Terex targets compact dealers
Capitalizing on last year’s acquisition of compact track loader manufacturer ASV, Terex is creating a distribution network specifically for its compact lineup, which includes compact excavators, wheel loaders, backhoes, utility vehicles, site dumpers, asphalt rollers, light towers, material lifts, power buggies and telehandlers.
According to Hannah Tanata, product marketing manager for Terex/ASV, the network envisioned will include existing Terex and former ASV dealers who sign up for the compact line, plus new-to-Terex dealers.
Top markets on Terex’s hit list for the compact market are construction and landscaping, along with scrap, waste and demolition, forestry and agriculture, government and energy.
Tanata says the network should be in place by the end of 2009, when Terex will also drop the “ASV” from its division name. The company has already eliminated ASV from its compact track loader, and will only produce the yellow legacy ASV loaders for remaining ASV-only dealers through the end of this year.
– Marcia Gruver
New lead exposure rules
If the current economy has you accepting projects that are out of your usual bread and butter expertise, take note of the new EPA rule.
Contractors doing renovation or repair jobs on residential (rental and non-rental) homes, public and commercial buildings where children under the age of six are present on a regular basis must now take steps to reduce potential exposure to dangerous levels of lead during renovation and repair. Requirements under the rules include implementing lead-safe work practices and certification and training for contractors and maintenance professionals working in pre-1978 facilities.
As of December 2008, new EPA regulations require contractors to distribute EPA’s lead pamphlet, “Renovate Right,” or post informational signs that describe the nature, locations and dates of the project before starting work. Confirmation of receipt of the lead pamphlet by the owner or occupants must be retained for three years.
Beginning April 22, 2009, training providers can start applying for accreditation and, once accredited, start training contractors to become certified. In October 2009, companies may begin applying to the EPA for certification. After April 22, 2010, all companies performing renovation work where lead paint may be found must be certified and have trained and certified renovators directing the project.
For more information, you can download the EPA’s contractor handbook at www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/sbcomplianceguide.pdf.
– Georgia Krause
Intermat opens its doors April 20-25
Intermat is offering customized, guided tours to help international visitors get the most out of the Paris, France, construction equipment trade show. For example, the show’s Road Construction package includes participation on the two-day symposium on sustainable roads, a tour of the exhibition and a visit with European road builders and a formal lunch for the international delegations.
In addition, the show will feature special events for selected industries, such as lifting and handling; mines and quarries; and equipment, components and accessories.
Hire A Hero creates new program to help job-seeking veterans
Hire A Hero, a not-for-profit on-line community run by the Armed Sources Support Federation for job-seeking military veterans, has partnered with Veterans Resource, an organization that specializes in treating combat stress, to offer a transition assistance program for returning service members.
All military members are required to take and pass an exit test before leaving service, but according to a survey conducted by Hire A Hero, 706 out of 927 respondents would like more job search assistance after they have been released.
“Members may learn a little while taking the class, but they’re looking forward to spending time with their families and it’s hard to focus at that point,” says Rob Barr, executive director, Hire A Hero.
Through its partnership with Veterans Resource, Hire A Hero plans to offer a social network support system so veterans can gain additional career and civilian life advice once they return home. In addition to the extended transition program, Hire A Hero will work with Veterans Resource liaisons to diagnose those with post-traumatic stress disorder.
“Military members are more likely to suffer from PTSD if they don’t have someone to talk to when they return home. Each veteran enrolled in the transition program will have an assigned social networker, who will ask specific questions and administer eye movement desensitization and reprocessing tests to determine whether or not the military member is suffering from PTSD,” Barr explains. If a veteran has PTSD, they will get assistance from Veterans Resource to receive treatment.
“We hope by offering this new service, employers will be more likely to hire and retain veterans,” Barr says. “A lot of people don’t have jobs right now and many don’t have programs for learning how to network. We want to teach veterans how to get the jobs they want and get back in society.”
– Barbara Cox
3M launches grant program
State and local governments can reduce road sign replacement costs through a new program launched by 3M Traffic Safety Systems. The program, which runs through November 30, offers one-time grants applied to the purchase of reflective sheeting that will enable agencies to meet the latest federal retroreflectivity standards set by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
The FHWA standards require state and local agencies to assess their road signs and develop a replacement plan for non-compliant signs within four years. Non-compliant warning and regulatory signs must be replaced within seven years, and guide and street name signs within 10 years.
Only one grant is available per agency, and must be used within 90 days of the grant award date. 3M estimates a savings of between 30 and 50 percent, depending on the amount and type of sheeting purchased. For more information on the program guidelines or to apply for a grant, visit www.3MSignGrants.com.
– Adam Giannini
