Mack Trucks donated a Granite Axle Back truck model to the eighth annual Concrete Industry Management (CIM) auction, conducted during the 2013 World of Concrete show last month. Outfitted with a 10.5-cu.-yd. standard mixer drum donated by McNeilus Co., the Mack was auctioned off during the event.
Proceeds from the auction benefit the efforts of the CIM National Steering Committee in its support of programs at Middle Tennessee State University, Arizona State University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, California State University–Chico, and Texas State University. Among the programs that benefit are the executive master of business administration degree in concrete industry management.
Kentucky Milestone
Recently, in a formal ceremony at Meritor’s Frankfort, KY, axle plant, company officials presented the 10-millionth trailer axle produced to Wabash National, which will ultimately deliver the axle on a new trailer to Werner Enterprises.
During the event, Meritor displayed a replica model that will be signed by all 181 employees of the facility and then will be permanently displayed at the plant.
“We are proud that Meritor trailer axles are produced using American-made steel, formed into American-made tubing and fabricated into finished axles in our Frankfort, KY, plant,” said Craig Frohock, general manager of Meritor’s North America Aftermarket & Trailer. “Since we opened our first facility dedicated to trailer products in Kenton, OH, in 1948, Meritor has taken great pride in its American heritage, as well as in offering the most complete commercial axle portfolio with a wide breadth of solutions for global trailer applications.”
Rolling Sky High
The London Eye—at 442 ft., the tallest cantilevered observation wheel in the world—allows passengers to enjoy the sights of London from fully enclosed capsules suspended on a 1,322- ton rotating wheel that “hangs” over the River Thames. There are 32 capsules, each with its own climate control and stability system, but what riders don’t know is that the rotation of the Eye depends on Continental truck tires.
Continental HSR tires act as friction rollers. The tires are turned by hydraulic motors, and the rotation of the tires turns the entire wheel structure, said Mark Robinson, head of technical operations for the EDF Energy London Eye.
“The tires have to rotate along the rim of the London Eye throughout the hours of operation, and it’s imperative that there be no downtime and that they be low maintenance. We have had no issues with the Continental tires, and they have proven to be reliable, helping us provide spectacular views of London to millions of visitors since we opened in 2000,” Robinson said.
Seeking the safest
Volvo Trucks is again searching for the safest fleets in North America to recognize them with the annual Volvo Trucks Safety Award. For the fifth consecutive year, two fleets with the safest driving records and top safety programs will receive $25,000 to be used toward their safety-related activities. Volvo noted that it will again be joined by Michelin in sponsoring the award.
The Volvo Trucks Safety Award is open to all U.S. and Canadian fleets operating at least five Class 8 units. Fleets must have at least one Volvo tractor in operation to be eligible for the award. Entrants will be ranked by their accident frequency rates. Participating fleets will also be judged on their accident prevention activities.
Deadline for entries is July 31, 2013. Rules and entry forms can be accessed at www.volvotrucks.us.com/safetyaward.
