this region, creating a new district of homes and businesses.

The cranes range in capacity from 6 to 12 tonnes, and can operate at heights of up to 61 metres. The collection features two MDT 218 A models, a flat top MDT 98 model, and eight MDT 178 models. They are employed in the transport of various building materials, and will continue working until the completion of the development, scheduled for 2012. Colombo Costruzioni, the primary contractor, is utilising Potain's anti-collision programme, Top Tracing, and so the cranes are set up in overlapping operational areas. A few of the cranes are owned by Colombo Construzioni, whilst the remainder have been hired from GB Manci Noleggi.

The development spans over 11 hectares of a former Michelin factory site, and will provide 30,000 square metres of office and retail space, 300 residential apartments, 2000 parking spaces, a science museum, 5000 hectares of sculpted parkland and numerous piazzas. It was designed by architect Renzo Piano, and he has incorporated into the design a number of environmentally friendly features.

Suped-up John Deere runs on alcohol

Waverly's Bremer County fair saw an interesting sight this year; a suped-up John Deere tractor. John Storjohann's tractor looks like John Deere 4560, a 1980's made diesel model. However, Storjohann has tinkered with his vehicle, creating a tractor that has a 6-cylinder engine that is triple turbo charged and runs on burning alcohol, delivering 2500 hp. ITs power is such that it can tow a sled, weighing 40,000 lbs., over 300 feet per 10 seconds.

John Strojohann is a retired John Deere engineer, and he hasn't been able to leave his love of engineering behind him; in fact, for him, its the ideal hobby, saying, You meet a lot of good folks and I love the technical challenge.

He goes on to say, I made my living working on diesel engines. I had enough grease, dirt and soot thrown on me. I want to play with alcohol.

For more than three decades he headed the Applied Mechanics Department, designing and redesigning, ironing out problems. Discussing his new hobby, he says, It was curiosity more than anything. I designed it. I built it. I paid for it. Now, I'm going to drive it. If your tires get a bite, it will put your fanny in the seat.

Soon Storjohann had earned a reputation within the National Tractor Pullers Association, and began to be wary of his creations, with fellow competitor Gary Wipf saying, I'd say Don has one of the best put together super stocks out there.

Storjohann's vehicle is called Just Off Warranty, and he built it from scratch, using his 32 years of experience working for farm trader John Deere, as well as his Master's degree in Engineering. The fuel system was designed completely by him, and he says, I have a complete mathematical model of my fuel system in my head. You could steal it and I could build another one.

Unfortunately, at the fair, Storjohann could only come fifth in the competition that he won in 2008. My turbos wouldn't come up on me, he said, Now I have data and know what to look for, and we'll try it again.

Gary Wipf pulled 317 feet in 10 seconds to take the first prize. However, the loss has not dented 72 year old Storjohann's enthusiasm for tractor pulling, and is supported by his family and circle of friends. He goes to up to 20 events during the pull season, and he is assisted by Eleanor, his wife, and also his nephews, cousins and sundry other relatives.

This is our together time, says Eleanor, I helped him put it (tractor) together. I know every nut and bolt in that thing.

Often up to 60 memebers of the family will be supporting StorJohann at a given event, with his brother in law Butch Franzen saying, It's wonderful with all the family. It keeps us close.

Storjohann spends a lot on his hobby, with each event costing around $2000, although his vehicle is worth at least $100,000. Storjohann is unrepentant, saying, John Deere gave me the best job in the world, making an excellent living. I worked damn hard for it. I'm going to spend it ... you can't take it with you.

Southwark council goes green in its choice of vehicles

The council for the London borough of Southwark have decided to invest in a fleet of 'green' vehicles. 47 new Mercedes-Benz Sprinters have been chosen by Southwark council, who were looking for the most environmentally friendly vehicles that they could find. The new fleet are all powered by engines which meet both Euro 5 emissions regulations, as well as the criteria for being an Enhanced Environmentally friendly Vehicle (EEV).

The vehicles were sourced through London Hire, a firm which supplies many vehicles, including from Scania UK, to the majority of London borough's, as well as to a variety of other public sector institutions.

They are also equipped with Mercedes's ECO-Start system, which automatically cuts the engine when the vehicle is still, thus reducing fuel consumption, emissions and wastage. An example of how it works would be stopping at red lights; the driver just has to go into neutral and release the clutch. After two seconds, the ECO-start system will turn off the engine. When the lights turn green, simply depress the clutch and the engine will immediately revive.

Mathew Trott, the business unit manager for Southwark council, said, Choosing vehicles that would cause the lowest possible impact on the local and global environment was right at the top of our list of priorities when we made this decision. We looked at several options - not many could offer Euro 5 engines, even fewer could provide vehicles to EEV specification, and only Mercedes-Benz could combine those two features with the ECO-Start system. Of course we also had to be satisfied that the vans would be 'fit for purpose', and would provide a reliable and efficient service to our council tax payers. The Sprinters are extremely well built and very cost-effective, as well as providing a comfortable and safe working environment for our staff.

Whale Tankers hit Truckfest

This year's Truckfest Scotland saw a particularly good impression made by Whale Tankers. It was the first time that Whale Tankers had been present at the Truckfest, and people visiting the Volvo truck stand had the opportunity to explore their rigid vacuum tankers. The VacuumWhale is a 3300 gallon tanker, the only tanker at the exhibit, at was liveried in the colours of Glasgow's Waste Water Services.

Rhona Paterson, the total solutions executive for Volvo truck trader UK in the North, said, To many in the industry, Volvo Truck & Bus included, Whale represents the very best when it comes to product quality for specialist vehicles of this type. We were delighted to be able to feature the only tanker of its kind on one of our chassis at this year's Truckfest - the popular FE 6 x 4 26-tonne GVW chassis with day cab - and we received many favourable comments about the unit and its prominent appearance. It certainly helped Volvo's truck display stand out from the crowd.

Gordon McShannock, the Managing Director of Waste Water Services, who continues to utilise Whale Tankers, said, Not only is the best that money can buy, so too is Whale's service and support back-up. They do all of our servicing, maintenance and tank testing, and we know that there are two highly-qualified and dedicated service engineers just a phone call away should we need them. We are now looking forward to the new vehicle helping us promote our own quality service to both current and future customers.

Whale Tankers' Area Sales manager for Scotland, Alan Steel, said, As Gordon's comments clearly demonstrate, Whale prides itself on the outstanding levels of service support and back-up it has the capability of offering, not just north of the border but UK wide.

Transport company criticises banks during the recession

A transport company from Billingham has criticised the banking sector for their dearth of support during the recession, despite riding the downturn and emerging as an even more robust business. Nicholson's Transport was moved to sell assets in order to survive and grow, as the banks offered no support, but the gutsy move paid dividends as they reversed the trend in the rest of the logistics industry by enticing new clients as well as garnering some substantial contracts. They took the decision to sell company owned property and then lease it back, in order to fund the difficult times. Dave Nicholson, the owner and founder of the company, was dismayed by the attitude of the banks during the darkest time for British businesses for more than a generation. He agrees with Chancellor George Osborne, who declared that banks had an obligation to lend to small businesses. Nicholson said:

This business has been through three recessions, but this one was so different in that the banks just shut up shop – despite what their PR teams were saying. We had been planning to restructure since 2007 and needed funding to achieve that, but the banks were extremely reluctant to lend against property and certainly didn’t want to hear from logistics firms. We have delivered the restructure despite the banks saying we wouldn’t survive past last December. They didn’t want to understand our strategy for moving forward, but we have achieved that regardless and paid back all bank borrowings. The recession has had a devastating impact on the logistics sector, with many firms going under, but there was no way we were going to roll over. We have actually come out far stronger, with each of our companies independent and more client focused.

As a result of their restructuring, the Nicholson Group now has transport and logistics enterprises in Doncaster and on Teesside, specialising in storage and Hiab cranes respectively. Nicholson feels he has taken many lesson from the recession, saying, The main lesson we have learned is to not have too many financial eggs in one basket. In future, we won’t have a situation where we rely too much on one funder, or indeed rely on banks at all. Instead, we are spreading our risks and improving our relationships with different banks, and looking at alternative funding methods.

Crossroads complete acquisition of Hartshorne Group

The has been an acquisition in West Yorkshire, as Crossroads Truck & Bus completed the takeover of Hartshorne Group, a Midlands-based company which, like Crossroads, are a truck trader, specifically for Volvo.

The two businesses will continue operate with their own identities, running as individual companies, but within the same group. Martin Cronin, the Managing Director of Crossroads, said:

The addition of Hartshorne to the Group will give us greater opportunity to add value to customer's operations by providing consistency and continuity across the key distribution centres of the Midlands and Yorkshire. We believe, that by working together, we can create even more opportunities for our employees, provide even greater customer service locally and build for the long-term future of both businesses.

Between the two companies, they employ nearly 1000 members of staff across 20 separate Volvo dealerships, and produce a turnover of £200 million per year. Their pedigree is shown in Crossroads' status as former holder of the Motor transport Dealer of the Year award.

JCB hits 100,000 excavators in India

JCB is one of largest construction equipment manufacturers in the world, producing backhoe loaders, excavators, compactors, skid steer loaders and mini diggers for sale across the world. In fact JCB India has reached landmark by recently producing the 100,000 excavator that they have manufactured in India.

The milestone vehicle was unveiled by visiting dignitaries, including: Kamal Nath, the Minister for Road Transport and Highways; Vince Cable, the British Secretary of State for Business and Vipin Sondhi, the chief executive officer of JCB India Ltd. Kamal Nath stressed that India's vast infrastructural road-building project required them to maximise their use of the latest technological innovations, and that JCB were an important part of that, bringing cutting edge construction technology into the country.

Vince Cable stated that JCB had built a worldwide network from their original location in the UK, and was committed to creating jobs in many countries. He also said that considering India's modernising projects, there was plenty of scope for further collaboration.

Vipin Sondhi expressed his delight that JCB's factory in Ballabhgarh was now the largest backhoe loader manufacturing facility in the world, and commented that JCB had a market share of more than 50 percent in India. JCB is looking to meet demand by eventually manufacturing a full range of equipment in India, including wheel loaders and compactors. The company is constantly investing in its Indian facility, especially the plants in Ballabhgarh and Pune, in order to be able to meet the constantly growing need for equipment.

AUSA and new importer VERHOEVEN feature at the TKD.

VERHOEVEN are the new importers of AUSA telehandlers and mini diggers into Holland, and through them, AUSA were in attendance at the TKD show in Barneveld. The TKD is aimed at the rental arena, and featured more than two hundred exhibitors from the construction and earthmoving machinery sectors. The exhibitors, focussed as they are on both the rental market and the end-user, allow their machines to be tested on-site.

The AUSA dumper D 150 AHG, a competitor of Thwaites dumpers, was the display model at the AUSA/VERHOEVEN stall, and features a loading capability of 1500 Kg. VERHOEVEN is a well established import company in the Netherlands, with a firm network of dealers, and satisfied customers, which is why AUSA have chosen to team up with them.

The Chinese crane market

One of China's largest B2B platforms, FRbiz.com, has issued a report on the state of the market for crawler cranes, mobile cranes, and the general market for cranes for sale. They predict the crawler crane market in particular will continue to grow.

The crawler crane sector was rather staid in China pre-2004, and was largely based on imports. However the breakneck rise of the Chinese economy, particularly infrastructural projects as well as power, steel and chemical industries, has fuelled a exponential increase in demand for crawler cranes. Between 2006 and 2007 the rate remained stable, but 2008 saw an increase of 69 percent, with 1648 units sold. The global economic downturn affected the market in 2009, and the sales of crawler cranes in China dipped by 31 percent, to 1131 units sold. The crawler crane market in China is still relatively young, and imports still account for 15 percent of sales. However, the broad range of incentives and road building and industrial projects instituted by the Chinese government means that projected sales for crawler cranes indicate a coming rise. Future infrastructural projects include a variety of wind power and nuclear power stations, which will further increase demand for crawler cranes. The next ten years will see an investment by the Chinese government of more than RMB 3 trillion, and with the need for wind stations and power plants, will come the need for all manner of cranes