Ai Group associate director of economics and research Tony Pensabene said the latest index reflected the impact of tight credit conditions, weak demand and deteriorating economic sentiment.“Although the latest data suggests that the rate of industry contraction eased slightly in October, conditions overall remain particularly subdued,” Pensabene said. Read more
Wearing out the welcome
To some of the more astute people in the industry, an investment in wear parts depends on many factors other than the ground conditions that a machine works in. These include the price of the steel being protected, the price and availability of labour, the volume of work and the price of hard facing and ground engaging tools. Read more
Quiz that rep, says Other
Are all systems equally compatible with all original equipment manufacturers?You will find that the largest grade control manufacturers’ [systems] will all perform adequately on the major-brand machines, although differences will persist. Read more
Leighton maintains 15% profit forecast
The construction giant said its work in hand had grown to $35.3 billion as at September 30, 2008, and since then the group had won around $2.4 billion worth of work. However, Leighton chairman David Mortimer said the company’s results for the first quarter of fiscal 2009 had been negatively impacted by the deterioration in asset values. Read more
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According to ACCC chairman Graeme Samuel, the report shows that the Australian community has benefited from reforms that commenced a decade ago.“During this time, demand for stevedoring services has doubled,” he said.“The cost of using stevedoring services has fallen in real terms. Read more
New Case loaders fitted with Tier III technology engines
The 1150K dozer has a 6.7-litre, 118 net horsepower (88 kilowatt) turbocharged engine with electronic injection, which Case says allows for maximum fuel efficiency. Read more
Hitachi strengthens its hand
Kawasaki says it will spin off its wheel loader division around April next year. The new company will initially be a wholly owned Kawasaki subsidiary but Hitachi will buy a 34% stake before the end of 2009. Read more
Building disputes on track for faster resolution
IAMA said it was collaborating with the Master Builders Association, the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors and the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply Australia in a bid to provide a cost-effective and faster approach to resolving disputes. Read more
Germany outperforming other EU countries in terms of sustainability goals
The Circular Economy Index takes into account seven key metrics – annual municipal waste per person, municipal recycling rate, trade of recyclable raw materials, material reuse rate, investments in circular economy sectors, circular economy patents, and annual food waste per person. Read more
Plastics Pact launched to drive circular economy principles
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s New Plastics Economy initiative aims to move away from the current ‘take-make-dispose’ plastics economy towards one based on circular economy principles. The vision for such a system is that plastics are kept in the economy and out of the environment. Read more