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Komatsu has introduced a feature-rich mobile application that allows owners to see critical machine information from the KOMTRAX fleet monitoring system on their Apple smart phones or tablet devices.

The new Cat 340D2 L hydraulic excavator, replacing the 340D L, is said to build on the productive performance and durability of its predecessor. Offering a more refined hydraulic system and a fuel-efficient Cat C9 engine that meets US EPA Tier 2, EU Stage II, and China Tier 2 emissions standards, the new model, with an operating weight of 40,270kg, features massive structural components; heavy-duty undercarriage; a selection of booms, sticks, and work tools for optimum versatility, and a spacious, comfortab

New articulated haulers are generating big interest in the quarrying and equipment rental sectors, while one existing ADT line continues to attract strong demand. Guy Woodford reports. Caterpillar has given dealers and customers a first glimpse of the new Hydex BH40 articulated block handler.

UK-based Breedon Aggregates has acquired a 50% stake in H V Bowen - owner and operator of the Tan-y-Foel quarry in Welshpool, mid-Wales. The acquisition gives Breedon a stake in 3.4 million tonnes of what the firm says is strategically important high ‘polished stone value’ (PSV) aggregates.

Mineral Products Association chief executive Nigel Jackson has praised the vital UK biodiversity and restoration work of his organisation’s members during a speech at the Conference for Nature in Westminster. Speaking at the high-profile event, which follows on from the launch of the State of Nature report in 2013, Jackson said, “MPA totally supports the aim of protecting and enhancing the state of nature and biodiversity delivery across the UK and EU and we will play our part where we can. Our industry is

CNH Industrial CEO Richard Tobin also became Brand President of CNH Industrial Construction Equipment earlier this year. In an Interview Q&A with Aggregates Business, he outlines the priorities of his extended role and goals for the Case and New Holland brands in the quarrying and heavy construction equipment sectors.

Now in its ninth edition, the major event for the building materials' industry is once again being held at Europe's largest basalt quarry in Homberg/Nieder-Ofleiden, south-west Germany. Sandvik, Metso. Atlas Copco, Powerscreen, Terex Washing Systems and Terex Finlay are among a huge range of manufacturers of quarry-based machine technology exhibiting at the key event, due to welcome ‎thousands of visitors over the next four days.

The UK aggregates and metals manufacturing sector is making tangible progress in managing its energy consumption, with 76% reporting a beneficial impact on the bottom line as a result of their efforts, according to a new report. The Siemens Industry report ‘The Future of Energy: The UK Manufacturing Opportunity’ canvassed the views of 600 board directors, senior management and energy managers from UK manufacturers operating across all major sectors, including aggregates and metals organisations.

A major project using natural stone in Valletta, the capital of Malta, will be among the highlights at the upcoming Marmomacc event in Verona, Italy, Being held from 24-27 September, the fair for operators in the stone industry, from machinery to instrumental products, from marble blocks to more complex processing, will see Hall 1 given over to an exhibition illustrating the history of the Valletta City Gate project.

As part of the company’s expansion and growth, McLanahan Corporation has appointed Mark Slonaker as its first vice president of manufacturing. He oversees manufacturing operations at all US based locations to ensure production meets required deadlines and the quality standards of an ISO certified company, all within the operational budget, and helps to maintain safe standards and corporate objectives, while making sure that as the company continues to grow, manufacturing capabilities are in place to meet an

Turnover of German construction industry supplier Sto increased by 8.3% to €563.1 million (US$742.41 million) in the first half of 2014, partly due to the mild weather. Domestic turnover was up 10.4% to €253.4 million. Foreign turnover grew by 6.6% to €309.7 million, while Ebit rose by 55.3% to €29.2 million. Sto expects turnover in full 2014 to grow by 5%.

The Czech branch of German group Goldbeck, which specialises in steel-reinforced concrete prefabricated elements and building concrete systems for the construction industry, is planning to expand its production in the Czech Republic.

The company plans to either build a new plant or acquire an existing one in the west of Bohemia, with a definite decision coming in the next 18 months.

In the meantime, Goldbeck plans to expand its existing plant in Tovacov, increasing its capacity from 30,000m³ of concr

The DSK NN company in Russia has launched production of large-format wall panelling and solid elements at Kstovo Steel Reinforced Concrete Plant.

The investments amounted to RUB 180 million (€3.72 million/US$4.9 million). The installed capacity increased from 70,000 to 250,000m²/year which equals around 5,000 flats.

The production is performing at 40% of the maximum load. The third modernisation stage worth RUB 800 million will be carried out in 2015-2016.

Global cement company Cemex has launched a new “revolutionary” concrete technology in the Dominican Republic.

Known as Evolucion Eco, it i said to bolster efficiency by reducing costs and construction time, as well as lifting quality standards.

It is part of Cemex's range of self-compacting concrete, and is highly workable, less prone to cracking, requires fewer workers to lay it and reduces carbon footprints by 40%. It is likely to have a positive impact on the infrastructural and housing sectors, as

Vitaly Dubinkin, the general director of Stroygaz company, has denied reported information on the planned sale of its cement factory in the Altai region (Siberia) of Russia.

Stroygaz intends to increase capacities to 1 million tonnes/year.

Semen Indonesia, the state-owned cement maker of Indonesia, has set aside US$50 million (€37.92 million)/year for its expansion abroad.

By early 2015 the company aims to beef up the output capacity of Thang Long Cement, its unit in Vietnam, to 2.5 million tonnes/year, from 1.5 million tonnes/year.

At present, Semen Indonesia is also working on the establishment of a joint venture with a private company in Myanmar, and has set aside around $300 million from its budget and bank loans for that.

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Eurocement Group has allocated RUB 300 million (€6.20 million/US$8.17 million) for the implementation of a new de-dusting system at the Katavsky Cement plant (Chelyabinsk region, Urals).

The launch of the system, made by the Czech manufacturer ZVVZ, will reduce dust emissions by 33%.

Hong Dinh Investment-Construction-Trading Joint Stock (Hong Dinh), of Vietnam, has received approval from the authorities of Huaphanh in Laos to carry out a feasibility study on the construction of a cement plant in Viengxay district.

The study will take about six months, and if successful the company will construct a cement plant in Viengxay's Navite village.

The feasibility study follows a memorandum of understanding (MoU) sealed between the company and the authorities on 25 August, 2014.

Veteran Sri Lankan investment banker G Ramanan has taken a 66% interest in Industrial Asphalts (Ceylon) and is offering to buy the remaining shares at a price per share of LKR 201 (€1.17/US$1.54).

Ranaman has become managing director and CEO of the company and has initiated a comprehensive restructuring that will see the various divisions receiving adequate resources.

Ruskalk ballast stone supplier from the Rostov region (South) of Russia has signed an agreement with Sberbank Leasing, from which it will take on lease six BelAZ-7547 dump trucks.

The agreement costs over RUB 53 million (€1.11 million/US$1.46 million) and lasts three years.