October 2014 news
Atlas Copco Adds Support for Rental Channel
Atlas Copco has added 18 sales personnel to provide local expertise and support to its rental customer base. In addition to creating a local point of contact, the new sales staff helps rental centers find the right equipment to maximize fleet utilization and acts as a resource for customers by helping to arrange comprehensive financing, and providing maintenance tips and product training.
Terex Construction Appoints New VP General Manager
Terex Construction announces the appointment of Gary Dennis as Vice President and General Manager of Terex Construction Americas and Global Aftermarket. In support of Terex Construction’s continued focus on customer responsiveness and process improvement, Dennis will work with the company’s teams in Southaven, Miss. and Rothenburg, Germany to ensure that Terex Construction Americas is well-positioned to meet market demands and is focused on continuous improvement.
Toro to Acquire BOSS Snow Equipment
The Toro Company announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the BOSS professional snow and ice management business of privately-held Northern Star Industries, Inc. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and currently is expected to close during Toro’s fiscal 2015 first quarter.
New Job Site Vehicle Works to Improve
Power, Performance, Productivity
by Mike Martin
In the outdoor demonstration area at last week’s GIE+Expo in Lousiville, landscapers, hardscapers and other equipment owners had the opportunity to give Gravely’s new “JSV” – Job Site Vehicle – a quick turn around a track to test its handling, and then test its muscle by pulling a trailer and 1-ton load around another short track. The objective, according to JW Washington, regional manager for Ariens Company, was to let potential users see why the company went bigger and stronger with its entry into the growing ‘work horse’ utility vehicle market.
Growth Projected for Propane Power
After 'Coming Out Year'
by Mike Martin
Last year was propane’s “coming out year,” says Jeremy Wishart, Deputy Director of Business Development for PERC, the Propane Education & Research Council. He characterizes the year that way not because propane-powered equipment debuted, but because propane powerplants are now recognized as a viable, economical alternative to landscapers, contractors and rental centers.
JLG Showcases New Training Center
Last week JLG showed off it's sparkling new training center to a group of construction and rental media journalists and local newspaper editors. The new facility, located at the company headquarters in McConnellsburg, PA, covers more than 17,000 sq ft, with 7,000 sq ft of classroom, dining and office space, 10,000 sq ft of spotless service bays, with a 4-acre proving ground right outside the shop doors. The high-tech structure has enough wi-fi power to allow 250 devices to access the service. An impressive simulator, which "operates" a JLG boom lift and telehandler, is remotely accessible to registered students, as well as those in the training center.
United Rentals Q3 Revenue Up 15.6%
United Rentals revenue for their fiscal third quarter increased 15.6% year-over-year. National Pump, acquired in April of this year, numbers are included in their report. You can find their press release here. Some highlights:
September New Housing Starts Up, Builder Confidence Is Not
If nothing else, recent data seems to reflect the ongoing mixed signals from the housing market. According to U.S. Census Data privately-owned housing units were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,018,000, which is 1.5 %above the revised August, 2.5% above September 2013. Meanwhile, from it's forward-looking survey of builders, confidence dropped five points.
Hyundai Adds J. Gross Equipment As Dealer
Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas, Inc., announces the appointment of J. Gross Equipment to its dealer network. J. Gross Equipment will provide sales and service of Hyundai equipment from their dealership location in Aberdeen, South Dakota.
ABLE Features PinkJLG Boom for Cancer Awareness
ABLE Equipment Rental and the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) are pleased to announce their partnership through the use of ABLE's, Reaching Higher To End Breast Cancer pink construction boom.
Takeuchi Adds Dealer In South Carolina
Takeuchi has announced Bennett Equipment & Supply. Co. as their newest dealer in South Carolina. Located in Piedmont S.C., they will carry the full line of Takeuchi compact earthmoving equipment, including compact excavators, compact track loaders, compact wheel loaders and skid steer loaders.
Dodge Momentum Index Dips in September
The Dodge Momentum Index fell in September, dropping to 115.8 (2000=100) for the month, down 0.7% from August’s reading of 116.6 according to McGraw Hill Construction, a division of McGraw Hill Financial.
More Contractors to Serve? Construction Employers Add 16,000 Jobs
Construction employers added 16,000 jobs and the sector's unemployment rate fell to 7%, the lowest rate for September in years, according to an analysis released by the Associated General Contractors of America.
NAHB Highlights State of Housing Economy - In Just 10 Slides
The NAHB has an updated SlideShare presentation that's worth a quick read. With all of the data and information available, and at least the sense that the market is still trying to find a direction, you can spend a few minutes on this presentation and get an overview on new home sales, inventory and other data. With the impact residential construction can have on your contractor customers, this provide interesting perspective. Click on the slide below to find the presentation.
Construction Employment, Spending Increase Year-on-Year
Construction employment expanded in 220 metro areas, declined in 73 and was stagnant in 46 between August 2013 and August 2014, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials added that construction spending climbed to $961 billion from $915.3 billion between August 2013 and August 2014, a 5 percent increase, according to federal data also released today.
Generac Acquires MAC
Generac, known for its power generation equipment and other engine powered products, announced that it has required MAC, a manufacturer of commercial and industrial mobile heaters within the U.S. and Canada. MAC primarily serves the oil-and-gas and construction markets through national equipment rental companies and independent dealers.
New SW Regional Product Manger for Takeuchi
Takeuchi-US has appointed Sam Schneider as Regional Product Manager, responsible for all development and activity for equipment sales in the company's Southwest region. His primary responsibilities include product training for dealer sales staff, assisting with equipment demonstrations, interaction with end users, and supporting efforts in retailing, training, and growing the Takeuchi business.
PERC Doubles Propane Mower Incentive
Beginning this month if you add a propane-powered mower to your rental fleet, PERC (Propane Education and Research Council) is offering a $2,000 incentive. The program runs thorugh Dec. 31, 2014.
August Highlights From the Rouse Rental Report
Used equipment prices dropped very slightly, auction sales dropped below July levels while achieved rental rates tracked by Rouse Services increased, according to the company's review of its most recent data.
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