Kajima Finalizes Purchase of Batson-Cook

In early January, Kajima USA announced the finalization of its purchase of based Batson-Cook Co. As reported previously, the company plans to keep Batson-Cook’s current management group in place, and continue to operate the division under the Batson-Cook name from its West Point, Ga., headquarters.

Batson-Cook also has offices in Atlanta, Tampa and Jacksonville, Fla.

Kajima has a worldwide staff of more than 14,000, and reports approximately $16 billion in annual sales.

Slump Hits Concrete Construction

Portland cement consumption will  see a downturn lasting until at least 2010 as it feels the  effects from a depressed housing market impacting consumer spending and commercial construction, reports the Portland Cement Association, a Skokie,  Ill.-based trade group.

A recession is looking like more of a reality into 2009, with recovery not occurring until 2010,” said Edward J.  Sullivan, PCA chief economist, during the World of Concrete on Jan. 22. ”We are in the midst of cyclical correction that will take three consecutive years.”

In the long term, cement use is expected to grow by 43% to 183 million tonness by 2030, or 55 million tonness more than 2005. Anticipated future growth is fueling investments of $6 billion of capacity expansions now under way throughout the U.S. Source: Engineering News-Record. By Tony Illia.

Woolpert Acquires Rockett & Associates

Woolpert, a national design firm, has acquired Rockett & Associates, a civil engineering and surveying firm in Winter Park, Fla. Rockett has provided engineering and survey services for utility projects, roadway and commercial and residential development projects.

The addition of Rockett’s 20 staff members brings Woolpert’s staff to more than 800 across 22 U.S. offices.

Smith Seckman Reid, an engineering design and facility consulting firm with offices throughout the United States, has opened its 11th office in Tampa.

Key management in the new office will include Andrew Capps, Bruce Loeppke, Mike Dobbs and Rolando Alvarez.

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