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Evolving how strategic infrastructure projects secure planning approval in the UK

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has recently launched an operational review of the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP) regime. This regime, established in 2008, was put in place to bypass local planning approval for projects that had a predominately national rather than a local impact.

Over the last few years, the regime has taken a significant battering with ‘development consent’ (the granting of planning approval) for major infrastructure programmes being brought before court due to the corresponding National Policy Statement (used to determine if a project is in line with government ambition) being out of date with latest government policy. The most notable example being a third runway at Heathrow. This highlights that something is wrong with turning strategic policy intent into decisions on granting development consent.

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Engineering Tech

Top Software Engineering Trends That Will Prevail in 2022

Article | August 25, 2021

With the emergence of new technologies and a greater emphasis on customer centricity, businesses are rapidly shifting to intelligent software engineering services to drive innovation across products and services and provide real-life, superior user experiences. Future-ready organizations use next-generation software engineering services wisely to align development requirements with business objectives, accelerate the software lifecycle (from pre-maturity to completion), and optimize software performance. Innovative software engineering solutions can help organizations launch dependable, scalable, and high-quality apps faster, revamp their business models, and build strong and secure IT infrastructures - all while capitalizing on new growth opportunities. Modernization: Customer Centric Apps According to Gartner, by 2022, more than 75% of global organizations will be running containerized applications in production. A container is the entire run-time environment bundled into a single package, including applications, system libraries, configuration files, settings, and other binaries. Containers enable faster development, testing, deployment, and re-engineering of apps across multiple environments, including local laptops, on-premise data centers, and cloud platforms. A Power Up: A Creative Future with Generative AI A new disruptive technology, generative AI, enables organizations to create artifacts that previously required human expertise, allowing for breakthrough innovation in the fields of content, visual arts, design, and other creative activities. In the near future, the technology is expected to revolutionize the field of software engineering. No Code Law: Democratization of Software No code-low code application development platforms will continue to gain traction in organizations. These platforms enable citizen developers – non-technical business users in organizations – to create compelling apps in a more efficient and convenient manner. Rise in Event-Driven Architecture When an event is detected, it is routed through event channels from event producer to event consumer. This allows the services to be decoupled, allowing them to be acted on, scaled, and deployed in a seamless and independent manner. Intelligent software engineering services can be used to launch new products and services in new industries and fields. At Innover, we provide premier software engineering services that assist clients in developing proven, custom applications that customers want, reinventing their core capabilities, and delivering cutting-edge industrial solutions with speed and precision.

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Engineering Tech

15 sites in the frame to become home to the UK’s prototype fusion energy plant

Article | July 20, 2022

The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) has revealed the long list of sites under consideration for development of the UK’s prototype fusion energy plant.An open call for sites to host the Spherical Tokomak for Energy Production (Step) facility was opened last year and compliance check of those nominated has led to publication of the long list. According to the UKAEA, moving fusion from research and development to design and delivery is an important part of the UK’s ambition to be a world leader in sustainable, low-carbon energy. Fusion has the potential to provide an abundant source of low-carbon energy by copying the processes that power the sun and stars. UKAEA has said that this new technology will play an important role alongside established renewable technologies such as wind and solar.Step programme director Paul Methven said: “STEP is about building on the amazing science done over decades in fusion and translating that into a real prototype power plant that paves the way for this fantastic new energy source.

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Engineering Tech

How BIM helps general contractors win more business

Article | August 17, 2021

No industry in the world remains untouched by digital technology. For the architecture, engineering, and construction industry, this holds especially true. Technology is making vast improvements in the way general contractors plan and build projects, paving the way for a reimagined future. One technology in particular Building Information Modeling is leading the way. BIM is an intelligent, 3D model-based process that helps general contractors become more accurate and efficient.

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Engineering Tech

Why infrastructure policies need engineers' 'bigger picture' view

Article | July 6, 2021

One way or another, we all work on infrastructure; whether design, construction, operation or maintenance. We solve problems and make things work – often without the public realising the complexity of our task. We sit in the background and don’t make waves. We are good at the technical challenges, but how often do we take a step back and think about how our work or project fits into the ambitions of wider society? Who is commissioning it? Why are they commissioning it? What are the political drivers? What do they want the outcome to be? What has changed since we started work on it? This sort of questioning will help us deliver better projects, as we see the bigger picture, beyond our technical solutions. With so much of our infrastructure delivered through public bodies, it is important that civil engineers understand, and give professional advice to, the political process that drives infrastructure investment for our communities.

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Engineering Tech

'Securing the talent of the future will not be the same as the past'

Article | August 25, 2021

With the emergence of new technologies and a greater emphasis on customer centricity, businesses are rapidly shifting to intelligent software engineering services to drive innovation across products and services and provide real-life, superior user experiences. Future-ready organizations use next-generation software engineering services wisely to align development requirements with business objectives, accelerate the software lifecycle (from pre-maturity to completion), and optimize software performance. Innovative software engineering solutions can help organizations launch dependable, scalable, and high-quality apps faster, revamp their business models, and build strong and secure IT infrastructures - all while capitalizing on new growth opportunities. Modernization: Customer Centric Apps According to Gartner, by 2022, more than 75% of global organizations will be running containerized applications in production. A container is the entire run-time environment bundled into a single package, including applications, system libraries, configuration files, settings, and other binaries. Containers enable faster development, testing, deployment, and re-engineering of apps across multiple environments, including local laptops, on-premise data centers, and cloud platforms. A Power Up: A Creative Future with Generative AI A new disruptive technology, generative AI, enables organizations to create artifacts that previously required human expertise, allowing for breakthrough innovation in the fields of content, visual arts, design, and other creative activities. In the near future, the technology is expected to revolutionize the field of software engineering. No Code Law: Democratization of Software No code-low code application development platforms will continue to gain traction in organizations. These platforms enable citizen developers – non-technical business users in organizations – to create compelling apps in a more efficient and convenient manner. Rise in Event-Driven Architecture When an event is detected, it is routed through event channels from event producer to event consumer. This allows the services to be decoupled, allowing them to be acted on, scaled, and deployed in a seamless and independent manner. Intelligent software engineering services can be used to launch new products and services in new industries and fields. At Innover, we provide premier software engineering services that assist clients in developing proven, custom applications that customers want, reinventing their core capabilities, and delivering cutting-edge industrial solutions with speed and precision.

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Engineering Tech

The Future of Acoustical Engineering

Article | July 20, 2022

The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) has revealed the long list of sites under consideration for development of the UK’s prototype fusion energy plant.An open call for sites to host the Spherical Tokomak for Energy Production (Step) facility was opened last year and compliance check of those nominated has led to publication of the long list. According to the UKAEA, moving fusion from research and development to design and delivery is an important part of the UK’s ambition to be a world leader in sustainable, low-carbon energy. Fusion has the potential to provide an abundant source of low-carbon energy by copying the processes that power the sun and stars. UKAEA has said that this new technology will play an important role alongside established renewable technologies such as wind and solar.Step programme director Paul Methven said: “STEP is about building on the amazing science done over decades in fusion and translating that into a real prototype power plant that paves the way for this fantastic new energy source.

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Engineering Tech

The latest on ICE's second UK infrastructure assessment consultation

Article | August 17, 2021

No industry in the world remains untouched by digital technology. For the architecture, engineering, and construction industry, this holds especially true. Technology is making vast improvements in the way general contractors plan and build projects, paving the way for a reimagined future. One technology in particular Building Information Modeling is leading the way. BIM is an intelligent, 3D model-based process that helps general contractors become more accurate and efficient.

Read More
Engineering Tech

Why infrastructure policies need engineers' 'bigger picture' view

Article | July 6, 2021

One way or another, we all work on infrastructure; whether design, construction, operation or maintenance. We solve problems and make things work – often without the public realising the complexity of our task. We sit in the background and don’t make waves. We are good at the technical challenges, but how often do we take a step back and think about how our work or project fits into the ambitions of wider society? Who is commissioning it? Why are they commissioning it? What are the political drivers? What do they want the outcome to be? What has changed since we started work on it? This sort of questioning will help us deliver better projects, as we see the bigger picture, beyond our technical solutions. With so much of our infrastructure delivered through public bodies, it is important that civil engineers understand, and give professional advice to, the political process that drives infrastructure investment for our communities.

Read More
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US Army Corps of Engineers

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mission: Provide vital public engineering services in peace and war to strengthen our Nation’s security, energize the economy, and reduce risks from disasters.

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Engineering Tech, Construction

Comfort Systems USA Announces Acquisition

Business Wire | February 01, 2024

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Engineering Tech, Construction

PirTano Construction acquires Powerlink Electric

PR Newswire | January 25, 2024

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SPX FLOW Launches Universal 2 ND Pump Series Designed Uniquely for Industrial Market

PR Newswire | January 29, 2024

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Comfort Systems USA Announces Acquisition

Business Wire | February 01, 2024

Comfort Systems USA, Inc. today announced that it has closed its previously announced transaction to acquire Summit Industrial Construction, LLC (“Summit”) headquartered in Houston, Texas. As previously disclosed, Summit is a specialty industrial mechanical contractor offering engineering, design-assist and turnkey, direct hire construction services of modular systems serving the advanced technology, power, and industrial sectors. Summit’s capabilities encompass a wide range of modular and site-based construction, including process piping, equipment setting, large pipe rack trestles, and related steel erection and specialty concrete work. Summit is a trusted supplier to some of the world’s largest advanced technology, power and industrial companies and is currently deployed on several major chip fabrication projects. Initially, Summit is expected to contribute annualized revenues of approximately $375 million to $400 million, and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization of $35 million to $40 million. In light of the amortization expense, Summit is expected to make a neutral to slightly accretive contribution to earnings per share in 2024 and 2025. Brian Lane, Comfort Systems USA’s Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are delighted to announce the closing of our agreement to acquire Summit, an extremely capable provider of modular and other complex mechanical services. Summit brings a stellar reputation as a modular technology leader in growing end markets, including multiple ongoing and large semiconductor projects. We are happy to welcome Summit’s wonderful leadership team and excellent production and craft workers across many states, and we are confident Summit will continue to innovate and grow as a part of our network of world-class contracting companies. We are grateful that Summit has chosen to become part of Comfort Systems USA.”

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Engineering Tech, Construction

PirTano Construction acquires Powerlink Electric

PR Newswire | January 25, 2024

PirTano Construction Company, Inc. ("PirTano"), a leading Midwest-based infrastructure and utility services-focused underground construction company operating in the communications and sewer & water sectors, is pleased to announce its acquisition of Powerlink Electric ("Powerlink"). The transaction closed on November 17, 2023. Mike Piraino, President of PirTano, said, "The acquisition of Powerlink will operate as a new electrical division, and brings additional service offerings and bench strength of employees as we look forward to continuing to support our customers while capitalizing on additional opportunities." Founded in 2006 by Doug Pantle and Steve Lipinski, Powerlink Electric ("Powerlink"), is a full-service electrical and telecommunications contractor based in Vernon Hills, Illinois with an outstanding reputation in its regional marketplace and is well known for the reliability and quality of its service. Powerlink primarily focuses on commercial and industrial projects and operates in Northeastern Illinois and surrounding areas. Powerlink will continue to operate under the current leadership as a wholly owned subsidiary of PirTano. Rising Point Capital ("RPC"), commented on the transaction, "Doug and Steve have built a tremendous reputation in its marketplace. We are very excited to partner with them to help accelerate their growth and with leading a new division at PirTano."Generational Equity, a leading mergers and acquisitions advisor for privately held businesses, served as the exclusive advisor to Powerlink. Generational Equity Executive Managing Director of M&A – Central Region, Michael Goss, Stephen Dinehart, a Generational Group Authorized Affiliate, with support from Vice President, M&A, Lance Thomasson successfully closed the deal.

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Design, Mechanical and Motion Systems, Engineering Tech

SPX FLOW Launches Universal 2 ND Pump Series Designed Uniquely for Industrial Market

PR Newswire | January 29, 2024

SPX FLOW, has released the Universal® 2 ND Positive Displacement Pump (U2 ND) Series designed with industrial users in mind. The pumps offer the quality and durability the Waukesha Cherry-Burrell brand is known for while optimizing cost and suitability for the industrial market. The U2 ND series significantly expands the WCB pump range, aimed at enhancing reliability and performance across industrial applications while outperforming other pump styles, such as industrial lobe, gear or progressive cavity pumps.The design features improvements uniquely suited for industrial applications, including: Total cost of ownership: The pumps ensure a long running life, given their robust construction materials and designs tailored for each application. Because of its high volumetric efficiency, the pumps can be used to dose fluids, eliminating the need for an additional metering pump.  Efficiency: The U2 ND pump reduces slip, which occurs when fluids move backward from the liquid flow due to internal clearances. Lower slip means more efficiency, reducing the need for higher horsepower motors. Also, the series can process fluids over longer spans due to its high-pressure capability, which reduces the need for multiple pumps in these applications. Reliability: WCB is a proven and trusted global brand dating back to the 1880s. The pumps are made with durable, corrosive-resistant materials compatible with industrial environments. A robust design, equipped with industrial flanges or sanitary fittings, ensures manufacturers can choose the configuration to meet their needs.  Additionally, an extensive sales channel and domestic manufacturing footprint support this pump series, enabling quick deliveries on standardized parts across the entire Universal pump product line. The U2 ND series is complemented by the Universal Industrial 5000 series, which is tailored for users who require OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) seals for their industrial pumping operations. Julien Bassett, Pumps Global Product Manager: "Waukesha Cherry-Burrell has extensive experience offering pumps to customers built with their needs in mind. We wanted to expand our offerings to provide quality and durability of the SPX FLOW brand while catering to the unique needs of industrial manufacturers and their applications."

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