Report: Cement Production to Rise 17 Percent

U.S. cement companies are currently engaged in a $3.6 billion expansion that will increase clinker capacity by 16.2 million metric tons by the year 2010, according to a report the Skokie-based Portland Cement Association has issued.

This represents a 17.3 percent increase in capacity compared to 2005 levels.

Based on announced and permitted plans, the growth includes greenfield sites-including the 3.9 million-ton Holcim plant in Missouri-modernizations and expansions of existing facilities.

"The United States construction industry is ready to digest this large increase in capacity," said Ed Sullivan, chief economist for the PCA. "Regions with a vibrant economic base dominate the location of plant expansions and the related escalation in private, commercial, and public infrastructure construction will require additional materials."

The central region of the United States is expected to have the largest number of capacity expansions, 37 percent of planned increases. The Mississippi River allows plants in this area to access a broad market.

Stair to Lead Milwaukee Education Services

Heather Stair was named director of education and membership for the Associated General Contractors of Greater Milwaukee.

She will coordinate the AGC's education and safety training events and other activities, including Past President's & Awards Night, a golf outing and holiday dinner/dance.

She will also supervise the AGC's newsletter, electronic news and Web site.

Stair was previously property manager with Milwaukee-based Blake Capital Corp.

She can be reached at 414-778-4100.

AEM Signs Trade Pact With the Chinese

The Milwaukee-based Association of Equipment Manufacturers is among the signers of an agreement between the United States and China pledging cooperative efforts to improve the U.S.-Sino trade balance.

During a recent special signing ceremony in Los Angeles, AEM Senior Vice President Al Cervero joined a select group of signatories that included China Vice Premier Madame Wu Yi and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

Under the agreement, AEM will work with the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products on a variety of activities to promote U.S. products to the Chinese marketplace. The CCCME is a governmental body within the China Ministry of Commerce that makes trade policy recommendations.

The agreement specifically notes cooperative efforts positioning AEM's CONEXPO Asia trade show as an important platform to promote U.S. products. The inaugural CONEXPO Asia exhibition will be held in May 2006 in Beijing.

Alberici Headquarters Get Build America Honor

The Alberici corporate headquarters in St. Louis is a winner of the Associated General Contractors of America 2006 Aon Build America Award.

The project won in the Environmental New category. Alberici transformed a 1950s brick office building and metal manufacturing warehouse into a green Class-A office space and campus to achieve a Platinum certification, the highest, from the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Building Rating System, the AGC noted.

In total, 18 projects nationwide received the honor. The Alberici project was only one in Illinois, Indiana, Missouri or Wisconsin to receive the honor.

Three Midwesterners Named Landscape Fellows