Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/255289
February 2014 | Construction Equipment Distribution | www.cedmag.com | 43 Regions report better yearend equipment sales rates, due to improved customer health combined with the end of the bonus depreciation. Rental continues to be strong. While the pace of fleet loading appears to have decreased in recent months, both time utilization and rental rates are continuing to improve year-over-year, based on many reports. The aggregates industry is improving, with aged-fleet upgrades begin- ning. A recent 2013-'14 "Aggregates Manager" Forecast Survey showed that more than double the percentage of operators (21.9 percent) character- ized 2013 business conditions as very good, compared to the prior year (10.9 percent). But an aggregates industry rebound in the Southeast is not as strong or widespread as might be hoped for. From a regional perspective, operators in the North Central states were the most likely to report excel- lent business conditions (7.1 percent), followed by the Northeast (5.3 percent), and the South (2.9 percent). Hope among several Southeastern states for the new Boeing 777X plant saw their hopes dashed after produc- tion workers for the aerospace giant agreed to concede some benefits in order to secure assembly of the plane in the Puget Sound region. Still, EADS/ Airbus facility construction has begun in Mobile, Ala. The Southeastern auto industry remains robust, with $300 million in upgrades announced by GM at Springhill Tenn., and further expansion at Mercedes in Alabama that will bring up to 1,700 new jobs to the Vance complex. Appalachian coal mining remains soft across the board, with tonnage down and/or the price remains low. The impact of the EPA's mercury constraints and plentiful natural gas are even more evident than in the spring. Fleet upgrades have slowed, and mines have been idled. The Birmingham northern beltline project now seems certain to start. The planned corridor will arc for 52 miles through northern Jefferson County, connecting Interstates 459, 22, 65 and 59. It has been roposed for decades and fought by no-growth activists, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently approved a wetlands permit for the first segment – the last item needed for construction. Work is scheduled to begin in 2014, with the first $40 million segment recently awarded. The entire corridor is expected to take decades to complete, unless more funding is secured. It seems safe to assume that many distributors invested large amounts of time and energy figuring out health- care implications in the fourth quarter, making adjustments, and communicat- ing with their employees. (continued on next page) s $EDICATED AND 1UICK#HANGE "UCKETS FOR #OMPACT %XCAVATORS "ACKHOES 7HEEL ,OADERS AND ,ARGE %XCAVATORS s -ECHANICAL (YDRAULIC #OUPLERS s -ATERIAL #LAMPS 'RAPPLES s 3KID 3TEER !TTACHMENTS s )NDUSTRIAL "OX 3CRAPERS one Scoop at a Time Ground Engaging woodsequipment.com 800-848-3447