Industry and business news 11/16/18

Allen Engineering promotes Don Gordon to vice president of operations

Oct. 30, 2018—Allen Engineering Corp. recently announced that Don Gordon has been promoted to vice president of operations. Gordon has 20+ years of experience in operations, engineering, quality and supply chain management, and has proven to be an invaluable asset to the organization over the last several years. In this new position, Gordon will be responsible for managing numerous teams throughout the organization including purchasing, logistics, production planning, engineering, assembly, manufacturing, quality control, and facilities & maintenance. Gordon’s core focus will be to drive continuous improvement in the core metrics around safety, quality, delivery and cost, which will in turn grow the business and drive profitability for AEC.

Caterpillar produces 40,000th large dozer

October 2018—In October, representatives from Caterpillar Inc., Finning Canada and Teck Resources Limited gathered in East Peoria, Ill., to celebrate the milestone of the 40,000th Cat large dozer rolling off the production line. Core to Caterpillar's global identity, the current Cat large dozer line includes the D9, D10 and D11 models. Denise Johnson, Caterpillar group president responsible for Resource Industries, handed the keys of the 40,000th large dozer to Louis DeLuca, Teck director of supply management, during the ceremony held Oct. 25. The celebration included employees in Caterpillar’s Building SS, where all 40,000 Cat D9, D10 and D11 dozer models have been manufactured. For more than 10 years, Teck has been one of the top customers in the world for Cat large dozers. The 40,000th large dozer, a 225,000-lb D11T, will operate in the Elk Valley Region near Sparwood, British Columbia, where the company produces steelmaking coal at five mining operations.

Zonar earns Frost & Sullivan's Company of the Year award

Oct. 29, 2018—Based on its recent analysis of the North American school and transit bus telematics market, Frost & Sullivan recognizes Zonar with the 2018 North American School and Transit Bus Telematics Company of the Year Award for its comprehensive telematics and inspection solutions in the school and transit bus market. Zonar’s telematics solutions improve bus fleet operations by delivering increased safety, maintenance, fuel efficiency and driver productivity. The company’s use of a radio identification (RFID) tag system for electronically verifiable inspections and various other innovative technologies to ensure safe, efficient and compliant school and transit bus fleets has established its leadership in smart fleet management.

Peterbilt announces 2019 engine updates

Oct. 28, 2018—Peterbilt Motors Company today announced updated offerings for the 2019 PACCAR Engines. Peterbilt will offer the MX-13 with two new ratings for the 2019 model year engines; a multi-torque 455 hp with a torque rating of 1,650—1,850 lb.-ft. and a 405 hp with 1,650 lb.-ft. of torque. Each update for model year 2019 engines was specifically designed to result in increased reliability and fuel economy. When packaged with the PACCAR Transmission and the PACCAR 40k rear axle the new 405 hp and 1,650 lb.-ft. torque rating for the MX-13 provides one of most fuel efficient integrated powertrains for long haul customers. The new engine ratings will be available January 2019.

Blair Haynie joins LAN as regional transportation manager

Oct. 26, 2018—Blair Haynie joins planning, engineering and program management firm Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam Inc. (LAN) as a regional transportation manager. In this role, he will be responsible for expanding the firm’s transportation practice in Houston. Haynie has more than 35 years of experience as a transportation executive in the public and private sector. He has managed all types of transportation projects, including highways, bridges, safety and public facilities. His expertise includes working with numerous stakeholders, including the public, contractors, consultants, special interest groups, and property and utility owners to deliver a project that benefits the community, region and the state.