Business
United Rentals launches AI equipment planning tool in ChatGPT
United Rentals has launched its AI-powered Equipment Agent in ChatGPT, allowing contractors and jobsite teams to access equipment planning and rental recommendations through conversational search.
NextEra Energy, Dominion merge to form largest regulated utility
NextEra Energy and Dominion Energy plan to merge in an all-stock deal that would create the nation’s largest regulated utility company and expand power infrastructure investment across fast-growing states.
NVIDIA, Corning expand U.S. fiber manufacturing for AI infrastructure
Corning plans major U.S. fiber and optical infrastructure expansion tied to AI data center growth, including new manufacturing plants and increased domestic production capacity.
CEO retirement, leadership changes mark latest industry moves
A roundup of key leadership changes across the underground infrastructure industry, including retirements, executive appointments and promotions.
Shore Up for Safety Week returns with focus on trench, excavation safety training
The North American Excavation Shoring Association is launching Shore Up for Safety Week, bringing excavation and trench safety training to jobsites nationwide.
Scruggs water infrastructure platform sold to Sterling Group
The Sterling Group has acquired Scruggs, a regional water infrastructure platform, from Rox Capital Partners. The company provides flow control products and maintenance services for municipal water and wastewater systems across the U.S.
Prime Horizontal leadership completes buyout of HDD guidance specialist
Prime Horizontal’s leadership has completed a management buyout, with executives highlighting plans to expand global HDD services and strengthen long-term growth.
TDS Telecom to acquire New Hampshire fiber provider Granite State
TDS Telecom plans to acquire Granite State Communications, adding more than 11,000 fiber service addresses in New Hampshire and expanding its regional broadband footprint.
House passes broadband permitting bills to accelerate infrastructure deployment
The Plastics Pipe Institute is backing newly passed House broadband permitting bills aimed at reducing delays and accelerating infrastructure deployment as federal funding ramps up.
Vortex acquires Mainlining America, expanding watermain rehab footprint in U.S.
Vortex Companies is expanding its water infrastructure platform with the acquisition of Mainlining America. The deal strengthens its watermain rehabilitation capabilities and extends its reach across key U.S. markets.
Vortex promotes two executives to drive trenchless services expansion
Vortex Companies is strengthening its leadership bench as it expands its trenchless services division, promoting BJ Kerstiens and Brent Keller into key roles. The move supports continued growth through acquisitions and regional expansion across North America.
Vortex subsidiary expands trenchless CIPP portfolio with BKP Berolina acquisition
Vortex Companies is expanding its trenchless portfolio as United Felts acquires BKP Berolina. The deal strengthens global capabilities in CIPP and UV liner technologies, positioning the company for broader pipeline rehabilitation opportunities.
Nemetschek to acquire HCSS, expanding construction tech in infrastructure sector
Nemetschek Group has agreed to acquire HCSS, expanding its construction technology portfolio and strengthening its position in the growing infrastructure and heavy civil construction sectors.
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.
- OSHA investigates fatal trench collapse at Conroe construction site
- Final Lake Erie sewer tunnel project set to begin after decades-long $3 billion effort
- Texas811 launches real-time excavation detection to prevent utility strikes
- Fiber drilling strike triggers major sewer failure, lawsuits in Florida
- Oil pipeline struck during fiber optic construction spills into L.A. storm drains
- Fatal trench collapse in Mass. leads to $4.6 million OSHA penalty, dozens of violations
- Texas811 launches real-time excavation detection to prevent utility strikes
- Race Communications breaks ground on Bakersfield fiber network
- Final Lake Erie sewer tunnel project set to begin after decades-long $3 billion effort
- Inside Infrastructure: Utility locators warn of systemic failures in damage prevention process