Nigeria: Again, Stock Market At Mercy of Speculators Nov 26, 2008
The case of Lafarge Cement WAPCO, another building materials making giant, appears worse hit by the meltdown, going by the fact that it is trading N28. 85 or 53. (allAfrica.com)
Contractors allowed to revise project costs Nov 26, 2008
MALACCA: A total of 1,311 contractors involved in government projects have been allowed to make variations with regard to their project costs following the recent price hike in building materials. Works Minister Datuk Mohd Zin Mohamed said his ministry had so far paid out RM44. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Swamp Walk wins ConCom approval Nov 26, 2008
Building materials will be brought in via the tracks, and 350 feet of the walkway will be built. Phase II involves building an additional 800 feet of walkway, and Phase III is construction of the section of walkway that connects the other two to create a full loop. (Danvers Herald, MA)
Survey to decide fate of Dienger Building (115) Nov 26, 2008
Conrad said efforts will be made to extend the look and feel of the downtown area between Blanco and River roads north on Main Street in part by incorporating building materials and building designs that are compatible with existing buildings in the area and that reflect the architectural features of existing historic buildings in the community. Because the rear of the city campus adjoins the Old No. 9 Greenway Trail, Conrad said there are many opportunities to provide pedestrian linkages to the... (Boerne Star, TX)
Where Venture Capital Is Still Flowing Nov 26, 2008
Another longer-term play (made longer yet by the severe real estate slump) is "green" construction, including building materials that cut carbon emissions or are more easily recycled. One standout, Cal Star Cement of Newark, Calif. (Forbes -- Business)
Green.view: Sub-subprime Nov 25, 2008
In tandem with this would be a renewal of government and metropolitan assistance, including subsidies for new building materials and grey-water systems, as well as measures banning plastic bags (as Rwanda has done) and the dirtiest fuels. Habitat s future role will be in doling out advice, not money. (The Economist)
Stamping out perks Nov 25, 2008
The money-losing Chicago building materials company, which this month said it would cut 900 jobs, slashed its travel budget 75% this year. A survey of about 100 corporate personnel managers by Chicago-based outplacement firm Challenger Gray tmas Inc. found that 20% of their companies trimmed or eliminated perks, in part to save jobs, and another 10% were considering it. (Crain's Chicago Business)
Don't Delay Home Repair Projects Nov 25, 2008
Whether planning to fix your leaky roof, add a deck for enjoyment or increase your living space, the price of building materials continues to climb. Regardless of the home improvement projects you are considering, it's important to remember that the longer you delay, the more you're likely to pay. (Pekin Times, IL)
* COMMUNITY COMPASS: FEATURE: A lesson in life for TAS students Nov 25, 2008
While the foundation provides the building materials, the families of the students pay for the plane tickets and the students give their time. Armed with little more than nails and hammers and a desire to do some good, what awaits the students is much more than blisters, hammered fingers and crushing heat. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
JSE propelled by miners Nov 25, 2008
Building materials supplier Buildworks was up 12. 50 percent to 90 cents. (iAfrica.com)
Economy keeps some Habitat for Humanity homes empty Nov 25, 2008
The costs of land and building materials also have increased, making it more challenging for Habitat to build affordable homes, he says. A basic plot of land on the Mississippi coast has increased from about $4,000 before Katrina to $18,000 to $27,000 today, he says. (USA Today)
Building a better way Nov 25, 2008
So far this year, the company has recycled 1,697 tons of building materials that otherwise would have been shipped to a landfill. But principals Cox and Schepp aren t simply embracing green as an option for their clients. (Charlotte Business Journal, NC)
Cold Case File Nov 24, 2008
The workers were searching for building materials taken from a nearby motel job site. THE INVESTIGATION. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
Volunteer recognized by Community of Character Nov 23, 2008
She serves on its board of directors and also volunteers at its Home Store, where donated and surplus building materials such as hardware, lumber and other items are sold to fund the ministry. She also volunteers at Corporative Church Ministries, an outreach ministry serving Orangeburg County's needy with food, clothing and other necessities. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Garrison lumber man so busy he's losing track Nov 23, 2008
He's sold building materials for projects at Max, Wolf Creek cabin site, Lake Audubon and over to the White Shield area. Development along Lake Sakakawea is one primary area of growth. (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
Good Sam’s $40 million project stays on budget Nov 23, 2008
Those price increases often stem from change orders during the course of the project as the contractor determines that one element or another needs to be redesigned or that more or better building materials are needed. It s an adversarial delivery structure, Aalhus said. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Reuse business is booming Nov 23, 2008
Its mission: To stay afloat in order to keep building materials out of landfills. Today, it's not just profitable; it is diverting more than 720 tons a year from landfills. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Hunter's backpack brings versatility, enjoyment and safety to a day in the woods (Today) Nov 23, 2008
Typical items carried by experienced packers include a dragging rope, knife, whistle, lunch, water, compass or GPS, maps, rag for cleaning hands after field dressing, First Aid kit, fire building materials, emergency blanket, extra clothes, hand warmers and cord for attaching that deer tag. "Before I go on a trip I make a list of what I'll pack," Thompson said. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Video: The Pink Panther(TM) Breaks Silence: Identifies Biggest Energy Consumer Nov 22, 2008
Owens Corning (NYSE: ) is a leading global producer of residential and commercial building materials, glass fiber reinforcements and engineered materials for composite systems. A Fortune 500 company for 54 consecutive years, Owens Corning is committed to driving sustainability through delivering solutions, transforming markets and enhancing lives. (PR Newswire)
SEC asks Buffett's Berkshire for derivative data Nov 22, 2008
In a separate development on Friday, USG Corp said Berkshire agreed to buy $300 million of convertible senior notes yielding 10 percent from the building materials supplier. USG also sold $100 million of the notes to Canada's Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd. Berkshire owns a 17. (India Times)
Warren Buffett boosts USG stake Nov 22, 2008
(AP) Chicago-based building materials supplier said Friday it plans to raise $400 million by selling convertible notes, most of which will be bought by t's Berkshire Hathaway Inc.. Berkshire agreed to buy $300 million of USG's 10 percent contingent convertible senior notes due 2018 and Toronto-based Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd. will buy the rest, USG said. (Crain's Chicago Business)
Zimbabwe: China Trade Hits U.S.$500 Million Mark Nov 22, 2008
Among the products showcased at the Fair include plant and machinery, power-generating equipment, hardware, tools, plastic, agricultural machines, building materials and consumer products. Relevant Links. (allAfrica.com)
Protect Your Home From Rising Energy Costs Nov 22, 2008
Some building materials can release toxins into the air through evaporation -- a process called off-gassing. This off-gassing can continue for years after the products are initially installed which means you continue to breathe these chemicals as you live and sleep in your home. (Pekin Times, IL)
Couple fit modern design in budget Nov 22, 2008
The key to keeping costs down, Johnson says, is being hands-on: "There are ways of getting a look with standard, off-the-shelf building materials. But you've got to be willing to hunt.". Type Size. (AZCentral -- Home)
Ex-MUD Officials Sentenced For Theft Nov 22, 2008
Court documents showed the two now former board directors used their district credit card and checks to purchase residential furnishings, building materials and other goods and services for five years beginning in 2000. The purchases were not approved by the board and Strange and Carlisle personally benefited from them, Harris County District Attorney Kenneth Magidson said. (Click2Houston, TX)
BUSINESS BRIEFCASE Nov 21, 2008
The system is rigorous and involves earning points in eight categories relating to the design, building materials, energy efficiency, water conservation, and consumer education elements of the green home building project. The resulting home is extremely energy efficient. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Home energy Q&A Nov 21, 2008
People spend a tremendous amount of time inside their homes, and factors ranging from limited fresh air entering the home to a growing use of synthetic building materials have made us more aware of problems with the quality of indoor air. I usually tell people that there are two general areas of concern that they need to talk about with their home builder - the building materials and the furnishings that are used, and the amount of ventilation in the home. (Herald Online, SC -- Lifestyles)
Boating council member reappointed Nov 21, 2008
Boehme is a retired building materials salesman with experience in sailing and boating safety. ARTICLE LINKS: | | Reader Comments Disclaimer ng: These comments do not represent the Juneau Empire's views. (Juneau Empire)
Climate heats up for Bay Area-China ties Nov 21, 2008
The opportunity is obvious, said Aaron Singer, managing general partner of Sausalito-based , a research firm that connects green building materials companies to funding ... Shui On said it s looking at products by Serious Materials, a San Jose-based green building materials startup, and other technologies developed in the Bay Area in energy efficiency, waste and water systems. (San Francisco Business Times, CA)
Mold removal going smoothlyWalker Butte K-8 School has seen 'no ill effects' and 'no problems with absenteeism' due to work Nov 21, 2008
As part of the prevention strategy, not only is CSC removing the mold and replacing the building materials, Denis said they're replacing them is such a way to avoid damage from mopping in the future. "We're replacing the drywall so that it's not in contact with the slab so it won't be in contact by mopping," he explained. (Casa Grande Valley Newspapers, AZ)
Carillon passes 7-0 Nov 21, 2008
There are also specified building materials that will be used throughout the project as to maintain the integrity of other developments in Southlake. Despite numerous attempts from Hines to make their project appeal to everyone, they still have not won over all residents. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
Sprucing Up Your Home on a Budget Nov 20, 2008
This means they are redoing their rooms that they spend the most time in, and with building materials that provide a high-end appearance, but won't break the bank. According to a recent report by The Wall Street Journal, if consumers want to sell their home (or instead decide they want to stay there) they should spend their limited dollars on such things as a new paint job and other general room makeover projects which cost-effectively can rejuvenate their old abode. (Pekin Times, IL)
Betting On Buffett Nov 20, 2008
History shows that parroting the stock picks of Warren Buffett can be a profitable strategy. Within a few weeks, 's Berkshire Hathaway will make its first 13-F filings for the September quarter, but we have provided a look at his portfolio, based on Berkshire's most recent regulatory filings () for the quarter ended June 30, 2008. (Forbes)
Taking the plunge for a pool Nov 20, 2008
I had visions of cost overruns that started making me lose sleep, so I hacked away at the original plan and tried to plan a structure that integrated off-the-shelf supplies and building materials yet still looked swish. We clad the structure in exterior grade panelling, which costs about $50 for a four- by eight-foot sheet; nabbed doors for about $100 each; added a corrugated metal roof that highlights the silvery tone of the perimeter fence; simplified the design; and painted it all in colours... (Globe and Mail)
Millenia® Retaining Walls Voted Best Green Exterior Product Nov 20, 2008
Millenia has introduced an inventive, high-tech alternative to conventional building materials. Millenia is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council and GreenSpec-listed. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Chinese president visits Cuba to strengthen ties Nov 20, 2008
More than a dozen deals agreed to by President Hu Jintao included purchases of Cuban nickel and sugar, along with pledges to send food and building materials to help the Caribbean nation recover from three major hurricanes. Hu signed off on a second, $70 million phase of $350 million in Chinese credit to renovate Cuban hospitals. (CNN -- World)
SA faces urbanisation crisis Nov 20, 2008
"This is exacerbated by SA's rocketing building costs as we reconnect with the rest of the world and compete for building materials and professionals," he says. According to Schaefer, it costs about R8 000 per square metre to build a flat in a city, twice what it was a few years ago, and at the cost of money, a property owner would need rent of at least R3 000 a month. (Business Report, South Africa)
Modern design on a budget in Avondale Estates Nov 20, 2008
There are ways of getting a look with standard, off-the-shelf building materials. But you ve gotta be willing to hunt. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Home & Garden)
China strengthens Cuba tie with trade deals Nov 19, 2008
The deals agreed to by President Hu Jintao included purchases of Cuban nickel and sugar, along with pledges to send food and building materials to help the Caribbean nation recover from three major hurricanes. Other deals promise stronger ties in the future, such as a Chinese commitment to help renovate Cuba's aging ports, which are vital since Cuba receives virtually all its imports by sea. (Boston Globe)
Chinese president builds ties with Cuba Nov 19, 2008
The deals agreed to by Hu included purchases of Cuban nickel and sugar, along with pledges to send food and building materials to help the Caribbean nation recover from three major hurricanes ... Cuba says China also is investing in Cuba's well-respected biotechnology industry, and promises agricultural products, roofing and other home-building materials for a countryside that suffered more than $10 billion in damage from Gustav, Ike and Paloma this hurricane season. (MSNBC -- International)
U.S.: Senior Iranian Commando Arrested in Iraq Nov 19, 2008
The U.S. alleges the Iranian was smuggling weapons into Iraq in legitimate shipments of building materials. The U.S. has long accused Iran of training and arming Shiite extremist groups in Iraq and fueling the insurgency. (Fox News)
Hancock Church will continue 'alternative' tradition Nov 19, 2008
For example, when giving to Heifer International and Habitat for Humanity, the recipient will receive a colorful holiday card explaining the contribution made on their behalf as a pledge to help buy meals, livestock, tools or building materials for needy people. Distinctive handcrafts from Friends of India and 10,000 Villages, special Cambodian gifts from Sharing, Inc., unique scarves, shawls and jackets hand-woven by Mayan women through A Thread of Hope, and beautiful woven items from Weavers... (Lexington Minuteman, MA)
Chinese president signs trade deals with Cuba Nov 19, 2008
President Hu Jintao of China signed trade deals with Cuba and agreed to help its communist ally modernize its ports and hospitals on Tuesday, part of a Latin American trip on which Chinese businessmen have been snapping up raw materials. I am happy to see that you are as energetic as when I met you last time. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
High hopes for cannabis Nov 19, 2008
Hemp needs little water, grows quickly and the fibrous stems can be used in clothing, cosmetics, livestock and animal feeds, and building materials. The police-approved cannabis varieties all have low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol, the compound people smoke to get high. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Wolseley to shed 2,300 more jobs Nov 19, 2008
Plumbing and building materials firm Wolseley says it is to cut 2,300 more jobs, the majority in the UK, and close more than 200 branches. Wolseley, which owns the Plumb Center and Build Center chains and operates in Europe and North America, said it had already cut 5,000 posts since August. (BBC News -- Business)
Remodeling Hints for a Tough Real Estate Market Nov 19, 2008
Often, trendy building materials can't compete with traditionally popular ones for staying power and durability ... "People trust building materials they know," White says ... "Wood has a lower environmental impact throughout its life cycle than other building materials" says Paul Mackie of the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association. (Canton Daily Ledger, IL)
Fears of rights issue at Wolseley as plumber cuts another 2300 jobs Nov 19, 2008
Wolseley, the troubled plumbing and building materials group, yesterday refused to rule out the need for a rights issue next year as the company struggles against what it described as "unprecedented circumstances". The group, which owns the Plumb Center and Build Center chains and supplies the construction industry, also announced 2,300 job cuts, mostly in Britain, as well as the closure of 200 branches as it battles against the continuing economic crisis. (Independent)
CSR raises $315 million to reduce debt Nov 19, 2008
Building materials supplier and sugar producer CSR Limited has raised $315 million from institutional investors, to be used to reduce debt. CSR says about $125 million was raised through an institutional placement, while $190 million came through the institutional component of a non-renounceable rights issue to all shareholders on a one-for-four basis. (The Age)
The man to see in Shanghai Nov 18, 2008
He owns a number of companies under the Shui On label, including real estate development, construction and building materials firms. For a while, he even owned a piece of the Bank of America building in San Francisco. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Technology)
Living off what nature provides Nov 18, 2008
The dam became an unofficial rubbish tip, gradually filled in with decades worth of unwanted building materials. Underneath, the once pristine spring waters still ran, polluted and forgotten. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Cullman-Heyman Dedication Marks Milestone for Yale Athletics Tomorrow Campaign Nov 18, 2008
Heyman, also a former Bulldog tennis player, is the current chair and former chief executive officer of GAF Corporation, one of the nation's largest privately owned companies and a manufacturer of building materials and specialty chemical products. . (Goyalebulldogs.com)
Bridge project redesign likely Nov 18, 2008
As a result, a change in building materials and more funding may be necessary ... The Hamilton Community Development Coalition learned recently that its multi-year initiative to span the Hamilton Slough with a walking bridge has reached a redesign stage that may require a change in building materials and more funding. (Keokuk Daily Gate City, IO)
$86 million in projects cut to fund court tower Nov 18, 2008
Now's the time to spend it, they say, when prices for labor and building materials are down. "We consider it a business decision," County Manager David Smith said. (AZCentral -- News)
2,000 jobs set to go at supply firm Nov 18, 2008
The company said its building materials brands such as Build Center and Brooks in Ireland continued to be affected by the rapid deterioration in new residential construction. The company's consumer-focused business Bathstore also reported a significant deterioration in revenues in the first quarter. (Ananova -- World Headlines)
Lowes earnings drop 24% Nov 18, 2008
Only four product categories had positive same-store sales: building materials, outdoor power equipment, seasonal living and nursery. Despite sluggish sales, the home-improvement retailer gained market share in the third quarter. (Charlotte Business Journal, NC)
Billionaire Merckle Said to Seek Bank Aid for Unit After Volkswagen Losses Nov 17, 2008
HeidelbergCement bought Hanson Plc, a producer of building materials, for 7. 85 billion pounds ($11. (Bloomberg -- Germany)
Your Career: Be wary of that 'noncompete' Nov 17, 2008
I now sell exterior building materials in an economy that is getting progressively worse for this type of business. . (MSNBC -- Business)
CSR taps market for $482m to cut debt Nov 17, 2008
The conglomerate, which has a building materials business, an aluminium smelter and a sugar milling division, will offer new equity to investors priced at $1. 40 a share - representing a 22 per cent discount to the closing price last week. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Stocks sink to new 4-year low Nov 17, 2008
Building materials group reported a fall in first half operating profit and declined to pay an interim dividend due to the uncertain conditions in the construction market. Its shares sank 35 cents, or 7. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Feeling crook - and better off for it Nov 17, 2008
It hasn't been a good year for the boss of the Netherlands-based Australian building materials company. Having got over the asbestos bump, Gries faces the mother of all slowdowns in the US.. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Economist: Construction spending to drop in 2009 Nov 17, 2008
Pennington Group s Weaver said prices on building materials are stable now, but could change at a moment s notice, especially if more projects are put on hold. Doster agreed. (Birmingham Business Journal, AL)
Letters for Sunday, November 16, 2008 Nov 16, 2008
The world, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew hemp for over 90 percent of the world s paper, sails, building materials, clothes, etcetera. I ask Mr. Sullivan, considering I cannot submit a letter to you at KIUC, if hemp was legal on Kaua i, would you say it s a quality alternative versus corn, trees and rotted dinosaurs. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
China to invest more than 1 trillion yuan in grid construction Nov 16, 2008
Experts said power construction could directly benefit industries such as metallurgy, building materials, electricity and machinery manufacturing, as it would promote investment, consumption and trade. Industry statistics show that the construction of every 100 kilometers of power lines of a 500-kilovolt grid project consumed 5,000 tons of steel, 2,000 tons of aluminum and 7,000 cubic meters of cement. (Xinhuanet, China)
Throwing the Traditional Deck a Curve Nov 15, 2008
"More and more of the custom homes I build take into account large outdoor living areas. When we first started 20 years ago, we would build relatively small decks on the back side of homes. Today we are adding expansive decks and patio spaces that literally wrap a home with added living space. New building materials make it possible to be creative, and products like Latitudes are incredibly versatile for work of this type.". For more information on Latitudes Decking and Railing and a wide... (Pekin Times, IL)
Don't Delay Home Repair Projects Nov 15, 2008
Whether planning to fix your leaky roof, add a deck for enjoyment or increase your living space, the price of building materials continues to climb. Regardless of the home improvement projects you are considering, it's important to remember that the longer you delay, the more you're likely to pay. (Pekin Times, IL)