ON THE LEVEL: Builder sees future in modular construction

September 5, 2019 11:03 am Leave a comment

Christian Lawrence founded Rise Modular after struggling to find manufacturers for modular development projects in the Midwest. (Photo submitted by Rise Modular)

Rise Modular is a Minnesota startup company that will soon begin manufacturing modular apartments and hotel rooms from a factory in Owatonna, to be shipped and assembled at sites all over the Midwest.

Tagged with: Christian Lawrence On the level Rise Modular

Proposal would prohibit materials exclusions on pipe projects

August 21, 2019 3:30 pm Leave a comment

A “Pipes of All Types” bill circulating in the state Legislature would try to hold down project costs by preventing water utilities from specifying which types of materials must be used in pipe-installation jobs — setting up a fight with the engineers who usually make such decisions.

Tagged with: Chris Kapenga pipes Wisconsin Concrete Pipe Association

WisDOT wins pair of America’s Transportation Awards

August 20, 2019 2:56 pm Leave a comment

The Grand Avenue bridge replacement project over Half Moon Lake in Eau Claire was completed in 2017. The structure is 50-feet long and 77-feet wide and includes fishing accommodations, simulated stone masonry, decorative railing and stamped concrete surfaces. (Photo courtesy of WisDOT)

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has won two America’s Transportation Awards, an initiative sponsored by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, the American Automobile Association and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Tagged with: Half Moon Lake Bridge WisDOT Zoo Interchange

ON THE LEVEL: In 6 years at RENEW, Huebner sees big changes in solar industry

July 25, 2019 10:08 am Leave a comment

The solar industry has certainly changed since Tyler Huebner took over the reins at RENEW Wisconsin in 2013.

Tagged with: RENEW Wisconsin Tyler Huebner

raSmith’s Kirstein earns drone pilot certification

July 18, 2019 11:24 am Leave a comment

Greg Kirstein, graphic design specialist at raSmith, has obtained a remote pilot certification from the Federal Aviation Administration to operate an unmanned aircraft system for commercial purposes.

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Komatsu acquires Canadian hard rock drill components manufacturer

June 17, 2019 2:10 pm Leave a comment

Milwaukee-based Komatsu Mining has acquired Timberock International to strengthen its hard rock drilling and bolting divisions.

Tagged with: Komatsu Mining Corp.

Utility using drones to build power lines

June 13, 2019 9:45 am Leave a comment

Cory Vinger, left, COO for North Dakota-based drone operator SkySkopes, holds onto a specialized rope and SkySkopes pilot Cole Hood watches while one of the company's drones takes off on a mission to build transmission lines on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 in Fargo, N.D.. Minnesota-based Xcel Energy is building the 5-mile Maple River-Red River line, which is meant to help shore up electrical service in the Fargo area. (AP Photo/Dave Kolpack)

A Minnesota utility that that paved the way by using drones to inspect transmission lines is now using them to build one.

Tagged with: drones Xcel Energy

College, high school students win SkillsUSA competitions

May 9, 2019 12:47 pm Leave a comment

Nearly 1,800 middle and high school students participated in over 80 skilled and technical trades competitions during the 46th annual SkillsUSA Wisconsin State Leadership and Skills Conference.

Tagged with: SkillsUSA