Industry/business: Doosan Infracore forms strategic partnership with Palantir

Doosan Infracore forms a strategic partnership with big data unicorn Palantir

May 1, 2019—Doosan Infracore announced that it formed a strategic partnership with U.S. big data unicorn Palantir Technologies for the first time in Korea, as part of the effort to accelerate digital transformation. Palantir is a Silicon Valley-based big data startup that provides big data analysis platform to organizations in various fields, ranging from the public sector to finance to manufacturing, to be used for arresting criminals, preventing financial risk, improving productivity and product quality, etc. According to 2018 Inc.’s list of unicorns, Palantir is the fifth largest valued at $20.5 billion after Uber, Airbnb, SpaceX and WeWork. Through a strategic partnership with Palantir, Doosan Infracore will build a big data platform to optimize the business operation and speed up the decision-making process. More specifically, the company will visualize data across businesses including sales, production, R&D, quality control, customer services, and IOT solutions "DoosanCONNECT" to establish a platform for collaboration to strengthen communication between businesses, and ultimately boost effectiveness in operation.

Installation of 44 Acrow bridges begins in Cameroon

May 1, 2019—Acrow Bridge, a leading international bridge engineering and supply company, is pleased to announce the installation of the first of 44 bridges provided to the Government of Cameroon as part of Acrow’s financed Comprehensive Bridge Development Program delivered in 2018. In addition to the supply of the bridges, the program provides the extensive training of local engineers and technicians in the assembly, installation and maintenance of these critical infrastructure assets. Designed to contribute to the repair and modernization of Cameroon’s rural infrastructure, the project will support the development of regional trade and provide better access to schools, medical clinics and other basic goods and services. The modular steel bridges, prefabricated in the U.S., are single- and multi-span double-lane structures ranging from 12 meters to more than 120 meters in length, which will be installed throughout the country by the local workforce. Acrow will continue to provide technical advisory services on-site to select installations.

William Abbott, P.E., joins LAN as Director of Operations

April 30, 2019—William R. Abbott, P.E., joins planning, engineering and program management firm Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam Inc. (LAN) as director of operations. In this role, he will focus on leading improvements in project delivery, risk management, quality of design, and technical processes. A civil engineer with more than 37 years of experience, Abbott has managed the operations of several organizations. Previously, he served as the president of RPS - Infrastructure, a global engineering and consulting services firm. Prior to that, he served Klotz Associates in various positions, including senior vice president and chief operations officer (Klotz Associates joined the RPS Group in 2015). He was with Klotz/RPS for 26 years. During this time, he helped the firm grow four-fold. During his career, Abbott has managed hundreds of infrastructure projects, including marine ports, bridges, roadways, and drainage for clients such as the Texas DOT, Port of Houston, METRO, Harris and surrounding counties, and the city of Houston. Abbott serves on the board of directors for the newly planned development district, The Village at Katy Development. Previously, he served on the ACEC Texas board of directors in Houston for several years.

T.Y. Lin International names Matthew G. Cummings, P.E., as President and CEO

April 29, 2019—T.Y. Lin International (TYLI), a globally recognized, full-service infrastructure consulting firm, announces that Matthew (Matt) G. Cummings, P.E., has been named President and CEO, effective April 22, 2019. A proven executive leader with over 30 years of comprehensive experience in the engineering field, Cummings has held senior executive positions and previously led a $2 billion transportation infrastructure business at a global engineering and construction (E&C) firm. He succeeds former President and CEO Alvaro J. Piedrahita, P.E., who transitions to a new role as Chairman of the Board of Directors of TYLI Group. Among his main objectives, Cummings plans to leverage the strength of and unite the various global infrastructure affiliates under TYLI’s parent company, the Dar Group, a leading, privately owned, professional services group comprising some of the most recognizable names in the architecture and engineering industry. Playing a leading role under the Dar Group’s infrastructure pillar, Cummings is poised to bring the group together in a meaningful way for an expanded, global presence and in support of the Dar Group’s mission of creating sustainable communities worldwide.

Load King, a Custom Truck One Source company, buys boom truck, truck crane and crossover product lines from Terex

April 25, 2019—Load King LLC, the well-known manufacturer of quality specialized equipment and trailers, today announced its acquisition of Terex Corp.’s boom truck, crossover, and truck crane product lines. The acquisition marks the latest milestone in the continued expansion of Load King’s manufacturing portfolio, which already encompasses cutting-edge water tank, dump body, roofing conveyor, mechanics body, and trailer lines. Load King plans to unveil new and enhanced crane configurations in the near future, among other developments and opportunities expected to accelerate the company’s continued growth. The company is currently transferring inventory and equipment for the acquired product lines to Load King’s growing campus in Kansas City. Terex will work closely with Load King to ensure a smooth transition and will continue to sell parts and offer support to boom truck, truck crane, and crossover customers during an anticipated one-year transition period.