August 2025 Vol. 80 No. 8
Business
Business news: Vermeer alliance, NAXSA safety push, PODS data upgrade, Hultec expansion
Vermeer
Vermeer announced a new strategic alliance with Sharewell HDD, a recognized leader in downhole tooling, to provide contractors with a premium, high-performance option for horizontal directional drilling (HDD) hole openers directly through trusted Vermeer dealers.
This alliance enhances the tooling offerings available at Vermeer dealerships, providing contractors with convenient access to a premium choice designed for challenging conditions. The addition of Sharewell's advanced line complements the existing Right Turn Supply offering, an established Vermeer alliance partner providing a range of tooling options.
Together, these partnerships offer a comprehensive selection of hole openers with different cutter types and body styles, allowing contractors to find the right tool to match job-site requirements.
"Bringing Sharewell's Lo Torque hole openers into the Vermeer lineup directly addresses our customers' need for high-performance tooling in difficult rock conditions," said Dustin Kraft, sales manager for Vermeer Lifecycle. "Providing these tools through their local Vermeer dealer offers solutions that increase efficiency and ultimately help contractors be more productive on challenging job sites."
Sharewell HDD's Lo Torque Hole Opener Cutters are engineered to precisely match the formation hardness encountered during horizontal directional drilling. These tools are designed to ream effectively in formations, from soft soil using milled tooth cutters, to extremely hard rock formations utilizing tungsten carbide inserts (TCI). Key benefits include minimal drill string torque, versatility to open multiple hole sizes with a single body and field-replaceable cutters. The durable design and gauge protection contribute to extended tool life in abrasive conditions.
"Partnering with Vermeer provides a powerful channel to deliver our specialized Lo Torque hole openers directly to contractors through a dealership network they already rely on," said Matthew Patterson, president at Sharewell HDD. "We are confident that contractors working with Vermeer dealers will see the tangible benefits of our tooling in terms of performance and durability, especially on projects where managing torque is critical."
The modularity and performance characteristics of the Sharewell line make it particularly well-suited for utility-sized projects.
NAXSA
The North American Excavation Shoring Association (NAXSA) mobilized thousands of workers and employers nationwide for its third-annual Shore Up for Safety Week, May 5-9, 2025. The weeklong event promotes safety awareness and training through hands-on activities with excavation shoring customers, contractors, and crews.
This year, more than 435 events took place across the country, where thousands of employers and workers received the vital training and resources they need to return to their job sites – and coworkers – as lifesavers.
“We hear a lot about the bottom line in the construction industry,” said NAXSA President, Ryan Jaffe. “At NAXSA, our bottom line is zero injuries and fatalities in excavation trenching operations.”
Each spring, during Construction Safety Week, NAXSA members and colleagues log on to NAXSA’s website to access a concise Toolkit packed with everything they need to mount successful Shore Up for Safety Week events. Tips, topics, steps, ideas, even access to nearby NAXSA member experts, are a click away. Printable handouts, certificates of
participation, and order forms for Shore Up for Safety hardhat stickers make it easy to plan and deliver a week’s worth of outreach and hands-on safety practices, leaving a lasting legacy at every worksite reached.
NAXSA received orders for 25,000 hard-hat stickers before 2025 events began. The stickers give workers QR code access to safety answers and experts, out in the field, right from their worksite.
NAXSA was created to promote the safe and efficient use of excavation shoring practices. It represents manufacturers, engineers, rental companies/distributors, universities/educators, associates/suppliers, and government agency representatives who share the common goal of maintaining safety in the excavation shoring industry with the result of zero deaths and injuries.
PODS
For 25+ years, the Pipeline Open Data Standard (PODS) Association has been the industry leader in providing the exclusive data model standard. As a non-profit, member-driven organization, pipeline operators, service providers, vendors, and regulatory agencies managing pipeline spatial data worldwide have adopted PODS as their go-to source for pipeline data standardization. The PODS Association and its model is the only Pipeline Open Data Standard and Community of its kind in the world.
Now, the association has teamed up with Pipeline Research Council International (PRCI) and American Gas Association (AGA) and officially released PODS SCADA Link (SL) Module for advancements in innovative leak detection technologies, enabling more efficient and accurate monitoring systems. This new module connects the location of pipeline measurement sensors directly to GIS data, streamlining operations for pipeline operators, enhance efficiency, boost compliance, and bolster data management.
The purpose of the SCADA Link module is to create a repository in PODS to capture the location of hydraulic pressure sensors on the pipe, as well as the location of the panel that collects sensor information. When performing computational pipeline modeling (CPM) or calculating lost and unaccounted (LUF), knowing exactly where the pipeline measurement sensors are physically connected to the pipeline is critically important to model accuracy. To help facilitate this link, PRCI and the PODS Association have collaborated to add additional data tables to provide this data link.
The SCADA Link module focuses on managing Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) data related to the hydraulics of the pipeline. Approximately 10 percent of SCADA sensors are hydraulic sensors used to monitor the flow of the product. While this module can accommodate all SCADA sensors using the feature classes defined blow, implementing such coverage is optional.
Each feature class in the SCADA Link module (SENSOR_POINT, SENSOR_PANEL) enhances the ability to locate and maintain field instruments and associated equipment. This includes ensuring ease of access for servicing Remote Terminal Units (RTUs), sensors, and other connected components.
The Pipeline Open Data Standard (PODS) data model provides the database architecture pipeline operators need to submit regulatory reports, store critical information, analyze pipeline systems data, and manage geospatial data in a linear-referenced database which can be visualized in any GIS platform. The PODS Pipeline Data Model and Modules house the attribute, asset information, construction, inspection, integrity management, regulatory compliance, risk analysis, history, and operational data that pipeline companies have deemed mission-critical to successfully managing natural gas, hazardous liquids, renewables and water pipelines.
The Module is available for members to download. If you are not already a member, visit the website to join PODS for access. If you have questions about the Module, please email info@pods.org
Hultec
Hultec, a global leader in engineered sealing solutions for water infrastructure, celebrated the grand opening of its new U.S. manufacturing and distribution center in Spring, Texas.
The new 167,500-square-foot facility expands Hultec’s production capacity, enhances logistics capabilities, and supports environmentally responsible U.S.-based manufacturing. The site plans to distribute more than 28.5 million gaskets annually, supporting customers in the water, wastewater, stormwater, utilities, piping, sealing and rubber industries and helping ensure safe water for communities around the world.
This strategic investment strengthens Hultec’s domestic footprint, aligns with Build America, Buy America (BABA) requirements, and enables faster, more-efficient service to customers nationwide. The move also supports sustainability goals by reducing annual CO₂ emissions by an estimated 457 metric tons through optimized freight routing.
The new site adds 40 skilled jobs in material science and manufacturing to the Houston region.
PPI
In collaboration with more than 30 committee and subcommittee members, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) has updated its C901 Standard for PE4710 high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pressure pipe for use in potable water, reclaimed water and wastewater service lines.
ANSI/AWWA C901-25 Polyethylene (PE) Pressure Pipe, Tubing and Fittings, ¾-Inch (19 mm) Through 3-Inch (76 mm), for Water Service is now available from the AWWA website. This eighth edition was published on July 1, 2025.
Major changes to C901 include the addition of detailed requirements for fittings, including materials, workmanship, dimensions, tolerances, physical requirements, testing, and marking. In addition, the new standard contains a descriptive statement about use of lead-free HDPE pipes and fittings and Lead Service Line (LSL) replacement: “HDPE pipes and fittings …are considered lead-free per US Safe Drinking Water Act when certified to NSF/ANSI/ CAN 61, NSF/ANSI/CAN 372, or NSF/ANSI 14 [pw end use (for potable water)]. Existing LSL can be replaced with HDPE using open cut and a variety of trenchless installation methods. Refer to ANSI/AWWA C810 for additional information.”
Also, ANSI/AWWA C901-25 includes a new Appendix titled EPA Regulated PFAS Chemicals and HDPE. Based on a survey by the Plastics Pipe Institute, Inc., it was concluded that ‘the chemicals identified in EPA’s PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation Rulemaking issued on April 10, 2024, are not intentionally added in the finished HDPE piping materials.” Also, research published in the Journal of the Australian Water Association concluded “that permeation of undamaged PE … pipe by PFAS is unlikely…”
The ANSI/AWWA C901-25 Standard describes dimension ratio (SDR) for pipe and tubing made with material code designation PE4710 with a pressure class of 250 psi for water at 80°F and lower temperatures. For higher temperatures up to 140°F, references can be found in the AWWA M55 manual. Pipe ranging in nominal size from ¾ through 3 inches conforms to the outside-diameter (OD) dimensions of iron pipe size (IPS). Tubing ranging in size from ¾ through 2 inches conforms to the OD dimensions of copper tube size (CTS).
“This continues to be a key document when planning and installing a water service piping system, and especially for using HDPE for lead service line replacement,” stated Camille George Rubeiz, P.E., F. ASCE, who served as the chair on the AWWA C901 Subcommittee responsible for updating the standard. “It emphasizes the fact that HDPE pipe can be used in lead service line replacement projects in open-cut trenching and by using any of a number of trenchless installation methods.
“This makes HDPE the only material that can be designed and installed for service (C901 for 3/4 to 3 inches), distribution and transmission (C906 for 4 to 65 inches) piping systems using ANSI/AWWA standards and the AWWA M55 Manual.”
DEVELON-Hyundai
Hyundai, headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, will merge its construction equipment divisions to create a new company, tentatively named HD Construction Equipment, effective Jan. 1, 2026.
The merger will combine HD Hyundai Infracore and HD Hyundai Construction Equipment. The Hyundai and DEVELON brands will continue to coexist. The two companies currently operate independently in North America through distinct dealer networks. The independent brand and dealer network structure will remain in place.
Pending shareholder approval and regulatory review, the merger will create a stronger global construction equipment business while maintaining the current success for the DEVELON and Hyundai brands in North America.
McElroy
U.S. Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK) visited McElroy Manufacturing in Tulsa, Oklahoma for a town hall meeting and a tour of one of McElroy’s manufacturing facilities. Hern represents Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District, which covers much of the Tulsa metropolitan area.
The visit comes on the heels of McElroy President and CEO Chip McElroy’s trip to Washington, DC in conjunction with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). While in Washington, McElroy had the opportunity to highlight the importance of domestic manufacturers and encourage lawmakers to help those industries grow.
While touring one of McElroy’s four Tulsa-area campuses, Hern was shown some of McElroy’s state-of-the-art manufacturing processes for its small-diameter and polypropylene fusion equipment line.
Following his tour, Hern attended a town hall with McElroy employees, updating attendees about current legislation and answering questions from the audience. Questions ranged from the nation’s deficit to border control and immigration.
Hern praised McElroy during the visit for its commitment to providing well-paying jobs in the region. He also touted the company’s leadership, which began with founders Art and Panny McElroy and has continued through their children and other family members.
In other news, McElroy participated in the latest installment of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ (AEM’s) acclaimed Through the Lens photo series, which shines a spotlight on the skilled men and women powering America’s equipment manufacturing industry.
Bobcat
Bobcat Company, a global equipment, innovation and worksite solutions brand, was selected as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for 2025 by Newsweek magazine. In the annual rankings, Bobcat was recognized in seven distinct award categories, reflecting its commitment to meaningful work, employee wellbeing and continuous career development for more than 5,000 employees in the U.S.
Newsweek also featured Bobcat on its 2025 lists for America’s Greatest Workplaces for Manufacturing, America’s Greatest Workplaces by State – North Dakota, America’s Greatest Workplaces for Parents and Families, America’s Greatest Workplaces for Gen Z, America’s Greatest Workplaces for Mental Well Being and America’s Greatest Workplaces for Inclusion & Diversity.
In facilities throughout the U.S., Bobcat employs more than 5,000 people who are responsible for designing, building and supporting the industry’s most-advanced compact equipment and worksite solutions. As a leading manufacturer, Bobcat’s roots began in America’s heartland and this legacy continues with Bobcat’s North American headquarters in West Fargo, North Dakota.
Bobcat continues to make investments in innovative workplaces and programs that support and elevate the overall employee experience. This includes new onboarding, learning and mentorship initiatives; leadership and career development programs; resource groups; competitive benefit offerings; and more that support employee engagement, retention and development.
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