Features

Mike Dreznes, executive vice president at the International Road Federation (IRF) discusses the proper utilisation of longitudinal barriers as a road safety priority Road authorities have a duty of care to ensure infrastructure not only meets safety requirements but provides protection for all road users. Crash barriers play an essential role in maximising safety, lowering the risk of sudden impact for road users and also allowing redirective capabilities. If a road authority has a rigid hazard locate

A sophisticated Benninghoven asphalt plant is now in use by a UK contractor close to London - Mike Woof writes UK contractor FM Conway is now operating a second highly advanced asphalt plant in the London area. As with the first unit supplied a few years ago, the plant was designed and constructed to FM Conway’s specific needs by leading producer Benninghoven. This latest plant is located to the west of London (the earlier plant is to the east of the city) and close to Heathrow Airport. Being situated

As a major presence in the construction sector, the Fayat Group is well-placed to understand the current market conditions. President Jean-Claude Fayat revealed that the firm does have a strong insight into the state of the international market, as well as some key developments for 2015. With much of its operation based in Europe, the company has been affected by the currency situation.

Chinese firm Shantui sees Europe and the US as key markets where it can develop its sales presence. Vice president of Shandong Shantui Construction is Zhu Zhi and he said, “We need to upgrade our engines and develop new machines for this market.” As part of its expansion into Europe, the company is also looking to further develop its dealer network and service support. At present the hydrostatic SD10YE and SD16-3 dozers are Shantui’s key offerings in Europe. But Zhu explained, “At the beginning of next yea

Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) has ambitions to be the number one construction equipment supplier in Europe, revealed president and CEO Moriaki Kadoya. He was speaking at INTERMAT 2015 where his company unveiled a host of new products.

Chemical company Evonik is targeting the construction sector at Intermat 2015 with its specialist Dynavis technology which it says can boost the performance of hydraulically-operated plant by up to 30%. “We are taking market share from conventional hydraulic fluids,” Dr Ralf Duessel, head of Evonik’s oil additives business line said. “There’s a continuous move towards premium fluids and by being active in the end markets, we find that we double our impact on the market.” Dynavis technology, which has been a

Introducing innovative new mini excavators and opening a new European headquarters are key moves by Sunward that will raise the firm’s profile and boost its export operations. Chairman and founder of Sunward is He Qinghua and he outlined the firm’s strategy, explaining how this Chinese company has secured a strong foothold in Europe. “Compared to other Chinese companies, Sunward is not a big firm. But we were the first Chinese company to enter into Europe.” The company builds a wide range of machines at it

The acquisition of Italian concrete pump and mixer firm CIFA by Zoomlion in 2008 has helped raise the profile of this business significantly, transforming the company. The buyout of the company gave CIFA access to funds for research and development, which its Chinese owner has been keen to invest in. And the fruits of this investment are certainly being seen, both by CIFA and Zoomlion.