Masonry Magazine January 2006 Page. 54
News
News continued from page 50 would make masonry work more affordable for homeowners.
Wisconsin
The University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Engineering Professional Development will offer "Structural Design of Masonry Systems" in Madison, Wisc., Jan. 26-27. This course will benefit those wanting to find new and modified design approaches to masonry structural systems.
Attendees will examine highlights and changes to the ACI 530-99/ASCE-5-99 Masonry Building Code Requirements, the International Building Code 2000, reinforced and unreinforced design procedures, shear wall design of masonry for lateral load resistance, structural connection details, and foundations and retaining structures.
The Department of Engineering Professional Development provides 400 continuing education courses each year for many types of engineers and other professionals, enabling them to stay current and expand their technical skills and knowledge.
For further information, contact Bruce D. Kieffer at (608) 262-2624 or kieffer epd.engr.wisc.edu, or visit http://epdweb.engr.wisc.edu/WEBG844.
Industry News
New Caterpillar Program Improves Business Capabilities for Customers
Caterpillar Inc. customers in the United States have a convenient new payment option, giving them greater flexibility as they manage their businesses. The Cat Access Account is a revolving charge account that enables customers to pay for parts, service and rentals at participating Caterpillar dealers throughout the United States.
The new program gives customers, ranging from large national accounts to individual owner-operators, one account for purchases, whether they do business with a single Caterpillar dealership or multiple dealers. The Cat Access Account is currently being deployed at Caterpillar dealers across the United States.
In addition, the Cat AccessAccount provides customers with flexible payment options and greater e-commerce capabilities, enabling them to view detailed information on all purchases and to make payments online. Customers can also receive easy-to-read paper statements detailing all of their purchasing activity.
JLG Announces Global Alliance with Caterpillar
JLG Industries Inc. announced it has signed definitive agreements to enter into a global alliance with Caterpillar Inc. to design and produce a full Cat-branded telehandler product line exclusively for Caterpillar dealers. The alliance is a strong fit for both companies and will give JLG greater access to global channels to the market. JLG's reputation for product innovation, quality and after-sales service and support, coupled with Caterpillar's global brand, distribution expertise and component capabilities, will offer Caterpillar dealers around the world a broad product line to meet their customers' needs and further enhance JLG's position as a market leader in telehandler design, manufacture, sales and service.
Under the terms of the 20-year strategic alliance agreement, JLG will provide exclusively to Caterpillar dealers a full line-up of Cat-branded telehandler products. The company will support the North American and Latin American markets from its McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania facility, and the markets in Europe and the rest of the world from its Maasmechelen, Belgium facility.
Manitou North America Donates Truck to American Red Cross
Manitou North America, based in Waco, Texas, began working with the American Red Cross shortly after Katrina to determine needs and a location for the donation of a rough terrain reach truck to be used in the relief effort. An MLT 523 compact reach truck was decided upon and delivered to the Red Cross multi-agency warehouse in New Iberia, La. From this warehouse, the Red Cross, working with other relief agencies, has been coordinating all receipt and distribution of donated items to Katrina and Rita victims.
Serge Bosché, president of Manitou North America, presented the truck to Lavida Whitson, American Red Cross coordinator for the State of Louisiana. Also present were Bob Mitchell, general manager of the distribution center and Kyle Cox, president of Iberia Rental Center, Manitou's rental agency representative in New Iberia.
Manitou, a worldwide leader in rough terrain forklift trucks, continues its corporate commitment to the Red Cross, following the donation of a machine to the relief efforts in Southeast Asia for tsunami victims.
Acme Brick Company Opens Showroom
Acme Brick has consolidated its Dallas and Fort Worth showrooms into an expansive new facility in Euless, signaling the beginning of a new era. The new central location, just west of the south entrance to the D/FW Airport, provides convenient access to Acme's entire Metroplex customer base. The 3,800-square-foot showroom and 12,500-square-foot masonry garden will make the brick selection process informative and enjoyable for prospective homebuyers and commercial customers.
Brick in many special shapes were used on the showroom's exterior. This brick detailing helps both homebuyers and commercial customers imagine the many possibilities for creating a unique and dramatic News continued on page 54 www.masoncontractors.org