Business
Utility Investigation School targets utility strike prevention with ASCE training
The Utility Investigation School returns to Indianapolis this May, offering hands-on training in ASCE 38 and 75 standards aimed at improving subsurface utility practices and reducing strike risk.
Primoris to acquire PayneCrest for $422 million, expanding electrical infrastructure capabilities
Primoris Services Corporation has agreed to acquire PayneCrest Electric in a $422 million deal, expanding its electrical infrastructure capabilities and positioning the company for growth in data center and industrial markets.
Atkore sells HDPE pipe business to Infra Pipes, retains 10% stake
Atkore has sold its HDPE pipe and conduit business to Infra Pipes, retaining a 10% stake as part of a strategic shift toward core electrical product markets.
New partnership allows nationwide expansion for Colorado drilling fluids firm
Drilling Mud Direct partners with Broadwater Capital to expand its nationwide footprint, strengthening supply and services for HDD, pipeline and civil construction markets.
Private equity group backs Houston-based DLG Infrastructure Services in growth deal
Del Monte Capital has invested in Houston-based DLG Infrastructure Services, a fast-growing contractor focused on water, sewer and trenchless infrastructure, signaling continued private equity interest in municipal infrastructure services.
Randy Belanger recalls busy year, anticipates even busier 2026 for NASSCO
As NASSCO marks its 50th anniversary, outgoing president Randy Belanger says the organization is heading into a busy 2026, with leadership succession, growing municipal engagement and expanded trenchless initiatives high on the agenda.
Business People: Latest industry developments
NASTT has named Kim Hanson as executive director as the organization evolves its leadership structure, while Tnemec appointed industry veteran Matt Wierzchowski to lead municipal collections, strengthening its focus on sewer and water infrastructure.
PCCA kicks off busy 2026 with D.C. Fly-In
The Power and Communication Contractors Association (PCCA) kicked off its 2026 agenda in Washington, D.C., pressing lawmakers on permitting reform, infrastructure funding, safety and workforce development.
NY's $250-million lead pipe replacement program raises procurement concerns
New York’s $250 million water infrastructure funding program for lead service line replacement is drawing industry scrutiny, with calls for open, material-neutral procurement to ensure cost-effective project delivery and faster removal of aging underground pipes.
PipeSense introduces real-time pig tracking system for pipelines
PipeSense has launched PipeTrack, a real-time pipeline pig tracking system that uses pressure monitoring and AI-driven analysis to improve visibility, reduce downtime and enhance safety during pipeline pigging operations.
Tnemec appoints director to oversee Epoxytec sewer rehabilitation solutions
Tnemec has appointed Matt Wierzchowski as Director of Epoxytec – Municipal Collections, strengthening the company’s focus on sewer rehabilitation, manhole protection, and protective coatings for municipal water and wastewater infrastructure.
NASTT appoints Kim Hanson as Executive Director
The North American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT) has appointed Kim Hanson as Executive Director, strengthening leadership for the trenchless infrastructure industry ahead of the organization’s upcoming No-Dig Show.
Vortex Companies’ United Felts expands leadership to support trenchless growth
Vortex Companies’ United Felts has appointed new commercial and quality leaders to support growing demand for CIPP liners and strengthen manufacturing standards for trenchless pipeline rehabilitation projects.
Aqua Pennsylvania acquires 40-mile water main system in Mercer County, Pa.
Aqua Pennsylvania has completed its $18 million acquisition of the Greenville Municipal Water Authority in Mercer County, Pa., adding a system with 40 miles of water mains serving more than 2,900 customers.
Azuria expands water infrastructure platform with Waterline, Caliagua acquisitions
Azuria Water Solutions is expanding its water infrastructure platform with the acquisitions of Waterline Renewal Technologies and California-based contractor Caliagua, adding trenchless rehabilitation technologies, CIPP solutions and large-scale water and wastewater construction capabilities.
UI Editor-in-Chief inducted into HDD Hall of Fame at UIC 2026
Robert Carpenter, Editor-in-Chief of Underground Infrastructure, was inducted into the HDD Hall of Fame at UIC 2026 in San Antonio, honoring decades of leadership and influence in the HDD industry.
Business People: Promotions, leadership changes and industry milestones
Executive appointments, leadership promotions and an industry remembrance highlight this month’s Business People column, featuring updates from ZamCo Directional Drilling, Volvo CE, Hyundai Construction Equipment, Oatey and the passing of Darby Equipment Company CEO Bob Darby.
Business News: Expansions, acquisitions and infrastructure investment updates
Azuria expands pipe manufacturing and acquires Caliagua, Komatsu and Volvo advance equipment investments, PPI marks 75 years, WSSC Water earns another AAA rating and EnviroVac announces a strategic merger in this month’s Business News roundup.
GES acquires Environmental Controls to expand water, wastewater infrastructure solutions
Global Environmental Solutions has acquired Environmental Controls Company, expanding its national water infrastructure platform with floating cover technologies for reservoirs, stormwater systems and water and wastewater treatment facilities.
PAA takes stake in LiquiForce to expand lateral lining across Canada
Per Aarsleff has taken an ownership stake in LiquiForce to expand lateral sewer lining and UV-cured rehabilitation services across the Canadian municipal market.
Industry veteran Robert Darby dies at 72
The Drilling Contractors Association is mourning the loss of longtime associate member and former board leader Robert Darby, who served on multiple committees and supported industry programs and scholarships throughout his career.
Ezee Fiber acquires DayNet’s 76-mile fiber network in Dayton, Texas
Ezee Fiber has acquired DayNet’s 76-mile fiber optic network in Dayton, Texas, expanding its fiber-to-the-home footprint in the Greater Houston region.
EnviroVac expands national footprint with Vecta acquisition
EnviroVac has acquired Vecta Environmental Services, expanding its national footprint and capabilities across environmental, industrial, and infrastructure services, including hydroexcavation and vacuum truck operations.
NWPX Infrastructure names new executives to lead water transmission, precast operations
NWPX Infrastructure has promoted four leaders into senior operations roles, strengthening oversight across its water transmission systems and precast infrastructure businesses as the company positions for continued growth.
Business People: Leadership moves and industry remembrance
McElroy promotes longtime HR leader Steve Caldwell to vice president of human resources, recognizing more than 15 years of workforce and safety leadership, while the underground construction industry remembers Vermeer veteran Tod Michael, a respected engineer and mentor whose career spanned nearly three decades.
Business: Latest industry news
John Deere Deere & Company entered into an agreement to acquire Tenna, a construction technology company, and a holding of The Conti Group, which offers mixed-fleet equipment operations and asset tracking solutions. Based in New Hope, Pa., Tenna offers an integrated construction technology platf..
Robert Carpenter inducted into HDD Hall of Fame at UIC 2026
Robert Carpenter, Editor-in-Chief of Underground Infrastructure, was inducted into the HDD Hall of Fame at UIC 2026 in San Antonio, honoring decades of leadership and influence in the HDD industry.
Texas Pipeline Association names Shelli Myers as chair, marking leadership milestone
Shelli Myers of WhiteWater Midstream has been elected chair of the Texas Pipeline Association, becoming the first woman to lead the nation’s largest intrastate pipeline trade group.
Avanti names Nikolas Magill president, signals leadership continuity
Avanti International has named Nikolas D. Magill as president, reinforcing leadership continuity at the trenchless and underground infrastructure technology provider.
Hyundai names Mike Ross COO to oversee North American operations
Hyundai Construction Equipment North America has promoted Mike Ross to chief operating officer, expanding his role to include oversight of daily operations and execution across the region. Ross brings more than two decades of construction equipment experience and has held multiple senior leadership roles since joining the company in 2020.
- OSHA issues 16 citations following fatal sewer confined space incident
- 27 pipeline safety violations tied to deadly Pa. chocolate factory explosion
- Contractor gas line strike triggers home explosion in Missouri
- LA recovery reports call for $650 million power line burial, major utility upgrades in Pacific Palisades
- Comprehensive microtrenching FAQ: Key insights on the Vermeer MTR516 microtrencher
- T-Mobile to expand fiber broadband infrastructure footprint with $4.9 billion Metronet acquisition
- First tunnel boring machines complete testing for Hudson Tunnel Project
- NWPX grows water infrastructure portfolio with Colorado precast facility
- Cityside launches $100 million fiber build in Corona, Calif.
- FiberLight to build 1,400-mile West Texas dark fiber network in $350 million expansion