Nouvelles brèves

Une 31e saison pour EDF
Entreprises Desjardins & Fontaine Ltée (EDF) entame sa 31e saison dans la fabrication d’équipement de déneigement. C’est pour commencer la saison hivernale qu’EDF a participé aux Jeux de Neige présentés le 22 août dernier au Mont Saint-Bruno, au sud de Montréal, Québec.

«Cette journée a été un succès étonnant pour nous. Nous avons été très heureux de revoir plusieurs de nos clients, fournisseurs et connaissances», mentionne Guy Desjardins, président. «Nous voulons remercier l’organisation de Jeux de Neige et tous les gens qui sont venus nous rencontrer lors de cette belle journée d’été», ajoute-t-il.

Suite au succès de sa ligne de chasse-neige extensible, EDF a ajouté cette année de nouveaux produits à sa gamme d’équipements de déneigement. L’entreprise de Sainte-Julie, Québec, fabrique maintenant un poussoir qui passe de 2,4 m à 4,3 m (8’ à 14’) avec une hauteur de 1,12 m (44’’) pour répondre à la demande de sa clientèle utilisant des chargeurs articulés. EDF fabrique aussi un poussoir extensible de 3 m à 5,2 m (10’ à 17’) suite aux demandes faites par ses clients.

La clientèle visée pour les chasse-neige extensibles est surtout celle de la machinerie industrielle telle que chargeur et chargeuses-rétrocaveuses et ils sont tout indiqués pour le déneigement de stationnements commerciaux.

Source: Entreprises Desjardins & Fontaine Ltée

 

Location Hewitt annonce l’acquisition de Location Douville
Location Hewitt Inc., filiale de Hewitt Équipement Ltée, est fière d’annoncer l’acquisition de Location Douville à Sainte-Madeleine.

En ajoutant ce magasin, reconnu pour son service à la clientèle depuis plus de 35 ans, la compagnie renforce sa présence dans la région de Saint-Hyacinthe.

Plusieurs nouveaux produits de location tels que la gamme d’équipement Caterpillar pour le terrassement, des boîtes de tranchée, des pompes diesel, des pompes submersibles, des clôtures, des génératrices et une gamme élargie de produits d’élévation s’ajouteront à ceux déjà offerts par Location Douville.

Source: Location Hewitt Inc.

 

Prix Bridgestone des héros canadiens du camionnage
À moins d’un mois de la date limite de mise en candidature pour le Prix Bridgestone des héros canadiens du camionnage, le commanditaire et fondateur du Prix, Bridgestone Canada Inc. (BSCA), invite les membres de l’industrie canadienne du camionnage à agir.

«Nous ne pouvons pas laisser des actes héroïques passer inaperçus», estime Jim West, directeur général des Produits commerciaux de Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions, une division de BSCA.

La date limite est le 30 septembre 2009.

Les candidatures de partout au Canada sont acceptées. Le programme de remise de prix est à la recherche de camionneurs professionnels qui ont transcendé l’appel du devoir pour prêter main-forte à une personne en danger sur la route. Tous les gestes, petits ou grands, sont importants.

Le lauréat de ce prix national recevra un chèque de 3000 $, un trophée commémoratif ainsi qu’un voyage pour deux personnes de deux jours, toutes dépenses payées, à la cérémonie de remise du Prix qui aura lieu à Toronto en novembre, parallèlement à la réunion annuelle de l’Association de camionnage de l’Ontario. BSCA remettra également un don de 3000 $ à l’organisation caritative du choix du gagnant. L’employeur du lauréat et un invité auront également droit à un voyage toutes dépenses payées pour assister à la cérémonie.

Pour soumettre la candidature d’un camionneur professionnel conduisant un camion de 14 roues ou plus ayant fait preuve d’une présence d’esprit, d’une intégrité et d’un courage exceptionnels dans une situation d’urgence, visitez le www.truckhero.ca.

Source: Bridgestone Canada Inc.

 

Lafarge cède ses actifs Ciment, Béton & Granulats au Chili
Lafarge annonce la cession de ses actifs Ciment et Granulats & Béton au Chili au groupe péruvien Brescia, pour une valeur d’entreprise de 555 millions $US, soit 7,4 fois l’EBITDA 2008. Lafarge détient 84% de ces actifs.

Lafarge est présent au Chili dans les activités Ciment et Béton & Granulats depuis 2001 à travers deux sociétés, Lafarge Chile SA et Immobiliaria San Patricio. Les actifs cédés par le Groupe incluent la cimenterie de La Calera, située à environ 100 km de la capitale Santiago et dotée d’une capacité de 1,5 millions t, ainsi que la station de broyage de Puerto Montt dans le sud du pays, d’une capacité totale de 300 000 t. Une seconde station de broyage est actuellement en construction à Ventanas. Lafarge cède également 54 centrales à béton prêt à l’emploi, 5 carrières de granulats ainsi qu’un terminal d’importation et une unité de fabrication de mortier. Lafarge Chile SA et Immobiliaria San Patricio sont des sociétés cotées à la bourse de Santiago.

La cession par Lafarge de sa participation dans ces sociétés devait être effective le 31 août au plus tard, après le lancement de l’offre publique de rachat des minoritaires par l’acheteur pour Lafarge Chile SA. La participation minoritaire de Lafarge dans son activité Plâtre au Chili n’est pas incluse dans cette cession.

Cette opération s’inscrit dans le cadre du programme de désinvestissements de 1 milliard € (1,6 milliard $) en 2009 annoncé précédemment par le Groupe.

Depuis l’annonce de désinvestissement du 4 mai, Lafarge a cédé d’autres actifs dans ses trois activités, notamment des activités d’asphalte au Canada et aux États-Unis, des carrières et sites bétons et granulats en Europe et Amérique du Nord, et la dernière cimenterie détenue en Turquie.

Source: Lafarge

 

JTEKT acquiert l’activité Roulements à aiguilles de Timken
JTEKT Corporation annonçait récemment la signature d’un accord concernant l’acquisition des actifs de l’activité Roulements à aiguilles de The Timken Company. La transaction, qui est évaluée à 330 millions $US après ajustement de la valeur nette des actifs retenus, devrait être conclue d’ici la fin décembre 2009, sous réserve des approbations règlementaires et des conditions contractuelles.

La transaction permettra à JTEKT de conforter sa position de leader mondial dans la production de roulements automobiles et de renforcer considérablement ses activités de fournisseur de roulements aux autres secteurs industriels.

L’activité Roulements à aiguilles fabrique des roulements à aiguilles incluant une large gamme de roulements à aiguilles radiaux et de butées à aiguilles, ainsi que des assemblages de portées de roulements et des aiguilles en vrac pour des applications automobiles ou industrielles. L’équipe de direction actuelle continuera à gérer cette activité dans la phase d’intégration suivant l’acquisition, en attendant que JTEKT détermine la structure optimale de cette activité au sein du groupe.

La position de leader de l’activité Roulements à aiguilles complètera et renforcera la gamme de produits existante de JTEKT. Cette acquisition permettra à JTEKT d’étendre son réseau de production en Asie, aux États-Unis et en Europe afin de fournir les plus importants acteurs globaux dans les secteurs automobiles et industriels.

Source: JTEKT Corporation

 

AAER signe un contrat d’approvisionnement d’éolienne avec les services publics municipaux de Templeton
AAER Inc. annonçait récemment la signature d’un contrat pour la livraison d’une éolienne de 1,65 MW à la Massachusetts Municipal Light Department Wind Energy Cooperative, qui compte parmi ses membres la Templeton Municipal Light and Water Plant située à Baldwinville, Massachusetts.

«Nous sommes heureux d’être le fournisseur de choix parmi tout un groupe de soumissionnaires pour le projet éolien de Templeton, au Massachusetts», explique Dave Gagnon, président et chef de la direction d’AAER. «Nous croyons que notre technologie éolienne permettra de générer environ 10% des besoins annuels en électricité du secteur résidentiel de cette ville.»

La livraison de l’éolienne A-1650 à Templeton est prévue pour le quatrième trimestre de 2009. Le contrat, d’une valeur approximative de 2,8 millions $, inclut une garantie, ainsi qu’une entente de services d’opération et de maintenance d’une durée de cinq ans.

«Nous sommes heureux, à Templeton, de collaborer sur ce projet avec AAER», explique Sean Hamilton, directeur général de Templeton Municipal Light & Water Plant. «Ce projet éolien permettra d’offrir une solution d’énergie propre et renouvelable à nos contribuables.»

Source: AAER Inc.

 

SNC-Lavalin prend une participation dans OAO VNIPIneft
SNC-Lavalin a le plaisir d’annoncer qu’elle a fait l’acquisition de 48% des actions ordinaires d’OAO VNIPIneft (VNP), société d’ingénierie russe, chef de file spécialisé dans le raffinage du pétrole, le traitement du gaz, et les produits pétrochimiques et chimiques.

Fondée en 1929 sous le nom d’Institut de recherche et de conception pour l’industrie du raffinage et de la pétrochimie, OAO VNIPIneft a un personnel d’environ 900 membres basés au siège social de Moscou et à son bureau de Perm, dans l’Oural.

Au cours des 80 dernières années, VNP a effectué la conception de plus de 40 raffineries et projets industriels dans toute la Russie, dans les pays du CEI, en Europe et au Moyen-Orient.

«Nous sommes très heureux de cette acquisition, a déclaré Jean Beaudoin, vice-président directeur du Groupe SNC-Lavalin Inc. responsable de l’ensemble des activités du secteur Produits chimiques et pétrole. SNC-Lavalin réalise des projets en Russie depuis plus de 30 ans; il s’agit pour nous d’un marché clé. Nous avons travaillé en bonne entente avec VNP dans le cadre de nos projets ces dernières années dans la région. Nous avons maintenant hâte d’améliorer davantage notre position stratégique et de devenir un chef de file dans le marché du pétrole et du gaz en Russie, en alliant le savoir-faire de proximité de VNIPIneft à nos capacités mondiales en matière de livraison de grands projets.»

Vladimir Kapustin, directeur général d’OAO VNIPIneft, a pour sa part déclaré : «Nous accueillons avec plaisir notre nouvel actionnaire en espérant que cette nouvelle étape enrichira encore davantage notre collaboration et permettra, d’une part comme de l’autre, de renforcer notre position sur le marché de la Russie et de reprendre notre place sur le marché international des services d’ingénierie.»

Source: Groupe SNC-Lavalin Inc.

 

Canam construira le toit rétractable du stade de baseball des Marlins
Structal-construction métallique lourde, un segment d’affaires de Groupe Canam Inc., situé à Point of Rocks, au Maryland, a décroché de la coentreprise Hunt/Moss un contrat de près de 60 millions $ pour la construction du toit rétractable du nouveau stade de baseball des Marlins de la Floride qui sera situé dans la ville de Miami.

Le contrat comprend les services de conception-ingénierie, dessin détaillé, modélisation des données du bâtiment, gérance du projet ainsi que la fabrication, le montage des composantes d’acier et l’installation du mécanisme d’ouverture du toit rétractable. Le coût pour la construction du stade de baseball est évalué à plus de 500 millions $.

«L’équipe de Structal est fière de se joindre à celle des Marlins pour la construction de ce projet qui portera à 52 le nombre d’installations sportives, dont 19 abritant des équipes de ligues majeures, auxquelles Structal aura collaboré en Amérique du Nord», déclare Luc Pelland, président de Structal. «La reconnaissance de notre expertise et de la valeur ajoutée que nous apportons dans les projets complexes et de grande envergure ainsi que notre engagement à satisfaire la clientèle sont les éléments clés qui nous ont permis de décrocher ce contrat», a indiqué Charlie Watson, président de la division américaine du segment d’affaires.

Il s’agit d’un autre projet que Structal réalisera en collaboration avec Hunt et Moss, ayant déjà participé à la construction du toit de l’aréna BankAtlantic Center, le domicile des Panthers de la Floride, une équipe de la ligue nationale de hockey. L’entreprise a aussi réalisé le stade American Airlines Arena, le domicile de l’équipe de basket-ball Miami Heat de la Floride.

Plusieurs usines de Groupe Canam Inc., particulièrement celles de Saint-Gédéon-de-Beauce, Point of Rocks dans le Maryland et Jacksonville en Floride seront mises à contribution pour la fabrication des composantes d’acier, dont les livraisons débuteront en juillet 2010 pour se terminer au mois de mai de l’année 2011. Quant aux travaux de montage, ils s’échelonneront jusqu’en août 2011.

D’une capacité de 37 000 spectateurs, le Miami Ballpark sera construit dans le quartier Little Havana, sur le site même du Miami Orange Bowl qui a été démoli au début de l’année 2008. Son ouverture est prévue pour la saison 2012.

Source: Groupe Canam Inc.

 

Le train de GNL de Ras Laffan 3 entre en production
Ras Laffan Liquefied Natural Gas Company Limited (3) (Ras Laffan 3) annonçait récemment l’achèvement et le démarrage du train 6 dans la ville industrielle de Ras Laffan au Qatar. Ce projet, une coentreprise de Qatar Petroleum (participation de 70%) et ExxonMobil Ras Laffan (III) Limited (participation de 30%), représente une expansion des installations actuelles de production de GNL exploitées par RasGas Company Limited.

Le train 6 est destiné à produire 7,8 millions t/an, une capacité identique à celle du plus grand train de GNL du monde, lui aussi situé au Qatar. Ces méga-installations peuvent atteindre de façon concurrentielle tous les marchés de la planète. Par ailleurs, Ras Laffan 3 construit également son second train d’une capacité de 7,8 millions t/an, connu sous l’appellation de train 7 et dont le démarrage devrait débuter fin 2009. Les trains 6 et 7 seront approvisionnés en gaz naturel à partir du géant champ Nord du Qatar, qui selon les estimations contient près de 25,50 billions m3 de gaz naturel (1 billion = 1000 milliards).

«Travaillant en partenariat avec Qatar Petroleum, le train 6 de Ras Laffan 3 représente encore un important jalon technologique grâce auquel il sera possible de répondre à la demande mondiale croissante en gaz naturel brûlant sans résidus», a déclaré Neil Duffin, président d’ExxonMobil Development Company. «Des technologies de pointe, de solides compétences en exécution de projets et des économies importantes ont fait baisser le coût de production et de transport du GNL, augmentant ainsi notre capacité à approvisionner en GNL plus de gens à l’échelle internationale.»

Ras Laffan 3 fait partie d’un investissement dans la chaîne de valeur totale qui comprend les installations associées à la production et à la liquéfaction du gaz naturel au Qatar, associé à des investissements par des filiales de Qatar Petroleum et ExxonMobil dans 12 nouveaux navires Q-Flex de GNL de calibre international et dans le terminal de regazéification de GNL de Golden Pass en cours de construction près de Sabine Pass au Texas. Le terminal GNL de Golden Pass, une coentreprise composée de filiales de Qatar Petroleum (70%), ExxonMobil (17,6%) et ConocoPhillips (12,4%), devrait entrer en exploitation en 2010.

Le Qatar est devenu le plus gros producteur de GNL au monde. Par le biais de coentreprises fructueuses avec Qatar Petroleum, ExxonMobil détient au Qatar des intérêts dans 12 trains d’approvisionnement d’importants marchés en Asie, en Europe et en Amérique du Nord en gaz naturel liquéfié. Le train 6 de Ras Laffan 3 est la seconde usine de GNL d’une capacité de 7,8 millions t/an à être mise en production par les coentreprises de Qatar Petroleum et ExxonMobil cette année.

Source: ExxonMobil

 

Le Fonds de stimulation de l’infrastructure à l’oeuvre à l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard
Les gouvernements du Canada et de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard ont annoncé 37 projets qui seront menés dans des localités des quatre coins de la province pour un montant total de 49,2 millions $. Les gouvernements fédéral et provincial vont consacrer, au total, plus de 32,5 millions $ à ces projets.

Par le biais du Plan d’action économique, le gouvernement du Canada accélère et bonifie l’investissement fédéral actuel de 33 milliards $ dans les infrastructures canadiennes en injectant près de 12 milliards $ pour des projets d’infrastructure partout au pays.

Le Plan d’action économique du Canada prévoit un financement supplémentaire de 500 millions $ à l’échelle nationale, pour financer des projets du volet Collectivités qui peuvent être construits au cours des deux prochaines années. De ce montant, le gouvernement du Canada prévoit 2,1 millions $ pour l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard. Le gouvernement de la province s’est engagé, dans son budget, à verser une somme identique à celle du gouvernement fédéral.

Trente-six de ces projets sont financés par le biais du volet Collectivités du Fonds Chantiers et recevront une contribution fédérale-provinciale de plus de 30,3 millions $. Le projet restant sera financé par le biais du financement supplémentaire du volet Collectivités.

Source: Gouvernement de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard

 

Québec autorise le projet minier aurifère Canadian Malartic d’Osisko
Le gouvernement du Québec donne son aval au projet de mine à ciel ouvert de la société minière Osisko à Malartic, au Québec.

Le conseil des ministres a jugé que le projet de la société minière Osisko est acceptable sur le plan environnemental. Toutefois, la compagnie devra se soumettre à certaines conditions.

«Le décret gouvernemental impose à Osisko le respect de plusieurs conditions et la mise en place de mesures d’atténuation, de compensation et de suivi. Le respect de ces conditions et l’application de ces mesures permettront, notamment, de limiter les impacts du projet sur la population, les niveaux de bruit, de poussière et de vibrations, et visent à assurer la qualité des eaux rejetées», a indiqué la ministre du Développement durable, de l’Environnement et des Parcs, Line Beauchamp.

À la suite du feu vert, Osisko aménagera et exploitera une mine d’or d’une capacité d’extraction de quelque 120 000 t/j. Le projet prévoit également la construction d’une usine de traitement du minerai d’une capacité de 55 000 t/j.

«Le projet adhère aux objectifs poursuivis par la Stratégie minérale du Québec, puisqu’il stimulera la croissance économique tout en procurant des emplois de qualité dans le respect de l’environnement et des communautés locales. Osisko utilisera d’ailleurs un parc à résidus existant et recyclera 90% de son eau», a souligné le ministre délégué aux Ressources naturelles et à la Faune, Serge Simard. De son côté, le ministre responsable des Affaires autochtones et de la région de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Pierre Corbeil s’est dit heureux de ce projet pour la région.

Le projet aurifère Canadian Malartic produira d’importantes retombées économiques en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, en raison des investissements évalués à 1 milliard $ que sa réalisation nécessitera. Par ailleurs, il devrait permettre la création de quelque 800 emplois pendant la période de construction et de 465 autres durant la période d’exploitation, qui devrait durer de 10 à 15 ans.»

Le projet a suscité de nombreux débats dans la population, car l’entreprise devra déménager près de 200 maisons et 5 institutions pour construire une fosse d’une superficie de 135 ha. Les travaux de la mine à ciel ouvert s’étendront sur une période de de 18 mois et la mise en service est prévue en 2011.

Source: Gouvernement du Québec

 

Electro-Motive Diesel reconnue entreprise verte par l’UNIFE
La société Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc. est fière d’avoir été reconnue entreprise verte par l’UNIFE lors de son assemblée annuelle qui s’est récemment tenue à Varsovie en Pologne. Electro-Motive a toujours été un fervent partisan des initiatives respectueuses de l’environnement au niveau mondial. Selon Albert Enste, vice-président des ventes et des services internationaux : «Electro-Motive a toujours travaillé vigoureusement à respecter et soutenir toutes les normes environnementales au niveau mondial, car nous savons que pour nos clients et les sociétés qui exploitent nos locomotives, le respect de l’environnement est très important.»

Electro-Motive œuvre pour améliorer les normes environnementales de ses locomotives diesel grâce à des progrès dans la technologie du moteur 710 à deux temps et par l’utilisation de mélanges de biodiesel. Electro-Motive respectait les normes d’émission de phase IIIA de l’Union européenne trois ans avant qu’elles ne deviennent une norme européenne et a été le premier fabricant de locomotive à recevoir cette certification. Electro-Motive est déjà en bonne voie pour atteindre les normes d’émission de phase IIIB de l’Union européenne. Dans le secteur, les locomotives Electro-Motive sont bien connues et réputées pour leur faible niveau de consommation de diesel.

Electro-Motive, grâce à l’utilisation de matériaux avancés pour amortir le bruit, a réduit le niveau sonore de ses locomotives diesel européennes Class 66 pour répondre aux normes acoustiques STI et ce alors qu’aucun autre fabricant de locomotive diesel n’avait essayé de répondre aux normes visant à réduire l’impact sonore des locomotives diesel sur l’environnement.

Fondée en 1922, la société Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc. est basée à LaGrange, Illinois, et possède des installations à London, Ontario.

Source: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.

 

FAYAT acquiert le fabricant de balayeuses RAVO
Le 16 juillet dernier, FAYAT a finalisé le rachat du fabricant hollandais de balayeuses de voieries RAVO au groupe Federal Signal. Avec cette acquisition, le Groupe FAYAT renforce son positionnement sur le marché des balayeuses et complète sa gamme de matériels pour l’entretien et la maintenance des routes.

Depuis plus de 45 ans, RAVO conçoit, produit et commercialise en Europe des balayeuses compactes reconnues pour leur fiabilité. Avec 160 employés, l’entreprise a réalisé un chiffre d’affaires de 36,5 millions € (57 millions $) en 2008. Une fois intégrée, RAVO conservera sa marque et poursuivra en tant que filiale autonome son activité à Alkmaar, aux Pays-Bas.

L’entreprise rejoindra néanmoins la division matériel routier FAYAT. Elle permettra ainsi à l’unité commerciale Environnement du groupe d’offrir une gamme complète en balayage et de disposer d’une présence significative sur le marché européen.

Source: Groupe FAYAT

 

VINCI, concessionnaire de l’autoroute Moscou–Saint Petersbourg
Le groupement North-West Concession Company (NWCC), composé de VINCI Concessions, mandataire, et de ses partenaires russes, vient de signer avec le concédant Rosavtodor, en présence d’Igor Lévitine, Ministre des Transports, le contrat de concession du premier tronçon de l’autoroute à péage Moscou-Saint Petersbourg. 

Le contrat a pour objet la conception, le financement, la construction puis l’exploitation d’un tronçon de 43 km qui permettra de décongestionner l’actuelle liaison M10 entre l’aéroport international de Cheremetievo, principal aéroport de Moscou, et le centre-ville. Le coût de construction de cette section est estimé à environ 1 milliard € (1,5 milliard $).

Le contrat de concession, d’une durée de 30 ans avec une extension possible de 5 ans, entrera en vigueur au premier semestre 2010, après la mise en place du financement suivi des travaux, d’une durée de 36 mois.

Source: VINCI

 

Nouveau distributeur Terex-Atlas en Ontario
Équipements FDS Inc., importateur et distributeur des grues Terex-Atlas, annonçait récemment l’expansion de son réseau de distribution suite à la conclusion d’un accord avec Gin-Cor Industries Inc., de Mattawa, Ontario, une compagnie bien établie dans le domaine du camion.

Grâce au réseau de Gin-Cor, Équipements FDS va renforcer sa présence sur ce marché. Gin-Cor distribue également des bennes basculantes, des épandeuses de fondants et abrasifs et des chasse-neige partout en Ontario.

«Nous avons dû choisir entre plusieurs partenaires et nous sommes convaincus que Gin-Cor nous aidera à renforcer notre position sur le marché de l’Ontario», déclarait Patrick Lapointe, responsable du développement des affaires chez Équipements FDS.

Source: Équipements FDS Inc.

 

Phillips se mérite le Masters of Quality Award de DTNA
Pour la seconde année de suite, Phillips Industries se classe premier aux Masters of Quality Award, les prestigieux prix décernés par Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA). Phillips Industries fournit à DTNA les faisceaux de fils de cabine, le câblage pour les semi-remorques et autres produits connexes.

Phillips a reçu cet honneur pour ses efforts à rencontrer les normes de qualité et faire face aux attentes de DTNA de la part de ses fournisseurs de composantes.

DTNA décerne chaque année ses Masters of Quality Award à ses fournisseurs qui se démarquent lors d’une l’évaluation biannuelle qui comporte plus de 100 critères.

Source: Phillips Industries

Industry News

Babcock & Wilcox Enters New Solar Receiver Market
Babcock & Wilcox Power Generation Group, Inc. (B&W PGG), a major operating unit of The Babcock & Wilcox Company (B&W), has designed, developed and manufactured a tower-mounted steam generation receiver for eSolar’s 5 MW solar thermal power plant in the Antelope Valley region of Southern California. This new product positions B&W to enter the growing market of solar renewable energy. B&W is a major operating subsidiary of McDermott International, Inc.

Based on extensive research and existing steam generation technologies, B&W’s new solar receiver is designed to make more efficient use of sunlight at a commercial size. The B&W solar receiver will sit atop a tower at eSolar’s Sierra SunTower facility. The solar thermal power plant technology utilizes small, flat mirrors which track the sun with high precision and reflect the sun’s heat to B&W’s receiver, which boils water to create steam. This steam powers a traditional turbine and generator to produce clean electricity.

“B&W is continually growing its clean energy portfolio, so this is a very exciting project for us,” said Brandon Bethards, CEO of B&W. “Solar thermal technology is based on B&W’s core technology strengths – heat transfer, superheating steam, and the development and use of advanced designs and materials. We appreciate eSolar’s consideration of our design as they evaluate all their alternatives for their very promising approach to generating clean energy.”

The solar receiver is designed for eSolar’s model for utility-scale concentrated solar thermal power plants. eSolar’s modular solar power projects marry a combination of proprietary software and prefabricated components for cost-effective scalability. eSolar power plants can be built in 46 MW unit solutions located close to existing transmission lines.

B&W’s full-scale demonstration solar receiver was delivered to eSolar in April 2009. Babcock & Wilcox Construction Co., Inc. has been contracted to install the solar receiver, and demonstration of the receiver’s capabilities will take place later this summer.

Source: The Babcock & Wilcox Company

 

Bridgestone Canadian Truck Hero Award
With the nomination deadline less than one month away for the Bridgestone Canadian Truck Hero Award, the award's creator and sponsor Bridgestone Canada Inc. (BSCA) is urging members of the Canadian trucking industry to act.

"We should not let heroic highway acts go unrecognized," said Jim West, general manager, Commercial Products, Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions, a division of BSCA.

The deadline is September 30, 2009.

Nominations can come from anywhere in Canada. The award program looks for trucking professionals who have gone beyond the call of duty to lend a helping hand to someone in need while on the road. All acts, no matter how big or small, are significant.

The recipient of this national award will receive a cheque for $3000, a specially-commissioned trophy and a two-day expense-paid trip for two to the award ceremony in November held in Toronto in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Ontario Trucking Association. BSCA will also make a
$3000 donation to the recipient's charity of choice. The employer of the award recipient, along with a guest, will also receive an expense-paid trip to attend the award ceremony.

To nominate a professional truck driver who operates a truck with 14 wheels or more that has demonstrated courage, quick thinking and integrity in the face of an emergency, visit www.truckhero.ca.

Source: Bridgestone Canada Inc.

 

Lafarge Disposes of Its Cement, Concrete and Aggregates Assets in Chile
Lafarge announces the sale of its Chilean cement, aggregates and concrete assets to the Peruvian  Brescia Group for US$555 million enterprise value, equal to 7.4 times the 2008 EBITDA. Lafarge owns 84% of these assets. The transaction is part of Lafarge's global divestment plan.

Lafarge has been present in the Chilean market with cement, concrete and aggregates activities since 2001 through two entities: Lafarge Chile SA and Immobiliaria San Patricio. The assets sold include the La Calera cement plant, which is located around 100km from the capital Santiago and has capacity of 1,5 million t, along with the Puerto Montt grinding station in southern Chile, which has a total capacity of 300 000 t. A second grinding station is currently being built in Ventanas. Lafarge is also selling 54 ready-mix concrete units, 5 aggregates quarries, an import terminal and a mortar production unit.

Lafarge Chile SA and Immobiliaria San Patricio are listed on the Santiago stock exchange.

The sale of Lafarge's stake in both these entities will be effective on August 31st at the latest, following the launch of the public tender to buy out the minority interests by the buyer for Lafarge Chile SA. Lafarge's minority participation in its Chilean gypsum activities is not included in this sale.

This transaction is part of Lafarge's announced 2009 €1 billion divestment program.

In addition to the divestment announced on May 4, 2009, Lafarge has sold assets in its three business lines, including asphalt activities in Canada and the USA, aggregates and concrete operations in Europe and North America and its last Turkish cement plant.

Source: Lafarge

 

Timken to Sell Needle Roller Bearings Business to JTEKT
The Timken Company recently announced it has signed an agreement to sell the assets of its Needle Roller Bearings business, which primarily serves customers in the automotive original-equipment sector, to Japan’s JTEKT Corporation in a cash transaction. The agreement is subject to customary regulatory approvals and certain closing conditions.

Upon closing, which is expected to occur by the end of 2009, Timken would receive approximately US$330 million in cash for the business, subject to adjustments for working capital. Proceeds from the sale will provide increased liquidity and be used for general company purposes.

“This transaction is a major step forward in our strategy to transform our portfolio to focus on industrial sectors with strong aftermarkets,” said James W. Griffith, Timken president and chief executive officer. “It positions us to concentrate our resources on areas where we can realize mutual value with our customers.”

The Needle Roller Bearings business was part of the broader Torrington acquisition Timken made in 2003. The business has approximately 3400 associates and manufactures highly engineered needle roller bearings, including an extensive range of radial and thrust needle roller bearings, as well as bearing assemblies and loose needles, for automotive and industrial applications.

Source: The Timken Company

 

AAER Signs Turbine Supply Agreement with Templeton Municipal Utilities
AAER Inc. announced recently that it has signed an agreement for the delivery of a 1,65 MW wind turbine to Massachusetts Municipal Light Department Wind Energy Cooperative, comprised in part of Templeton Municipal Light and Water Plant in the town of Baldwinville, Massachusetts.

"We are pleased to be the supplier of choice from among a group of bidders for the Templeton, Massachusetts wind project," said Dave Gagnon, President and CEO of AAER. "We believe that our turbine will be able to generate approximately 10% of the town's annual electricity requirements for the residential segment."

The A-1650 turbine is scheduled for delivery to Templeton during the fourth quarter of 2009. The contract, worth approximately $2.8 million, includes a warranty, and a five years operation and maintenance service agreement.

"Templeton is excited to be working with AAER on this project," said Sean Hamilton, General Manager of Templeton Municipal Light & Water Plant. "This wind project will provide a clean renewable source of energy to our rate payers."

Source: AAER Inc.

 

SNC-Lavalin acquires 48% of OAO VNIPIneft
SNC-Lavalin is pleased to announce that it has purchased 48% of the common shares of OAO VNIPIneft (VNP), a leading Russian engineering company specialized in oil refining, gas processing, petrochemicals and chemicals.

Founded in 1929 as the Research and Design Institute of Oil Refining and Petrochemical Industry, OAO VNIPIneft has approximately 900 employees based at its head office in Moscow and in a branch office in Perm, in the Ural region.

Over the past 80 years VNP has designed over 40 refineries and industrial projects across Russia, the CIS countries, Europe and the Middle East.

"We are delighted with this acquisition," said Jean Beaudoin, executivevice-president, SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. in charge of its global chemicals and petroleum operations. "SNC-Lavalin has been operating in Russia for over 30 years and it is a key market for us. We have worked well with VNP on our projects in the region during the last few years, and we now look forward to further strengthening our strategic position in Russia and to becoming a leader in the oil and gas market in Russia, combining VNIPIneft's local expertise with our global capabilities in delivering large projects."

"We welcome our new shareholder and we hope that this step will further enrich our collaboration and allow us both to strengthen our position in the Russian market and regain our position in the international market of engineering services," said Vladimir Kapustin, director general of OAO VNIPIneft.

Source: SNC-Lavalin Group Inc.

 

Canam Will Build the Retractable Roof of the New Marlins Ballpark
Structal-Heavy Steel Construction, a business unit of Canam Group Inc. located in Point of
Rocks, Maryland, has secured a contract worth close to $60 million from general contractors Hunt/Moss; a joint venture for the construction of the retractable roof of the new Marlins ballpark near downtown Miami in Florida.

This contract includes design-assist, detailing, BIM and project management services, the fabrication and erection of steel components and the installation of the opening mechanism for the retractable roof. The new ballpark will be built at an estimated cost of over $500 million.

"The Structal team is proud to collaborate with the Marlins' team on this construction project, which brings to 52 the number of North American sports facilities Structal has been associated with over the years, 19 of which are home to Major League teams," said Luc Pelland, president of Structal. Charlie Watson, president of Structal's U.S. division, added, "We see our proven expertise, the value we add to complex, large-scale projects as well as our commitment to customer satisfaction as key reasons why we obtained this contract."

Structal will be partnering with Hunt/Moss again. They previously worked on the construction of the roof of the BankAtlantic Center, home to the National Hockey League's Florida Panthers. Structal also built the American Airlines Arena, which is home to the Miami Heat, a professional basketball
team equally based in Florida.

The steel components will be fabricated mainly in Canam Group's Jacksonville, FL, Point of Rocks, MD, and St. Gédéon de Beauce, QC, plants, with deliveries beginning in July 2010 and ending in May 2011. The erection work will be completed in August 2011. The 37 000-seat Miami ballpark will be built in Little Havana, at the site of the now-razed Miami Orange Bowl. It is scheduled to open for the 2012 season.

Structal-Heavy Steel Construction is specialized in major and complex construction projects and also offers design-assist, design-build and project management services.

Hunt Construction Group is one of the top American construction firms and ranks number one in the construction of sports facilities. Moss & Associates is the second largest building contractor in the State of Florida.

In recent years, Structal and Canam Group have been associated with many other stadium construction projects for Major League teams, including the New York Yankees, Mets, Giants, Jets and Red Bulls, the Pittsburgh Penguins, the New England Patriots, the Philadelphia Eagles, the Ottawa Senators and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Structal and Canam Group have also participated in other prestigious construction projects, such as the Newseum in Washington, DC, the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, the Connecticut Convention Center, Edmonton Clinic North in Alberta, the Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort, the Toronto Pearson International Airport, the Montréal-Trudeau International Airport as well as a number of aluminum smelters for Alcan, Péchiney and others.

Canam Group Inc. is an industrial company operating 12 plants specialized in the design and fabrication of construction products and solutions. The company employs close to 2600 people in Canada, the United States, Romania and India, and has partnerships with companies in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and China.

Source: Canam Group Inc.

 

Ras Laffan 3 LNG Train Begins Production
Ras Laffan Liquefied Natural Gas Company Limited (3) (Ras Laffan 3) recently announced the completion and start-up of Train 6 at Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar. The project is a joint venture of Qatar Petroleum (70% interest) and ExxonMobil Ras Laffan (III) Limited (30% interest) and represents an expansion of the existing LNG production facilities operated by RasGas Company Limited.

Train 6 is designed to produce 7,8 million t/y, matching the capacity of the largest LNG train in the world, also located in Qatar. These mega facilities have sufficient scale to competitively reach markets all around the globe. In addition, Ras Laffan 3 is also constructing its second 7,.8 million t/y train, known as Train 7, expected to start-up in late 2009. Both Trains 6 and 7 will be supplied natural gas from Qatar's giant North Field, which is estimated to contain in excess of 25,5 trillion m3 of natural gas.

"Working in partnership with Qatar Petroleum, Ras Laffan 3 Train 6 represents yet another technological milestone that will help supply the growing global demand for clean-burning natural gas," said Neil Duffin, president, ExxonMobil Development Company. "Advanced technologies, strong project execution skills and economies of scale have reduced the cost of producing and transporting LNG, thereby extending our ability to bring LNG to more people around the world."

Ras Laffan 3 is part of a full value-chain investment that includes the facilities associated with natural gas production and liquefaction in Qatar, coupled with investments by affiliates of Qatar Petroleum and ExxonMobil in 12 new world class Q-Flex LNG vessels and the Golden Pass LNG regasification terminal under construction near Sabine Pass, Texas. The Golden Pass LNG terminal is a joint venture consisting of affiliates of Qatar Petroleum (70%), ExxonMobil (17,.6%) and ConocoPhillips (12,4%) and is expected to start up in 2010.

Qatar has become the world's largest LNG supplier. Through successful joint ventures with Qatar Petroleum, ExxonMobil has an interest in 12 trains in Qatar to supply liquefied natural gas to major markets in Asia, Europe and North America. Ras Laffan 3 Train 6 is the second 7,8 million t/y LNG plant brought online by Qatar Petroleum and ExxonMobil joint ventures this year.

Source: ExxonMobil

 

Shovels hit the Ground for the Charlottetown Perimeter Highway
The Honourable Gail Shea, Canada’s Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Member of Parliament for Egmont, and the Honourable Carolyn Bertram, Minister of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour for Prince Edward Island, recently announced that construction on Phase 1 of the Charlottetown Perimeter Highway Expansion will begin on Monday, thanks to a $7,5 million partnership between the governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island.

“Our government is proud to support the construction on the Charlottetown Perimeter Highway, which is not only the largest stimulus infrastructure project in PEI, but is also the first to get underway,” said Minister Shea. “This project is a perfect example of governments working together to address the infrastructure priorities of the Island and get shovels in the ground faster to create jobs and stimulate our economy.”

“The Charlottetown Perimeter Highway is one of the most utilized roadways on Prince Edward Island,” said Minister Bertram. “As Minister responsible for infrastructure, I am pleased to note that this project will foster a growth in the local economy. The Province is pleased to be contributing $3,75 million into Phase 1 of this project; part of our $15,8 million Stimulus Fund investment.”

This project will increase the capacity of the highway by increasing the number of lanes, creating additional turning lanes and realigning on/off ramps as required. Current drainage issues will be addressed through the replacement of a large culvert structure under the highway. Finally, a berm will be constructed to reduce traffic noise in adjacent residential subdivisions. This project is expected to be completed by the end of July 2010.

By addressing the capacity issues of the highway and improving its surface pavement through the elimination of cracks and ruts, the safety of the travelling public will be vastly improved. The increased capacity will ease traffic delays and the improved pavement surface will reduce vehicle wear and traffic noise, while commuters will benefit from reduced fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Total eligible costs for this project are estimated at $7.5 million, making this the largest stimulus infrastructure investment on the Island. The governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island will jointly fund up to $3.75 million each, half of the estimated eligible project costs.

Source: Government of Prince Edward Island

 

Carmanah Launches High Output, Low Cost Solar-Led Marine Lantern
Carmanah Technologies recently introduced the company’s most versatile, cost-effective solar-powered marine lantern to date: the M650 solar-LED marine lantern. Featuring a simple on-board programmable interface, convenient USB connection, replaceable battery pack and intelligent deployment capability, the M650 lantern provides up to four nautical miles of visibility making it ideal for lighting ports, harbors and marinas; marking obstructions and nautical hazards; or illuminating aids to navigation in all types of environments.

Designed for reliable operation in even the most challenging environments, the compact, self-contained M650 lantern features a robust housing designed to endure impacts, vibrations, submersions and temperature extremes in demanding marine environments. Installation is quick and convenient with a secure three-bolt mounting mechanism, and an onboard user interface with numeric display makes set-up easy – whether choosing a flash code, setting intensity levels, checking battery health, or even verifying the lantern’s geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude). A built-in intelligent deployment feature enables the M650 to automatically adjust its optical intensity to suit the solar characteristics of its exact geographic location – an industry first.

Incorporating an efficient optical design and a peak intensity of 44 candela (as defined by the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities [IALA]), the M650 marine lantern includes more than 256 flash patterns, and can be ordered in all IALA (December 2008) marine aid to navigation light colours — green, red, blue, yellow and white – as indicated on each unit by a coloured band on the housing. With no bulbs to wear-out, the LED-equipped M650 can operate maintenance-free for up to five years on a single rechargeable (and recyclable) battery pack – then simply replace the old pack with a fresh one to extend the life of the unit for many more years to come.

As an environmentally responsible alternative, the solar-LED M650 marine lantern is assembled with safe, recyclable materials in strict accordance with the European Union’s guidelines for the Restriction of Hazardous Substances in electronic equipment (RoHS). Long-term durability, reliability and performance are assured by a three-year product warranty. The Carmanah M650 solar-LED marine lantern is available now from Carmanah Technologies.

Source: Carmanah Technologies Corporation

 

Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc is recognized as a Green Company by UNIFE at its Annual Meeting
Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc. (EMD) is proud to be recognized as a Green Company by UNIFE at is annual meeting recently held in Warsaw, Poland. EMD has always been an active supporter of environmentally friendly initiatives worldwide. According to Albert Enste Vice President of International Sales & Service: “EMD has always worked vigorously to meet and support all environmental standards worldwide, as we know that for our customers, and the societies our locomotives operate in being environmentally friendly is very important.”

EMD is always moving forward to improve environmental standards of its diesel locomotives through advancements in the two stroke 710-engine technology, and by the use of Bio-Diesel fuel blends. EMD achieved EU Stage IIIA emission standards three years before it became mandated as a European standard and was the first locomotive producer to receive this certificate, and is well on its way to achieving EU Stage IIIB emission standards. The low level of diesel fuel consumption by EMD locomotives is well known and acknowledged throughout the industry. EMD with the use of advanced dampening material has reduced the noise level of its Class 66 European diesel locomotives to meet TSI Noise standards when no other diesel locomotive manufacturer had attempted to meet the standards to reduce the amount of noise diesel locomotives make on the environment.

Founded in 1922, Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc. is one of two U.S. original equipment manufacturers of diesel-electric locomotives. Headquartered in LaGrange, Illinois, with additional facilities in London, Ontario. EMD designs, manufactures and sells diesel-electric locomotives for all commercial railroad applications and has sold its products in more than 73 countries worldwide.

Source: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.

 

Middle East’s Commercial Vehicles Industry Gets New Focal Point in UAE
The UAE is to position itself as a regional focal point for the commercial vehicles industry in the Middle East, which is aiming for more major growth as the market recovers from the effects of the global economic crisis.

The launch of the region’s first specialized trade event for commercial vehicles in Dubai today came with a powerful endorsement from Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE).
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who enjoys enormous respect within the automotive industry, pledged the full support of the ATCUAE for Commercial Vehicles Middle East and said he expects the new trade event to help deliver more major growth for the industry in the region. 

“This is already a thriving business in the Middle East, and all the signs point to a great deal of expansion over the next few years as the market recovers from the economic crisis and more manufacturers start production here,” he said.
The UAE’s commercial vehicles market grew by 38,5% between 2000 and 2005 and between 2007 and 2008 some regional distributors saw sales triple.

“The commercial vehicles industry demands its own specialist regional showcase, and the ATCUAE is eager to actively support an event which will bring together the industry’s key players and lay the foundations for more growth.”
Taking place from March 9-11, 2010 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Commercial Vehicles Middle East is organized by Streamline Marketing Group in association with Reed Exhibitions, one of the world’s largest exhibition organizers.

While the event is still eight months away it has already attracted confirmed participation from leading commercial vehicles manufacturers including Hino, BMC and Temsa.

Commercial Vehicles Middle East covers all types of heavy and light commercial vehicles, special vehicles, vehicle attachments, accessories, maintenance and repair services. It will bring together decision-makers from every sector of the region’s road transport business, such as freight and logistics, emergency services, security, construction, public transport and public works.

The UAE is at the center of regional growth in the commercial vehicles sector, largely due to the country’s expanding public transport requirements. Two months ago Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced a US$517,7 million deal for 518 buses to act as a feeder network for the Dubai Metro, while in April, the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport announced that it will add an additional 500 buses to its fleet by the end of this year.

Commercial Vehicles Middle East will feature an international conference, specialized seminars and workshops, an indoor vehicle display area and an exhibition featuring a comprehensive range of products and services from around 100 manufacturers. The event is expected to attract more than 8000 visitors, including key officials from regional transport authorities and other government departments.

Source: Commercial Vehicles Middle East

 

Biofuel Leader Qteros Achieves Major Breakthrough in Performance of Its Q Microbe Process
Massachusetts-based biofuel company Qteros, whose breakthrough Q Microbe™ technology turns biomass into cellulosic ethanol, recently announced at an industry conference in Montreal, Quebec, that it has achieved unprecedented laboratory results in the performance of its proprietary, game-changing technology known as “C3” (Complete Cellulosic Conversion).

For the past several months, Qteros has been achieving major breakthroughs in the performance and scalability of its unique microbial process for producing cellulosic ethanol. Company scientists have reconfirmed their results and announced publicly that the Q Microbe™ process has demonstrated world-class ethanol outputs of 70 g/l (9% by volume) in a single-step process on an industrially pre-treated biomass feedstock.

These unprecedented yield results far surpass the 50 g/l considered to be the threshold for commercial production of cellulosic ethanol. Coupled with the previously observed bioconversion yields of greater than 90%, they make the Qteros method of producing ethanol more economical than any other process to date.

Dr. Sue Leschine, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst microbiologist who first discovered the Q Microbe™ near the Quabbin Reservoir in central Massachusetts, announced the breakthrough today at the World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioprocessing in Montreal, sponsored by the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO).

“We knew from the beginning that the Q Microbe™ was an extraordinary microorganism,” Dr. Leschine said. “These results confirm what we predicted: Qteros and the Q Microbe™ can make cellulosic ethanol a commercial reality.”
“In the last year alone, the Qteros scale-up team led by Dr. Sarad Parekh has increased ethanol titers by a factor of five,” said Qteros president and CEO Dr. William Frey. “We are now closer than ever to bringing clean, renewable cellulosic fuel to market at a price competitive with gasoline.”

Although Qteros achieved these outstanding ethanol outputs with a non-genetically engineered strain of the Q Microbe™, the company expects to capture further improvements by taking advantage of ongoing efforts in molecular genetics and strain development.

Qteros is a biotechnology company applying its discovery of the Q Microbe™ to produce clean transportation fuels at a price competitive with gasoline, using plant waste. Qteros has been funded by BP, Valero, Soros Quantum Fund, Battery Ventures, and Venrock, among others, to achieve a sustainable solution to the world’s growing energy needs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Source: Qteros

 

High-Schooler Breakthrough in Cloud Seeding Technology Earns Trip to International Competition
Mary Yiyue Zhao represented Canada in August at the prestigious International Stockholm Junior Water Prize competition held during the 2009 World Water Week in Stockholm, August 16-22. In all, national winners from 30 countries competed for the honor, which included US$5000 and a blue crystal sculpture in the shape of a water droplet. The finalists were the winners of over 30 national Stockholm Junior Water Prize contests, which fielded a record 3500 submitted projects worldwide in 2009.

Ms. Zhao’s project, Grasping water, is a novel method to make rain using an Ice Nucleating Protein. Cloud seeding using silver iodide can induce precipitation in dry regions. Unfortunately, use of the iodide can lead to excessive silver in the soil which damages the health of microorganisms.

Yiyue Zhao explored an environmentally friendly and commercial viable alternative to silver iodide: the Ice Nucleating Protein (INP) of the bacteria Pseudomonas syringae. The results of her research could have major implications on the use of cloud seeding to alleviate drought and clear smog.

Competing projects were displayed at the World Water Week exhibition hall, where each finalist were interviewed by a committee of international water experts. The Prize was presented to the winner, 18-year-old Ceren Burçak Dag of Nisantasi, Turkey, during a ceremony held in the Stockholm International Fairs and Conference Center.

This year marked the 13th year for the international Stockholm Junior Water Prize program.

The Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) administers the competition, which is sponsored globally by ITT Corporation. H.R.H. Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden is the Patron of the Stockholm Junior Water Prize.

Source: The Stockholm International Water Institute

 

Bridgestone is Dedicated to the Environment
Bridgestone Corporation, on behalf of its worldwide family of companies, recently announced the launch of its renewed Bridgestone Group “Environmental Mission Statement”. The Environmental Mission Statement refines and further develops the “Environmental Policy Statement” formally issued in 2002 and reaffirms Bridgestone’s commitment to environmental stewardship as stated in the Company’s Environmental Philosophy: “To help ensure a healthy environment for current and future generations.”

The renewed Environmental Mission Statement is comprised of two intertwined area of focus – “Three Areas of Environmental Progress” and “Two Core Strategies for Growth” – that guide the Bridgestone Group’s environmental management activities.

Using the Environmental Mission Statement as its unifying guide, going forward the Bridgestone Group will take further positive steps to enhance environmental management throughout its businesses. Three areas are identified for environmental progress. The first two – “Operations” and “Products and Services” – encompass the Group’s business activities, and include energy and natural resource efficiency through product design, manufacturing and delivery. The third area, “Community Activities,” includes a wide variety of efforts such as engaging in community-based wildlife habitat improvements and environmental education, as well as helping drivers improve fuel mileage. The two core strategies, enhancing environmental communication and the Group’s Total Environmental Advanced Management System (TEAMS), create the foundation on which the Group will carry out its environmental activities in these three areas.

One of the missions the Bridgestone Group has set for itself in its corporate philosophy was “to contribute to the conservation of the environment.” The Group has long positioned environmental management activities as an important focus item, and it has been decisively implementing initiatives and programs in support of this mission.

Source: The Bridgestone Group

 

Pure Technologies Ltd. Announces Acquisition of Jason Consultants
Pure Technologies Ltd., TSX-V: PUR, announced recently that it entered into an agreement in principle to purchase the operating subsidiaries of Jason Consultants Group Ltd.

Jason Consultants is a specialist consultancy focused on underground infrastructure engineering and technology.
The transaction is expected to close within the next month, subject to the execution of a sale and purchase agreement.

Founded in 1979, Jason Consultants provides its clients with world-class expertise in the inspection, assessment and rehabilitation of water and wastewater pipelines; trenchless technology; and related underground infrastructure fields. Jason has been recognized every year since 2002 as one of the Top 50 Design Firms in this sector by Trenchless Technology Magazine. Jason Consultants has offices in London, Geneva, and Washington D.C.

The business will continue to operate as Jason Consultants Group, and together with Price Brothers (U.K.) Ltd. and Openaka Inc., will form part of Pure’s specialist engineering services group.

Source: Pure Technologies Ltd.

 

Hertz Acquires Irving Industrial Rentals
Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. announced that Matthews Equipment Limited, Hertz’s Canadian equipment rental subsidiary, has acquired assets of the equipment rental business conducted by J.D. Irving, Limited under the name Irving Industrial Rentals, one of Atlantic Canada’s leading industrial equipment rental companies in New Brunswick.
This acquisition will significantly boost Matthews’ established presence in New Brunswick.

Source: The Hertz Corporation

 

EllisDon’s Bankers Court Project Achieves LEED® Gold Certification
EllisDon’s Bankers Court has received LEED® Core and Shell Gold certification with the USGBC. EllisDon was the Construction manager for the office tower, which was completed in July of 2009. The building achieved 38 LEED credits during the final review process, and Gold level certification was announced July 30th, 2009.

Bankers Court was the most recent addition to the Bankers Hall complex, located in the heart of Calgary’s business district. Bankers Court is the first LEED CS certified office tower in the city, at any level. This building is the third EllisDon building to receive LEED certification, with several more under construction pending certification at various levels.

“The project initially was targeting a Silver level certification”, says Kim Rishel, EllisDon’s Manager of Sustainable Building Services for Western Canada, “but with the hard work of a great construction team and all parties involved we achieved a Gold certification.”

The design of the building incorporated many “green” features that helped it attain LEED CS Gold certification. One of these is the triple glazed curtain wall that wraps the whole structure which, with a high proportion of vision panel glazing, permits ample natural light. Aside to contributing to the comfort of the occupants, the glazing also helps to reduce the environmental and economic impacts associated with excessive energy use. In addition to the glazing, the building has many other features including high efficiency chillers, condensing boilers, and low flow plumbing fixtures, all of which work towards it becoming a sustainable structure.

EllisDon’s partners on the project included the firm Cohos Evamy who acted as the LEED Consultant. In addition to this firm, the project also had consultants for mechanical (Emans Smith Anderson Engineering Ltd.), electrical (Mulvey+Banani) and commissioning (agent RSR Engineering Services Inc.).

Source: EllisDon Corporation

 

FDS Extends Its Distribution Channel Into Ontario
Équipements FDS Inc., the leading distributor of Terex-Atlas cranes, recently announced they have extended their distribution channel through a new agreement with Gin-Cor Industries Inc., a well established company in custom vocational trucks, based in Mattawa, Ontario.

Effective immediately, the agreement entitles Gin-Cor the rights to resell Terex-Atlas cranes, in the province. Through Gin-Cor‘s network, FDS will be able to strengthen its presence in the Ontario market. Gin-Cor presently distributes dump bodies, sand/salt spreaders and snowplows.

“Gin-Cor Industries’ network will definitely provide us with the market penetration needed to reach our full sales potential. Équipements FDS Inc. has considered many distribution partners and we are confident that Gin-Cor Industries’ values will help us leverage our position in the Ontario market,” said Patrick Lapointe, Business Development manager at Équipements FDS Inc.

The popular Terex-Atlas cranes have been distributed in Eastern Canada for over 35 years. They are reknowned for their quality and high degree of productivity.

Équipements FDS Inc., based in Terrebonne, Quebec, currently serves over 600 clients in Eastern Canada and employs 26 people. The company has won numerous awards with its Terex-Atlas cranes.

Source: Équipements FDS Inc.


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