Mobile crushing, screening equipment and stacker specialist Keestrack has appointed Giovanni Bartoli as its new Area Sales Manager for the Middle-East and Africa. With over 15 years of experience within the construction equipment industry, Bartoli’s main goal will be to establish reliable and sustainable relations with new dealers in the region.

Speaking on the announcement Bartoli said, “Keestrack has already established some good dealerships in this region but there is still a lot of ground to cover. At first Keestrack wants to target the markets of the North-West Africa region, South Africa and in Middle East countries like Israel, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates & Qatar. We’re basically looking to expand our dealer network with A-rated, reliable and organised international and local dealers, to be involved as our importers and distributors.”

The company has seen an interest in mobile crushing and screening products in the West African countries mainly due to “the request for mobile quarry applications with easy maintenance, and which are user friendly, when production demand is not very high.”

In the Middle East, Keestrack said it will be looking at big players, managing quarries for the production of asphalt and concrete while it is ready to help with the transition from a crude oil economy with its full electric e-range.

It recently introduced tracked engine/generator units that can supply connected Keestrack e-drive crushers, screeners and stackers directly with electricity in case there is no plug-in connection from the grid available.

“Besides growing the market in these regions Keestrack will keep growing their product range in width and depth in the coming years. To support the dealers with the right service & training is a challenge for me in these markets,” Bartoli concluded.

In February 2021, Kleemann announced screens that offered large capacities for high material volumes, and in June, the firm launched a mobile cone crusher for hard and medium-hard stone.

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Source: ME Construction News

The Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) has announced the signing of a deal with Al Rajhi Bank, a leading financial group in Saudi Arabia, to provide financing options to customers for the purchase of residential property units within its giga-cultural and lifestyle destination coming up near Riyadh.

In a statement, DGDA said the agreement facilitates financing for individuals looking to purchase homes in DGDA’s residential projects and bolsters cooperation on real estate investments, banking services, and other areas related to the coordination, development, and implementation of projects and initiatives.

The MoU was signed by Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Gate Development Authority, and Waleed Al-Mogbel, Chief Executive Officer of Al Rajhi Bank.  The agreement is expected to pave the way for cooperation discussions across fields such as corporate and retail banking, sharia-compliant solutions, and e-commerce products intended to help DGDA improve efficiency and manage administrative challenges such as import and export credit lines, bank letters of guarantee, shipping guarantee letters, and online supply chain finance.

Inzerillo stated that one of the MoU’s main goals is the training of DGDA staff on financial management, adding that the two parties would collaborate on categorising real estate developers according to their credit ratings, in addition to exchanging expertise and research.

“With this MoU, we aim to help ensure financial sustainability and maximise the returns on our assets, as well as upskill and train our people to help achieve our ambitious goals,” he commented.

The agreement includes cooperation with the bank’s corporate banking group for solutions to manage cashflow, collection, and payments, as well as managing digital payments through DGDA’s online portal.

Under the terms of the MoU, the two parties will also explore the possibility of the bank offering off-plan sales management using tools including an advanced user interface and reporting system, which would enable DGDA to achieve granular visibility over its projects. The two sides also agreed to develop new ways to offer financial backing to individuals looking to buy homes around Diriyah, together with the possibility of extending comprehensive banking services to DGDA’s staff at competitive rates.

The MoU also covers working with Al Rajhi Bank’s insurance arm, Takaful, to offer Sharia-compliant insurance for DGDA’s properties and staff, including medical, vehicle, and savings insurance policies.

Al-Mogbel indicated that the MoU will create potential opportunities for the creation of new real estate funds designed to finance specific types of developments, lease them, and then divest them if and when needed.

He also stated that real estate funds can be founded to operate on the sell-sublet model, with cashflow and investment management tools tailored to each individual project, as well as joint financing with other banking institutions.

In conclusion, he expressed his hope that the agreement would bolster collaboration between the two sides to accomplish their mutual goals.

In April 2022, the DGDA awarded Egis a contract for project management services, while in May, it announced plans to transform Wadi Hanifah into nature-focused getaway. In line with Kingdom’s sustainable ambitions, in June, Diriyah Gate and Saudi’s OSP inked a MoU to use sustainable polymer construction material.

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Source: ME Construction News

The contract of CEO Andreas Klauser has been extended ahead of schedule for a further five years, the crane solutions provider has announced.

PALFINGER’s Supervisory Board unanimously reappointed Andreas Klauser to the position ahead of schedule, at a meeting earlier this month, the company said in a statement,

“I am pleased that in the coming years PALFINGER will continue to follow the future driven course of renewal successfully set by Andreas Klauser,” said Hubert Palfinger, chairman of the Supervisory Board.

Klauser was first appointed as CEO of PALFINGER AG in 2018. He was formerly Chief Operation Officer of the EMEA region, for CNH Industrial for three years.

Having introduced a new global organisational structure, the company’s focus has shifted to implementing Vision & Strategy 2030, In line with the vision of “Lifting value, creating momentum,” the Strategy 2030 is based on the two pillars “Go for Solutions” and “Go Digital.”

“We at PALFINGER have set ourselves clear corporate and financial targets: In 2030, we are aiming for a revenue of three billion euros. As CEO, I am proud to make a key contribution to further sustainable growth and to ensure the successful implementation of our strategy,” said Klauser.

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Source: ME Construction News

Global MEWP and telehandler manufacturer JLG Industries has given its JLG Augmented Reality (AR) app, a facelift with new, next-generation upgrades, the company has announced.

The enhanced interface comes with an expanded machine inspections functionality and a new “Fleet” feature that allows users to add and store multiple assets for easy tracking by serial number or asset ID. Data can be saved on machines and accessed instantly, regardless of connectivity, further optimising fleet management.

“This new, expanded version of the JLG AR app not only has a more modern look and feel, but it also operates more effectively and efficiently,” said Ara Eckel, director of product management for connected solutions at JLG. “Taking a machine-first approach, we have evolved this tool with very targeted enhancements and additional features that will improve users’ productivity. Its’ customer-centric design makes the app easier to navigate and more quickly connects our customers to the information they are looking for.”

Starting at the machine level, users can select a product and go directly into its content module from the menu guide or through the app’s improved search functionality. New machines and content have also been added to the equipment modules offering users more than 60 models to view and manipulate in 3-D. Content is now cloud-based, rather than native, to reduce the application’s size from 1.3 GB to 227 MB and enhance accessibility to new and updated content. The inspection assistance functionality has expanded to cover annual machine inspections, daily machine inspections and pre-delivery inspections.

The JLG AR app can be used by project managers, rental companies, operators and technicians. It will continue to provide five important functions that increase safety, productivity and efficiency on job sites: Machine Visualisation, Accessory Visualization, Operation Guidance, Decal Viewer and Inspection Assistant.

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Source: ME Construction News

Arada has awarded a major contract to build Sharjah’s largest and most technologically advanced fitness centre, which will be located in the Madar family entertainment district, within the Aljada megaproject.

At more than 65,000sqft, the gym will be operated by Wellfit the fast-growing fitness brand founded by Arada in 2021, a statement said. The contract, which covers the construction of all buildings within the second phase of Madar at Aljada, will be managed by BOUNCE, marking the popular Australian brand’s debut in Sharjah, alongside new public facilities to support growing visitor numbers at the destination.

Valued at USD$20.4 million, the contract was awarded to Dubai-based RAQ Contracting, which is already working elsewhere on the Aljada jobsite constructing the second Sarab garden villa community.

Construction began in May and work will take 12 months to complete, the statement added.

Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada, said: “The award of this contract shows our determination to provide residents and visitors to Aljada with truly world-class facilities and experiences. Wellfit is rapidly establishing itself as the UAE’s premier fitness and wellness brand, and this incredible new fitness hub is in line with our mission to enable healthy and active lifestyles for everyone in both Aljada and Sharjah.”

Situated in a distinctive elliptical building and surrounded by green landscaping, Wellfit Aljada is spread over two floors. The fitness centre contains separate men’s and women’s gyms, assessment areas and fitness studios, with space allocated for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), yoga, spinning and a special studio dedicated to children.

The space will also contain a Hungry Wolves café, as well as a sporting goods store.

Wellfit Aljada will integrate several fitness technologies and digital tools in its offering, providing users with advanced tracking activity and performance assessment, the developer said.

Launched in May 2021, Wellfit operates the UAE’s largest indoor multi-sports fitness centre, which is located at Circle Mall, Jumeirah Village Circle in Dubai, with a branch also located at Nasma Central, the lifestyle hub at Arada’s Nasma Residences community in Sharjah.

Opened in 2020 by HH Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, Madar at Aljada was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects.

The first phase of Madar contains the Aljada Discovery Centre, the Zad food truck district, a free-to-enter drive-in cinema, a children’s adventure playground, an indoor events space, an outdoor amphitheatre and the Aljada Skate Park.

As well as the Wellfit gym and BOUNCE trampoline park, the second phase of Madar contains the second and third extensions to the Aljada Skate Park, more parking and a further 460,000 square feet of parkland.

Spread over a 24 million sqft area, Aljada is Sharjah’s largest ever project and aims to be a transformational destination for the emirate. With a sales value of $6.53 billion, the development contains residential districts, as well as retail, hospitality, entertainment, sporting, educational, healthcare components and a business park, all set within a green urban master plan. In total, Aljada will contain 25,000 homes, the developer concluded.

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Source: ME Construction News

Masdar City, the pioneering sustainable community and technology and innovation hub in Abu Dhabi, has announced its latest development – Masdar City Square (MC²), which will advance its contribution to the UAE Net-Zero by 2050 Strategy.

In a statement, Masdar City said that the new project will cover an area of 29,000sqm and have a gross floor area of 50,000sqm. Built in coordination with its consulting partners Woods Bagot and Faithful+Gould, MC² will extend Masdar City’s commitment to net-zero, sustainability, technology, and wellbeing by nurturing an expanded community of businesses operating in harmony with the environment, the statement added.

Work on the development will begin this year and is scheduled for completion in 2024.

The development includes seven single- and multi-tenant office buildings and a parking facility, all reflecting innovative design, the statement continued. Six of the buildings will be built to the highest green construction specifications while the MC² Headquarters building will be Abu Dhabi’s first net-zero energy office building, meaning it will use no more energy than it produces by integrating energy efficiency-focused design and systems and renewable energy technologies.

This contribution to net-zero is of great importance to the UAE, which in 2021 became the first country in the Middle East and North Africa region to commit to achieving net zero emissions through its UAE Net-Zero by 2050 strategic initiative.

The MC² Headquarters building will be immediately identifiable by its innovative solar photovoltaic panel canopy.

Speaking at the occasion of the groundbreaking, Ahmed Baghoum, Acting Executive Director, Masdar City, said: “Masdar City is already home to one of the world’s largest clusters of green buildings with Estidama and LEED certifications. With the completion of MC², and its seven new green buildings, including Abu Dhabi’s first net-zero energy office building, we are further demonstrating how urban development can be both economically and environmentally sound and sustainable. Masdar City is proud to serve as a testbed for sustainable urban development and we look forward to seeing how MC² enriches Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, and the UAE.”

The ground-breaking ceremony was attended by key representatives from Masdar, Masdar City and development partners, including Ahmed Baghoum, Acting Executive Director of Masdar City and Abdul Aziz Bin Shafar, CEO of ASGC.

Six of the MC² buildings will be 4-Pearl Estidama, LEED Platinum, and WELL Gold certified.

The buildings in MC² add to Masdar City’s legacy as a regional pioneer in net zero and green construction, the developer said. In 2017, Masdar City announced the completion of its Eco-Villa Project, the UAE’s first net-zero energy villa. The 405-square meter villa was the first in the country to achieve a Four-Pearl rating, using around 72% less energy and 35% less water than a conventional villa of the same size in Abu Dhabi, mitigating 63 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

MC² will be located adjacent to Masdar City’s existing development centred around the Mohammed bin Zayed University for Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) and the Siemens Middle East Headquarters. MC2 will incorporate the existing International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Headquarters and will include courtyards, a day-care, an amphitheatre plaza, shaded pedestrian boulevards, a fitness centre, a meditation room, and more.

Faithful+Gould, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, has been awarded a project management consultancy services contract, while global architectural and consulting firm Woods Bagot will handle design and construction supervision consultancy for the MC² project. Woods Bagot previously designed the IRENA Headquarters in Masdar City.

Masdar City, which opened in 2010, is one of the world’s most sustainable urban developments and the only planned and approved R&D cluster in Abu Dhabi. A 10 MW solar array and rooftop panels provide the City 1 MW of solar energy to meet some of its power needs. All buildings within Masdar City are mandated to achieve at minimum a 3-Pearl Estidama rating, meaning they are designed to reduce energy consumption by at least 40% and reduce water consumption by at least 40% compared to provided standards.

The City is home to over 1000 companies, dedicated to developing innovative technologies across the sectors of renewables, energy storage, artificial intelligence, health, space, and mobility. These include, among others, IRENA, the UAE Space Agency, Siemens, the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) and its two pillar entities, Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and ASPIRE, Tabreed, Honeywell, and the MBZUAI. Masdar City is also home to the leading health technology company G42 Healthcare (G42), which is known for introducing one of the world’s largest Covid-19 testing and diagnostics laboratories.

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Source: ME Construction News

SNC-Lavalin a fully integrated professional services and project management company with offices around the world, has launched the “Engineering Net Zero in the GCC” report to help the region achieve its targets towards net zero carbon future.

First announced at this week’s Energy & Sustainability Summit, which was held on June 21, 2022 at the St Regis The Palm in Dubai, the report brings together the global expertise and local knowledge of The SNC-Lavalin Group, including Atkins and Faithful+Gould, and outlines challenges, opportunities, and key recommendations to decarbonize the energy, built environment, and transport sectors.

Globally, SNC-Lavalin has developed the ‘Engineering Net Zero’ (ENZ) program, which focuses on leading the engineering industry to achieve Net Zero Carbon as rapidly as possible, by helping clients manage climate risks and build climate resilience.

In 2021, the company announced its ‘vision for engineering a sustainable society’, containing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) targets and commitments to achieving Net Zero Carbon emissions by 2030 across corporate activities. The ENZ GCC report follows a series of other global industry reports that have covered Canada, the UK, and Germany.

Energy transition

The ongoing energy transition within the GCC is the foundation of governments net zero strategies. Decisions around heavy industry, the built environment or transport, directly influence opportunities within the energy sector. GCC countries are developing a mix of utility-scale solar, wind, waste-to-energy, and nuclear power as part of their planned low-carbon energy mix, although it is possible that build rates of both generation and grid integration projects, which must be considered in conjunction, may need to accelerate to meet government timelines.

The size and pace of clean energy targets in the UAE and Saudi Arabia – particularly when put into context of each country’s net zero targets – leaves no room for slow decision-making. Build rates for generation and enhanced grid infrastructure will have to be carefully executed. Given the complexity of government plans combined with the changing grid-connected energy mixes that will include firm and intermittent power along with storage, countries will need an energy system architect (ESA) to enable decision making.

“An Energy System Architect (ESA) can play a key role in meeting GCC countries’ clean energy targets, recognizing that one solution will not fit all. With an overall picture around population growth, city and transport expansion and future demand – all aligned with government-endorsed targets – an ESA can ensure well-engineered plans can meet the net zero energy challenge which involves optimizing the use of natural resources while overseeing decarbonization strategies at the same time,” said David Haboubi, Head of Nuclear & Net Zero Energy, Middle East, SNC-Lavalin.

Sustainable cities

Sustainable urban master planning is a key aspect of future net zero strategies. Sustainable cities need to consider liveability, work and access to essential services by a range of non-car and road-based modes. Conscious design and planning that achieve net zero goals need to appreciate life-centric approaches to the built environment. The three main strands of economics – free market, command, and mixed – integrated urban planning, and the application of smart technology will contribute to the planning, design and engineering net zero response. Delivering high performance-built environment solutions for new and existing urban environments is a critical activity and will be at the forefront of decarbonizing cities in the GCC.

This means integrating land use and urban transport planning and ensuring that high-performance buildings and environmental solutions will reduce energy needs. To help reduce carbon emissions for existing buildings, SNC-Lavalin has developed Decarbonomics, a data-driven solution to decarbonize the built environment in a cost-effective way to enable asset owners to contribute to demand reductions and net zero goals.

“The building blocks for creating sustainable cities need to be in place, driven by planning legislation and strategic land use planning. This should include stricter rules around regeneration and retrofitting existing buildings to bring them up to the required standards in terms of energy efficiency and wellbeing. A well-communicated, clear strategy on the benefits of owning and running low carbon, highly efficient buildings will result in positive changes that benefit the GCC net zero targets,” commented Matthew Tribe, Managing Director, Planning, Design, and Engineering, Middle East, Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group.

Transport and mobility

GCC countries, in particular UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, have invested heavily in their transport networks in the past decade, but there can be no denying that for internal travel all countries are still heavily reliant on petrol-based car ownership and use, as well as road-based freight. Among other reasons, this is due to the rapid growth of cities and communities that have been designed around the car. Changing behavior towards land-based mobility will require a combination of awareness and strict policies that incentivize Electric Vehicle (EV) purchase, reallocation of road space to other uses, increased parking fees or higher VAT on private vehicles with larger engines.

Land-based public transport networks will play a major role in achieving GCC countries’ net zero strategies. Existing metro and tram networks are not yet extensive, however, and new lines are needed that go to more locations if mass transit is to contribute significantly to a decarbonized transport network. In addition, over the coming decades other technology options such as Hyperloop and maglev can induce much less friction than conventional rail systems and require less power to cover the same distance. The electric power for these systems, if they ever come to fruition, will need to come from clean sources for them to contribute to being a low carbon transport system.

“Transport planning can enhance mass transit by providing new lines or extending daily operational times, particularly where it connects to major embarkation points or airports, giving people options beyond their cars. The rising use of working from home, e-learning, and online shopping will help reduce car journeys and therefore greenhouse gas emissions. A broader perspective is required that ensures the long-term planning of a widespread, functional, integrated transport strategy, including balancing supply-based approaches with the management of demand, and user behaviour,” concluded Roger Cruickshank, Senior Director, Transport, Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group.

You can read the full report here.

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Source: ME Construction News

Etihad Rail has announced the signing of an agreement for the manufacturing and supplying of passenger trains valued at USD$326.7 million, while also confirming the progress of works on the final package of Stage Two of the UAE National Rail Network.

The announcement came following an inspection tour by HH Sheikh Theyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court and Chairman of Etihad Rail, who visited the final package of Stage Two of the UAE National Rail Network, which extends for 145 kilometres from Sharjah to Fujairah Port and Ras Al Khaimah, to review the progress of rail construction works in these emirates.

Accompanied by HE Suhail Mohammed Faraj Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, HH witnessed the signing of an agreement between Etihad Rail and Spain’s CAF Company – a world leader in the railway sector, for designing, manufacturing, supplying, and maintaining passenger trains for the Etihad Rail project valued at $326.7 million.

The agreement serves as a major step forward in the development of the UAE’s passenger transport services, in line with company’s commitment to completing the national and strategic project on schedule, and according to the best criteria and practices.

The agreement, which emerged as a result of Etihad Rail’s success at the Middle East Rail 2022, was signed by His Excellency Shadi Malak, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Rail, and Josu Imaz, Chief Executive Officer Rolling Stock of CAF, in the presence of His Excellency Antonio Álvarez Barthe, Ambassador of Spain to the UAE, and officials from both sides.

The agreement was signed in Sakamkam area, where the first passenger train station will be built in the heart of Fujairah city.

Under the terms of the agreement, CAF will design, manufacture, supply, and provide maintenance for passenger trains as per the European standards. Each train will have a seating capacity of over 400 passengers, and will run up to 200 km/h. The trains, which will offer a variety of seating segments, will serve as a major addition to the public transport system in the UAE.

The development of the passenger railway services, one of the three strategic projects of the National Railways Programme, seeks to enhance the public transportation system in the UAE and improve living standards of the UAE’s citizens and residents, while adhering to the best international security and safety standards. The passenger trains will facilitate transport across the cities of the UAE, providing passengers with a quick, efficient, safe, comfortable, and cost-saving travel experience.

Through its partnership with CAF, a global leader in the railway industry, Etihad Rail will benefit from CAF’s long-standing experience for more than 100 years, in providing advanced solutions for improving the rail commuter’s experience and providing passengers with high levels of safety, efficiency and quality, the statement said.

During the visit, which started in Al Suyoh area in Sharjah and concluded in Sakamkam, His Highness inspected key landmarks on the project’s route in the final package of Stage Two of the network; starting with the rail bridge in Al Suyoh area in Sharjah, followed by a stop in Al Bithnah area in Fujairah to visit Al Bithnah bridge, then HH headed to visit a number of tunnels where he witnessed tracklaying works across the tunnels in Al Hajar Mountains in Fujairah.

The passenger train will connect 11 cities and regions in the UAE from Al Sila to Fujairah, including Al Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, and Abu Dhabi. Passenger services will allow travellers to plan their journeys between the Emirates and cities of the UAE more efficiently, from booking their tickets until they reach their final destination. They will reduce commute time by 30-40% compared to other modes of transport, where travelling from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, and from Dubai to Fujairah, will take only 50 minutes only, travelling from Abu Dhabi to Al Ruwais will take 70 minutes only, while travelling from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah will take 100 minutes only.

The passenger trains will be equipped with the latest cutting-edge technologies that suit the topography and climate of the UAE, which is key for ensuring high performance, efficiency, and reliability. The trains will provide various amenities, entertainment, and comfortable seating at high levels of security, efficiency, and quality, allowing passengers to enjoy exceptional journeys. The trains will be equipped with modern amenities, including infotainment systems, charging stations, and more, along with food and beverages, and ample legroom, in addition to an advanced air-conditioning system, to meet the needs of all citizens, residents, and visitors. There will also be different seating segments, including first class, business-class, and economy.

tihad Rail has recently signed three MoUs with Spain’s national railway operator Renfe, and the British companies High Speed 1 and GB Railfreight, to enhance cooperation and the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and the best practices in in freight and passenger rail services and rail operations. This took place during Middle East Rail 2022, which was hosted by the Etihad rail in May.

In February, Etihad Rail signed an agreement with First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) for financing the railway passenger transport services, with a total value of AED 1.99 billion as part of the UAE National Railways Programme. First Abu Dhabi Bank will be the Certified Lead Arranger for the loan, as part of the agreement.

The National Rail Network’s route in the final package of Stage Two extends for 145 kilometres, connecting the borders of Dubai and Sharjah, going through Fujairah all the way to Ras Al Khaimah. It comprises 54 bridges and 20 wildlife crossing points. It also has 9 tunnels which extend for 6.9 kilometres through Al Hajar Mountains, including the largest heavy freight railway tunnel in the Arab Gulf which runs for 1.8 kilometres. The route is known for its distinct geographic location, being surrounded by mountains on all sides.

In November 2021, Etihad Rail completed the excavation works for all rail tunnels in this route, two months ahead of schedule and in compliance with the highest safety and sustainability standards. This was achieved using the latest tunnelling equipment and the best modern technology, adding a notch to the project’s records in terms of safety.

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Source: ME Construction News

Hyundai Construction Equipment has introduced two articulated dump truck models to its growing line of heavy construction and earthmoving equipment.

The HA30A and HA45A have rated payloads of 28 tonnes and 41 tonnes respectively, providing an ideal haul truck match for Hyundai’s larger crawler excavators and wheeled loaders.

Aimed at the popular 30 and 45-tonne sectors, the HA30A and HA45A are built around a full-time six-wheel drive concept, with front and rear limited slip differentials and a longitudinal differential that can be manually locked, for maximum drive and traction on difficult terrain.

According to the company, the new trucks have a compact chassis design, “to aid manoeuvrability”, with a sloping rear frame and a front-mounted differential integrated into the ZF transmission, “allowing for a shorter front frame section.”

“This results in the smallest turning radius in the sector and outstanding stability. Self-levelling hydro-gas suspension on the front axle further supports a comfortable ride, delivering maximum tractability in tough ground conditions,” Hyundai CE added.

The HA30A and HA45A are equipped with a full hydraulic retarder, combined with an electronic engine brake as standard. This supports the oil-cooled wet disc brakes to achieve an extended service lifetime of up to 15,000 hours. Among other features, the trucks are supplied with a gradient metre, with flip-over protection and a Body Over Centre of Gravity function, to assist drivers when tipping and operating on rough terrain.

The two ADTs are the first visible sign of the new cooperation between Hyundai Construction Equipment Europe (HCEE) and Hyundai Doosan Infracore (HDI), since the purchase of the Doosan business last year by Hyundai Heavy Industries Group. HCEE and HDI now operate as separate divisions within Hyundai Genuine, maintaining their independent management and dealer network structures.

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Source: ME Construction News

Komatsu Forest AB, a wholly owned subsidiary in Sweden, Komatsu Ltd, is set to acquire Bracke Forest AB, which develops, manufactures, and sells application-specific attachments for silviculture.

The company said in a statement that it is planning to close the acquisition on 1 July, 2022, on the condition that all necessary procedures for closing are completed.

Tree planting is expected to expand worldwide for lumber production and as the promotion of carbon neutrality increases to help meet environmental goals. The acquisition comes as the need for mechanisation continues to grow, especially in tree planting where work can be labour intensive.

Since 2014, Bracke and Komatsu have engaged in joint development by sharing respective technologies and experience accumulated over the years, respectively in forest and construction machines. Komatsu added that it will work to improve smart forestry and provide higher value-added products to enhance the safety and productivity of customers’ jobsite operations.

“Komatsu also works to mechanise dangerous work, facilitate wide use of forest machines that contribute to safety, and promote smart forestry that analyses drone and satellite- based data for the management of forests, including the number and height of trees,” the company said.

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Source: ME Construction News