Steel Pricing Still a Concern: AEM Survey
While every equipment manufacturer responding to a recent survey encountered significant increases in steel prices last year, fully 85% of manufacturers absorbed some or all of the increase instead of passing it along to buyers.
That's according to a survey conducted by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), which represents the off-road equipment manufacturing industry, a major steel consumer.
The survey found that the median steel price increase in 2004 was 60%, with many manufacturers reporting increases of 100% or more.
Roughly 45% of those surveyed said they expect steel prices to increase again in 2005 while only 5% said they expect prices to drop.
"Our survey underscores the adverse impact of steel pricing on our members," said Dennis Slater, AEM president.
"We are very concerned about the potential dampening effect this situation will have on the continued economic recovery of the off-road manufacturing industry."
Stone opens Portland facility
Stone Construction Inc. recently opened a new warehouse in Portland, OR, to improve distribution in the Northwest. It's one of four distribution centers (Phoenix, Orlando, and Honeoye, NY).
Crafco Acquires PaveTech
Crafco Inc., Chandler, AZ, has acquired the assets of PaveTech International, Cincinnati.
Don Brooks, Crafco vice president and general manager, said the purchase of PaveTech brings to Crafco a high-quality product line of PavePrep brand geo-composites, bridge joint systems, mastics, and high-friction surface treatments.
Industry Appointments
At Federal Signal Environmental Products Group, Elgin, IL, Dean Devore is vice president and general manager, EPG Parts Business; Deepesh Nayanar is industrial product manager...Chris Glinka is industry manager for Reflexite Americas' transportation group, New Britain, CT.
William H. Haverland, manager of asphalt marketing and sales, ConocoPhilips Co., is 2005 chairman of the Asphalt Institute Board of Directors.
Letters: Fine Art of Pothole Fix
I have just read your article about pothole repair in the February issue. Congratulations, it is a comprehensive and well-done piece of work on your part.
We have a small paving company here in central New Hampshire, and we are the manufacturer of PaveMaster felt-soled tamp shoes as well. While attending local (and sometimes national) shows and seminars we are continually amazed by the fact that the majority of pavers and municipal workers really don't understand pothole mechanics and the "art" of repairing them properly. Unfortunately, cold patch (here today, gone tomorrow) remains as the material of choice for most towns. Hopefully the reading of your article will straighten some of them out.
Many thanks for a fine magazine.
Frank Tellier
Tel-Tuk PaveMaster
Belmont, NH
