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Global consumption of asphalt is forecast to rise 4.1% annually from a 2010 base to 119.5million tonnes in 2015, according to a new leading market research firm study. The volume predicted in World Asphalt, a new study from The Freedonia Group based in Cleveland, the United States, is equivalent to 725million barrels of primary asphalt. High petroleum prices combined with economic weakness and declining construction activity is said by Freedonia to have resulted in a significant drop in consumption in

German asphalt and concrete plant constructor Lintec is rapidly expanding its manufacturing base around the world to meet growing demand for its modular material production equipment from both well established and emerging markets. The company’s new facility in Poland has recently supplied its first CDD 1200 GA Gussasphalt plant to French company SMAC, part of the Colas Group. However, the company is also enjoying strong demand from facilities in Brazil, Shanghai and Singapore.

JCB chief executive Alan Blake revealed record financial results for the UK machinery manufacturer during INTERMAT in Paris. Turnover in 2011 rose to US$4.37bn (€3.33bn), 37% up on 2010, with earnings before tax of €430m from sales of 69,100 machines. Speaking at the major construction industry show, Blake said: “The market has recovered by 80% since the last Intermat, mainly thanks to emerging markets. Russia is up 122%, India up 24% and Brazil is up 10%. However Western Europe has also improved, up 25% on

JCB CEO Alan Blake has reported record financial results for the UK machinery manufacturer. Turnover in 2011 rose to €3.33bn, 37% up on 2010, with earnings before tax of €430m from sales of 69,100 machines. Speaking at INTERMAT, Blake said: “The market has recovered by 80% since the last INTERMAT, mainly thanks to emerging markets. Russia is up 122%, India 24% and Brazil 10%. However, Western Europe has also improved, up 25% on last year.”

The Fayat Group’s road building division is “ready to play its part” in overcoming the global economic downturn, Group general manager Jean-Claude Fayat told a press conference at INTERMAT. “The crisis is not over. The financing aspects have to be handled with care,” said Fayat, who stressed how the French Group’s “diversification and internationalisation” had left it in “good shape” to come through tough economic times.

Terex boss Ron DeFoe has spoken about the company’s expanded global strategy and confirmed his thoughts about the threat represented by Chinese manufacturers. “This year has started well for the Terex organisation and we are confident that our markets are moving into an extended cycle of economic growth right around the globe. As a result we are forecasting a significant growth in sales from US$6.5 billion (2011) to US$8.5 billion,” he said.

New CNH Construction president Mario Gasparri says the firm is keen to build on its “strong, sustainable growth opportunities in every major region”. Speaking to the Daily News Gasparri, a Fiat veteran who took on his prestigious new role last month, said, “In 2011, we saw the highest growth in North America, where demand increased by 38%. The European, African, Middle Eastern and CIS markets were not far behind with a 35% increase. In Latin America, the strong demand from projects in the private and public

Zoomlion is set to grow its operations as Helen Huang, general manager for the firm’s construction hoist machinery branch explained. The firm intends capitalise on its purchase of the tower crane technology from German firm Jost. Huang said, “We have a two year licence with Jost. We purchased the whole set of topless tower crane technology. This is arranged as a two year technology transfer, although there may be the option to extend the period.”

More than 200 companies are preparing to take part in INTERMAT Middle East being held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from October 8-10 2012. Guy Woodford spoke to the ambassador of the UAE to France and senior figures in three exhibiting companies about the significance of the event and what they are looking to achieve through it.

Henan Roady Road Machinery says that its asphalt plants offer innovative design features, including a novel parallel feed system. Feed materials are weighed simultaneously to boost productivity and the plants can also be equipped with an overhead drum so as to use recycled asphalt. The firm reports success in an array of overseas markets including India, Kazakhstan, the Lebanon, Latin America, Mongolia, Nigeria, Russia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Uzbekistan and Vietnam, and intends to boost overseas sales.

New laws being established in the UK will crack down on those driving under the influence of illegal drugs. A panel of experts has been appointed by the UK Government to investigate the various issues involved. Existing laws in the UK have been described as inadequate to address the issue, prompting this move. There is a large body of research showing that illegal drug use presents a serious problem to road safety in the UK and other nations. Studies show links between drug use, criminal activity, varying v

Superlatives, once applied only to China's phenomenal growth, are now being used for India. Patrick Smith reports Those involved with the Naini Bridge in Allahabad are so proud of the result that they have set up an exhibition centre detailing its construction.

Sandvik Mining and Construction has launched the first representative of its new Basic Line breaker product line to the Indian market.

The Wirtgen Group is developing its manufacturing facilities outside of Germany. The company has extensive operations in Brazil and China and has now opened a new plant in India, which has started production already. Joint president Stefan Wirtgen said, “The first machine we made was a Hamm compactor. It is specially developed for the Indian market.”

Gate7 has developed a range of products to perform to the same standard in all global climate zones from Alaska to the Sahara. The firm will be showcasing these at Intermat 2012 and highlighting why the company has seen rapid growth over the last ten years. The firm describes itself as one of the market leaders for the design, manufacture and supply of specialist vehicle livery, markings and decals. Its primary markets are construction, industrial and agricultural equipment manufacturers. Major construction

A major highway deal has been agreed for a road project in Gujarat, India, worth an estimated US$810.8 million. It will be handled under the build, finance, operate and transfer basis and will involve upgrading and widening to six lanes a 102km section of National Highway 8 (NH-8) from Ahmedabad-Vadodara. The project also includes upgrading 92km of the existing Ahmedabad-Vadodara expressway.

The first motorway connecting the cities of Hyderabad-Bangalore will be approximately 600km long, with three lanes in both directions. It will represent an important change in India as the country will benefit from a fast and greater flow of communication, transportation and commerce networks, which up until now have been carried out mainly by sea.

Trimble Dimensions 2009 takes a hard look at opportunities in a tough economy If attendance is the standard by which user conferences are measured, then Trimble Dimensions 2009 should be considered a success. The conference, which took place from 23-25 February at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas, USA, hosted more than 2,400 attendees, slightly exceeding last year. The strong attendance, in the face of global economic concerns, was seen by Trimble CEO Steven Berglund as a show of support for the company's tech

Tony Pearce, honorary life member and former director-general of IRF Geneva, recalls the history of the Silk Roads, highlights their continued economic relevance and introduces IRF's active long-term commitment to their rehabilitation.

Rajasthan is one of the most favoured tourist destinations of India for both domestic and international traffic on account of its rich array of historical forts, palaces, art and culture. In terms of area, Rajasthan is the country's largest state. Its size and strategic location means that it is traversed by substantial traffic linking the neighbouring states to the north and south. The National Highway (NH) road corridors currently accommodating this traffic are the NH-8, NH-11, NH-12, NH-14 and NH-1