CONSTRUCTION
Businesswire | April 24, 2023
Topcon Positioning Systems introduces Digital Layout, a simple, easy-to-use building construction software to enable more contractors to adopt a digital layout workflow for increased efficiency, accuracy, and productivity. The software is designed to provide a distinct competitive advantage in the fast-paced building construction industry for general contractors, concrete contractors, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) contractors, steel erectors, fire suppression companies and more. Designed to help both first-time and experienced users of digital layout technology, this cost-efficient building construction field software works in combination with a 3D laser — the Topcon LN — or a Topcon GT robotic total station, providing a step-by-step guide to streamline routines and workflows.
“With today’s job site challenges, contractors need the best and easiest way to perform layout. Topcon provides that with this software dedicated to building construction applications,” said Ray Kerwin, director of global product planning for Topcon. “It is intended as a valuable tool benefitting a wide variety of trades and professionals with varying technology skills — user-friendly for all building construction users,” he said.
“Many still perform layout using the traditional methods of string and tape or rotating lasers and they are comfortable with the tools they are familiar with. For those taking the step to using Topcon’s unique 3D laser, they will see that it is an easy transition and one that could now allow one person to complete the layout work that in the past took two or three people to accomplish. For those new, or skilled in the use of robotic total stations, they will see efficiency in the intuitive functionality of Digital Layout. Increased productivity results in increased profitability, ultimately helping offset labor shortages and minimize the training time for new workers.”
Additionally, the software can be used with the Point Manager plug-in for Autodesk Revit or AutoCAD to create point files in the office and seamlessly transfer as-built data back to a contractor’s design software. It is compatible with 2D, 3D and BIM workflows, and is supported by Microsoft Windows and Android operating systems. Users can easily generate real-time PDF reports to summarize work progress for stakeholders. Topcon MAGNET Enterprise web service is also included, enabling users to easily share data between the office and field.
About Topcon Positioning Group
Topcon Positioning Group, always one step ahead in technology and customer benefits, is an industry leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of precision measurement and workflow solutions for the global construction, geospatial and agriculture markets. Topcon Positioning Group is headquartered in Livermore, California, U.S. (topconpositioning.com, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook). Its European head office is in Capelle a/d IJssel, the Netherlands. Topcon Corporation (topcon.com), founded in 1932, is traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (7732).
Autodesk, the Autodesk logo, AutoCAD and Revit are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries.
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PERSPECTIVES, ENGINEERING TECH
Prnewswire | April 20, 2023
SunGrid Holdings ("SunGrid") has acquired RA Electric, Inc. ("RA Electric"), an electrical services contractor based in southern California, specializing in numerous aspects of construction including new building construction, utilities, power conditioners, interconnections, installation of emergency generators, power conditioners, surge suppressors and U.P.S. systems.
The acquisition will enable SunGrid to provide services to projects scaling from 1 MW to 1 GW in support of California's aggressive decarbonization and energy storage goals to expand renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions, and bolster electric reliability across the state.
"SunGrid is excited to continue our growth through the acquisition of RA Electric," said Jeremy Goertz, Co-Founder and CEO, SunGrid Solutions. "This partnership brings direct electrical strength to SunGrid's already strong California-based Battery Energy Storage Solution Construction team. As an EPIC (Engineer Procure Integrate Construct) company SunGrid is leading the way with best-in-class services in North America and Globally within the BESS industry. RA Electric brings enhanced construction capability specifically focused on Medium Voltage, Low Voltage, and Infrastructure based projects. Located just outside Los Angeles, RA Electric will have an immediate impact on SunGrid projects currently underway in California. It is anticipated that RA Electric will continue to grow its existing customer base and leverage its leading electric capabilities to ensure growth in 'Powering On Projects'!"
The Law Office of Jon Staley acted as the legal counsel to SunGrid.
About SunGrid
SunGrid, a Hull Street Energy affiliate, has US headquarters in Houston, Texas, with global headquarters in Canada, and uses its strong execution-focused team to deliver excellent partnerships across the North American Energy Storage sector. The company is focused on the BESS industry and brings its engineering-first delivery strategy to Turnkey and Balance of Plant EPC, and Integrated BESS enclosure systems, including its PowerPlay and SimpleOS platform. Having in-house engineering capabilities throughout North America allows SunGrid to take on projects from 250kWh to 1GWh. By focusing on strong Engineering as part of EPC and turnkey project delivery, SunGrid is a projects first company. For further information about SunGrid please see www.sungridsolutions.com.
About RA Electric
Founded in 1980, in Northridge, California, RA Electric, Inc. provides quality electrical installations for commercial, institutional, and medical projects. RA Electric, Inc. has proven its record for completing diverse projects on time and under budget with excellent service, competitive quotations, and superior technical support.
About Hull Street Energy
Hull Street Energy is a private equity firm that specializes in deploying capital into the power sector as it decarbonizes. Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, the team leverages its decades of experience and unique knowledge of North American electricity infrastructure, fundamentals, and grid operations, including fuel inputs, commodity contract structuring, renewable and fossil-powered generation assets, energy storage, transmission and distribution systems, and electricity demand-side businesses to build value for stakeholders. For further information about Hull Street Energy please see www.hullstreetenergy.com
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PERSPECTIVES, CONSTRUCTION
GastingerWalker& | March 03, 2023
HFW Companies recently joined GastingerWalker&, a Kansas City, based architectural firm, as its sixth strategic expansion partner, in its ongoing effort to develop a nationally focused ‘House of Brands’ in the architecture and engineering (AE) business.
Kevin Harden, AIA, NCARB, managing partner of GastingerWalker& said, "We're excited about being in a collaboration among a family of firms, and we're looking forward to seeing how this partnership becomes an even greater asset for all of us." He added, "This collaboration allows us to be a design leader, pushing all aspects of design and the value of good design. We expect great opportunities ahead to grow in the firm's leadership and in our profession."
(Source – BusinessWire)
Michael Hein, AIA, PMP, also the CEO of HFW, said, "We're excited because GastingerWalker& brings to this partnership a solid brand legacy, strong leadership, talented people with unique design expertise, and a long list of regional and national clients that already give the firm a national footprint." He further added, "Perhaps most impressive is that more than 85 percent of the firm's business comes from countless new projects with repeat clients. We're looking forward to the profitable synergies they bring into our growing network of HFW Partner firms."
(Source – BusinessWire)
GastingerWalker&, completing its 42nd year of business, employs 55 experts in Kansas City and Chicago and is licensed to operate in 45 states. This was possible due to national customers like AMC Theatres, SunLife Financial, Amsurg America, Allstate Insurance Company, and Spectrum Retirement Communities.
The firm provides architectural, interior design, construction management, space planning, and historic rehabilitation through its Live, Work, Learn, Heal, and Play sectors. HFW CEO Michael Hein calls the new expansion partner a strategic fit for HFW's ‘House of Brands’ concept. It is a concept where, a network of growth-oriented AE companies share best practices, strong design focus, economies of scale, unique areas of expertise, and other synergies while continuing to establish their own legacy brands regionally and beyond.
About GastingerWalker&
GastingerWalker&, founded in 1981, and headquartered in Kansas City, is a varied group of devoted, smart, and passionate architects and designers. The firm takes an approach to design that considers all project components as integral to the whole. From building systems and consumer needs to appeal settings and an optimistic sense of place, architects and interior designers work together to understand clients' projects.
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