U.S. Construction Equipment Exports Up 35 Percent

U.S. construction equipment exports for 2005 increased 35 percent over the previous year as $12 billion worth of American-made machinery was shipped to countries across the globe, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.

South America recorded the strongest gains, with a 51-percent increase, while Central America experienced the least growth, with a 15 percent gain.

Exports to South America grew the most in 2005 as the region took delivery of $1.6 billion worth of U.S. construction equipment. Central America's purchases of $925 million represented a 15-percent increase compared to the previous year.

Construction equipment exports to Asia in 2005 rose 33 percent to total $1.7 billion.

Exports to Europe and Canada each increased 35 percent, with Europe's purchases totaling $2.1 billion; and Canada, $4.1 billion.

Exports to Australia/Oceania increased $1.1 billion, a 39-percent gain, and exports to Africa grew 31 percent and totaled $459 million.

Murray Baker Bridge Gets Eminent Conceptor

The Murray Baker Bridge project in Peoria has received the Eminent Conceptor award from the American Council of Engineering Cos. of Illinois, its top honor.

The honor was presented to Chicago-based Alfred Benesch & Co., which served as the design consultant on the project.

The Murray Baker Bridge is 180 ft. shorter than it was previously as a result of the first known bridge shortening of its kind, the ACEC said in announcing the project.

The group said Eminent Conceptor recognizes an engineering achievement that demonstrates a high degree of merit and ingenuity, contributes to the advancement of the private practice of engineering and enhances the economic and social welfare of the public.

Five projects won honor awards, 10 projects won special achievement awards and 21 projects were recognized with special achievement awards.

Visit www.acec-il.org/exawards.cfm on the Internet
to get project descriptions and view photos.

Substance Abuse Testing OK'd

The Wisconsin House has approved substance abuse testing requirements for state and local government construction projects under the prevailing wage law.

The bill, AB 736, moves to the Senate for consideration.

Scherrer, Smith Get Honors in Wisconsin

Two 2005 general contractors of the year were named in Wisconsin, Burlington-based Scherrer Construction Co. Inc. and Fond du Lac-based C.D. Smith Construction Inc.

The honor comes from the Madison-based Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin.

Criteria for the award included bid ethics, safety policy and practice, payment practice, back charges and jobsite supervision.

Pat Smith to Lead Wisconsin AGC