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"The Road Development business has been a strong contributor to Ingersoll Rand's success for several decades and remains an industry leader with dedicated and talented employees," said Herbert L. Henkel, chairman, president, and CEO. "The sale reflects our strategy to transition away from capital-intense, heavy-machinery businesses and improves the company's efforts to consistently achieve aggressive financial objectives over the long term."

Letter to Editor: An Asphalt Experience
I started in 2000 as an applicator of coal tar products − great product! Based on research in 2002 we changed to asphalt emulsions because of environmental and health problems associated with coal tar. Our change was easy and is embraced by our clients. They know they have to reseal every 2 to 3 years, so what's the problem? If applicators treat the sealer like coal tar and add sand and other additives for longevity, etc. you will receive the same tenure as coal tar. The last 5 years we have found it to be just as good or better in some instances as the coal tar product. It's blacker when dry, no smell, no burns and no environmental concerns .

I understand it is challenging for coal tar manufacturers/applicators to switch to an asphalt-based product. But, like the lead-based paint and asbestos, we learn and things change. Coal tar manufacturers and applicators may have to admit the products they were defending weren't as safe or as superior as the new products available now. Manufacturers of asphalt formulas for years have been eliminating the problems and are finding better methods, ingredients, and processes to make the products even better. The ridiculous speculation in your article of a potential shortage in asphalt because of crude oil availability is just ignorant. Gasoline would be $5-plus a gallon (I don't think so). The bottom line is, manufacturers and applicators alike need to embrace the change and use it to their advantage. This is a chance for manufacturers to be environmentally responsible (and make more money at the same time) by taking advantage of the change in the industry. The applicators will benefit by putting down a product that is safer for them as applicators and is environmentally friendly. So, embrace the change and you may find out that's it's not really as bad as some would like you to believe.

- Dave Fortenbacher, Asphalt Seal Coating Inc., Grand Haven, MI