Contractors are in a hurry to get back to work. You could feel their engines revving at the first big trade show of the season (World of Concrete in Las Vegas, Jan. 24-27). More than 52,000 contractors actually looked excited about the prospect of starting a new year of work. At a World of Concrete (WOC) press conference, all-round smart guy Ed Sullivan mapped out the construction market cycle with optimistic grins. 

“We’re looking at a 12-year, peak-to-peak recovery — 2005 to 2017,” said Sullivan, chief economist for the Portland Cement Association (PCA), which represents cement companies around the United States and Canada. “So what do you do in that time period? Do you sit back and ride the market? Or do you proactively start to take market share?”

Both construction professionals and machine manufacturers agreed — it’s time to get moving. Now is the time to start increasing your presence in the marketplace. Even with Sullivan noting that the market will probably remain flat in 2012, with only marginal gains in 2013, he saw the trend of hiring starting to steamroll. “We could definitely see stronger activity in 2013,” he said.  “We’ve seen how jobs can heal, like the 3.7 million jobs created in 2010. Then the healing starts pretty quickly. We see 1.6 million jobs being created this year — compared to 1.3 last year — so that tinge of optimism is out there — as long as the job creation process can be sustained.”

On the show floor, contractors seemed to expect more work in 2012. They inspected the next generation of equipment with confidence, weighing the pros and cons of purchase. Caterpillar impressed with the release of five new compact-radius Cat E Series mini hydraulic excavators — the 303.5E CR, 304E CR, 305E CR, 305.5E CR and 308E CR SB — that all included (amongst many new things) the awesomely innovative COMPASS system, a high-tech digital control panel that integrates a zillion features (from machine security to hydraulic optimization) into one handy digital interface.

Construction software developers like Dexter + Chaney launched new ways for contractors to streamline businesses, including a web-based version of its Spectrum Construction software (version 14), which offers unprecedented accessibility into the cloud platform. Engine manufacturers like Subaru promised the first and only five-year warranty on its industrial engines and select lines of power products.

“We will not settle. We will always be the first in everything we do, and we will continue to be innovative,” said David Frank, Subaru vice president of sales and marketing, at a World of Concrete press conference. “Our five-year warranty — why is that important? We talked to the rental and construction folks, and asked them how long they’re holding onto equipment, and we found out that people are holding onto equipment about three to four years.”

Booths from Subaru to Doosan were filled with hungry contractors looking and listening. People in the industry seem excited. Matthew Frank of Matthews Construction Co. in Seaford, N.Y., had his thoughts posted on the WOC website. “I come both to buy, browse what’s here and see what’s new,” he said. “I spend a lot of money here. It’s a necessity. I tell everyone in the business to come to World of Concrete. If you’re in the business, you should be here.”

If you’re in the business, now is the time to start getting out. 2012 will be a year where contractors can get their foot in the door, on the ground floor. It’s only up from there. -- Keith Gribbins, Managing Editor, kgribbins@benjaminmedia.com

Volvo Construction Equipment wants to support asphalt paving contractors by giving one grand prize winner and an associate the opportunity to attend Road Institute. Contractors have the chance to win the Working Iron: Asphalt -- Road Institute Sweepstakes, presented by Volvo Construction Equipment.

Volvo will randomly select one grand prize winner to attend a course offered by the Road Institute. The winner will receive two round-trip tickets with a choice to attend the Chambersburg, Pa., or Phoenix, Ariz., training facility, four days and three nights’ stay, a rental car, a $400 Visa gift card, two Volvo jackets and tuition for two at Road Institute. Plus, the grand prize winner will also receive two free VIP stock car tickets to the May 27 race in Charlotte, N.C. Additional random drawings will also be held in February, March and April for opportunities to win Volvo merchandise.

How to Enter
An entry in the Working Iron: Asphalt — Road Institute Sweepstakes can be made by one of the following three ways:

1. Visit the Volvo Construction Equipment North America Facebook page at facebook.com/volvocena and “Like” the Volvo Construction Equipment fan page. Click on the sweepstakes application tab on the left and submit a completed online entry form as directed.

2. Registered attendees of the World of Asphalt 2012 Show and Conference at the Charlotte, N.C., Convention Center on March 13-15, can visit Volvo Construction Equipment during show hours in booth #1205, to meet their road building experts on site and submit a completed entry form.

3. Visit volvoce.com/sweeps and follow the instructions to submit a completed online entry form.

All entry methods produce the same chance of winning and there is no purchase necessary to enter. The grand prize winner will be selected and notified directly, as well as announced on the Volvo Construction Equipment North American Facebook page on April 10, 2012.

Why Enter?
For 47 years, Road Institute has focused on providing paving contractors, operators, agencies and industry personnel with the link between equipment technology and industry applications. The courses are designed to improve operators’ skills by providing both classroom and hands-on learning experiences throughout the sessions. Don’t own or operate Volvo road machinery? No problem. These industry-based training courses provide information on the equipment used in all stages of the road building process, equipment maintenance, and various applications from experienced and trained instructors -- regardless of the machine you’re operating.

To see the courses offered, find a course schedule, and learn more about Road Institute, please visit roadinstitute.com.

Effective December 31, 2011, Wacker Neuson just announced today that it ended its long standing agreement with Gehl Corp. on December 31, 2011. Wacker Neuson has been the exclusive manufacturer of Gehl and Mustang branded compact excavators and all wheel steer loaders since 1999. Christopher Barnard, president and CEO of Wacker Neuson Corp. stated:

“The termination of the Gehl contract is consistent with our strategy in North America to focus resources and products on the further development of the Wacker Neuson brand for its unique and extensive combined product offering of compact equipment as well as light equipment,” said Barnard. “This increased focus on this broad product range will enhance our ability to better support Wacker Neuson’s extensive North American distribution system.” 

Since 2008, Wacker Neuson’s compact excavators, articulated wheel loaders, all wheel steer wheel loaders and dumpers have been offered through an extensive and growing network of Wacker Neuson independent dealers. Wacker Neuson dealers provide the added value contractors have come to expect from the Wacker Neuson product line and offer complete parts, service and after the sale support.

Wacker Neuson is a global manufacturer of light and compact equipment with over 50 years of leadership in the North American construction equipment market. Wacker Neuson’s competitive and innovative compact equipment line includes compact track and wheeled excavators, articulated and all wheel steer wheel loaders and all wheel dumpers. 

The company is also known for its quality line of light construction equipment that includes rammers, plates, rollers, trowels, screeds, vibrators, rebar cutters, rotary demolition hammers, breakers, saws, pumps, generators, light towers, heaters and dehumidifiers. With its comprehensive portfolio, excellent dealer network and product support, Wacker Neuson can best serve contractors in all areas of the construction, rental, landscape, agricultural, utility, municipal, restoration and homeowner markets.

Buy a sweet Case IH Farmall compact tractor, and you might win a new Dodge Ram truck. As part of its Field of Deals sales event, Case IH is sponsoring a sweepstakes where one lucky grand prize winner will receive a 2012 Ram truck, plus free fuel for one year. Case IH customers and prospects are encouraged to visit their local Case IH dealer and enter for a chance to win.

“Our Field of Deals sales event provides great offers on our full line of Farmall, Puma and Maxxum tractors, as well as balers and windrowers,” says Kyle Russell, senior director of Marketing, Case IH North America. “While checking out the latest equipment at your local Case IH dealer, you also can enter to win a new Ram truck and other prizes.”

Through April 30, U.S. and Canadian Case IH customers can take advantage of many Field of Deals offers and sign up for the sweepstakes.

“Case IH has rolled out a lot of new tractors in the past 12 months,” Russell adds. “Now is a great time to visit your local Case IH dealer and see first-hand our tractors and hay tools designed with the power, efficiency and versatility to provide operators with more comfort and productivity.”

For more information on the Case IH Field of Deals sales event and sweepstakes, including official rules, visit your local Case IH dealer or www.caseihdeals.com.

This year, Vactor Mfg. proudly celebrates 101 years of providing customers around the world with a wide range of material handling equipment. Originally founded in Chicago in 1911 as the Myers-Sherman Co., a manufacturer of pneumatic farm equipment, Vactor Mfg. has evolved to become the industry leader in sewer and catch basin cleaners, industrial vacuum loaders and vacuum excavators featuring innovative technology and custom configurable designs.

With one of the largest and most developed distributor networks in the sewer cleaning industry, Vactor Mfg., a subsidiary of Federal Signal Corp. -- and part of its Environmental Solutions Group -- has more than 50 North American distributors in 100 locations to serve the municipal market, and six factory direct locations for industrial customers.

“Our history began with the design and manufacture of products such as milking machines, feed blenders and mixers, and grain storage and conveying systems,” said Mark Weber, president of Federal Signal Corp.’s Environmental Solutions Group. “The pneumatic conveying systems in these original products provided the impetus for our success as a global leader in the sewer cleaning industry. While Vactor Mfg. has changed and expanded considerably over the years, we remain dedicated to the original spirit of innovation and hard work upon which our business was founded. Our dedication to innovation and service will continue to guide us into our second century of business.”

In the mid-1930s, Myers-Sherman moved its operations from Chicago to the community of Streator, Ill. Years later, in the early 1960s, the company began to design and manufacture a line of sewer and catch basin cleaners for the municipal market to clear clogged sewer lines and catch basins. In 1969, the company engineered the first combination sewer cleaner featuring water jetting and vacuuming. That same year, the company introduced the Vactor Jet Rodder Water Pump, the first pump designed specifically for sewer cleaning.

A decade later, in 1979, Myers-Sherman was purchased by Peabody International, which was then purchased by The Pullman Co. in 1985. The company name then changed to Peabody Myers. By this point, the company exited the agricultural business to focus on the growing sewer cleaning market. In 1989, the company introduced the popular Vactor 2100 Series combination sewer cleaner, which has become the industry standard for the municipal market. To date, the company has sold more than 13,000 sewer cleaners.

The Pullman Company sold to Forstmann, Little & Co., a leverage buyout firm, that sold Peabody Myers to Federal Signal Corp. in 1994. Upon purchase, Peabody Myers was renamed Vactor Mfg. Today, Vactor Mfg’s 170,000-acre facility in Streator is staffed by more than 500 employees.

In 2000, Federal Signal consolidated the manufacturing of its Guzzler brand of industrial vacuum loaders into Vactor’s location in Streator to take advantage of the product synergies and manufacturing economies. Popular Guzzler products include the Guzzler CL, ACE and NX. Today, this brand still enjoys a leadership position in the industrial vacuum loader market.

In addition, Vactor Mfg. also produces vacuum excavators, including the full-sized Vactor HXX hydro-excavator and the compact Vactor HXX Prodigy vacuum excavator. Vacuum excavation uses similar technology as that used to clean sewer lines and catch basins -- high-pressure water and vacuum -- as a non-destructive digging medium for a variety of utility and municipal excavation applications, including slot trenching, potholing, water valve box repair and locating of existing fiber-optic lines, cables and other utilities.

Vactor Mfg. has created a legacy of sound financial performance, employee empowerment, customer-driven innovation and social responsibility that includes a commitment to the community and the environment.

The Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power (CCEFP) is a network of researchers, educators, students and industries working together to transform the fluid power industry -- how it is researched, applied and studied. CCEFP is finding new and innovative ways to teach the next generation of fluid power experts. One of the center’s new projects includes a micro-excavator powered by either water hydraulics or pneumatics, and it’s small enough to fit in a hand-carried storage bin, providing an exciting new platform for increasing understandings of the importance of fluid power.

This innovative learning resource is well-suited for a variety of audiences -- in classrooms, museums and even construction-minded career schools. As one of the CCEFP’s education and outreach projects, the micro-excavator was built and developed under the direction of Professor John Lumkes at Purdue University. His project team has included a number of his engineering undergraduate and graduate students, including: Jose Garcia, now a professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology; high school teachers in Project Lead The Way; and the staff of the Science Museum of Minnesota. The National Fluid Power Association assisted the CCEFP in providing financial support.  

“Based on our extensive field tests with students in and out of school settings, we know that the micro-excavator is an effective hands-on teaching tool that makes it fun to learn about engineering principles while seeing first-hand how fluid power technology works,” reports Professor Lumkes. The accompanying curriculum guide lays out effective strategies for maximizing the teaching power of the micro-excavator. Teachers involved in the project have assured that this curriculum correlates with education standards and outcomes.

Fortunately, it’s easily replicated, too. A complete, working micro-excavator, either water hydraulics or pneumatics, can be built and readied for classrooms and hands-on displays for approximately $800. The kit includes a water pump, necessary power supplies, hardware (nuts, bolts, etc.), cylinders, valves, tubing, fittings, an excavator arm and a storage case. No special assembly tools are needed; the demonstrator is built using common shop tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, hacksaw and drill). A construction manual, bill of materials and curriculum guide for students in grades 8-12 are all posted at the CCEFP website at www.ccefp.org.

Doosan Portable Power has successfully completed its global transition to the final Doosan machine branding from its former Ingersoll Rand brand. The transition is complete for its entire line of Doosan Portable Power equipment, including portable air compressors, mobile generators, portable light towers and light compaction equipment.

“We’re proud to display Doosan branding on our complete product line,” said Dave Stahlman, vice president of global marketing for Doosan Portable Power. “Changing brands can be difficult, and we at Doosan Portable Power saw it as an opportunity to re-evaluate our legacy and brand promise and create an even brighter future. Doosan is focused on driving innovation as we continue to build upon a heritage of the most durable and reliable products on the market.”

Doosan Infracore acquired the Ingersoll Rand Utility Equipment business unit from Ingersoll Rand in 2007 to form Doosan Infracore Portable Power. The Ingersoll Rand brand has been in the forefront of technology, design and manufacturing since the early 1900s. Now with the mark of Doosan, the product line will continue to offer best-in-class reliability and durability, highest quality parts and an industry-leading commitment to service and support.

After the acquisition, Doosan Portable Power continued to incorporate Ingersoll Rand into the machine brand for five years. During the transition period, the equipment designed and manufactured at the Doosan Portable Power global headquarters in Statesville, N.C., carried the same signature attributes and was dual-branded to introduce the change to the Doosan brand. Power-Gen International 2011 marked the first public introduction of the final Doosan equipment brand.

For more information on the new Doosan Portable Power brand, watch this short video. For more information about Doosan Portable Power, please visit www.doosanportablepower.com.

Nonresidential fixed investment increased 1.7 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011 following a revised 15.7 percent increase in the previous quarter according to the Jan. 27 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) report by the Department of Commerce. Nonresidential fixed investment in structures fell 7.2 percent for the quarter after increasing 14.4 percent in the third quarter, and 22.6 percent in the second quarter of last year. Nonresidential fixed investment in equipment and software was up 5.2 percent in the fourth quarter following a 16.2 percent increase in the third quarter.

Residential fixed investment jumped 10.9 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011 after a 1.3 percent increase in the third quarter. Federal government spending fell 7.3 percent in the fourth quarter as national defense spending decreased 12.5 percent and federal nondefense spending increased 4.2 percent. State and local government spending was down for the sixth straight quarter as spending slipped 2.6 percent in the fourth quarter.

Gross domestic purchases -- purchases by U.S. residents of goods and services wherever produced -- increased 2.8 percent in the fourth quarter following an increase of 1.3 percent in the third quarter.

Overall, real GDP increased 2.8 percent in the fourth quarter following a revised 1.8 percent increase in the third quarter of last year.

“The fourth quarter of 2011 was a disappointing one for nonresidential construction structures,” said Associated Builders and Contractors Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “Investment in structures had blossomed during the two previous quarters, expanding 22.6 percent in the second quarter and 14.4 percent in the third quarter. The fourth quarter represented a reversal with investment dipping 7.2 percent.

“While this may be attributable to seasonal factors and not particularly worrisome, another theory is that the slowdown in investment in structures is associated with the soft patch of economic growth that characterized much of last year,” Basu said. “Investment in structures tends to be a lagging economic indicator, which means that the slowdown in economic growth during the first half of last year would be reflected in subsequent data characterizing nonresidential investment.

“Overall, most people will focus on the GDP’s disappointing headline number,” said Basu. “The consensus forecast was for 3 percent growth on an annualized basis during last year’s fourth quarter. While 2.8 percent growth is in the immediate vicinity, the marketplace was certainly hoping for better because the fourth quarter of 2011 was the year’s best, as well as the best performing quarter since the second quarter of 2010.

“It is likely that the consensus forecast would have not been so optimistic had forecasters understood how substantially government outlays have been falling,” Basu said. “State government spending declined for a sixth consecutive quarter, and federal government outlays fell 3 percent for the quarter, adding to the economic malaise that is facing the country.:

To view the previous GDP report, click here.

Subaru equipment lasts a long time. How do we know? The company is willing to offer the first and only five-year warranty on its industrial engines.

“We will not settle. We will always be the first in everything we do, and we will continue to innovative,” said David Frank, Subaru of VP sales and marketing at a World of Concrete press conference. “Our five-year warranty – why is that important? We talked to the rental and construction folks, and ask them how long they’re holding onto equipment, and we found out that people are holding onto equipment about three of fo0ur years.”

After leading the industry as the first to offer a three-year warranty, Subaru is now backing its industrial engines with the industry’s first five-year warranty. Subaru will feature its complete line of industrial engines covered under the new warranty.

“Just as Subaru has always set the benchmarks in engineering, innovation and the design of industrial engines, the company is also an industry-leader in service and support,” Brad Murphy, executive vice-president and COO, said. “The five-year warranty exemplifies our commitment to providing the best engines, and the confidence we have to stand behind them.“

Though the longer coverage period is new, the hassle-free warranty claims program from Subaru remains the same. An easily accessible online form simplifies transactions and minimizes complicated paperwork. Furthermore, Subaru has made a commitment to honor all borderline claims, with the tie always going to the customer.

The new five-year warranty covers authorized dealers’, distributors’ and service centers’ full shop labor rates. Engines in the Subaru product line covered by the five-year warranty include the full line of EX Series, overhead cam engines, which is nine models ranging in horsepower from 4.3 to 14, as well as three EH Series, V-Twin cylinder engines offering from 20.5 to 28 hp. In addition to engines, select lines of Subaru power products are also covered under the new warranty.

For more information, visit www.subarupower.com.

Of course Wacker Neuson has a huge presence at World of Concrete. The global manufacturer of compact construction equipment is displaying all of its concrete tools and compact machinery in Las Vegas right now. Its giant outdoor booth has been busy all week -- especially since it’s hosting the fourth annual Wacker Neuson Trowel Challenge.

But the company doesn’t just hit the major trade shows. Wacker Neuson is traveling all over the country to meet its customers.  At the show, the company announced it will be deploying a customized 53-ft trailer complete with over 70 machines and displays that will cross the country in 2012. Working with local dealers, this traveling trade show will bring Wacker Neuson equipment and jobsite solutions to contractors allowing them to get to know their dealer and Wacker Neuson equipment in a no-pressure environment.

In 1957, Wacker Neuson (then Wacker), started its first On the Road campaign. It was one guy -- Hermann Wacker -- with one product -- the industry’s first rammer -- and one family station wagon -- traveling across the country introducing a new way to improve productivity, one jobsite at a time. Since then Wacker Neuson has invested over 50 years in the USA to create a company and a line of products that continue to help contractors improve the way they do their job. It’s not just the products, but it’s the people, ideas and relationships that make this happen.

In 2012, Wacker Neuson will be On the Road again, but the station wagon is now a 53-ft trailer, decked out with all the latest Wacker Neuson products and jobsite solutions. The one guy is now an extensive dealer network and industry-leading factory trained representatives who can teach contractors time and money saving practices. The On the Road truck will travel across North America to dealer events, setting up a complete trade show in just a few hours. Wacker Neuson and dealer staff will be ready to work with contractors on everything from starting to finishing their next job. Dealers will customize their event by offering local food specialties, used equipment sales, door prices, etc.

Taking from the 1957 playbook, Hermann Wacker knew contractors wanted to see his product first-hand. That philosophy still plays strong for Wacker Neuson and the On the Road truck allows contractors to see and operate the newest equipment in the marketplace.  When the On the Road truck pulls into a nearby dealership, contractors will find new ways of improving job site performance. Plus, building a good business relationship with a local dealer has always provided additional advantages for improved customer service. 

Join the fun. Attending a Wacker Neuson road show could mean winning a door prize, having a great lunch, networking with other contractors and finding great deals on construction equipment all in a no-pressure environment. To find out when the Wacker Neuson On the Road truck will be a dealership near you, visit www.WN-OntheRoad.com