Construction News

North Liberty, Iowa – 24 June 2009 – Collective Data Inc., a leading provider of fleet operations management software, announced today the release of collectiveFleet, a product that combines their fleet management software with the mobility of the multifunctional Motion Tablet PC that includes a digital camera, barcode scanner, and optional mobile broadband.

“Clients were looking for more mobility options,” said Rob Kinney, Vice President of Sales and New Product Development for Collective Data. “Data is everywhere and they need to capture it. Clients and potential customers are excited to have such an easy yet reliable way to collect data out in the field.”

Jason Wonase, President and CEO of Collective Data, commented on the company’s new release. “We are always researching and developing new ways to make the jobs easier for people managing a fleet,” he said. “Introducing the Motion Tablet PC will continue that trend.”

This all-inclusive package can prove to be particularly beneficial for fleet inventory management. “Parts managers can roam the parts room with ease, or receive parts right on the spot,” said Sean Taylor, Director of Sales for Collective Data. “Lugging around a laptop with a scanner, camera, and dangling cords on the keyboard or cart are now a thing of the past.”

The collectiveFleet-Te package can add productivity to any currently implemented Collective Data system, or it can act as the all-in-one option for smaller fleets. “Now you do not need to purchase a server, hire an IT guy, or purchase a new computer,” said Taylor. “It’s a simple, turn-key solution that gives users a multifunctional device, software, and the tools they need to get the information they need to make decisions that can positively affect their bottom line.”

“Motion strives to provide solutions to our clients, and the best way is to partner with software providers, like Collective Data, who bring their deep industry knowledge in to software-optimized applications that further enhance mobile initiatives,” said Mike Stinson, VP Marketing, Motion Computing. “We are excited to help Collective Data offer real-time relevant data to customers at the place they need it most, the point of service.”

About Collective Data, Inc.

Collective Data is a privately held corporation that produces fleet and equipment maintenance management software solutions deployed by over 600 public, private and commercial organizations. Collective Data also provides additional services to its customers including consulting services, custom application development and data conversion. Collective Data is located in North Liberty, Iowa. More information about Collective Data is available at www.collectivedata.com.

About Motion Computing

Motion Computing is a mobile computing and wireless communications leader, combining world-class innovation and industry experience so professionals in vertical industries such as healthcare, field sales and service and government can use computing technology in new ways and places. The company’s enhanced line of tablet PCs, mobile clinical assistants and accessories are designed to increase productivity for on-the-go users while providing portability, security, power and versatility. Motion combines those products with services and unique vertical market knowledge to deliver robust solutions – platforms, peripherals, services and wireless – customized for the needs of a particular industry. For more information visit www.MotionComputing.co.uk.

Motion Computing and Motion are trademarks or registered trademarks of Motion Computing, Inc, in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.

Montague, MI -  SnoKontrol has announced a new expanding rear snow plow. This rear plow can expand from about 8 and 1/2 feet when closed to an whopping full 16 feet wide.

The benefits are obvious , a wider paths means quicker plowing, and thus more plowing in less time. This type of plow can be a real profit maker for just about any snow removal business.

SnoKontrol is located at  10000 US-31 Montague, MI 49437

website: http://snokontrol.com

email: info@snokontrol.com

D.C. General Contractors, Casablanca Construction Co. and Hanco Corp. are 3 of the companies bidding on the job that are located in Hattiesburg.

Hanco Corp. provided the lowest bid at $2.8 million, while Commercial Contracting Corp. of Michigan had the highest bid at $3.6 million.

source

A unique training facility features curriculum designed to meet the demand for GPS training in construction and agriculture industries.

Machine Control Technology Inc. (MCT) has opened its doors in Meeker, Oklahoma and is now accepting students for upcoming courses in 2D & 3D automated machine control. MCT, the premier GPS training facility in the United States offers multiple levels of construction training for every phase of the site.

Each class is tailored to fit your company’s needs from 3D model analysis thru site inspection.

Classes offered by MCT are:

4 day, GPS Base and Rover 101

4 day, GPS Machine Control 101

5 day, Combination Class 3DMG101

4 day, GPS Base and Rover 102

4 day, GPS Machine Control 102

5 day, Combination Class 3DMG102

3 day, Laser Class with Machine Control

4 day, 2DMG System Five – Sonic/Cross Slope/Laser/Machine Control

Services offered by MCT are:

Site Consultation

R&D Consulting

Product Performance Testing

Agricultural Land Leveling Cost Analysis

Coming Soon: Basic Motorgrader & Dozer Operation

Coming Soon: 3D Modeling Classes

“Being able to get the most out of 3D controls requires extensive training,” said Rick Davidson, Senior Technical Advisor to the CEO of Topcon. “Without training, you can’t take full advantage of the technology. Bill Crumb has been involved in machine controls from the beginning and knows how to get the maximum production rates with minimum mistakes. As a hands-on equipment operator he is highly skilled at using many types of construction equipment. He knows what works on the job site.”

“Bill Crumb wanted to learn all he could in the seat of a motorgrader,” said Duane Nunes, (Bill’s grade-verifier of 17 years). “He saw that automation could make him a better operator and he experimented with the technology to get all he could out of it. He’s the best operator I’ve ever worked with. His philosophy is to take that knowledge and share it with others so they can get the most of the technology too.

Machine Control Technology, Inc. was originally established in 1990 in San Jose, California by 3D technology pioneer Bill Crumb. MCT has relocated to a 20-acre site in Meeker, Oklahoma. The site offers hands-on earthwork training using GPS and features the world’s first indoor GPS training center.

“No matter how simple we make our complex systems, there is always a need for training for even the minimum set of features to help the contractor get a benefit from the system,” said Joe Brabec, Chief Technical Officer, Topcon. You need someone who has been on the contractors’ side but also knows how these systems operate. If something goes wrong he can tell if it’s the system, the operators’ methods or the data.”

MCT Owner Bill Crumb has over 30 years experience as a supplier, user, and product developer for 2D & 3D machine control. As an equipment operator he understands the relationship between the technology and the machine. With an acute understanding of hydraulic tuning Bill’s training program teaches operators how to tune their machine for fewer passes and tolerance control. His ability to recognize the equipment’s limitations allows him to demonstrate the common mistakes occurring on today’s job sites, how to avoid them, and how to recover from them once they’ve already been made.

Response to MCT training has been very positive. “Bill Crumb runs a unique training service that is the best we have seen,” said Mark Williams, AGPS, inc., a software provider for high resolution 3D GPS machine control in agriculture soil and water management. “We highly recommend him as a trainer for any GPS or machine control system.

“I do what I do for one reason and that is the end user.

What I truly teach is the mistakes, thus enhancing a quicker return on

the invested dollar. Site rework and moving dirt more than once is a four letter word, COST”, said Bill Crumb.

Machine Control Technology, Inc.

Phone: (405) 279-4202

Fax: (405) 279-4198

E-mail: MCT.inc_Kathy@yahoo.com

www.Machinecontroltechnologyinc.com

LANSING – State Representative Robert Dean (D-Grand Rapids) today announced that an aggressive plan to immediately create jobs for Michigan residents is moving forward, and now heads to the House floor for a vote. The “Hire Michigan First” plan will ensure that Michigan residents get the first crack at jobs created by companies benefiting from state economic development programs or tax breaks. The plan will also crack down on companies that hire undocumented workers by canceling their state contracts and tax incentives.

“In these difficult economic times, we have to stand up for our working families and protect every Michigan job we can,” said Dean, a lead sponsor of the plan. “We have thousands of well-trained, experienced workers who need jobs, and ‘Hire Michigan First’ will create good-paying jobs now for our residents.”

The comprehensive plan will:

• Give preference for tax breaks and other economic development tools to companies that hire the most Michigan residents. This rule would apply to projects handled by the Michigan Economic Development Corp., and certain state-funded programs, including the Michigan Economic Growth Authority, the Renaissance Zone Act and several others.
• Require companies that take economic development incentives to report on who they hire to ensure that Michigan residents are put first, encouraging transparency and accountability.
• Crack down on companies that hire illegal immigrants by canceling their state contracts and tax incentives. The plan would also require them to pay back incentives already received and bar them from future contracts.

“This plan puts our highly qualified workers at the front of the line when it comes to getting hired by companies receiving state incentives,” Dean said. “When a company benefits from tax breaks and economic development grants, Michigan residents – not residents from other states – should reap the rewards of new jobs that are created.”