Company News - TunnelTalk

Company News

US alliance - Lyman Henn teams up with Brierley Associates

January 2010: Ray Henn and Gary Brierley, two leading personalities in the US tunneling community and founders of their own engineering firms have agreed to combine their forces. With partner Tracy Lyman, Lyman Henn, Inc has completed a business agreement to be acquired by Brierley Associates, LLC. Starting January 1, the firm now operates as a division of Brierley Associates. All Lyman Henn staff, including fellow Principal Steve Kuehr, have become Brierley employees and will continue to operate from their office in downtown Denver to ensure continuity of service to existing clients and a commitment to grow the divisional practice in the Colorado/Rocky Mountain region.

Lyman Henn's Wolf Creek highway tunnel design

Gary Brierley, President and CEO of Brierley Associates said: "I am extremely pleased that we have combined the two firms. Tracy Lyman and I have worked together professionally for close to 30 years and the combined senior-level staff of the organization, represented now by more than a dozen tunneling, trenchless and underground engineering professionals, is a tremendous resource to the underground industry. With offices now in Colorado, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York, Illinois, Texas and California, we are all looking forward to continuing our focused service offerings to the industry in the years ahead." An announcement from Lyman Henn says they are confident that the strength of the combined organization will improve the company's ability to provide tunneling/trenchless engineering, geotechnical engineering, construction management and forensic engineering services throughout the United States.

Lyman Henn provided complete design and construction inspection services on the tunnel section of the Wolf Creek Pass Project on Highway 160 in Colorado; the Lake Pleasant pipeline tunnel in Phoenix, Arizona, and many trenchless technology projects around the country. Leading US projects on which Brierley Associates is engaged include contract eveluation and management oversight on the San Vicente water tunnel project in San Diego, California; design of the Lake Mead project in Nevada as part of a group lead by Arup, and in joint venture with Arup on design of the New Irvington and Crystal Springs Bypass Tunnels in the San Francisco area.

San Vicente final breakthrough - TunnelTalk, September 2009
Lake Mead No 3 intake tunnel awarded - TunnelTalk, June 2008
Lake Mead TBM designed for the extreme - TunnelTalk, November 2009
New Crystal Springs Bypass Tunnel (video) - TunnelCast, September 2009
Water tunnels to recharge aging system - TunnelTalk, September 2009

Lyman Henn, Inc.
Brierley Associates

Framework consultant for Southern Water

December 2009: Black & Veatch is selected by Southern Water as one of its framework consultants, giving it the opportunity to compete for professional services on the next five-year asset management plan (AMP5). As such the firm can bid with other framework professional service for contracts on the water company's 2010 to 2015 capital works program.

As monopoly businesses in England and Wales in the UK, the water companies are heavily regulated. Part of the regulatory regime is that every five years, companies have to present the economic regulator with a plan of the asset-related activity in terms of capital maintenance, new-build projects, and system extensions they will undertake to ensure the agreed quality of service to customers. The projected works of the undertaking are outlined in the asset management plans. AMP5 is the fifth asset management plan the water industry companies have undertaken since privitisation of the previously UK government-owned water authorities back in the 1980s.

The AMP5 Professional Services Framework will encompass both Southern Water's water supply and wastewater recycling activities through it service areas of Kent, Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Black & Veatch will be offering feasibility and design development expertise as well as specialist services such as estimating, network modeling, and construction design and management coordination. Given the nature of the industry, capital investment works under the asset management plan will certainly encompass some tunnelling work of different sizes. The agreement also affords Southern Water the opportunity of retaining Black & Veatch as a professional services framework partner during the next AMP6 period to 2020.

Black & Veatch
Southern Water

Tunnelling technology ties with China

Herrenknecht's pavilion at the Esplanade event in Wuhan

November 2009: At a recent cultural event in the city of Wuhan to promote co-operation between Germany and China, Herrenknecht AG highlighted the contribution that high-quality tunnelling machines are making towards achieving sustainable urban development and mobility.The German-Chinese Esplanade series of events has the joint patronage of Germany's Federal President Horst Köhler and China’s President Hu Jintao, and in Wuhan centered on presenting innovative solutions to meet the challenges of ongoing urbanization.

Under the motto 'Sustainable Solutions', Herrenknecht has currently some 160 tunnelling systems working in China providing 'made-in-Germany' technology to create new water tunnels and transportation links in densely built-up cities. Of about 140km of subway tunnel to be produced using Herrenknecht TBMs in Wuhan, more than 105km have been excavated since 2000. Seven machines are currently working on almost 17km of tunnelling for Line 2. Five EPBMs are working beneath inner-city areas and two Mixshields will complete a crossing beneath the Yangtze River. In Shanghai, Herrenknecht supplied the two colossal 15.43m diameter machines to excavate the two 7.5km highway tunnels under the Yangtze between Changxing and Pudong in time for the 2010 World Exhibition in Shanghai.

The week-long event in Wuhan followed previous German-Chinese Esplanade events in Nanjing, Chongqing and Guangzhou at which Herrenknecht also provided a central focus with examples of how its giants are contributing to subterranean lifelines in Chinese megacities. The Herrenknecht Group has 61 subsidiaries and associated companies and employs more than 3,000 staff worldwide. Its philosophy 'Teamwork Tunnelling',emphasizes reliable cooperation with customers and partners.

Herrenknecht

South African subsidiary restructuring

(From left) Gordon Schophaus, Ashley Erasmus and Gerrie Du Toit

November 2009: Trolex, a leading manufacturer of gas sensors and sensing systems, has re-affirmed its long term commitment to the South African mining and underground construction market through a series of key appointments as part of a complete restructure of its South African company.

Ashley Erasmus, Engineering Manager, is appointed Head of Trolex South Africa. Commenting on the restructure, Erasmus said; "Trolex has had a presence in the South African market for more than 27 years. The company is now run by experienced South African technicians and engineers who understand the South African marke and enabling Trolex to continue as the market leader for sensing systems in the country."

"Gordon Schophaus is appointed Senior Field Engineer to manage all technical aspects and provide expert technical knowledge and Gerrie du Toit is now Field Engineer, based in Secunda to provide quick service and response to our clients at the many mines in the area."

Trolex South Africa has recently provided its Sentinel methane recovery monitoring system as well as water flow and pressure sensors and gas sensing and dust monitoring equipment to major mining operations in the country.

Trolex

Global cooperation

November 2009: Two leaders in their fields have agreed a global pact of co-operation to bring a united service to the international tunnelling and mining industries. BASF’s unit MEYCO Equipment and Sandvik Mining and Construction (Sandvik) have confirmed a first step agreement to offer service and maintenance of machines for sprayed concrete. The full scope of the cooperative agreement will be outlined in the coming weeks.

For further information contact: Tom Kurth, General Manager, MEYCO Equipment of BASF Construction Chemicals Europe AG, Tel: +41 58 958 27 00, tom.kurth@basf.com or Jarmo Manninen, Aftermarket Offering & Projects Manager, of Sandvik Mining and Construction, Tel: +358 40 763 08 20, jarmo.manninen@sandvik.com

MEYCO
Sandvik

Company focus on the tunnel market

August 2009: In its latest brochure, UK waterproofing manufacturer Stirling Lloyd Polychem, introduces its latest product, Integritank HF. After eight years in development, the product is designed to remove the uncertainty associated with the waterproofing of NATM/SCL tunnels, providing a strong bond of the spray-on product to the primary concrete of these mined tunnels. In addition, the brochure covers details about its Eliminator system, designed for suspended decks, and the Integritank waterproofing solution for immersed tube and cut-and-cover tunnels. It also explains the company’s ‘Five Fundamentals of Effective Waterproofing’ - Consistency, Control, Suitability, Seamless and Proof.

Stirling Lloyd

Expansion Downunder

August 2009: During the last two years, Australia has grown into one of the key markets for VMT GmbH worldwide. Huge infrastructure projects including the North-South Bypass highway tunnel and the Airport Link highway in Brisbane required the expansion of the VMT presence in Australia, in order to provide local support for the entire product range. For the Airport Link Project alone, VMT will deliver a total of 18 guidance systems; two for the two Herrenknecht TBMs on the project, 13 roadheader guidance systems on the Sandvik and Mitsui-Mike roadheaders and a system each on five Atlas Copco bolters that will also be used on the project.  VMT Tunnel Guidance Pty Ltd was established as a 100% subsidiary of VMT GmbH Germany in late 2007, at the start of the North-South Bypass tunnel project. Its offices are located at 93 Links Road, South Eagle Farm, Queensland 4009 Tel +61 1300 553 905.  From these offices a team of four engineers headed by Technical Manager Anna Gomoll will support the company’s activities in the main centres of Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne and on more remote projects.

Herrenknecht TBMs for Brisbane highway tunnels - TunnelTalk, August 2008
VMT

Company focus on the tunnel market

Stirling Lloyd

Office support in Mexico

August 2009: A new Robbins office is now operating in Mexico City, initially to provide services on two local mega projects using four Robbins EPBMs. Robbins Mexico offers project management services to both the Mexico City Metro Line 12 and the Emisor Oriente drainage projects.

The city’s new metro line will use a 10.2m (33.5ft) diameter EPBM on a 6.2km long tunnel that is scheduled to begin construction later this year (2009). The Emisor Oriente is a 62km long wastewater network that requires operation of multiple TBMs three of which are Robbins EPBMs that are scheduled to start work in 2010.

“There is a lot of work coming up in Mexico, and it is an important new market for us,” said Roberto Gonzalez, General Manager of Robbins Mexico. “The office will serve as a center of operations for both current and future projects.” The subsidiary has been established to provide project management, TBM field service, conveyor systems service, and sales functions. In addition, the office will support activities in other Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America.

In the future, local offices may be established in other regions of the world to provide added support for projects. “The benefits of having local support is immeasurable,” said Doug Harding, Robbins Vice President-Solon, Ohio. “Customers have an immediate response to field service issues, the offices provide a conduit for our worldwide resources, and make available access to Robbins employees with whom they can communicate directly in their native language.”

Mexico City Metro - TunnelTalk, Oct 2008
Emisor Oriente - TunnelTalk, Nov 2008
Robbins website

BASF 'Expanding Horizons' with relaunch of the MEYCO brand

July 2009: BASF Construction Chemicals has launched a new campaign to introduce the new identity for its global underground construction activities. All underground solutions offered by BASF are to be marketed under the MEYCO brand. The change embraces a new philosophy and approach to market the MEYCO brand of products and equipment jointly.

The underground construction team, previously known as UGC International and based in Zurich, Switzerland, is now the MEYCO Global Underground Construction team and will combine efforts with MEYCO Equipment to offer comprehensive service, solutions and support to customers around the globe.

All chemical products as well as the BASF hardware equipment will be marketed under the MEYCO brand

"By emphasizing the MEYCO name in our organization, we are building on an already respected and trusted brand in the industry," said Daniel Ruckstuhl, Director of MEYCO Global Underground Construction.

In addition, MEYCO is also launching the ”Expanding Horizons Underground” campaign to emphasize the advantage customers receive from the company's blend of innovative product technology, equipment and engineering knowledge.

“We are very enthusiastic about the clarity and claim of the message “Expanding Horizons Underground”,” said Ruckstuhl. “Through continued innovation and commitment, MEYCO’s customers will become more successful and quite literally broaden their horizons. MEYCO’s solutions achieve durable new space underground more efficiently.”

From now on the core technological solutions for sprayed concrete, mechanical TBM excavation, injection, waterproofing, fire protection, thin spray-on liners, spraying equipment and backfill products will all be available under the one brand name, MEYCO.

A new combined website at www.meyco.basf.com provides more information on MEYCO and its products and services.

The BASF Group has approximately 97,000 employees worldwide and posted sales of more than €62 billion in 2008. Its Construction Chemicals division has about 7,700 employees in more than 50 countries and achieved sales of €2.2 billion in 2008.

Civil tunnelling boosts Normet's books

July 2009: 2008 is its best year ever reports Normet. Turnover reached €107 million (US$152 million), which represents a growth of 38% and an increase in the value of the orders of 43% compared to 2007. With 83% of sales outside Europe, the company’s reorganisation in 2007 proved to be a success. The number of employees increased by some 30%, and at year-end exceeded 450 people.

"Signs of a decline in the mining market started to show in November 2008, however, the operations in the tunnel market remain active as many countries allocate their development programmes in infrastructure projects," reported Jari Osmala, CEO of Normet. "During the early part of this year, Normet's turnover has slightly increased compared to last year. We started the year with a good order book from last year and have also received a fair amount of new orders thanks to the booming tunnelling market."

Despite recessionary pressures in the financial markets, Tom Melbye, the company's COO explaned that Normet plans to continuing its expansion activities, establishing new sales and service companies, increasing product development resources, and strengthening development of its service business. "The duration of the global financial crisis is still unknown, but the need for underground mining operations and infrastructures will continue, and we predict will grow rapidly," said Osmala.

During 2008, Normet continued the development of its international operations and currently has 23 locations in 15 different countries. Two corporate acquisitions involved Semmco in Chile, a manufacturer of concrete and sprayed-concrete equipment, and Rock-Tek in the United States, a specialist in spare part and service operations.

"The next step will be to deepen our knowledge of the customer processes and expand our offering accordingly," says Aaro Cantell, Chairman of the Board. Melbye explained the ambition: "Normet wants to be the global top-of-the-range expert in sprayed concrete and explosive charging processes and to provide customers with solutions to improve productivity, safety and added value."

A new NFM Technologies office opens in Shenzhen

June 2009: NFM Technologies has opened a branch office in Shenzhen, China. The office, set up with SHMG (Shenyang Heavy Machinery Group), will manage the provision of services on sites in the southern part of the country between Shenzhen and Wuhan.

The NFM-SHMG TBM Shenzhen Service Center is already manned by a mixed teamof more than ten European and Chinese technicians.

Due to the amount of business in the region, it is essential that specialists are on hand. NFM Technologies is involved in 18 projects in Guangdong province. These include - 14 machines currently already into excavation projects, four for the Shiziyang railway tunnel; four for the Guangzhou Underground transit system; and six for the Shenzhen Underground system and - four EPB TBMs currently being assembled in the company’s Shenyang workshops and due for delivery to Shenzhen during 2009.

The new office enables NFM to provide better support at each stage of the site work, to ensure that machines are operational and to reduce lead times.

The service center is the third NFM Technologies office in China after those in Beijing and Shenyang.

Wirth acquired by Norwegians and undergoes a name change

June 2009: From June 30, Wirth Maschinen- und Bohrgeräte-Fabrik GmbH will be known as Aker Wirth GmbH. This follows acquisition of the company by Aker Solutions of Norway earlier this year. In explaining the change, President and CEO Christoph Kleuters and Hans Greve, Executive Vice President Mining & Construction of Wirth said that for more than two decades, the two companies had been collaborating successfully and that by formalising the connection, the goal is to strengthen that collaboration and expand it to all of Aker Solutions’ drilling activities globally. They confirmed that during a takeover process “many things change” but that the company’s “values, strategy and commitment to its customers remain the same”.

March 2009: Wirth GmbH is now a fully controlled subsidiary of Aker Solutions of Norway. By increasing its shareholding to a majority 75.1% with the remainder being transferred over the coming years, the giant Norwegian drilling equipment producer and technology provider takes control of the German mining, drilling, excavation, and tunnel equipment manufacturer. The initial 50% shareholding purchase of August 2007 came with an option to buy the remaining stocks. Agreement in late January 2009 to acquire the remaining shares cleared anti-trust reviews in early March, passing full control of Wirth to Aker Solutions.

The relationship of nearly two decades between the two companies has proven successful with Wirth's technology complementing Aker Solutions' portfolio of drilling equipment products and technology and the drilling rig market providing significant business opportunities for Aker Solutions.

Investment planned to increase workshop capacity

Consolidation with a strong partner strengthens the position of Wirth in the international marketplace. Wirth CEO Christoph Kleuters said: ''Aker has proven a strong and reliable partner in this business relationship. In the current economic crisis, such a partner is more important than ever.'' Although the long-term affects of the financial and economic crises cannot yet be estimated, it also involves chances. ''Worldwide, hundreds of billions will be invested in infrastructure,'' said Kleuters. ''Our products in the fields of infrastructure, mining and civil engineering are really predestined to support the multitude of construction projects with our equipment.''

From headquarters in Erkelenz, Germany, Wirth currently employs 500 people and has subsidiaries and joint ventures in the US, China, Italy and Ukraine. With record turnover and profits for 2008 of more than €200m and €20m respectively, and a new powerful Norwegian main shareholder, Wirth looks optimistically into the future. In addition to €10m invested in the Erkelenz site over the past two years, a further €23m is planned to 2011 to increase assembly and machining shop capacity, recruit 40 more staff in 2009, and increase the training quota for industrial jobs by 25%.

In 1999 Wirth acquired Paurat, makers of heavy duty roadheaders. In 2001 it bought microtunnelling manufacturer Soltau. In September 2007, it sold its controlling share in its NFM soft-ground TBM division, 70% to China's state-corporation NHI, Northern Heavy Industry Group and 30% to Niko Kleuters, previously a senior executive and co-owner of Wirth.

Per Harald Kongelf, Executive Vice President of Aker Solutions said: "100% ownership of Wirth enables us to accelerate and further strengthen our ability to realise the synergies between the companies, enabling us to optimise our products and services to customers. This acquisition gives us greater flexibility to execute our growth strategy for the drilling equipment market."

Aker Solutions is part of the larger Aker ASA conglomerate and is formerly Aker Kvaerner, the result of Aker's significant shareholding acquisition in the Norwegian Kvaerner industrial group in 2000 and as part of a comprehensive rescue needed when acquisition of the UK's Trafalgar House group in the late 1990s proved financially unsustainable. Aker Kvaerner changed its name to Aker Solutions in April 2008.

Aker can trace its history back to 1841 and today has a total of 26,500 employees on five continents and had 2008 operating revenues totalling NOK 65 billion. Its Aker Solutions division has aggregated annual revenues of approximately NOK 58 billion and employs approximately 23,000 people in about 30 countries.

Download a statement pdf

WIRTH
Aker ASA

Strategic guidance for transportation projects

March 2009: A trio of high profile former administrators has joined forces to provide comprehensive strategic advice to private industry, state transportation departments, and transit operators poised to implement billions in capital transportation projects across the United States.

From left: Mysore Nagaraja, James S. Simpson and Sherry Little

The three partners and co-founders of the new company, Spartan Solutions, Inc. are: Sherry Little, Deputy Administrator, the Acting Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) from February 2007 to January 2009; Mysore Nagaraja who was most recently responsible for overseeing the multi-billion dollar capital system expansion projects for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in New York City; and James S. Simpson who served as administrator of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) from August 2006 to November 2008. Together in Spartan Solutions they will deliver value-added cost savings and pragmatic management counsel, as well as guidance on the effects of government policies, regulations, and new statutory requirements on the public transportation landscape.

"The public transportation industry is poised for tremendous growth, which spells opportunity for public and private enterprises interested in creating successful partnerships that invest in and revitalize rail, bus, and other critical transportation modes,” says Simpson. "But the business model, for these projects is complex, entails significant risk, and requires the ability to look far down the road. There are a lot of moving parts.”

The company will advise on projects that will invest funds from federal and state funding and funds obtained through the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act that President Obama signed into law in February 2009.

During her tenure at the FTA, Little took the lead in helping FTA to implement its regulatory and legislative agenda and recruited private sector participation in public-private partnerships to help finance public transportation partnerships nationwide. A Capitol Hill veteran with 13 years experience, Little formerly served as a senior staff member of the US Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, where she authored the Senate's version of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act of 2005.

In his capacity as President of the Capital Construction Company, Nagaraja reported to the MTA Executive Director. He has delivered more than $20 billion in capital projects for the MTA and earned a reputation for staying within budget and completing projects on or ahead of schedule. Nagaraja a licensed professional engineer and is also former Senior Vice President and Chief Engineer in the Department of Capital Program Management at New York City Transit.

Under Simpson's leadership, the FTA oversaw $30 billion of transit projects under construction and awarded nearly $14 billion in federal capital transportation grants. Simpson is the former CEO of Victory Worldwide Transportation, an international commercial transportation company. He was appointed by former New York Governor George Pataki to serve as Commissioner of the New York State Metropolitan Transportation Authority from 1995-2005. He is also a former Chairman of the St. Lawrence Seaway Advisory Board.

Spartan Solutions has offices in New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.

www.spartansolutions.org

Comment: James Simpson APTA speech - TunnelTalk, Feb 2009
Access to the Regions Core - TunnelCast, Feb 2009
Discussion Forum - Mandating highway tunnel inspections - TunnelTalk, Dec 2008
Americans approve billions for transit - TunnelTalk, Nov 2008

New head offices for DRAGADOS in Spain

February 2009: Construction company giant DRAGADOS S.A. of Spain has moved into new head offices in Madrid. New headquarters for the 1,000-strong employees across the company’s many divisions of activity, is closer to the city than the previous offices and has better connections to the airport and to Madrid’s municipal center.

New head offices for DRAGADOS in Spain

The new address is:

DRAGADOS S.A.
Avda. Camino de Santiago,
50 – Edificio 4, Planta 1ª
28050 – Madrid
SPAIN

Main telephone: +34 9 1343 9300
Underground Technical Dept: +34 9 1703 8239
www.dragados.com

DRAGADOS is the leading subsidiary of Spain’s construction and industria conglomerate ACS. As one of the largest general contractors in the country, the company has expertise in heavy construction and tunnelling and most notably for national infrastructure projects including highways, mass transit systems, railways, airports, and marine works. The tunnelling activity of DRAGADOS is managed by the Dirección Tecnica Obras Subterráneas, Underground Technical Department, under department head, Enrique Pedro Fernández González As a group company in ACS, DRAGADOS is often involved in the development of major PPP and BOOT concession projects around the world. The international presence of DRAGADOS includes contracts in Europe, South America, North America, and the Middle East. Former rival ACS acquired DRAGADOS in 2003, creating the country's largest construction group.

Moles award for Martin Herrenknecht

January 2009: Martin Herrenknecht becomes the first European and non-US citizen to receive the US heavy construction industry association’s prestigious Moles award.

Herrenknecht was honored for his extraordinary service to the heavy construction industry, and in particular for his efforts in the development and innovation of mechanized tunnelling technology.

Dr. Martin Herrenknecht (left) receives award.

The 2009 prize was presented at The Moles dinner in New York at the end of January and in the presence of some 2,000 decision-makers and representatives of the US heavy construction industry.

Also present was Governor of New Jersey, Jon S. Corzine, who pointed out in his opening speech that investment in infrastructure in the USA is now more urgent than ever, and that the new administration understands the urgency.

The Moles Association is the most important association of decision-makers and representatives of the US heavy construction industry on the country’s east coast. The former US President Herbert C. Hoover is also among those who have been honored with the Moles Award in the past.

During the ceremony at the New York Hilton hotel, award-presenter James M. Marquardt said Herrenknecht embodied the entrepreneurial spirit that Americans respect. "Martin Herrenknecht appreciates fair competition, approaches extremely difficult projects with courage and stays on them with perseverance and patience until they reach a successful end.”

In his acceptance speech Herrenknecht thanked the many construction companies specializing in traffic, disposal and supply tunnels that put their trust in Herrenknecht’s technology and its engineers and to the association for recognizing his company’s many accomplishments. He also used the opportunity to champion tunnels contribution to society.

"Tunnels are key buildings for modern civilization. Investment in these infrastructures increases the 'real' value of cities and economies," said Herrenknecht.

The German TBM manufacturer has a growing list of successes in the United States, including the Californian Arrowhead Tunnel water supply project, the extension of the Los Angeles subway and major sewage projects in Portland, Atlanta and Seattle.

The first of two 6.8m diameter Herrenknecht double shield machines for the extension of Subway Line 7 in Manhattan is currently being assembled at the construction site. The two machines will extend Subway Line 7 by almost 3km along the east bank of the Hudson River. Another TBM delivered by Herrenknecht will work on New York's Second Avenue Subway project which is currently under construction.

Herrenknecht recognized senior management for their long and valued service to him and the company including Gebhard Lehmann, Werner Suhm and Kurt Stiefel. "Without them and our committed employees – now numbering more than 3,000 worldwide – Herrenknecht's success would not be possible.” He also singled out American branch manager, Jack Brockway, who has contributed significantly to Herrenknecht’s success in the US market.

Herrenknecht is also bullish on the North and South American markets, stating they are among the most important future markets for the company, which is why Herrenknecht will strengthen its investment in new plant capacities and employees in the coming years.

The Moles Association
Herrenknecht AG

Hall of Fame recognition

January 14, 2009: As the first acting founder and head of a family enterprise in Germany, Dr. Martin Herrenknecht has been honored in the renowned Handelsblatt business journal’s Hall of Fame. The jury, consisting of 11 members, welcomed him into the Handelsblatt Hall of Fame for German Entrepreneurship. This is the first time the award has been granted to seven entrepreneurial pioneers in Germany.

Dr. Martin Herrenknecht inducted to the Handelsblatt Hall of Fame

At the beginning of the award ceremony in Munich, Bernd Ziesemer, Chief Editor of the Handelsblatt, said: "Our Hall of Fame should pay tribute to the performances of outstanding entrepreneurs who have worked hard to benefit Germany as a business location. Laureates are to be honored in this symbolic Hall of Fame who not only act as role models, but also provide orientation for others with their service to their enterprises and to society. For us, this is a matter of great importance, especially during the difficult times the German business world is now facing."

In his speech, Professor Dr. Horst Wildemann, Chair for Business Management at the Munich Technical University and member of the jury of the Handelsblatt Award, said of honouring Martin Herrenknecht with the award: "Entrepreneurs of his kind are more valuable for Germany than raw material deposits. Germany is fortunate that there are several hundred entrepreneurs in medium-sized businesses who persistently run high risks, work their whole lives for their ideas and thus ensure income and employment in the country."

On receiving his award, Dr. Martin Herrenknecht said that honor and fame were not the main driving forces for German entrepreneurs. "We are completely satisfied and happy if we are able to demonstrate freely and unrestrictedly that we are among the top in our respective fields of activity worldwide." And if this occasionally enjoys the appropriate recognition in society – then all the better.

Hall of Fame prize

Martin Herrenknecht thanked his family, the company employees and members of the staff as well as his fellow members in the company management board, - Gebhard Lehmann, Kurt Stiefel and Werner Suhm - all of whom contribute together to support him in being a successful entrepreneur.

Furthermore, he pointed out: "Despondency and constant negativism – attitudes which unfortunately abound today – are not recipes which are of much use to us in the future. Providing young and ambitious junior staff with the opportunities for a successful future is the best prerequisite for achieving prosperity within society and in a country. I hope that we are making exactly this kind of contribution with our 178 trainees and 1,800 members of staff at our location in Schwanau."

The Handelsblatt business journal’s Hall of Fame
Herrenknecht AG

Jacobs Engineering construction management for San Francisco's Bay Tunnel

September, 2008: Jacobs Engineering has been engaged by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission to provide construction management (CM) services on its potable water supply Bay Tunnel project, the first bored tunnel under San Francisco Bay. The 5 mile long, 9ft diameter soft ground tunnel between vertical shafts on each bank of the Bay will be excavated using a soft ground TBM, lined with a primary watertight segmental lining and finished with an internal welded steel pipe carrier.

The construction project is valued at approximately US$270 million and the CM contract has a value of $18 million.

In making the announcement, Jacobs Group Vice President Bob Clement stated: "We are very pleased to be awarded this major tunneling project in the San Francisco Bay Area. The tunnel is one of the most critical elements of the

Bay Tunnel alignment

Water System Improvement Program to ensure the delivery of reliable, high quality, and affordable water to 2.4 million customers in the four Bay Area counties of Alameda, Santa Clara, San Mateo, and San Francisco. Our selection is testament to our capabilities to manage tunneling in difficult ground conditions and we are privileged to have the opportunity to help enhance the quality of life for the residents of the region."

Jacobs has more than 56,000 employees, revenues exceeding US$10 billion and provides technical, professional, and construction services globally.

www.jacobs.com
TunnelCast - San Francisco Bay Tunnel

Robbins expands its presence in Asia

28 October, 2008: Robbins has opened a new office in Hong Kong adding to its list of three branches already operating in the fast-growing Asia Pacific region. Robbins Asia Pacific Pty Ltd will focus on sales, technical support, and procurement. Geographical areas covered by the new subsidiary include East Asia, the Middle East, and Australia (excluding India and China).

"This new office will allow us to meet the needs of our East Asian customers in real time, and in face-to-face conversations, which was previously difficult due to the locations of our other offices," said David Salisbury, Business Development Manager for Robbins Asia Pacific Pty Ltd. Goals of the new branch include expanding the regional EPB market, as well as providing support for hard rock TBMs and small-diameter tunneling.

In the future, the new branch will include engineering, field service, and other support services, and will assist in the development of a nearby Robbins manufacturing facility in Guangzhou, China. "Fabrication and procurement of components from local sources has the potential to make machine assembly quicker and more efficient," said Salisbury. The new manufacturing facility is expected to be fully operational by mid-2009.

Robbins Asia Pacific Pty. Ltd.
Suite 11, 15th Floor, Tower 3
China Hong Kong City
33, Canton Road, Kowloon
HONG KONG
Phone: +852 36918611
Fax: +852 36918612

www.robbinstbm.com

Normet buys Latin America's Semmco shotcreting group

21 October, 2008: Finnish manufacturer of mining and tunneling equipment, Normet confirms acquisition of Chile-based Semmco Group, producer of specialized sprayed concrete robots and low profile transmixers.

"The acquisition is an important step for us, and will broaden and complement our current offering of vehicles and will bring us to new customers as well," said Normet's Chairman of the Board Aaro Cantell.

Alpha 20 Concrete Sprayer-Mining

Alpha 15 Concrete Sprayer-Tunnelling

The acquisition is built on an amicable basis. "I have known the family members of Semmco for the last 15 years and I have a big respect for their achievements," said Tom Melbye, COO of Normet Group and the Managing Director of Normet's Front Line Organization. "With this acquisition, an import part of the Normet global Front Line strategy is now in place and having Semmco as part of our group will not only enhance Normet's performance, but also enable us to respond more quickly to the ever changing market demands in South America. In addition, we will be better equipped to offer Normet's Life Time Care concept to our South American customers."

Semmco has a reputation for building tough and reliable equipment and for maintaining a strong focus for on time service and rapid availability of spare parts. It employs 45 people from its modern 6,000m2 production facility and warehouse just outside Santiago and has built more than 70 wet-mix sprayed concrete robots, designed specifically for the Latin American market. It's Alpha 20 shotcrete robot is said to be the region's best seller for the mining industry. The range also includes the Alpha 15 Concrete Sprayer for the civil tunnelling industry and the Tornado concrete remixer. "With this acquisition Normet is getting production capacity and supply chain know-how in this important market area," said Jari Osmala, CEO of the Normet Group.

Tornado concrete remixer

Managing Director of Semmco, Ismael Anabalon Retes, agrees with Osmala, and is pleased to be part of the Normet Group. "When we decided to sell our company, it was important for us to be part of a strong leading brand like Normet, which had the same type of business philosophy, values and customer focus as Semmco. I am confident that working inside this large global company will open up new opportunities for Semmco's management, personnel and development of new business."

Semmco operations will be merged into Normet Chile Ltd and all the operation moved into Semmco's premises in Santiago. Heikki Ulvila, Regional Director of Normet Americas, says he is very happy to have the former owner and management of Semmco in the team. Ismael Anabalon Retes is now appointed General Manager, Ismael Anabalon Del Campo as Area Sales Manager, and Marcelo Anabalon del Campo as Production Manager of the new Normet Chile Ltd.

Marcelo Anabalon Del Campo and Ismael Anabalon Del Campo confirmed their support of the move. "We will benefit clearly from Normet's R&D, production and market knowledge, as well as from their strong global presence and network in the underground construction and mining industries."

"All personnel of Semmco Group are now full-time employees of Normet Chile Ltd. Together with the existing Normet team this strengthens our market position and service level considerably," concluded Ulvila.

Normet's head office and factory are located in Iisalmi, Finland, and comprise a combined space of 23,000m2. Normet currently employs 420 business professionals and the Group's turnover in 2008 will total about €120 million. Semmco's turnover for 2008 will be about €6 million.

www.Normet.fi
www.semmco.cl

Black & Veatch opens office in the Toronto area

October 9, 2008: Black & Veatch has opened a new office in Markham, Ontario, Canada, just north of Toronto at 50 Minthorn Blvd., Suite 103. Richard Waite, Black & Veatch Project Director, is the office leader and will manage the office's business development and client service activities. "A key advantage for our clients is that the new office will be their portal to our integrated global workforce," said Dan McCarthy, President and CEO of Black & Veatch's global water business. "Through successful execution of projects such as the Lakeview Wastewater Treatment Plant for the Region of Peel and the Ashbridges Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant in Toronto, we've been able to build a strong platform for local expansion," said Waite.

www.bv.com

Richard Lovat

Richard Lovat's birthday celebrations

September, 2008: Friends, family and tunnelling colleagues gathered in Toronto, Canada to celebrate Richard Lovat's 80th birthday. An industry maverick, Richard dedicated his working life to designing his own brand of tunneling machines to advance the safety and overall working conditions underground. LOVAT marked the milestone with a 30-page tribute to Richard that included personal messages from customers and clients the world over who have benefited from the company's technical expertise.

www.lovat.com

Halcrow moves into new North American headquarters

September, 2008: Halcrow's North American headquarters has moved into new office space, just two floors below where it was previously at 22 Cortlandt Street in lower Manhattan. Halcrow has close to 200 professionals in New York with expertise across all the markets it serves. This new headquarters is designed to make room for more professional talent as well as accommodate the firm's ambitious growth plans in North America. "This new foundation builds on Halcrow's promise to meet the growing needs of our clients as well as bring a wealth of experience to each project we participate in," said Michael Della Rocca, President of Halcrow in North America.

www.halcrow.com

CH2M - Jacobs Associates selected for mega highway tunnel project

September, 2008: The CH2M Hill-Jacobs Associates team was selected for feasibility studies for the SR-710 (or I-710) mega-project in Pasadena. JA's scope is to lead the preliminary tunnel design work, including the portal/approach excavations. The 4.5-mile-long tunnel would extend the 710 freeway to the 210 freeway, significantly reducing traffic on I-5 and other regional thoroughfares. The proposed tunnels are some of the largest in the world and the JA tunnel feasibility evaluations will be crucial for Caltrans decision-making. Construction costs are estimated at over $3.5 billion.

www.ch2m.com - www.jacobssf.com

Atlas Copco+Minova collaboration

August, 2008: Atlas Copco announces a global co-operation agreement with Minova International, the ground control division of the Orica Group. The agreement combines the field of ground control and geotechnics with the mining, tunnelling and civil engineering markets. Under the agreement, Minova customers will have access to the Atlas Copco rockbolting products, including the world leading Swellex® inflatable bolts, while Atlas Copco customers will benefit from the extensive Minova range of rockbolts, resins, grouts and associated equipment. "The combined offer will allow customers an unmatched product range from a single source," said Björn Rosengren, Business Area President of Atlas Copco Construction and Mining Technique. Both Atlas Copco and Minova brands will continue.

www.atlascopco.com www.minova.com

Babendererde has new USA address

August, 2008: Babendererde Engineers LLC has moved into new offices in Kent, Washington. Address: 20415 72nd Ave S., Suite 280, Kent, WA 98032 The new address for Babendererde Engineers LLC in the US is in Washington State at 20415 72nd Ave S., Suite 280, Kent, WA 98032 Postal address is PO Box 872437, Vancouver, WA 98687-2437
Tel:+1-253-630-2221 Mob:+1-206-510-6179