HOSE HAZARD!

There are two types of hoses commonly used in concrete pumping: Concrete Delivery Hoses (usually referred to as Double-Ended Hoses), and End Hoses. A concrete delivery hose has a connector on both ends of the hose, while an end hose has a connector on only one end, as shown below.

Concrete hoses hanging from a boom can be a significant hazard to those around the hose if the hose whips. A concrete hose filled with concrete weighs up to 376 pounds. During a hose-whipping event, the hose can go from hanging vertically to shooting horizontally in a fraction of a second – the velocity depending on how compressed the air inside the hose has become before it’s released. A hose-whipping event can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gpp5kAYVHFs

A concrete delivery hose weighs more than an end hose, and has a mass of steel with square corners at the end, which magnifies the hazard. If there are any other devices attached to the second connector, such as a double-S elbow, the hazard multiplies again.

This article deals with the increased hazard of using double-ended hoses suspended from the boom. Hose-whipping event causes and remedial measures are documented in an ACPA safety bulletin, titled Hose-Whipping, which can be downloaded from their website at www.concretepumpers.com.

Concrete delivery hoses are necessary for connecting boom pipe to separately–laid pipeline is not allowed. See Figure 2 at top of next page.

In the situation illustrated, the pipeline is removed piece by piece as the job progresses. When the last piece of pipe is removed and the boom can reach the rest of the pour, the hazard becomes present, as shown in Figure 3 on next page.

Allowing personnel to work next to an unprotected concrete delivery hose during pumping is not recommended. There are options that can be exercised to minimize the effects of a hose-whip in this situation:

1. The concrete delivery hose can be removed and replaced with an end hose. While this option is a bit time-consuming, it has the advantage of being available on every job-site.
2. The concrete delivery hose can be protected with a strap-on anti-whip device available from vendors. This option has the advantage of being available for end-hoses as well, and might reduce the hazard of a hose-whipping event.
3. If the operator can direct the hose with the boom accurately enough, the hose-person can simply stand away from the hose until the job is done. This option has the advantages of being instant and without cost.

It must be noted that using an end-hose instead of a concrete delivery hose is NOT a safeguard against hose-whipping events. Hose whippings, even without a connector, can be, and have been, deadly. All steps must be taken to be sure the personnel on the job-site are familiar with the causes of hose-whipping events and the preventative measures that can be taken to reduce the chance of injuries. Some vendors offer end hoses that have some protection against hose-whipping built into the design. Again, the strap-on anti-whip devices can be used with any suspended hose.

The American Concrete Pumping Association warns AGAINST using attachments on the end of a concrete delivery hose suspended from the boom. Double-S bends (shown in Figure 4 below) and ‘ram’s horn’ devices, which are sometimes mandated by the Department of Transportation of certain states to reduce entrained air loss, are known to be hazardous to people standing near the hose.

The air loss that occurs with rapidly falling concrete can be prevented using other methods, making the hazard unnecessary. The use of these devices must be avoided. If you are asked to install one of these dangerous devices, try explaining the hazard to the person making the request.

You can keep the concrete from free-falling in other ways:

1. If the tip section of the boom were positioned horizontally or even slightly upwards, the concrete would only fall the length of the end hose;
2. If you pump fast enough that concrete is being forced from the hose, it will never fall. How fast you can pump is not always up to the operator, though;
3. Reducing hose is more effective than double-S elbows at stopping free-fall, and has no second steel end. It accomplishes the goal without adding the additional hazard.

If you’re using one of these methods to reduce loss of air entrainment, ask the job superintendant to take the air readings at the point of discharge instead of the hopper; the hazardous devices may not be mandated if the air loss isn’t happening.

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS

CFA membership is now more important than ever and we are bringing you this information to begin solidifying your decision and setting the course for your participation to come.

Membership in an association like the Concrete Foundations Association, CFA, should be made based on its ability to inspire and contribute to the growth of your company. It is understandable that through such growth and change, the industry at large is improved. However, a common myth for associations is that they will directly improve or impact your local industry. We’re no different. Rather than professing to help you make better products and deliver significant change to your local market, you have turned to the CFA to provide opportunities for improvement, growth potential in times of opportunity and economies of scale when times are stressed. Contained in the pages that follow are three of the latest programs that your support has helped to create and ones you should be taking advantage of in the months to come.

As we move ahead, we are going to spend great amounts of time and space in this magazine to keep you focused on the programs that can benefit you the most and in some ways, require the least from you. There are certainly benefits to being active and present at our meeting events but we know the effort and expense this requires.  So, take a look at the impressive topics we will soon be covering, many you may not be familiar with or have taken the time to strongly consider as a member bene” t.

• Member Rewards Program …………………………………In This Issue
• Insurance Captive …………………………………………….In This Issue
• Certified Contractor Program …………………………….In This Issue
• Safety Services Programming (Member Discount)
• Online Business Networking
• Company Promotion / Awards & Achievements
• Industry Regulatory Notices
• CFA Education and Networking Events
• Industry Codes, Standards and Guides
• Customer Advice Resources
• Business Management Perspectives

CFA MEMBERSHIP REWARDS PROGRAM

Each of you likely belongs to at least one consumer program that provides rebates, kick-backs or incentives for returning your business time and time again. In a way, this develops loyalty and ensures brand recognition but it really solidifies the potential for growth by the company that provides you that reward.

The CFA is in a must-grow mode. After several years of tough decisions by companies just like you to remain a member, we’ve seen many more fail to realize their potential and thus have fallen away from membership. Still, many more have not benefitted from the aspects of membership that you already enjoy. Therefore, to help us multiply the effort bringing companies to the CFA, a points-based reward system has been generated to reward your participation in generating new memberships and helping to return expired companies to membership.

Through this rewards program, your Board of Directors feels that solvency and growth are at their greatest potential. Here is how the program works…

Point 1. Active members listed as a referral on any new or returning membership will receive an award of points based on that membership.

Point 2. Reward Points are redeemable on a 1:1 ratio with 1 point = 1 US Dollar.

Point 3. Reward Points will be awarded according to the following scale for memberships:

a. National Associate Member 50 pts

b. Contractor Member (400 or 600) 50 pts

c. Local Associate Member 25 pts

d. Professional Member 25 pts

Point 4. Points are redeemable by active member companies to provide for free or reduced attendance to the CFA Annual Convention or as a reduction to their annual membership renewal.

Point 5. Reward points have no expiration as long as active membership is maintained. Points will expire immediately on termination of a membership due to standard Association policies.

Point 6. Points will be viewable in an online listing of member companies and their related point totals by all members. Our database system, both in-house and online, tracks the status of all active member Rewards accounts making it quick and effective to see your potential.

Point 7. Points will be noted as part of an Annual Report that CFA Sta$ will look to begin preparing for the membership.

Now, with all that information, let’s take a look at how the Rewards System may work using Jim Bartley, chair of the CFA Membership Committee and his company, The Bartley Corporation.

Bartley Corporation aggressively pursues Basement Systems (a wall contractor), Might Walls of Virginia (a wall contractor), CEC Engineering (an professional firm) and Fly Ash Ready Mix (a local supplier) for membership. All four companies join the Association and place Bartley Corporation in the “Referred By” blank of their form. This is cross-referenced by email from Jim Bartley alerting us to watch for their memberships. Bartley Corp would bank 50 pts ea. for the first two companies and 25 pts ea. for the second two companies as found in the table following Point 3 above. They just received a total of 150 pts.

REDEEMING YOUR POINTS – OPTION 1:

The 2011 CFA Summer Convention rolls around and Jim remembers that they were effective at helping the CFA grow by four members. He does a quick online check of his Rewards Points status as he prepares to register for the 2011 Summer Convention. He sees a balance of 150 pts and locates the points redemption blank on the registration form. Instantly, his attendance to the Convention is reduced by $150, making it that much easier for him to send an extra person to the event. Note: The points can be applied across the board at this Convention reducing the associated fee for extra events, multiple attendees, exhibiting (if he were representing an Associate) or sponsoring.

REDEEMING YOUR POINTS – OPTION 2:

CFA headquarters begins sending out dues renewal notices in May of 2011. Jim catches the second notice for dues renewal that comes across his desk and is ready to approve it for processing. As he reviews the invoice, he sees that the CFA automatically included a line item in the process for his current level of points at 150. The total for annual renewal is adjusted by this amount in dollars. Below that is a check box asking him to verify use of the points to reduce his renewal fee. By not checking, he is indicating that he prefers to leave them there for another time. He decides the time is right to redeem his points and checks the box.

In both of these cases, a CFA member received direct gratification for his role in helping the CFA grow and the CFA gained four new members that were already linked to the network through him.

Your Board of Directors and CFA Management Staff believe that this program will be a direct benefit to you as a proud CFA member and encourage ways of benefitting the industry through your knowledge of companies that build, supply or manufacture and therefore should be plugged in.

Getting started in this approach is quite easy. If you don’t have a copy of the CFA Membership Application, use the one included in this magazine and deliver it to a company you feel would benefit from belonging. One can always be downloaded from our website or you can simply direct the company representative you have in mind to our site for online application or their information to CFA staff. In any of these ways, be sure to have your company or your name listed in the referral box and notify the CFA to watch out for (or help reel in) this membership.

INSURANCE CAPTIVE — a CFA Initiative and Insurance Program Highlights

The CFA has moved one step closer to realizing its self-insurance program. You have one more chance to get involved at the start-up level. Loss histories are being collected and an actuary will soon begin analysis of the risks and losses specific to our industry. If you with to get involved in this effort, please get in touch with CFA at your earliest convenience. Criteria and costs to participate will be higher once the program is opened to the general membership. Below are a few highlights of the program. Contact the CFA if you would like a complete list of questions and answers accumulated over the past couple of years during meetings with the consultants.

THE PROGRAM

The CFA Insurance Program is a Multi-line insurance program covering a broad range of coverages or “lines.” These include commercial general liability (CGL); automobile; workers compensation (except in Ohio and Washington); property/casualty; employment practices liability (EPLI); contractors pollution liability (CPL); professional errors and omissions; railroad protective liability (RPP); owners and contractors protective liability (OCP); and, more. Sub-limits are established for certain lines.

THE CONCEPT

Insured companies pay the same rates they are currently paying for insurance to the CFA Insurance Program. The Program provides the first layer of reinsurance to the policy-issuing company in all lines, but in limited amounts. Other national insurers are secured to cover excess and catastrophic losses. Insurance rates are reduced through detailed analysis and review of loss trends and implementation of policies and programs to reduce and control risks; reduction of overhead; and elimination of coverage of risks unrelated to your work.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE

CFA members in the U.S. that work in the residential concrete industry and those companies that manufacture or distribute equipment and supplies used in the industry and meet premium size threshold may apply. Those involved in other related disciplines may apply and be accepted on approval of the Program management and reinsurers. Program acceptance follows a review of company safety practices and other risk factors. Membership in the CFA must be maintained while policies are in force.

RISK MANAGEMENT

The single most effective way to reduce you annual premiums is to reduce the number and cost of your claims. This program focuses on cutting these costs. The CFA Insurance Program provides its insureds with a team of professional trained loss control and other specialists who will advise your local safety staff on all informational issues that control loss costs. ! ere will also be specific visits to participant insureds on a cost-effective basis

DEDICATED CLAIMS UNIT

Unlike the reality with traditional insurance, the CFA Insurance Program insureds have a advocate keeping close watch over their claims and related costs. The CFA Insurance Program insureds benefit from a Dedicated Claims Unit. An aggressive Claims Director serves the Insurance Program. With the Program Claims Unit, insureds always deal with the same claims person and have an opportunity to participate in the claims process. Claim staff members also may travel to insured’s offices in the case of very serious claims or if insureds request a visit. The Claims Director has a quality national claims organization to support the field work in all 50 states.

COMPETITIVE PREMIUMS

The combination of specialized services, “A” rated reinsurers, board supervision, and major account status in the industry o$ ers insureds of the CFA Insurance Program a unique industry specific program to control you long-term costs. In almost all cases, the CFA Insurance Program can provide you comparable or more favorable rates than your current rates while offering an insurance policy tailor-made for the concrete foundations industry.

INSURED DATABASE

A database containing specific information in regards to historical loss information, and certificate of insurance issuance is available to program participants in either report format or electronically upon request. The report is confidential to the insured.

CLAIMS & POLICY SERVICE

Claims and policy service requests such as insurance certificates, auto ID cards, etc. are made to the CFA Program by telephone, fax, or Email to the Program Administrator. Policyholders with access to Internet Email can us quickly, easily, and inexpensively request claim assistance and policy service. The claims handling company has representatives in all 50 states and will respond within three business days (much more quickly than required). Your input and agreement is sought before settlement of any liability claim.

CFA CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

By now, if you have not heard of CFA Certification program, we are clearly not doing our job. This is a fantastic program born out of the interests and needs of CFA members in some very competitive markets and key building code jurisdictions. The program delivers an individual knowledge-based component and a company performance-based component. The two are very important for our industry, as you will discover.

Certification is all around us. A recent survey of construction associations and industry trade groups indicated that more than 90% have instituted a form of certification to assist at the development of quality assurance in their industry. Without certification by the entities most knowledgeable of their related field, the pursuit of control and regulation becomes an interest for government or local building departments. It is for this reason that the CFA instituted the CFA Certified Foundation Contractor program in 2008.

Since inception, the number of companies achieving certified status is now 17. More companies are underway in pursuit of certified status. These companies are beginning to identify the advantage this gives them in marketing to their area with recognized importance and value of certification. Perhaps not a method to increase your  margins immediately but this program certainly becomes viewed as a statement of professionalism to your customers.

One of the first steps in the process to become a certified company is establishing at least one certified technician in the company. The individual knowledge-based component establishes a person in the company as a Certified Technician when they successfully pass an intensive exam covering the industry resources that define and support the residential concrete market. Certified Technicians are an important aspect of that statement of professionalism to your customers. As many companies are finding out, the ability to market that such a person will be involved in or managing your customers next project establishes a value to your work that is difficult or impossible to equal without a similar commitment. Currently, there are 102 individuals that have sat for this certification status and 59 have passed; now representing their company and the CFA.

Q: Why isn’t CFA Certification just another industry hurdle to jump over?

A: CFA’s Certification Program provides the assurance that companies are devoting resources necessary to remain current with the science and technology of their industry. It also provides assurances that companies are properly managed, insured, and that they provide a safe environment for their workers. These are the values to which the mission statement of the program was directed.

Q: Where is the content for this program derived and managed so that it is real to our industry?

A: The program is designed, administered and enforced by companies and individuals who are knowledgeable about the industry they regulate. They Certification Board and the Committee that worked tirelessly to establish the program is comprised of some of the top minds in the residential concrete construction industry. Their vested interest in the industry and their own companies ensures that it is right for yours.

Q: Will this program be accepted locally by my jurisdiction?

A: Although one can never be fully sure of acceptance by outside regulation, this CFA program is proactive and set well ahead of the national certification movement for this industry. The result is a comprehensive, but contractor friendly program that can be used by jurisdictions and businesses seeking certification of residential foundation contractors. Furthermore, the CFA is committed to working with these jurisdictions to understand the comprehensive base for the program and how it can be used to bene” t their interests.

The decision is ultimately yours but this program is designed for your company, by companies just like you and has already been validated by jurisdictions across the country as delivering the quality assurance identified by their needs. Contact the CFA for the next exam opportunities or visit the Certification section of the CFA website, www.cfawalls.org, for more information, the detailed process and requirements and to stay abreast of developing opportunities.

Schwing America, Inc., Successfully Exits Chapter 11

Schwing America,Inc. a leading manufacturer of concrete equipment successfully emerged from Chapter 11. The company’s plan of reorganization was approved by the Federal Bankruptcy Court after nine months of protection. Schwing completed the payoff to existing lenders from funds obtained from a pool of European banks. CEO Brian Hazelton thanked customers, the Schwing family and suppliers for their support. In an unusual display of support, 100- percent of the unsecured creditors voted in favor of Schwing’s reorganization plan, according to court documents.

The company has increased head count in their Call Center to handle expanding business activity. Schwing is planning new model introductions and technologies for the company’s line of concrete pumps, truck mixers and batch plants. Schwing America currently markets throughout North America and was recently assigned sales and marketing responsibilities for Central and South America which will increase revenues.

For more information visit www.schwing.com, or call 888-SCHWING

CFA Elects New Board Members

Parrish Assumes Presidency

 

CFA Elects New Board Members

Parrish Assumes Presidency

Bilco Offers Tips to Get Basement Doors Ready for Cold Months Ahead

New Haven, CT (PRWEB) September 14, 2010

With winter fast approaching, careful homeowners turn their attention to winterizing their homes to keep them in tip-top shape through the cold season. If a basement door is rusted, leaky or rotted, chances are that homeowners will have a damp and cold basement this winter. In addition to heat loss, a leaky basement door can lead to mold, mildew and costly foundation problems over time.

Before the cold weather sets in, homeowners should perform a checkup and annual maintenance on their basement doors:

•     Inspect the area around the door for obvious signs of leakage, such as dark areas on the concrete foundation and water in the basement. If homeowners find a leakage, they should try to identify the source of the problem and patch small holes with exterior grade silicone caulk to weatherproof the door.
• Operate the door to see if one person can open and close it easily. Make sure that the door is not heavy to lift and it does not slam closed. A door that is hard to operate in the fall will be more difficult and unsafe to operate in the cold winter months.

• Install an insulated vertical door at the bottom of the stairs for improved energy efficiency and added security.

If a basement door has passed the inspection up to this point, homeowners should perform the following maintenance procedures to ready it for the winter months:

• Clean the header channel at the top of the door to remove dirt and leaves that have accumulated over the summer. This channel, primarily on steel basement doors, is designed to divert water away from the door.
• Close the door and inspect it from the inside. If there are large gaps of light coming through the door, ensure that there are no obstructions, such as pebbles, preventing the door from seating properly.
• Use a broom to brush the tops of the side panels and the sill at the bottom of the door to ensure that these areas are free of debris, mulch and other landscaping materials.
• Touch up exterior paint and spray a lubricant on all moving components.

In the event that a basement door has large air gaps, damaged areas and does not operate properly, it is advisable to consider a complete door replacement. One alternative is Bilco’s new and improved Classic Series Steel Basement Door. New patented gas springs assist homeowners in opening and closing the door easily and safely as well as prevent the door from shutting while it is in use. The door also features new Sherwin-Williams primer with superior adhesion and low VOC emissions.

Classic Series Steel Basement Doors are made of heavy-gauge steel, and their flanged construction and improved header design shed water and prevent binding due to ice and snow, permitting all-season use and lasting service. They satisfy IRC 2009 Building Code requirements for emergency egress in finished basement areas.

Bilco has a network of certified installers who remove old and install new steel doors. Homeowners can expect to pay on average from $1,200-$1,300 for the entire job and can find a local installer by visiting http://www.bilco.com.

Do-it-yourself homeowners who have the skills and tools necessary to replace the door themselves can purchase a Bilco door at a local lumber dealer or home center for around $490 – $570 for a steel model. The company also offers a maintenance-free polyethylene model for a slight premium. Doors are supplied with detailed installation instructions and the name of your local dealer can be found on Bilco’s website.

For more information about Bilco basement doors, call (800) 854-9724 or visit http://www.bilco.com.
For more than 80 years, The Bilco Company has been a building industry pioneer in the design and development of specialty access products. Bilco – an ISO 9001 certified company – offers a line of basement doors and egress window wells that improve the look and function of basement areas, as well as a complete line of commercial access products. With headquarters in West Haven, Connecticut, Bilco has manufacturing facilities in Trumann, Arkansas, and Zanesville, Ohio, and an international network of sales offices, dealers, distributors, and representatives.

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CertainTeed Corporation Cuts Energy Loss From Slab Edges with New EnergyEdge(R) Insulating Form

(Valley Forge, Pa.) – CertainTeed Corporation is expanding its portfolio of time-saving foundation products that boost energy efficiency with the introduction of EnergyEdge(R) insulating concrete slab edge forms.

The patent-pending EnergyEdge system is designed to prevent energy loss along the uninsulated concrete slab edge. The system consists of PVC rails, snap-on braces and expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation. The rails are available in 12-foot lengths and can be cut using standard building tools to form a perimeter for the construction of the slab. EnergyEdge provides a R-10 thermal resistance value and meets International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) requirements.

“Industry studies show that between 8 and 24 percent of energy loss in buildings is through uninsulated slab edges,” says Tom Compton, AIA, who designed the system and currently serves as the president of EnergyEdge, LLC. “EnergyEdge fills a critical void in the market and plays an important role in maximizing the energy efficiency of a home.”

EnergyEdge can be used with various foundation types. Since the system remains in place after construction, there is no need for labor-intensive stripping and recovery of forming materials, which also reduces waste, hauling and landfill costs. EnergyEdge complements and improves the performance of wall assemblies, exterior finishes, and mechanical systems. The system contributes toward ENERGY STAR(R) ratings, LEED(R) points and NAHB Green Building Standards.

“EnergyEdge is an excellent alternative to wooden form boards in that it saves a builder time and money while improving their productivity and reducing the environmental impact of their buildings,” says Keith Reifke, national sales manager for CertainTeed’s Pipe & Foundations business. “We are thrilled to bring this innovative, easy-to-install system to our customers.”

The EnergyEdge product line also includes EnergyFlash(R), a flashing material that can be used in retrofit applications on existing homes. EnergyFlash attaches to the existing slab edge around the perimeter of a home’s foundation to provide protection and a finished look to a thermal barrier.

EnergyEdge joins CertainTeed’s line of premium foundation products, which includes: Form-A-Drain(TM), a patented three-in-one concrete footing form system, foundation drainage system and sub-slab perimeter radon reduction system; ThermaEZE(TM), an innovative technology that provides a cost-effective means for building thermally efficient above-and below-grade poured concrete walls; and Platon(R), a unique air-gap polyethylene waterproofing membrane that protects against wall, flooring and underslab moisture.

For more information, visit energyedgeform.com.

About CertainTeed

Through the responsible development of innovative and sustainable building products, CertainTeed has helped shape the building products industry for more than 100 years. Founded in 1904 as General Roofing Manufacturing Company, the firm’s slogan “Quality Made Certain, Satisfaction Guaranteed,” quickly inspired the name CertainTeed. Today, CertainTeed(R) is North America’s leading brand of exterior and interior building products, including roofing, siding, windows, fence, decking, railing, trim, foundations, pipe, insulation, gypsum, ceilings and access covers.

A subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, the world’s largest building products company, CertainTeed and its affiliates have more than 6,000 employees and more than 65 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Canada. In 2009, CertainTeed, which is headquartered in Valley Forge, Pa., was named ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a national award that recognizes environmentally responsible corporations. The group had total sales of approximately $3 billion in 2009. www.certainteed.com

About EnergyEdge

EnergyEdge, LLC was formed in May 2004 by R. Tom Compton, AIA, its president, developer, and majority owner. Inspired by increased enforcement of existing energy-code design standards for building envelope performance, the EnergyEdge system was developed to satisfy the critical transition from below-grade foundation insulation to the above-grade wall systems.  The system has been installed in various project types from coast-to-coast.  Notable projects include: the LEED gold Sun Chips Business Incubator in Greensburg, Kan.; the LEED platinum Southface Office Building in Atlanta, Ga.; the Ultimate Home Design, in Sea Ranch, Calif.; and, numerous Habitat for Humanity homes built to meet ENERGY STAR standards.

In March 2010, EnergyEdge will grant CertainTeed national distribution rights in North America. EnergyEdge, LLC will continue to design and market products to cut energy consumption in buildings.  www.energyedgeform.com

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Website: www.certainteed.com

Blog: http://blog.CertainTeed.com

Twitter: @CertainTeedNews

THE BILCO COMPANY LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE

The Bilco Company has launched a new website at www.bilco.com. The enhanced website features a new look and design and grants easier access to product information, including CAD details, specifications and submittal drawings. The website also efficiently addresses the needs of Bilco’s international clients in more than 90 countries.

The site contains detailed information about the company’s residential and commercial products, a trade show calendar, and Bilco’s news. Online visitors will find user-friendly navigation throughout the site as they search for downloadable product instructions and literature, case studies and videos. Customers can also easily access warranty registration and search for local dealers and sales representatives.

For information about Bilco and its products, call (203)-934-6363, or visit www.bilco.com. For more than 80 years, The Bilco Company has been a building industry pioneer in the design and development of specialty access products. Over these years, the company has built a reputation among architects, specifiers, and contractors for products that are unequaled in design and workmanship. Bilco – an ISO 9001 certified company – manufactures roof hatches, automatic fire vents, floor access doors, and a complete line of residential products that are designed to improve the look and function of basement areas. With headquarters in West Haven, Connecticut, Bilco has manufacturing facilities in Trumann, Arkansas, and Zanesville, Ohio, and an international network of sales offices, dealers, distributors, and representatives.

FORMING PIONEER AND PAST CFA MEMBER PASSES

H. GORDON GATES (Feb. 20, 1923 – Dec. 20, 2009), owner of former CFA member company Gates & Sons, Inc. now known as Gates Concrete Forms, passed away on December 20th. Funeral Services were held on Sunday, Dec. 27, at the LifeSource Adventist Fellowship Church in Denver, CO followed by interment at Crown Hill Cemetery. Condolences can be sent to the family and company at their address found at: www.gatesconcreteforms.com or by visiting the condolences site hosted at the Denver Post at http://www.legacy.com. Gates as a company has been a manufacture of quality forms in the industry since 1948. Although not currently a CFA member, we recognize that many of our current members likely have a fond past with Mr. Gates and his company.

SCHWING GOES ONLINE WITH PARTS

In an effort to better service the needs of its growing customer base, Schwing America has announced the launch of their new on line parts system, SCHWINGPARTS.COM.

“In today’s economy, the need for brick and mortar facilities has become less essential,” says Brian Hazelton, CEO of Schwing America. “We have adjusted our approach to aftermarket parts sales to reflect the desires of our customers.” In conjunction with the launch, Schwing will consolidate their factory store locations. Field service technicians will remain strategically located throughout the US.

At SCHWINGPARTS.COM, customers have direct access to more than 2,000 genuine Schwing parts on line. An easily navigated home page combined with photos, descriptions, and part numbers makes on line parts ordering hassle free. The shipping matrix allows customers to order parts and ship them to multiple locations. The order tracking system provides real time updates on current parts orders. Schwing’s on line system includes parts for their complete line of boom pumps, separate placing booms, stationary pumps, truck mixers, and batch plants. Schwing also has available call center consultants to help customers in the initial stages of their on line purchases.

The Schwing Group is a global manufacturer of construction machinery. Founded in 1934, the company’s headquarters are located in Herne, Germany. In addition to the US, the Schwing Group maintains production facilities in Germany, Austria, Brazil, Russia, China and India.