Business Development Manager
Increasing efficiency is a major point of focus for today’s contractors. The demand for concrete work isn’t going anywhere, but there also lies a need for work to be done more productively. Technology plays a crucial part in jobsite efficiency. With everything happening in the world today, from the increasing cost of materials to labor shortages, technological advancements are crucial in helping contractors remain productive and profitable.
Hydrodemolition is a process that allows contractors to increase their efficiency without needing all hands on deck. It can be up to 25 times faster than handheld jackhammers for removing concrete. With the advanced capabilities of a Hydrodemolition robot, the machine can be remote operated by one person. Additional high-tech features allow operators to cut concrete at different depths in the same pass and in geometrical shapes. The robot’s functions allow it to work not only on horizontal surfaces, but also on walls and overhead surfaces.
With efficiency and profitability being a major focal point and labor shortages remaining prominent, we expect the trend toward technologically advanced processes to continue.
Vice President of Sales & Marketing
In 2022, we saw many manufacturers rush to introduce electric equipment, something we have been doing and evolving in our product line for more than 45 years. We know the key to viable electric equipment is optimizing power. Having spent the last few decades developing efficient ways to use that power, we’ve watched with interest as other manufacturers come to market helping to reduce emissions and demonstrate environmental consciousness.
When it comes to infrastructure repairs, what goes up must first come down. This means there’s still demand for demolition contractors. With current labor shortages, contractors are concerned with efficiency and keeping their workers safe and healthy. That is something our product line is able to help with due to remote-operation, compact power and great versatility. Demolition robots also offer high productivity compared with manual methods, so contractors are better able to utilize their workforce.
It’s exciting to see technology advance and contractors adopt new, more efficient ways to work – and the challenges the industry faces in 2023 definitely call for it.
Sales Manager
While the demand for concrete work and construction remains constant, the equipment used for this industry is seeing a dramatic shift, specifically in the power sources used. Since Curb Roller Manufacturing introduced the world’s first battery-powered roller screed in 2019, we have seen tremendous trust and demand for the new generation of battery-powered equipment being offered. These batteries continue to prove they are a reliable power source on construction sites during this ongoing push for alternative power options.
The perks of battery power range from environmental factors to jobsite maneuverability. Battery-powered concrete equipment is lightweight and portable, eliminating the hassle of moving and managing cords. Battery-powered screeds offer ultimate flexibility, allowing contractors to move around a jobsite safely and efficiently.
Contractors persist in finding ways to incorporate the benefits of battery power into their indoor and outdoor jobsites. As more battery-powered equipment enters the market, we anticipate the advancements in power sources like these to continue.
General Manager
With the many challenges the industry has faced the last few years, we are seeing strong interest in new technology and solutions that can boost efficiency and productivity.
Wheeled excavators have been popular in Europe for quite some time and are now gaining traction in North America. The market is recognizing that newer designs are addressing old misgivings about stability and performance. Wheeled excavators can lift, place, move, and unload from a single position, offering economy of movement and a compact footprint. And consider the time, space, and cost savings of driving the excavator to the jobsite versus hauling it while towing a trailer with tools and materials. Ease of use for both new and experienced operators further enhances the appeal for everything from construction and roadbuilding to landscaping and utility.
We’re excited to see how wheeled excavator technology continues to evolve and impact jobsites as we move into 2023.
President
The construction industry is not unfamiliar with dangerous jobs in their day-to-day operations. Road Widener was built by two road construction professionals who recognized this fact and wanted to focus on developing safer options. This year, we have seen the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) continue to make significant moves toward improved safety with its initiative to reduce traffic fatalities to zero by 2050. This initiative extends beyond traffic safety and crashes to protecting construction workers who build and repair roads. Contractors see this and are turning to manufacturers for innovations that eliminate danger and provide safe conditions for their workers. Road Widener is proud to be a part of the solution.
Our Offset Vibratory Roller’s patented design offers a new level of safety to contractors as it allows the host machine to remain safely on a flat surface while rolling and compacting sloping shoulders and ditches. As we look to 2023, Road Widener is excited to continue to be a part of improving safety and efficiency in the construction industry.
Vice President of Sales & Marketing
At Talbert, we have begun to see that normalcy as industry events have been in-person with strong attendance, and we are seeing hopeful trends in terms of supply-chain. However, 2022 has not been devoid of challenges. Labor shortages and supply chain challenges still remain. We recognize the positive trends as well as challenges of 2022 and take into account the full picture of the industry as we do business.
As we approach our 85th anniversary as a company, we have seen and continue to emphasize that heavy-haul trailers are not a one-size fits all solution. Each hauling application should be thoroughly evaluated—looking toward goals for years ahead— to ensure our customers are equipped with a trailer that will last for the long haul.
Trailer Customization Goes for the Long Haul
While 2023 will surely bring challenges of its own, we remain hopeful for what is to come. We are grateful for our partners in this industry and are ready to partner with companies to customize trailers that will give them the best ROI possible.
Director of Product & Sales Enablement
Jobsites across North America have a growing emphasis on sustainability, and contractors are striving to meet quotas and incentives to reach net emissions goals. While contractors have more options for battery-powered equipment, those who rely on diesel-powered machines are turning to renewable diesel, a new alternative fuel that reduces carbon emissions by up to 85%.
Original biodiesel reduced emissions but had limitations because it was not a direct replacement and didn’t perform well in cold temperatures. Renewable diesel offers a new solution as a direct drop-in for petroleum diesel. It’s a sustainable, low-carbon biofuel derived from waste products and other biomass. It reduces particle emissions and is treated with hydrogen, improving its shelf life and cold-weather performance.
Although petroleum diesel is still predominant, environmental trends and the benefits of this new fuel indicate this is just the start for renewable diesel in North America. By partnering with an on-site fuel storage solutions provider who is familiar with fuel trends and storage compatibility, contractors can be ready to use the best diesel option for their application.
President
Yanmar Compact Equipment North America, encompassing the Yanmar and ASV brands, launched in 2020 following Yanmar’s acquisition of ASV in 2019. Since its formation, we’ve made investments focused on growth in the compact equipment market in North America.
The industry continues to feel the impact of high inflation and prolonged supply chain disruption. However, our Yanmar CE NA economist notes that demand is still there as retail remains strong and rental fleets need restocking.
The first and second quarters of 2022 had negative growth, which fits the definition of a technical recession. Even with another recession on the horizon, the backlog of projects, equipment orders, pre-sold equipment and solid construction indicators show minimal impact. Inflation may limit the profit of available dollars, but the outlook is positive as the economy adjusts and presents new challenges.
As we prepare for another year, we are thankful to have a strong team and dealer network that supports Yanmar CE NA. We look forward to growing in the compact equipment market with plans to expand further in 2023.