Quarry Southern Africa May 2017 | Page 11

global news CASE Construction Equipment has launched its new website, designed to deliver support and information to customers on desktops, tablets and smartphones. Responsive design detects the device being used and automatically adjusts the page layout and resolution for screen size, and the product configurator lets customers explore all options available on equipment and request a quote. The integration between equipment and attachments allows customers to easily identify the complete solution that matches their requirements. Customers are also able to stay up to date on the latest CASE news and events with designated areas for both. Caterpillar Venture Capital has invested in software development firm busybusy, which provides real-time information on jobsite labour costs to help construction companies become more efficient, productive, and profitable. According to Caterpillar’s Construction Digital & Technology manager John Carpenter, busybusy’s technology will be offered to construction customers as a subscription-based labour management service, adding to the suite of offerings within Cat Connect. Cat Connect Technologies and Services include hardware and software designed to improve customer operations and help customers leverage data generated by their assets to boost business results and strengthen their competitive advantage. MB Crusher launched its new communication campaign at the Samoter trade fair in Verona, where the company presented its entire product range (crusher buckets, screening buckets and grapples which can be applied to all types of heavy machinery) to visitors from more than 44 countries. In addition to the 19 machines on display, the company had an external demonstration area for customers to see first-hand the versatility of MB Crusher’s BF90.3 crusher bucket, currently on its fourth version, and the MB-S18 screening bucket, designed to work with excavators of between 20 and 23 tons. The Institute of Quarrying (IQ) and the QMJ Group have launched a new online platform of- fering dedicated IQ content for audiences in quarrying and related industries. The Agg-Net site has been extended to include the new monthly IQ Branch blog, which features a roundup of everything happening in the featured region, as well as the monthly President’s column from Quarry Manage- ment magazine, the official monthly journal of The Institute of Quarrying since 1918. There is also an area for the IQ Academy listing all upcoming courses. SSAB identifies four finalists for 2017 Swedish Steel Prize The Swedish Steel Prize is a two-day event packed with knowledge, inspiration and opportunities to meet people working with steel in all types of fields, culminating in the announcement of the winning entry at the awards gala. The 2017 event will be taking place in Stockholm from 10 to 11 May, with the winner to be announced at the Stockholm Waterfront Congress Centre on 11 May. Founded in 1999 as the only international award for engineers in the steel industry, for almost 20 years the Swedish Steel Prize has attracted international competitors as it recognises and rewards innovative, industry-changing products, methods and processes utilising high-strength steel. Over the years, the prize has seen finalists from every continent except Antarctica. The independent professional jury looks at submissions from companies of all sizes, as well as institutions and individuals who have developed a method, product or process that utilises the full potential of high-strength steel, or other steel optimised for high- strength, wear-resistance, tooling, protection or any combinations thereof in search of applications that stand out and inspire in the way the material has been used. Entries are assessed based on applicability, profitability, environmental benefits, performance, innovation and creativity. The winner receives a statuette designed by Jörg Jeschke and SEK100 000 (roughly EUR10 000). “This year a record number of 102 applications were sent in from 32 different countries around the world. The high overall quality of the applications shows that this prize has an important role in promoting and even encouraging the industry to find new and innovative ways to use high-strength steels for higher performance,” said Eva Petursson, chair of the Swedish Steel Prize jury and head of SSAB’s strategic research and development. The finalists for the 2017 prize are Fermel (South Africa) for their mining vehicle; JMG Cranes (Italy) for their electrical pick and carry crane; Kiruna Wagon (Sweden) for their dumper wagon; and Wabash National (USA) for their rear impact guard. QUARRY SA | MAY 2017 _ 9