// Supplier News
Machinery
Caterpillar to establish global HQ in Chicago Caterpillar has scrapped plans to build a new headquarters in its hometown of Peoria, Illinois and instead will locate a limited group of senior executives and support functions in the Chicago area. Once the new location is fully operational, Caterpillar expects about 300 employees to be based there, which includes some positions relocated from the Peoria area. The company said the new location will improve access to global customers, dealers and its worldwide
operations, while also enhancing executive recruitment. However the majority of employees will remain in Central Illinois. “Caterpillar’s Board of Di-
rectors has been discussing the benefits of a more accessible, strategic location for some time,” said Caterpillar CEO Jim Umpleby. “Since 2012, about two-thirds of
Caterpillar’s sales and revenues have come from outside the United States. Locating our headquarters closer to a global transportation hub, such as Chicago, means we can meet with our global customers, dealers and employees more easily and frequently. He added: “We value our deep roots in Central Illinois, and Peoria will continue to be our hometown. The vast majority of our people will remain in this important region where we have many essential facilities and functions.”
Atlas Copco sells Dynapac brand Atlas Copco has agreed to sell its Road Construction Equipment division – Dynapac – to French industrial and construction company, Fayat Group for an undisclosed price. The Swedish industrial group said it decided to offload the business because it does “not have the economies of scale to become number one or two in this market segment”. The deal includes sales and service operations in 37 countries and production units in five
countries – Sweden, Germany, Brazil, India and China. The business has 1,265 employees and revenues of approximately SEK 2.9mn ($327,000) in 2016. Atlas Copco’s Road Construction Equipment division, part of the Construction Technique business area, manufactures rollers for asphalt and soil applications, planers and pavers sold under the Dynapac trade name which Atlas Copco acquired in 2007.
Safety
Genie unveils new lift guard Boom lift platform specialist Genie has introduced a new safety accessory that alerts when an operator disconnects the breakaway cable located near the platform control panel. The Genie Lift Guard Contact Alarm features an activation cable fitted above the boom lift’s platform control panel. When pressure is applied to the cable, it disconnects and activates the system. When the system is activated, all machine lift and drive functions are stopped to prevent additional movement in the platform, as well as an 96
// construction business news me // March 2017
alarm sounds and beacons flash, notifying everyone near the Genie boom lift that the operator may require assistance. The Genie Lift Guard Contact Alarm system is available from the factory or as an aftermarket kit, which can easily be installed in less than 30 minutes with only a few fasteners and electrical harness connectors. This accessory is configured as a standard accessory on most new Genie Z™ (articulated) and S™ (telescopic) boom lifts.