PCCA Journal|1
st
Quarter 2010
44
Member News
Continued from page 43
manufacturer of cable laying equipment and said this
transaction demonstrates its strategy to introduce new
technology for the telecommunications and energy
cable markets. The company also said it is pleased to
partner with A-D Technologies in support of its newest
cable pushing product, the ARNCO MaxxTrak II, and
help expand its presence in North America.
A-D Technologies will market both the ARNCO and
Plumett brands through its network of manufacturers’
reps and field technical personnel. The equipment will
now be assembled at the Plumettaz facility in Buford,
Ga.
“We are excited to enter into this distribution agree-
ment to offer Plumettaz’ equipment in North America,”
said A-D Technologies President and CEO Paresh Chari.
“We remain committed to our loyal customers. With
this new arrangement, we will be able to offer a wider
range of equipment serving various needs. We have
had a long relationship with Plumettaz in various parts
of the world and believe this is a win-win for both
companies.”
Cordless Power Duct
Slitter Provides Quick Cuts
G
eneral Machine Products, Inc. recently intro-
duced the Cordless Power Duct Slitter to its line
of more than 1,100 power utility, telecom, and
CATV tools and equipment. The rugged tool
features a battery-powered blade that offers a mecha-
nized method for trimming and slitting innerduct utility
conduit, providing a fast and easy alternative to the
brute force typically required when cutting innerduct
by hand. Because it is cordless, there is no power cord
to get tangled in, and its portable capability allows the
tool to be operated anywhere on the jobsite.
The duct slitter features a blade diameter of 3
3
/
8
inches and is adjustable to cut innerduct of 1 to 2
inches in diameter. Its compact design is easily maneu-
verable and fits comfortably in a worker’s hand. At 12
3
/
8
inches long and weighing 6 pounds, it
stores conveniently in most toolbox-
es.
The Cordless Power
Duct Slitter comes
with a recharge-
able 9.6-volt
battery and a
battery char-
ger, which
weighs 1.19
pounds and
charges bat-
teries to full
capacity in
one hour.
The duct slitter is constructed with a multi-direction-
al cutting guide to assist with cutting innerduct longi-
tudinally and also around its circumference. It features
a blade guard and a safety stop built into the switch to
prevent accidental starts. The tool can be used for both
utility and telecommunications cable placement and is
durable enough to withstand the most difficult work
site conditions. It is backed by a one-year warranty.
FMI’s 2010 U.S. Markets
Construction Overview
F
MI, a leader in consulting and investment banking
services for the construction industry, released its
2010 U.S. Markets Construction Overview
, offering
insight into some of the construction industry’s
most complex business challenges.
This year’s overview consists of three major pieces:
a compilation of strategic issues in the current environ-
ment, important trends observed in 13 client groups
served by FMI, and the third quarter 2009 forecast.
A few highlights include:
With slowing private markets, there will be increased
•
demand for firms capable of performing large, com-
plex projects.
Expect more influx from Asia in the future, with
•
particularly strong representation from Japan, China,
and India.
Engineering firms will continue to integrate up and
•
down the supply chain.
2010 will be a year of fundamental change for many
•
markets and firms.
The global trend of “sustainable” will move to “ac-
•
tively beneficial.”
Petrochemical, nuclear, and utility markets are par-
•
ticularly attractive for specialty contractors.
FMI has published the
U.S. Markets Construction
Overview
annually since 1985. It includes a compre-
hensive report on vital put in place construction trends
and forecasts the growth or decline in each market seg-
ment, noting both short- and long-term considerations.
Ditch Witch Unveils
New Pipe-Bursting System
D
itch Witch has announced the release of the
PR100, the company’s newest and most power-
ful pipe bursting system. Each component of the
PR100 (the bursting unit, power pack, and job
box) is designed and manufactured by the Ditch Witch
organization.
The PR100 bursting unit can fracture or cut any type
of existing pipe (clay, PVC, steel, cast iron, or ductile
iron) and pull in new pipe of up to 16 inches in diam-