Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Alpha Natural Resources Invests in ‘Green Cement’ Technology Company CERATECH

Alpha Natural Resources (NYSE: ANR) has made a strategic equity investment in Alexandria, Va.-based CERATECH, Inc. (CTI). CTI manufactures a revolutionary “green cement” that utilizes 95 percent waste fly ash from electric utilities, dramatically reducing their landfill requirements while generating zero carbon dioxide emissions from the cement production process. Read Full Article on ConcreteExecutive.com


CTI’s technology allows for beneficial repurposing of fly ash, a by-product of coal combustion, dramatically reducing the volume of ash that is being land filled. About three of every five tons of ash produced—approximately 42 million tons a year—end up in a landfill. A ton of CTI “green cement” diverts approximately 1,800 pounds of landfill waste. An additional benefit of CTI’s unique technology is that its cement production process generates no carbon dioxide emissions furthering its attractiveness.

CTI’s cement is a one-to-one replacement for portland cement, with outstanding strength and durability characteristics. With no other cement on the market composed of more than 90 percent fly ash, CTI’s green cement technology sets a new standard in meeting green construction guidelines, particularly the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED certification requirements.

Alpha’s initial investment gives it 10.3 percent of the equity in CTI on a fully-diluted basis with an option to increase that stake to 28.3 percent of the fully-diluted shares if certain criteria are met. The amount of Alpha’s initial investment was not disclosed.

“Alpha’s investment is an ideal fit within our larger sustainability investments strategy,” said Michael Peelish, chief sustainability officer for Alpha Natural Resources. “We’re looking for ways to encourage development of new technologies that will bring sustainable environmental benefits to our utility customers. Conversion of waste fly ash into a green construction material represents an exceptional environmental use of coal combustion by-products.”

According to Jon Hyman, CTI CEO, “Alpha’s investment brings immediate benefit to CTI. Their strategic support—especially given Alpha’s excellent reputation in the industry—is an endorsement that we know will have great value in our discussions with leading U.S. utilities. Expediting the development of partnering agreements with leading utilities will result in our ability to expand our cement production and distribution capabilities. Also it will strengthen our ability to compete cost effectively against traditional cement companies.”


About CERATECH

Founded in 2001, CERATECH has pioneered and commercialized a high performance sustainable alternative to traditional portland cement. With executive offices in Alexandria, Virginia and research and development based in Baltimore, Maryland, CERATECH has grown from offering a broad range of packaged repair mortars and concrete mixes to high volume, highly durable bulk cements for typical concrete construction and demanding industrial and military applications. More information about CERATECH can be found on the company’s website at www.ceratechinc.com.



About Alpha Natural Resources

Alpha Natural Resources is one of America’s premier coal suppliers with coal production capacity of greater than 90 million tons a year. Among U.S. producers, Alpha is a major supplier and exporter of metallurgical coal used in the steel-making process and is a major supplier of thermal coal to electric utilities and manufacturing industries across the country. The company, through its affiliates, employs approximately 6,500 people and operates approximately 60 mines and 13 coal preparation facilities in Appalachia and the Powder River Basin. More information about Alpha can be found on the Company’s website at www.alphanr.com.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Construction Costs Declining

State officials have been enjoying a decrease in costs for road and bridge projects due to the economy. The decline in costs is a stark contrast to the cost escalations in recent years.

According to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), costs are down 15 to 30%. A recent AASHTO survey reported that 16 of 21 states surveyed reported they received bids that were lower than anticipated for stimulus projects. An article in the Wall Street Journal, cited lower commodity prices and a rise of unemployment as key factors in the drop in prices.

John Porcari, Secretary of the Maryland DOT Chosen to Become Deputy Secretary of the U.S. DOT

John Porcari, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation, is President Barack Obama's choice to become the next Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
"John Porcari brings tremendous talent and experience to this extremely important and influential Administration position," said AASHTO Executive Director John Horsley
"Under Secretary Porcari's leadership, the Maryland DOT has led the way in community sensitive design and smart growth strategies that have improved the quality of life for Marylanders। He was also instrumental in the development of the new Woodrow Wilson Bridge, a $2।4 billion megaproject which was not only delivered on time and on budget; it broke new ground in environmental, contracting, and management innovation. We commend President Obama for this outstanding nomination and look forward to working with Mr. Porcari, once he is confirmed."In his current position, Mr. Porcari is responsible for motor vehicle registration and the highway, transit, aviation, and maritime modes of the state's transportation system. Mr. Porcari also serves as chairman of the entity responsible for operating the state's bridge and tunnel facilities. He's in his second tour as Secretary, having previously served in this capacity from 1999 to 2002.
Source: AASHTO Press Release

Monday, April 13, 2009

CSU-Chico Announces Patron’s Gift

The Patrons of the Concrete Industry Management (CIM) program at California State University (CSU), Chico presented $159,500 to the University on March 18।

CIM is a business intensive program that awards students with a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in Concrete Industry Management. University President Paul Zingg, along with officers from the Chico State Patrons organization and the CIM faculty, were in attendance.

During the past three years, the CSU Chico Patrons, along with the CIM National Steering Committee, have presented checks in excess of $1,137,000 to the University. These funds directly support the CIM program at CSU in addition to providing scholarships for students participating in the program.

Doug Guerrero, retired CEMEX Vice President and Chairman of the Chico State CIM Program, says that the program is doing extremely well and is performing at the growth rate planned when it was established in 2006. “After being in place for three years, we have more than 60 declared CIM students and will graduate our first 9 Concrete Industry Management majors this May. The success to date is due to the dedication of the active Patrons in providing the donations to fund the startup of the program,” he said.

According to Guerrero, the Chico State CIM Patrons have also provided additional funds for industry scholarships to all qualified students, funds for students and faculty to travel to Concrete Industry meetings, trade shows and conventions. “We have also gifted significant dollars for the Concrete Lab Improvement Project. These gifts, along with additional donations of equipment and materials, and generous donation of time to guest lecture, has resulted in the growth and success of the CIM Program at Chico State. This truly is a partnership between the concrete industry and the University,” he said.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Reed Business Announces Closing of 13 Construction Pubs

The economy claimed 13 of 14 of Reed Business’s construction publications. Reed announced on Tuesday that it was ceasing publication of the regional construction titles published under Associated Construction Publications.

Reed will continue to publish Construction Equipment and Minnesota Construction Bulletin, as well as several websites.

Advertising in construction trade publications has steadily declined over the last several years. ACP’s regional construction publications and McGraw Hill’s publication have been significantly impacted as more people are seeking their information from the internet and other sources.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Congress Approves Stimulus Package

Congress, last night, approved a $789 billion economic stimulus package to help provide a jolt to the United States economy. The compromise bill has approximately $150 billion for infrastructure projects, including money for a "Smart grid," sewer, rail and transportation projects.

Critics believe the stimulus package will take too long to get money in the pipeline. Many believe the stimulus is good for the long term, but will not have any significant short term impact. In addition, funding for school projects fell short of expectations.

Final Bill

Precast and Pipe Show to be Held in Houston

The American Concrete Pipe Association and the National Precast Concrete Association have come together this year to sponsor The Precast Show at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston on Feb. 20-22, 2009. Thousands of attendees representing the precast and concrete pipe industries nationwide including manufacturers/producers, suppliers, engineers, contractors, technicians and consultants will be on-hand to see the latest in equipment, products and services to better position themselves in a challenging concrete market.

"The Precast Show is an equipment and services trade show designed by precasters and suppliers, and it puts the focus squarely on manufacturing, safety, technical training and the producers who are doing award-winning work in this industry," said Ty E. Gable, president of the National Precast Concrete Association, which is producing the event. "We're launching a new trade show in the midst of a recession, but we've had very good response so far and we expect a successful show."

The show will appeal to a large segment of U.S. construction. Concrete pipe and precast concrete products are a $5 billion industry. "The partnership is a natural fit for both trade associations," said 2008 ACPA Chairman Bill Washabaugh. "We share many of the same suppliers, much of the same production equipment needs and run our plants in similar ways. The opportunities for technical training and networking will benefit both groups greatly."

The ACPA will hold its Annual Production Short Course before the trade show at the Hyatt Regency Houston from Feb. 17-20, a three-day concrete pipe educational conference featuring tours to Houston-area plants including Hanson Pipe and Precast, Rinker Materials' Concrete Pipe Division (CEMEX) and Ivy Steel & Wire.

Technical training provides a major focus of The Precast Show, with three days of courses in eight educational tracks. The Precast Show also includes the industry's biggest awards event, The Salute to Excellence. Both NPCA and ACPA will be presenting awards at the event, which includes an exclusive performance by country music star LeAnn Rimes.

More information on the ACPA Annual Production Short Course can be obtained by contacting the ACPA at (972) 506-7216 or by visiting the website at www.concrete-pipe.org. Information about The Precast Show is available at www.theprecastshow.org or by contacting NPCA's Brenda Ibitz at (317) 582-5109 or bibitz@precast.org.