Industry News

"We held four sessions at this midyear meeting where AGC contractors addressed our aging transportation infrastructure, congestion, the projected increase in freight movement resulting in more truck traffic and the need for better intermodal connections for the nation," says AGC CEO Stephen E. Sandherr. "Our nation's quality of life and world competitiveness will be negatively impacted without increased funding to protect and develop our nation's transportation system."

Heminger heard AGC contractors suggestions about the need to look at the declining funding for highway, bridge and transit projects and to be creative in finding ways to address this shortfall.

AGC recommended that a variety of funding sources be tapped including port fees, tolling and other impact fees but that the user fee concept, which has been successful in financing the construction of the Interstate system and related roadways, should not be abandoned. User fees include taxes on gasoline, diesel and other motor fuels paid by motorists. AGC recommended that user fees based on the number of miles driven rather than the amount of fuel used should be considered.

In his presentation, Heminger noted that, "Congress has run out of solutions to our transportation woes and established the commission to look for new approaches."

Vögele Breaks Ground
Chambersburg plant expansion will serve Wirtgen "Three Amigos"
In early spring 2007, Wirtgen America Inc. will break ground for a 30,000-square-foot expansion of its Vögele America Inc. plant at Chambersburg, PA.

"This expansion will better enable distribution and service of all Wirtgen America Inc. 'Three Amigo' products of Wirtgen recycling, Hamm compaction and Vögele America asphalt paving products in the eastern United States," says Stu Murray, president of Wirtgen America. "It's part of Wirtgen Group's continuous expansion in North America and will bring both Hamm and Wirtgen product inventory and parts into Chambersburg for distribution throughout the Northeastern market areas.
"The result will be an ultramodern, regional product storage, prep and parts facility for all three product lines, based at our Vögele America factory in Chambersburg," he says.

The new building will be separate from and adjacent to the Vögele America Inc. design and manufacturing facility in Chambersburg. The existing plant includes 60,000 square feet of manufacturing, warehousing and office space on 10 acres of land. It was built specifically for the design, assembly and support of asphalt pavers in North America.

The new building will house five service bays for equipment predelivery prep, as well as service and manufacturing, along with a 40' by 60' training facility, all on one level. It will also contain office space.

Murray added the existing Vögele America product line will be expanded to include new small paving machinery that will be introduced in November 2006, as well as two all-new highway pavers available in the second quarter of 2007.

Appointments
Vögele America Inc., a subsidiary of Wirgten America Inc., appoints Brodie W. Hutchins as general manager.

Wirtgen America Inc. names R. Wayne Evans the new vice president of business development, pavement technology.

Ingersoll Rand names Daniel Sandonato vice president, global marketing road development.

Bomag Americas appoints G.E. (Jerry) Randecker as president. Randecker succeeds Charles M. (Mike) Simpkins, who is retiring after more than 15 years with the company.

American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) elects Dr. C. Michael Walton, professor of civil engineering and the E.H. Cockrell Centennial chair in engineering at The University of Texas (UT) at Austin, 2006-07 chairman.

The National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) appoints Richard C. Moore, president of Lehman-Roberts Co., Memphis, TN, as the chairman for the 2007 World of Asphalt Show and Conference.