Features

Synergies and a strong sense of common purpose have led to the merger of Germany's aggregates federation with its counterpart for sand and gravel, to form a new and expanded MIRO, led by its director general Dr Ulrich Hahn. Jon Masters reports. Amalgamation of MIRO, Germany's Aggregates Federation, with BKS, the German Sand and Gravel Association, took effect from 1 July this year, with minimal fanfare. Preparations for the merging of the two organisations have been under way for several years now. So trans

Turkey’s Simge Group is unusual in the quarry business - not only does it manufacture asphalt and aggregate equipment, it also operates a network of quarries producing construction aggregates and asphalt. ABE visited its Baskoy Quarry to find out more.

Spain’s international show of public works, construction and mining machinery - known as SMOPYC - is due to open its doors in April. ABE talks to the team behind the exhibition. With construction equipment manufacturers readying their products for launch at Spain's International Show of Public Works, Construction and Mining Machinery - the SMOPYC exhibition, the organising team has also been hard at work.

Germany is the focus for new quarrying technology as equipment manufacturers and buyers gather at MHI's Nieder-Ofleiden basalt quarry for the 2011 edition of Steinexpo. While MHI is working to maintain aggregate production, it is also preparing its Nieder-Ofleiden quarry for the arrival of thousands of visitors for 8th running of Steinexpo which starts on 31 August. The date is also a key one for many construction equipment manufacturers as the start of the show will see the unveiling of many innovations an

With its 25th anniversary in sight, the European Aggregates Association will have Dirk Fincke as its new general secretary and president Jim O'Brien back for a third year to see the organisation into this new era

With a real head for figures, peter tom hopes to continue his business success story with his latest venture in Breedon Aggregates, Claire Symes met him to find out more. After achieving the role of chief executive officer in a major aggregates company and masterminding the sell out to a big multi-national business after leaving school at 16, many people would be happy to retire and relax a bit.

Crushing operations in quarries have gradually become more mechanised and ABE takes a look at the development of crushing technology. Crushing and screening in quarries used to rely on manpower to reduce and sort aggregates but introduction of steam-powered, and then diesel-driven, equipment has helped change that. The evolution has not only improved safety but has also significantly improved productivity, efficiency and quality.