SOLARTECH DEVELOPS PIONEERING PHOTOVOLTAIC CAR PORT SYSTEM FOR WALTHAM FOREST COUNCIL

SolarTech Ltd, one the UK’s leading renewable energy specialists, has designed and installed an innovative new photovoltaic (PV) carport system for Waltham Forest Council, thought to be one of the first of its kind to be used to generate electricity by a Borough Council.

The bespoke system of mono and dual wing cantilever solar carports was specially designed for the Council staff car park adjacent to Juniper House in Walthamstow, as there was insufficient space to accommodate a conventional PV system on the roof of the building.

Not only do the solar carports provide cover for 17 vehicles, without any reduction of the existing car parking space, but the 27kWp PV arrays can also generate approximately 21,600 kWh worth of solar energy per year. This can be used to provide free electricity for the Council office buildings, whilst generating a significant income from the Government’s “Feed-in tariff” scheme that pays an enhanced rate for this electricity (even if it is used by the Council).

There is also the option of integrated electric car chargers, which could help encourage the use of electric vehicles in the future.

As principal contractor, SolarTech was responsible for the delivery of the bespoke designs, including structural calculations and planning applications, through to fabrication, supply and installation of the arrays, all of which were completed within a limited five week time frame. The company is also providing a maintenance contract.

“This is a highly innovative and cost effective solution, which has made the most of our available space to produce renewable energy on-site, whilst helping reduce CO2 emissions, and demonstrating the Council’s ongoing commitment to a greener future through investment in renewable technologies,” said Trevor Brown, Project Coordinator for Waltham Forest Council.

SolarTech has also delivered a number of conventional solar PV arrays for the rooftops of the surrounding civic buildings in support of the Council’s ongoing strategy to provide energy from renewable sources across the Borough.

“Our ‘Sola-Port’ solar car ports are an excellent investment for local Councils, or anywhere that offers extensive car parking facilities, as they supply free solar electricity, as well as earning additional income from the Government’s feed in tariff scheme, which can then be reinvested into projects for the benefit of the community,” said Shaun Taylor, managing director of SolarTech.

SolarTech has extensive experience of working with both public and private sector organisations. The company offers a wide choice of renewable technology solutions from photovoltaic (PV) electricity, including solar car port options, solar hot water, through to biomass, ground and air source heat pumps and wind power, which can be fully integrated and tailored to meet the specific needs of clients and individual projects.

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ACOUSTIC TESTING - PRACTICAL HELP FROM CHILTERN DYNAMICS

ACOUSTIC testing of building products is fast becoming key to planning and design to meet both regulatory and customer requirements.

To meet the construction industry’s needs, Chiltern Dynamics, part of the BM TRADA Group,
has produced a free Technical Information Sheet outlining current requirements, benefits and processes of acoustic testing and common problems areas to consider before testing.

Paul Andrews, Head of Mechanical Testing at Chiltern Dynamics, said: “Noise is an important element in all kinds of planning projects, be they multi-occupancy buildings or developments close to roads, railways etc. Environmental impact assessments may show that external influences mean buildings will need higher levels of sound insulation. Buyers, both residential and commercial, are increasingly likely to consider noise factors, and products proven to provide a specified level of sound insulation will have the commercial edge over those which cannot.”

Evidence of acoustic performance over and above the minimum requirements is increasingly being required to meet wider sustainability initiatives, such as the Code for Sustainable Homes or BREEAM.

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APS RECOGNIZES KONECRANES NUCLEAR EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES AS AN OUTSTANDING BUSINESS PARTNER

On May 17, 2012, Arizona Public Service (APS) recognized Konecranes Nuclear Equipment & Services, LLC along with five other suppliers, for going above and beyond what is expected as a business partner.

SPRINGFIELD, OHIO – APS, Arizona’s largest and longest-serving electricity utility, serves more than 1.1 million customers in Arizona. Providing safe, reliable and affordable electricity to customers across more than 34,000 square miles takes considerable resources. APS requires business partners who can supply equipment, deliver and produce materials and share expertise across a variety of industries.

APS recognized six suppliers; one company for each of its supply chain categories: Corporate Services, Energy Delivery and Facilities Services, Generation Services, Information Technology, Major Equipment and Materials.

“Through their actions, these companies have demonstrated a dedication to customer service and a commitment to providing additional value to their relationship with APS,” said Barbara Gomez, APS Vice President of Supply Chain Management. “We would like to see our other business partners emulate the actions taken by our six award winners. Our customers directly benefit from the great relationships we have with these suppliers and the value they provide.”

Konecranes was recognized in the category of Major Equipment for expertise in the design, engineering, purchasing of materials and the safe replacement of a polar crane trolley at the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station. The work was done on schedule and on budget despite short notice and a small time frame to complete the job.

Nominated for the award by APS employees, Konecranes was evaluated not only for its customer service, but for their support of APS’s values including: showing a commitment to sustainability; being actively involved in the community; and focusing on health, safety and environmental concerns.

Konecranes relationship with APS will continue. In May 2011, Konecranes was awarded a contract to modernize three existing 225/35 ton polar cranes at the APS, Palo Verde Nuclear Generation Station. The first crane will be installed in the fall of 2014 and the last in June 2015.

“A key motivation for APS to modernize the cranes at the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station is to improve the safety and reliability of their aged lifting equipment by implementing the latest Konecranes SUPERSAFETM patented single-failure proof technology,” says Steve Waisanen, Head of Business Unit Nuclear at Konecranes.

About Konecranes Nuclear Equipment & Services LLC
Konecranes Nuclear Equipment & Services LLC (formerly part of Morris Material Handling, Inc., the original manufacturer of P&H equipment) provides a full range of nuclear services and regulatory-approved overhead lifting equipment for nuclear power plants throughout the world for all types of nuclear lifting equipment including, polar reactor and BWR cranes, spent fuel handling cranes, nuclear dry cask transporters, manipulator cranes, fuel handling equipment, robotic cranes, radiation waste cranes, containment jib outage support cranes and missile shield cranes.

About Konecranes
Konecranes is a world-leading group of Lifting Businesses™, serving a broad range of customers, including manufacturing and process industries, shipyards, ports and terminals. Konecranes provides productivity-enhancing lifting solutions as well as services for lifting equipment and machine tools of all makes.

In 2011, Group sales totalled EUR 1,896 million. The Group has 11,700 employees at 609 locations in 47 countries. Konecranes is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki (symbol: KCR1V).

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ISG Delivers Luxury Hampstead Home

‘Mansfield House’ takes its name from the original residence, which was demolished a number of years ago. The base build for the new property was carried out by a different contractor, with ISG then brought in to make structural modifications to the internal layout and complete a wide-ranging fit out from shell. ISG worked closely with the Project Manager Jackson Rowe, Architect, Garnett & Partners and prominent Interior Designer, Tim Gosling, to realise the client’s vision, which was based on the grandeur of the SS Normandie, an art-deco classic.

The extensive fit out requirements included a complex control system with lighting, AV and radio systems in every room connected through a central building management system and controlled via a remote control touchscreen interface. ISG also installed a climate control system throughout the property as well as a passenger lift. In the basement, a large heated swimming pool was created, alongside a lounge area, high specification cinema, a games room and staff quarters.

The exceptionally high specification of the fit out included eglomise mirrored panels, gilded coffer ceilings and black and gold marble flooring, with the contractor also installing luxury fittings and joinery elements throughout the property, including a bespoke kitchen and a custom-made, unique chandelier designed by lighting specialist Sharon Marston. Externally, ISG was responsible for all hard and soft landscaping, including the installation of a feature copper water fountain in the garden area.

Grahame Roberts, divisional managing director of ISG Fit Out, commented: “Taking on a project from another contractor can be challenging, but our experience in the luxury homes sector meant that we were quickly able to take charge of the scheme and complete the remodelling and fit out works to the very highest standards. In a bespoke, £multi-million home, achieving an outstanding quality of fit and finish is our core priority and Mansfield House is an excellent example of our craftsmanship and rigorous attention to detail.”

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Barbour ABI’s Q2 Construction Analysis Report Is Out Now!

Barbour ABI has just published Construction Review – it’s our quarterly industry analysis, which highlights key building projects, the best performing industry sectors (based on contract awarded) and everything you need to know about construction activity between April to June 2012.

Construction Review is a must read for key construction industry professionals. Quarter 4 begins with leading stories from two key figures within the construction community; Dr Noble Francis, Economics Director of the Construction Products Association and Brian Green who blogs for Building magazine.

The review provides a detailed analysis of all sectors within the construction industry. Here’s an extract from the Industrial sector summary (April to June 2012):

Slight growth in the industrial sector saw the levels of contracts awarded up 4% on the previous quarter, although disappointingly 16% down on the corresponding quarter of 2011. The building of a new Jaguar plant at Wolverhampton contributed a massive £335 million towards the level.

The latest issue of Landscape is also now available – it’s our rapid review tool to help industry professionals such as yourselves to spot changes in key market sectors.

Launched at Ecobuild 2012 to high acclaim, Landscape can be used to track changes in future workloads in key sectors, or to spot opportunities elsewhere and works by looking at the current value of contract awards in a sector and comparing this against the average seen over the past four years. Then, taking into account the volatility of the sector, Landscape provides a simple score that indicates how much greater the orders have been over the past year compared with the recent past. The higher the number, the greater the value of orders in the sector compared with the past and the greater the likelihood of growth in work in the pipeline.

Landscape also looks at whether the sector has become hotter, colder or remained more or less the same over the past three months, which gives a rough indication of whether the sector may have been coming off the boil or getting hotter. Armed with the Landscape numbers it’s a quick step to check the hottest sectors and look for the contracts that are driving growth.

Barbour ABI reports on every project in the UK by enhancing planning application and public tender information at each stage of the construction lifecycle. For over 70 years, Barbour ABI has provided industry leading services to the construction community.

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FM Conway orders Fuso Canter trucks to operate in London's Low Emission Zone

FM Conway, based in Dartford, Kent, has ordered 31 Canter 7C15s trucks to work on its portfolio of maintenance contracts with borough councils across the capital. The new fleet of clean, 'green' 7.5-tonne Fuso Canters will be used in London's Low Emission Zone.

Supplied by local Mercedes-Benz dealer Sparshatts of Kent, they are powered by 3.0-litre diesel engines which meet not only Euro 5 emissions limits but also the more stringent – and voluntary – EEV (Enhanced Environmentally-friendly Vehicle) standard.

The Canters are fitted with steel tipping bodies by Abba Commercials, of Dover, which offer class-leading loading height. Allied to the Canter’s low riding chassis, this makes life easier for Conway’s work crews.

The hydraulic tipping gear, meanwhile, is by Manchester-based Hyva UK. A new model specially designed for the 7.5-tonne gvw market, the Hyva FC77 is electrically operated, and lighter than its predecessor. It features the same external sealing technology as Hyva’s larger 26- and 32-tonne tipping gear, thereby offering operators of light trucks the same standards of performance and reliability.

The 7.5-tonne Canter offers a market-leading payload capacity thanks to its light yet rugged ladder-frame chassis. The additional use of light-weight bodies and tipping gear mean FM Conway’s first Fusos can carry a full half-tonne more than the trucks they have replaced.

FM Conway Plant & Transport Director Steve Hart said: “Like anyone operating in central London, we have to make sure the vehicles we run meet the LEZ emissions regulations not just now, but into the future. These Canters represent the state-of-the-art in terms of environmentally-friendly 7.5-tonne truck operation. Their compact dimensions are an advantage when working in narrow streets and heavy traffic, and the equipment we’ve fitted has also been carefully chosen for this application.”

FM Conway is a long-standing operator of Mercedes-Benz chassis supplied by Sparshatts of Kent, and Mr Hart added: “These Canters represent something of a departure for us but they were competitively priced and look to be perfectly specified for the job. This company is committed to developing ‘green’ working initiatives and these new Fuso Canters represent another, significant step towards our goal of reducing our carbon footprint.”

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ISG Secures £15 Million First Phase Of Ipswich Regeneration Scheme

ISG has secured phase one of a major urban regeneration project in the historic docklands area of Ipswich, bringing new homes and commercial accommodation to the town. The initial £15 million contract with Genesis Housing Association focuses on the delivery of 386 affordable and Extra Care houses, with ISG also working towards the detailed design and costing of the full scheme, which is expected to be in the region of £36 million.

ISG’s involvement in the project began with an initial enabling contract in spring 2011, encompassing the demolition of a number of structures on the site bordering Stoke Quay, including a former builder’s merchants and a range of industrial units. Construction work proper will commence in October, immediately following an intensive 14-week dig by Oxford Archaeology, which is believed to be one of the largest rescue excavations undertaken in the UK this year. The triangular-shaped site is understood to be the location of a lost medieval church, and the archaeologists will systematically investigate the area looking for evidence of past occupation and use.

The archaeological excavation is expected to generate a great deal of regional interest and a viewing platform will be erected overlooking the excavation to give visiting groups a unique perspective of the dig’s progress. On completion of the excavation work, ISG will take full possession of the site and commence the construction phase, which is scheduled to complete in summer 2014.

The design of the scheme makes full use of the sloping nature of the site and incorporates a basement car parking structure, which doubles as a flood defence measure. The new homes are effectively built upon a ground floor concrete podium deck, which spans the entirety of the site, with the basement providing car parking for 212 vehicles and 598 secure bicycle spaces. The mixed tenure scheme features 25 terraced townhouses and three blocks of flats, including extra-care supported accommodation.

As part of its commitment to the local supply chain and support of the skills and expertise of quality regional businesses and tradespeople, ISG is holding an open day at its Ipswich office in August to discuss the range of opportunities available to key suppliers on this major project.

ISG’s Phillip Allerton, managing director - East, commented: “The award of the first phase of this major East Anglian regeneration project recognises our ability to deliver technically complex and high capital value schemes. The investment by Genesis in an underused area of Ipswich will undoubtedly act as the catalyst for further development in the locality, whilst bringing much needed accommodation and high specification commercial units to the town.”

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Tensartech Earth Retaining system speeds Burnley College's construction and reduces costs of materials

Savings in time, materials, cost and labour have been achieved by Shepherd in the construction of Burnley’s £81million Further and Higher Education College by choosing reinforced soil technology over conventional reinforced concrete retaining walls, or gabions.

Tensartech Earth Retaining systems were employed in both the creation of the new entrance on a steep slope and rebuilding the river wall boundary. The Tensartech solution was specified because of its low environmental impact and aesthetics, with Tensar’s TW1 modular block wall finish specially chosen to complement the college’s local architecture.

“The original proposal for the tiered walls of the college entrance was for reinforced concrete at up to 750mm thick,” commented David Houghton, Shepherd Construction Senior Planner.

“We had used the Tensartech solution on previous brownfield projects and thought it would be ideal to speed construction and reduce costs of materials, as well as providing a very acceptable finish. At Burnley, the TW1 split face, modular concrete blocks were supplied in Yorkstone colour to complement the rest of the buildings.

“We were able to use Tensartech solutions to substitute for at least 75% of the reinforced concrete construction that was originally proposed for the project. Construction with Tensar’s uniaxial geogrid secured to the dry laid modular block construction saved about 30% of the time it would have taken to install formwork, steel reinforcement and pour the concrete. We used reclaimed fill from a local site rather than expensive imported aggregate, further reducing cost and environmental impact.

“However, the real bonus of the Tensartech solution is that we could continue with the construction of the pavement layers immediately without waiting for the concrete to gain strength. Dry laid blocks mean there is no waiting for mortar to dry and we did not have to finish off in-situ concrete to the required aesthetic standard for the project either. This probably saved us a couple of weeks, and is a great help in completing the project for the September 2009 opening date.”

For the river wall construction, the Tensartech solutions were installed by contractors Adana Construction to replace the original river wall which had been part of the basement of industrial buildings previously on the site. Instead of a proposed gabion solution, Adana were able to save significant time and cost in building a 5 metre high retained earth structure. Once again, Tensar’s uniaxial geogrids were secured using polymer connectors to the TW1 split-faced, concrete modular block face, with local reclaimed backfill, created an attractive and robust boundary wall very rapidly.

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CENTRALISED PNEUMATIC CONTROL FOR FOUR HOISTS

Materials handling specialists J D Neuhaus have recently supplied a BOP handling system comprising four of their air operated monorail hoists. This featured a centralised pneumatic system providing common sensitive controls for all the lift and traverse movements of the hoists either as individual or paired hoists, or with all four hoist units operating together in common.

The four hoists supplied were the EH 50 models each providing a 50 tonne lift capacity. Two hoists operate in tandem on one common overhead beam providing a collective synchronised lift of up to 100 tonnes, with two separate power supplies also provided for individual hoist operation when required. To accommodate the provision of separate energy chains in the limited space available, the fitment of individual energy chains on both the top and underside of the support beam was necessary. Each of the four individual hoists are also equipped with an emergency lowering device to handle the controlled and safe grounding of suspended loads in the event of any total loss or interruption of mains air power supply. As well as the centralised four-hoist control panel, optional pendant controls for use during equipment maintenance operations were also provided.

This handling system operates off a 6 bar mains air pressure and is suitable for working in hazardous areas where there is a potential risk of explosion. It incorporates compact, low headroom design hoists, fitted with instant-starting vane motors which have low maintenance requirements and are also insensitive to humidity and dust, with an operating temperature range from -20°C to +70°C. These reliable, robust hoists can be used on land installations, as well as on jack-up and semi-submersible drilling platforms. An offshore paint finish provides corrosion protection against tough weather conditions including salty, moist air on land as well as at sea.

The EH range of hoists cover individual lift capacities of 10, 16, 20, 25, 30, 37, 40, 50, 60, 75 and 100 tonnes. Hoists designed for operation where low headroom conditions exist can also be supplied. Multi-hoist assemblies and associated controls can be supplied to order providing a wide range of product lift requirements for general engineering from small workshop to major handling applications. Overload protection, two speed trolley controls with rack and pinion drives can also be provided as optional extras, to complement standard fail-safe braking systems, and both anti-climb and anti-drop devices. Optional hydraulic operation for the EH range of hoists can also be supplied for the 20, 25, 37 and 50 tonne lift capacities.

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All aircrete manufactured by Aircrete Product Association members is now certified to BES6001

With its more stringent criteria than other schemes, BES 6001 is increasingly becoming the UK standard for responsible sourcing. In less than a year since the first certificate was awarded, over twenty are now held covering aggregates, cement, bricks, reinforcing bar, mortars and ready-mix as well as aircrete. Many developers and builders including, Barratt Developments, Bovis LendLease and Miller Homes have incorporated the requirement for BES 6001 into their procurement procedures.

Manufactured from recycled waste PFA and other locally sourced materials to create a foamed mixture which is cured by autoclaving, aircrete is both an extremely lightweight form of concrete and has high thermal and sound insulation properties. Aircrete products meet the requirements of Building Regulations and achieve the highest rating in the Green Guide to Housing. Aircrete provides flexible solutions for hospitals, schools, offices, industrial warehouses as well as private and social housing. Aircrete is used in partition, separating and external walls (both solid and cavity), as well as firewalls and as an infill to framed construction. As well as being an inert material that will far outlast the usual 60-year design life expectancy of a building, aircrete is easily recyclable, and can be crushed down with other masonry materials and used in future applications.

All aircrete manufactured in Great Britain by Aircrete Product Association (APA) members is now certified to BES6001:2008 Standard for the Responsible Sourcing of Construction Products. This means, unlike many other building materials where the standards depend on the individual company that is supplying the products, specifiers and builders using aircrete can be re-assured that it will be responsibly sourced, irrespective of which supplier’s aircrete is used.

The Aircrete Products Association (APA) is a manufacturer organisation whose members include the major producers of Aircrete products in the UK - H+H UK Ltd, Quinn-Lite, Thermalite and Tarmac Topblock.

All of the products certified achieved the three star “very good” level which translates into the maximum 3 credits available (the highest tier) in the Code for Sustainable Homes (CSfH). This is the same level of credits as timber with an FSC certification scheme but, unlike FSC which focuses on the just the source of origin of the materials used, BES 6001 surpasses FSC by covering the entire chain of custody from origin to site, including transportation and processing, and encompasses social, economic and environmental dimensions.

The strict requirements of BES 6001 require companies to demonstrate, from origin to use:
* Effective Quality, environmental and health and safety management systems
* Efficient use of energy and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
* Sustainable and efficient use of material resources and water
* Ethical business practices and compliance with applicable laws and regulations
* Responsible site stewardship in relation to avoiding pollution and protecting the environment
* Minimising the impact of transport associated with the delivery of the constituent materials used in manufacture, waste disposal and the delivery of products to our customers
* Liaising with the local community of matters of mutual interest

The BES 6001 Framework Standard for the Responsible Sourcing of Construction products is an independent third-party certification scheme, which aims to assess responsible sourcing policies and practices throughout the supply chain of any construction product. Requirements for demonstrating compliance with the Framework Standard fall within three categories:
· Organisational management
· Supply chain management
· Environmental and social issues

Certain requirements are compulsory, with additional points available from a range of issues to achieve higher performance levels. Products are rated as Pass, Good, Very Good or Excellent depending on the number of optional points achieved.

Certification options include:
· Head organisation with multiple sites and products
· Multiple products within a single organisation
· Single product within a single organisation

Sector-specific standards are also being developed.

Mark Oliver, Chairman of the APA says: “We were very keen to be the first industry to achieve this standard on a national basis. It is positive for the aircrete industry as a whole that our members are leading the building products industry and place the environment at the forefront of their values and objectives.”

By offering BES 6001 across an entire product range, and not just by supplier or by site, customers get the consistency and assurance of knowing the precise input aircrete can make to their overall rating on schemes like BREEAM and CfSH, irrespective of where they buy it or which brand they buy.

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Hydrophobic Impregnation prevents water ingress into concrete structure

Damage to concrete always involves water. Water acts as a vehicle for transporting aggressive substances, such as chloride ions which are present in the water as it is drawn into the concrete by capillary action. Water also serves as a reaction medium and a reagent in destructive chemical processes, foremost among these being the corrosion of the reinforcing steel. Corrosion leads to the deterioration of overlying concrete, and exposes the reinforcing steel. One of the most efficient ways to protect concrete is to prevent it from absorbing water in the first place.

Hydrophobic Impregnation is a proven concrete protection technology that prevents water ingress into concrete structures thus decreasing the likelihood of degradation due to aggressive influences. This technique can be used for both new and existing concrete structures.

The various methods of protecting concrete were explored by Joseph Nabih, Technical Manager, Sika Gulf at MEED's Middle East Roads, Bridges and Tunnels conference at Westin Hotel, Dubai. He highlighted various challenges and solutions for concrete protection with a focus on Hydrophobic Impregnations.

"Hydrophobic Impregnation has been used all over the world for many large scale projects like bridges, buildings, walls, silos and cooling towers, and other types on concrete structures," said Nabih. 3.2km Sitra causeway connecting Bahrain and Saudi Arabia is one of many bridges treated by Sika Hydrophobic Impregnation technology. "We prevented bridge from deteriorating and achieved the client requirement of 120 years of durability design life," he added.

Sika has been at the forefront of concrete repair and protection technology since the 1920s. Sika pioneered the development of concrete repair products and systems from the early beginnings, with Sika Waterproof mortars in the 1920s and 30s, through our development of epoxy and polymer latex modified repair mortars in the 1950s and 60s. In the 1970s Sika introduced the first "Complete Concrete Repair and Protection System" with Sika reinforcement primers, bonding bridges, repair mortars and leveling mortars plus protective impregnations and coatings.

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CONTRACT FOR A57 TODWICK BYPASS AWARDED TO RINGWAY

Following the decision from Local Transport Minister, Norman Baker, to conduct an improvement programme on the dual carriageway at the A57 in Rotherham, Ringway, a leading highway construction provider, has successfully been awarded the contract which is estimated to be worth £14m.

The scheme, which will be carried out on behalf of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, will provide a new dual carriageway, approximately 1.6km in length, running from junction 31 of the M1 to the junction with the B6463.

“Our successful bid for the A57 contract is fantastic news and comes after many years of working within effective partnerships with Rotherham” says Kevin Graham, Divisional Director of Ringway, “It will give us the opportunity to use our local workforce and knowledge to really improve this vital part of the South Yorkshire road network.”

The A57, in its current state, is said to be one of South Yorkshire’s most notorious accident blackspots. The new dual carriageway will improve safety and also relieve major trafficking issues in the area. It is also thought that the improved access will bring increased investment into the area, unlocking the economic growth potential in Dinnington.

The works are expected to begin on site in August 2012, with the new road to open by December 2013.

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Miller Construction commence works on 8th school in Leicester BSF Programme

Miller Construction has commenced works on Children’s Hospital School, Willow Bank, the eighth school to benefit from the Leicester Building Schools for the Future (BSF) Programme.

With funding of £2 million, the school will undergo a full refurbishment and benefit from new ICT systems. Works are expected to be completed in February 2013.

Chris Webster, Chief Executive, Miller Construction, said: “We are delighted to have commenced works on Children’s Hospital School and kick-started phase three of the Leicester BSF Programme. We established a successful partnership with Leicester City Council during the delivery of the first phase and through our continued work on the second phase.

“We are currently on site with three schools in the second phase, Rushey Mead Secondary School, Crown Hills Community College and City of Leicester College, and look forward to delivering phase three. We are confident that by continuing close collaboration with Leicester City Council, the learning environments delivered will more than meet 21st Century education demands.”

Children’s Hospital School marks the first school in the third phase of the programme, which will see the delivery of a further three new schools: St Paul’s Catholic School, a mixture of both new build and major refurbishment works; and Hamilton School and Netherhall School, two separate schools on one site, which will involve a new co-location of a Special Education Needs school with a secondary school.

Councillor Vi Dempster, Assistant City Mayor, said: “I am delighted that work has started on site at Children's Hospital School. The BSF programme is becoming more and more exciting as each new school enters into the construction phase of their project. This can only be good news, not only for the current and future students at these schools but also for the city as a whole, as the programme brings new employment opportunities."

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WCL QUARRIES ACHIEVES OHSAS 18001 CERIFICATION

WCL Quarries, the largest independent quarrying, recycling and waste management operator in the Midlands has achieved OHSAS 18001 registration from The British Assessment Bureau, this is the businesses third such certification, having achieved ISO 9001 and ISO14001 in the last 4 years.

Achieving the OHSAS 18001 occupational health and safety management system standard required WCL Quarries to assess the risk and implement an effective occupational health and safety management system across its three Midlands based quarrying, waste and recycling sites, promoting a safe and healthy working environment.

Simon Winner, WCL Quarries’ Managing Director commented; “At WCL Quarries the health and safety of our team is of paramount importance to us, a well run, successful site is a safe site and we’ve worked extremely hard to achieve not only the OHSAS 18001, but also the ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. However, just because we’ve achieved these certifications it doesn’t mean the hard work ends. To continue to be a responsible business we need to commit to continuous improvement and continue to earn the certification year on year.”

The achievement of gaining OHSAS 18001 registration compliments WCL Quarries’ current ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications, meaning the company has robust and fully British Assessment Bureau monitored and assessed solutions in place for the following:

• Quality Management (ISO 9001)
• Environmental Policy (ISO 14001)
• Occupational Health & Safety (OHSAS 18001)

Simon Winner continues, “I am extremely proud of the team for achieving three, very hard to achieve and even harder to keep British Assessment Bureau certifications. I think it creates a positive statement about our business and its people.”

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Serving The National Markets For Construction - Caspers Construction Company, LLC

Caspers Construction Company, LLC is a privately held company located in Las Vegas, NV, that will provide a diverse design build, pre-construction service with over 114 years of construction experience to our clients on a national level. Chairman Mark A. Caspers, former CEO of all Building Groups for Tutor Perini Corporation, is joined by former TPC executives, Sr. Executive Vice President Patrick Hubbs, Vice President of Operations Joseph A. Miller, and Scott Ryan, General Counsel for TPC Building Groups.

With a comprehensive strategy on providing construction services, we will be establishing local offices in the downtown Chicago area as well as Miami, Florida by the end of the 1st quarter 2013. Our goal is to provide a new and aggressive construction solution to our clients that includes on budget and on schedule results with a superior quality product as the foundation of our portfolio.

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Allianz Rewards Effective HAV Management

Allianz, which provides general insurance to a number of industries has acknowledged that an auditable, accurate and tamper proof HAV management solution not only better protects employees but also protects the reputations and balance sheets of organisations.

Allianz Insurance recognises the Reactec HAVmeter solution as an example of best practice in terms of HAVS management. In turn Allianz customers are being given a special discount on the HAVS management solution and are advised to contact their broker.

Construction companies are being advised of the potential rewards and benefits of having the right health and safety precautions in place to protect their staff, for example against Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). Companies that demonstrate preventative measures in vibration safety can receive support in reducing company exposure to HAVS claims and potentially insurance premiums.

Reactec, which is responsible for the HAVmeter solution streamlines accurate monitoring and management of operator exposure to vibrations from hand held power tools. The Vibration specialists are now one of insurance giant Allianz’s preferred suppliers regarding appropriate health and safety measures in the workplace.

Craig McLaughlin, Casualty Risk Control Manager, at Allianz said: “Managing and not just monitoring vibration is important and if not done accurately can have serious consequences. Companies need to be aware that by not having the right procedure in place, they are running the risk of losing money and damaging their reputation if a situation was to arise. Industries who use power tools should be managing HAVS risk effectively. “

“Risk management is an integral part of running a business. If businesses do not give employees the right tools to use in terms of health and safety, the employer could be legally liable, which can lead to employees taking legal proceedings against their employer.. “

Jim O’Hagan, Managing Director at Reactec said: “We are delighted to be one of Allianz’s preferred suppliers which is a real stamp of approval for the HAVmeter solution. It shows that companies can have auditable systems for HAVS safety management procedures.”

“Many companies within the industry are unaware of the issues they could be subjected to by not taking the right precautions in terms of staff health and safety. Having this type of association with Allianz has given added credibility to the HAVmeter and can only raise further awareness for the need to improve HAV management.”

The HAVmeter solution is the UK’s leading system for monitoring and managing vibration exposure and, in addition to being offered by major tool hire firms, it’s used by many of the country’s biggest construction, engineering, public sector and manufacturing companies including Balfour Beatty, Bam Nuttall Tarmac, Aston Martin, and the Environment Agency.

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Opportunities for the UK Construction Sector in South Africa

According to a report released by the UK Trade & Investment, British construction firms are being encouraged to take advantage of the multi billion pound infrastructure opportunities in South Africa.

The report, titled ‘Building South Africa: Opportunities for the UK Construction Sector’, highlights infrastructure opportunities in both the public and private sectors stemming from the Government’s £33billion infrastructure plans and events like the 2010 World Cup.

UK Trade & Investment Chief Executive Officer Andrew Cahn said: “South Africa is a fast growth economy with infrastructure plans to match. With investment opportunities in both private and public sectors, coupled with a severe skills shortage now is the time for UK companies to take advantage of the construction boom.”

“The Government’s infrastructure spending plan is set to accelerate the annual growth of the economy between 4.5 per cent and 6.0 per cent. Its ambitious plans for mass transport, water projects, prisons, hospital and prison upgrades provide plenty of opportunities for UK companies.

“This investment and events like the 2010 Football World Cup are acting as a catalyst for growth in the private construction sector. Opportunities include hotel and residential development as well as urban regeneration projects. By establishing a business in South Africa, UK companies can gain a foothold into sub-Saharan Africa.”

This latest report follows on from recent research by UK Trade & Investment which revealed South Africa to be one of tomorrow’s most exciting investment destinations. In recent research South Africa was ranked as number eight in the top ten list of ‘new wave’ markets. The Tomorrow’s Markets report gives new insights into where companies will go next in emerging markets and why. The results are based on the opinions of global business leaders headquartered all over the world and gives credible insights into their future business plans.

Several UK companies are already actively involved in major infrastructure projects for South Africa, including Bombardier Transportation UK Ltd which is providing the new train fleet for the Gautrain project, and Mott MacDonald which is involved in Transnet’s rail and port expansion programme.

UK Trade & Investment’s presence in South Africa is stronger than ever, with 34 staff based in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban to support these opportunities and expansions.

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Volvo introduces EW230C wheeled excavator with superior stability in heavier lift operations

The EW230C from Volvo Construction Equipment is built around a new, more robust platform, which is designed to ensure the stability needed to manage bigger loads, for heavy lifting applications, such as laying big pipe for drainage projects, or hard digging.

Following the recent launch of the EW210C, a benefit of this platform for a machine in this 20t weight class, is that its design ensures that the rear axle weight, when fitted with the standard counterweight, is below 12t – making it approved for road travel between sites. A heavier counterweight is also available for applications not requiring the machine to be moved on the road.

With the standard counterweight, the EW230C weighs 21.6-24.3t, depending on machine configuration. (23.1-25.6t with the heavier counterweight.) A choice of 5.7m mono or optional articulated two-piece boom is available.

The EW230C is powered by a Volvo D6E EHE3 diesel engine, developing 125 kW/168hp net at 2,000 rpm, delivering power where it is needed. When required for mass excavation work, or in heavy lifting applications, the EW230C has a lift capacity among the best in its class, optimising performance and productivity. The EW230C on display at Intermat 2009 is fitted with Volvo’s automatic lubrication system, which not only ensures correct lubrication, but also reduces lubricant use by 50%.

Additional features include:
* Access to the superstructure via steps provides for easy servicing and routine maintenance checks, to minimise down time.
* New and higher capacity cooling module.
* Load-sensing hydraulic system features two pumps – one for the attachment and travel and a second, closed-loop slew pump.
* Slew ring from the larger EC240C, for increased strength and durability in tough working conditions.
* Larger hydraulic cylinders.
* Digging forces 10-15% greater than on the EW210C.

In common with all Volvo excavators, 95% of the machine is recyclable. As one of Volvo’s core values, Environmental Care is central to Volvo’s thinking when it comes to designing, manufacturing and operating machines.

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Excavators are the most stolen category of plant and equipment

Plant and equipment theft in the UK has reached an all-time high according to the 2006 Equipment Theft Report. The National Plant & Equipment Register (TER) reveals that equipment theft was up last year by 20% in number to 4,324 recorded thefts and by 13% in value to £43M, the highest it has ever been.

The report reveals that:

* Last year alone £43M worth of stolen plant and equipment was registered with TER

* Since 2000, more than 20,000 higher value plant and equipment items worth £185M have been reported as stolen to TER

* Excavators are the most stolen category of plant and equipment. Last year, 1169 stolen excavators, representing 27% of reported thefts, were registered as stolen with TER

* Excavator theft rose by 14% and accounted for 45% of the total value of plant and equipment theft in 2005

* Most commonly stolen equipment by manufacturer was Ifor Williams (horseboxes and trailers), with 952 taken. Second most stolen was JCB (excavators, telescopic handlers and backhoe loaders), with 521 taken. Third most common was Kubota (excavators) at 256

* Reported tractor thefts were up 70%; quad bikes by 62%, dumpers by 54%, breakers by 42%, rollers by 41% and fork lift trucks by 38%. Trailer theft is up 24% to 1094, representing 25% of reported theft

* The recovery rate for stolen plant and equipment is less than 5%. 95% of equipment stolen every year is not recovered

* The average value of equipment stolen last year was £9,800. 311 items reported to TER were valued at more than £20,000 each; 18 at more than £50,000. It took an average of 45 days to report thefts to TER

* The most expensive stolen item registered with TER in 2005 was a £98,000 Komatsu Loading Shovel stolen in Shropshire in June 2005 which, as far as TER is aware, has not been recovered

* Evidence directly links equipment theft to the funding of terrorist groups

* Experts fear stolen equipment could be used as a Trojan Horse either to smuggle illicit property, such as weapons or drugs into the UK , or to hide an explosive device

* Stolen excavators are often used in the theft of ATMs from banks or to partially destroy cash-in-transit vehicles; the failed attempt to steal diamonds from the Millennium Dome in 2000 used a JCB digger to break through security gates and into the dome

* Criminals involved in plant theft can be violent and may carry weapons; in one incident reported to TER, two men who tried to recover their stolen telehandler were threatened with a sawn off shotgun; in another, a 9mm pistol and a box of 9mm bullets were found behind the dashboard of a stolen digger recovered by TER

The top five police forces experiencing equipment theft, by number, were Thames Valley Police (269 thefts), Metropolitan Police (232 thefts), Essex Police (210 thefts), Kent Police (196 thefts) and Surrey Police (185 thefts). The police forces with the lowest level of recorded equipment theft were City of London , Northern, Dumfries & Galloway, Cleveland and Tayside

There is huge demand for used plant and equipment in the UK, Ireland, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa and globally; the undercurrent to this global trade is the trade in stolen plant and equipment

“In many ways, parts of the plant and equipment industry are like the Wild West of old,” said Tim Purbrick, manager of TER. “There appears to be little regulation, too much cash in hand, and very low levels of policing, either by law enforcement or the industries involved. This is despite the fact that plant and equipment theft spans the spectrum of criminality - from opportunist through serious organised criminal to terrorist.

“With the UK construction market gearing up towards the 2012 Olympics, there are significant opportunities for all parties involved to raise their game. This is not rocket science. It should be a partnership of the willing.”

A full copy of TER’s annual Equipment Theft Report, which highlights the nature and extent of equipment theft as well as recommending ways in which it can be reduced, and more stolen equipment recovered, is available from TER.

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Michelin to provide and maintain tyres for Komatsu trucks at China Coal Pingshuo

China's leading producer of coal from open-cast mines (73 million tonnes in 2007), China Coal Pingshuo has contracted Michelin to provide and maintain 53/80R63 tyres for the Komatsu 930E trucks that it operates in the mine.

The leader in the Chinese market for giant 63-inch tyres, Michelin had previously signed a tyre supply contract with Pingshuo in May 2007. In May 2008, the same customer chose Michelin as its 2007 Supplier of the Year from a list of 186 companies.

The services, which Michelin will begin to provide with immediate effect, will help to extend tyre life, thereby keeping the mine's vehicles operational for longer periods. This in turn will help to reduce operating costs and increase productivity, while maintaining the highest safety standards.

The goal of the service contract is to optimise conditions of use for the 63-inch tyres fitted on vehicles operated in the mine. To achieve this goal, specialist Michelin technicians, in cooperation with teams from China Coal Pingshuo, will manage the service shop, where tyres will be fitted, removed and repaired. Tyre pressures will be checked and maintained at the right levels, and other operations will be carried out to ensure that tyres are used in the best possible conditions.

At a time when raw materials and tyres are in short supply, this partnership with China Coal Pingshuo demonstrates Michelin's commitment to supporting its customers' efforts to reduce operating costs while ensuring the highest standards of workplace safety.

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