Displaying items by tag: logistics
INFORM partners with BCMI Corp and Marcotte Systems for AI-powered ready-mix logistics
26 January 2024Germany/North America: INFORM has announced new collaborations with two other software developers for the ready-mix concrete sector. US-based BCMI Corp and Canada-based Marcotte Systems will work with INFORM to develop AI tools for despatching ready-mix concrete.
INFORM senior vice president Thomas Bergmans, who concluded the deals at World of Concrete in the US, said “In addition to offering our proven AI-powered transport planning and execution software, we are very excited to see that these collaborations will further speed up the wide-spread use of our AI algorithms beyond our traditional markets.” Bergmans said that the collaboration with BCMI Corp will provide ready-mix producers with ‘enhanced decision-making tools, real-time logistics optimisation and intelligent automation, ultimately elevating operational performance and customer satisfaction.’ Regarding the collaboration with Marcotte, he said “By combining Marcotte's robust experience in concrete production management with INFORM’s AI capabilities, this ready-to-use solution will empower ready-mix producers.”
Sweden: Heidelberg Materials Northern Europe has announced its deployment of a 100% electric concrete mixer truck. The producer said that it bought the truck from Volvo.
Heidelberg Materials Northern Europe head of environmental, social and governance (ESG) & public affairs and vice president for Sweden Karin Comstedt Webb said “This partnership is a beacon for industry-wide decarbonisation, bringing us closer to our climate goals in Northern Europe. With a full-load capacity of ready-mixed concrete, our environmentally friendly truck not only heralds a new era in construction transport efficiency, but also confirms our leading position in the European building materials sector.”
Russia: Belarus-based Belarusian Cement Company plans to establish a building materials production and logistics hub in Moscow. Among other materials, the hub will produce dry mixes using cement imported from Belarus, as well as producing ready-mix concrete, autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) blocks and reinforced concrete goods. Business World News has reported that the facility will be equipped with rail and road terminals.
Belarusian Cement Company said "The creation of this facility will secure permanent availability of Belarusian Cement Company products directly in the sales region and will enable more advantageous logistic conditions for Russian partners. Belarusian Cement Company will be able to significantly expand its capabilities for delivering products to consumers that have no access to the railway grid and will be able to introduce a more convenient and accessible level of client service."
Cemex Zement unveils first zero-emissions concrete mixer truck
10 February 2023Germany: Cemex Zement has unveiled a fully electric zero-emissions concrete mixer truck, the first in the industry. Sweden-based Volvo supplied the truck, an FMX model.
Mexico-based Cemex said that it is working to discover, pilot and scale technologies for emissions-free transport in the construction industry through its partnership with Volvo.
Europe: Cemex has reported its success in a trial of zero-CO2 emissions concrete mixer trucks across its operations in France, Germany and Poland. The trial implemented Germany-based Putzmeister’s IONTRON E-Mixer prototype trucks and mobile charging stations. Cemex was able to recharge the vehicles from 20% battery in eight hours. This will enable it to maintain its supply of concrete to construction sites during their operating hours.
Cemex Europe’s mobile equipment fleet and category manager Craig Hooper said “Transport is one of the key areas where Cemex is striving to reduce carbon emissions. Our company is constantly looking for new, more environmentally-friendly transport solutions, hence the decision to conduct extensive pilot studies to verify the possibilities offered by electric concrete mixers. The positive results of the trials in Europe now allow us to think positively about the potential implementation of these vehicles, which will bring Cemex closer to achieving its climate goals.”