Magnetic equipment firm’s document examines sequence needed to remove metal in the processing stage.

Noting that “recycled rubber from tires finds its way into many places,” including playgrounds, livestock fencing and welcome mats, Newton, Kansas-based Bunting adds, “but if rogue metal contamination remains in recycled tire rubber material, the consequences can be severe.”

In a multipage document issued by the magnetic equipment company, Bunting says it has identified the several different types of magnetic separation equipment that can be installed at critical points in the tire recycling process.

“The greatest challenge when removing metal, such as steel wire, from shredded tires is to maximize the amount of metal separated while minimizing the amount of good rubber product loss,” states Bunting. “The best way to achieve this is through multistage magnetic separation,” adds the company.

Bunting says its crossbelt, drum, pulley and separation conveyor magnets can be configured in an array that optimizes the separation of steel wire from the other tire materials.

“Bunting has conducted work and designed custom equipment for tire rubber recyclers around the world,” states the firm. “While each plant is unique and the process may have different flow patterns, we have developed [stages] for tire rubber recyclers who are interested in implementing magnetic separation solutions into each step of their operations.”

Those seeking more information about Bunting’s process for shredded tire materials separation can go to this web page or write to bmc@buntingmagnetics.com.

The company predicts a construction sector rebound and stays on course with its new Texas EAF mill.

Steel Dynamics Inc. (SDI), Fort Wayne, Indiana, has reported slightly lower sales for its first quarter of 2020 compared with the first quarter of 2019. The company achieved first-quarter 2020 net sales of $2.6 billion and net income of $187 million. Comparatively, prior-year first-quarter net sales were $2.8 billion, with net income of $204 million, SDI reports in a news release on its first-quarter earnings.

Sequential fourth-quarter 2019 net sales were $2.4 billion, with net income of $121 million. SDI reports the lower figures in the fourth quarter of 2019 were associated with planned maintenance outages at its two flat-roll steel mills. 

“The team delivered a strong first quarter 2020 performance in a challenging operating and market environment,” says Mark D. Millett, president and CEO at SDI. “Solid underlying steel demand during the first quarter combined with our value-added product capabilities allowed us to achieve record quarterly steel shipments. Our first quarter 2020 consolidated operating income was $274 million with adjusted [earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization] EBITDA of $356 million.”

The COVID-19 virus and restrictions play into the firm’s outlook, Millett says. “It is still too early to determine the full scope of the negative impact COVID-19 will cause to global economies and the related impact to domestic steel demand. At this time, domestic steel orders related to certain sectors have slowed considerably due to the temporary closures of numerous steel-consuming businesses.” He says the automotive industry shutdowns, in particular, have pinched steel demand.

Millett says the economic turbulence has not changed SDI’s plans in Sinton, Texas, where it is investing $1.6 billion to build what he calls a “new state-of-the-art, electric-arc-furnace (EAF) flat roll steel mill.

“We remain excited about this strategic project and the associated long-term value creation it will bring through geographic and value-added product diversification. We entered this crisis in a position of strength with ample cash and available liquidity. Our differentiated business model and performance-driven culture has proven our ability to generate strong cash flow during challenging times such as these," he continues. 

Although the automotive hiatus has hurt sales, Millett adds, “Conversely, construction is the largest single domestic steel-consuming sector, and while some projects have been disrupted or postponed, at this time the sector still remains intact. Our steel order activity from construction customers, as well as our strong steel fabrication order backlog, supports this sentiment. When states begin to ‘reopen’ across our nation, we believe steel demand will likely respond quickly based on current customer buying patterns and already low steel inventories throughout the supply chain.”

In the company’s latest earnings report, Millett adds that SDI has been very focused on protecting the health and well-being of its employees. 

“We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and have implemented numerous additional practices throughout our organization to protect each of us,” he says. “I want to thank our more than 8,400 team members for remaining steadfast and passionate. We continue to operate safely with a spirit of excellence, and I am incredibly proud to work alongside each one during this unprecedented time. Our commitment is to the health and safety of our people, our families, and our communities while serving our customers. This commitment is supported by the strength of our capital foundation and unmatched cash flow generation capability that exists in both strong and weak demand environments.”

C.W. Machine Worx has announced that Volvo Construction Equipment & Services will be the exclusive distributor of its dust suppression products in California.

Carroll, Ohio-based C.W. Machine Worx has announced that Volvo Construction Equipment & Services (VCES), Corona, California, will be the exclusive distributor of its dust suppression products in California. 

VCES is a leading provider of construction equipment and services throughout the state and will be offering a wide range of dust suppression equipment for sale or lease at all seven of its branch locations. According to the company, by adding dust suppression equipment to its already diverse product line, VCES is strengthening its commitment to the safety of its customers, the public and the environment. 

As a manufacturer of self-contained and trailer-mounted dust suppression equipment, C.W. Machine Worx says dust suppression technology provides a safe and effective way of preventing harmful particles from escaping construction and demolition projects. 

For more information, contact 760-277-8307 or visit www.vcesvolvo.com.

The new facility centralizes Mecalac’s administrative offices, equipment inventory, parts and service support in one building, the company says.

Mecalac announced April 21 that the company has opened a new 14,000-square-foot facility in Norfolk, Massachusetts, to serve as its North American headquarters. The new facility centralizes Mecalac’s administrative offices, equipment inventory, parts and service support in one building, replacing the three separate locations the company maintained previously. It will be home to an in-house training facility and play host to dealer and media events throughout the year.

“The North American market has been very receptive to the Mecalac approach, which puts a heavy emphasis on innovation,” Mecalac CEO Alexandre Marchetta says. “Every piece of equipment is designed with the end user in mind and solves the challenges operators face daily. The new facility underscores our commitment to the North American market and will allow us to better serve our growing dealer network and customer base.”

Though a producer of construction equipment on the global stage, Mecalac was not involved in the North American market until 2016. The company’s initial dealer partnership was with Lorusso Heavy Equipment near Boston. In 2017, Mecalac acquired Terex’s line of backhoe loaders, site dumpers and compaction rollers. The success of its first U.S. distributor partnership combined with the Terex product acquisition ultimately led to the formation of Mecalac North America.

The new headquarters will be home to 14 Mecalac employees. In the months ahead, Mecalac says it expects the team to grow to enhance its local presence and to provide a high level of support after the sale.

“One of our priorities is to expand our dealer network across North America,” Peter Bigwood, general manager of Mecalac North America, says. “We currently have 15 dealers and plan to grow at a measured, but steady, pace. To serve our customers the best way possible, we look for dealer partners who understand the construction equipment market and share our enthusiasm and vision for reshaping how contractors work with highly differentiated, innovative products.”

Federation of New York waste and recycling associations will meet Oct. 4-7.

The Federation of New York Solid Waste Associations has announced that its 2020 conference and trade show previously scheduled for May 17-20 has been rescheduled to Oct. 4-7. The event, postponed because of the COVID-19 virus, remains at The Sagamore in Bolton Landing, New York.

The federation indicates its intention is “for everything to stay the same, except instead of the trees budding, the leaves will be falling.” Individuals and companies who had registered to take part in May have been contacted says the federation, and room nights at The Sagamore have been transferred to the October dates.

Adds the federation, “Our goal is to move all the May sessions and speakers to the new dates. All moderators and speakers are being contacted separately regarding availability.” An online updated Conference Program will be available July 3, says the group.

The May program had been planned to include more than 75 technical sessions and 110 trade show exhibits, along with recreational activities at the Adirondack Mountains lodge, adds the federation.

The Federation of New York Solid Waste Associations describes itself as the umbrella organization for the New York State Association for Reduction, Reuse & Recycling; the New York State Association for Solid Waste Management; and the Solid Waste Association of North America - New York State Chapter.