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In Malaysia the government is setting aside a budget for a major package of road construction works in Sabah. The three new road upgrades will help ease traffic congestion at peak periods and the Works Ministry plans to open the tender process shortly. Some US$196.5 million will be spent on improving the 42km road that connects Jalan Dongongon and Simpang Papar. A budget of $140.8 million has been set for upgrades to the 81.5km road connecting Tawau and Semporna. For the project to improve and widen the roa

The American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) has announced the winners of its annual student video contest. A group of 18 high school students from North Carolina and three graduate and post-graduate students from New England were named winners. Sponsored by ARTBA’s Research and Education Division (RED), the contest challenges grade school and post-secondary students to develop a brief video that explores issues relating to America’s transportation network. Students were asked to addres

Wirtgen is now offering two compact milling machines that are configured for Chinese customers. Built in China at the firm’s plant in Langfang, the W100H and W130H share several features such as a similar chassis design and the 153kW power unit. However the W100H is equipped with a 1m wide drum while the W130H has a 1.3m wide drum. Both machines offer cutting depths from 0-180mm.

According to Terex its new Powerlift 1000 crawler crane features a compact design and claimed best-in-class reach and lifting capacity. It is built in Terex’s Jinan factory and is aimed at lifting contractors throughout China, Russia and India. The Powerlift 1000 has a maximum 55tonne lifting capacity and 203.5mt load moment, combined with a 55m main boom and a maximum 61m system length. It can be fitted with 6, 9, 12 or 15m fixed jibs.

Metso announced two initiatives aimed at increasing its share of the fast-growing Chinese crusher market: A joint venture with LiuGong Group, and the acquisition of 75% of Shaorui Heavy Industries. Metso and LiuGong will form a 50%-50% joint venture aimed at developing the track-mounted crushing and screening business in China. The joint venture will combine Metso's know-how in track-mounted crushing and screening business and technology with LiuGong's distribution resources and manufacturing capabilities i

XCMG’s TZ3 tunnelling jumbo represents another sign of the firm’s diversifying product line. This three boom jumbo drill is intended for duties in large tunnelling excavation projects. It features a ROPS-protected canopy and is a notable development for the firm as it is a sign of the company’s strategy to become a full line supplier, including underground excavation machinery. Its development highlights the firm’s widening machine portfolio, which has expanded well beyond its previous line-up.

Dynapac has made a notable launch in China with the introduction of its CP275 rubber tyred compactor. The CP275 compaction roller is a notable introduction for Dynapac, as it is the first unit that has been designed in China for this market. The firm’s president, Peter Lauwers, said, “We have now engineering team in China of 50 people that develops its own machines. It has all the features and benefits of a European machine but is for the Chinese market.” This marks a key move, with the firm’s Chinese opera

David Beatenbough, vice president of LiuGong research and development, has talked about the importance of the Chinese construction manufacturing equipment giant’s purchase earlier this year of Poland-based HSW and its Dressta distribution subsidiary. Speaking during a LiuGong press conference at bauma China 2012, he said: “The acquisition of Dressta was LiuGong’s first significant acquisition overseas so it was very important to us. This year was mostly a year of rebuilding and reforming foundations in Dres

LiuGong and ZF are intensifying their cooperation by building a new joint venture axle company in Liuzhou. Called ZF Liuzhou Axle, the new company will produce wheel loader axles that are specially tailored for the requirements of the Chinese market. By 2018 some 190 employees will be working at Liuzhou Axle. Since 1995, ZF and LiuGong have been operating a joint venture company in Liuzhou, a major industrial city in the south of China. The two parties have now decided to further intensify their cooperation

The authorities in Oman are setting out plans for a major new highway project to improve connectivity in the country. The tender process is underway for the project management contract for the Batinah Expressway. Oman's Ministry of Transport and Communications is inviting bids from consultancy firms to manage the project, which will be divided into six construction packages. The 265km link will extend the Muscat Expressway to Khatmat Malaha, located in the border between the country and the UAE. Worth US$2.

Built to cater for hauling needs and with three body options, Cat is showcasing its 772G rigid-frame truck at bauma China 2012. The productive, durable and reliable machine comes with a fuel-efficient, yet powerful C18 diesel engine and has multi-mode operation to tailor performance to the duty cycle. The centrally mounted cab is said to offer high levels of operator comfort compared to rival models, with mirrors providing good rear and side views. Manufactured in India this truck is designed to cope with c