Read a review on Sardinia 2005 - the Tenth International Waste Management and Landfill Symposium in the IGS News. After clicking on the link or graphic to the right, scroll to page 8 in the newsletter. Please note that Adobe 7.0 is reccommended for optimal viewing.

WASEW Technologies and the Ethiopian Government have a new JV Geosynthetic plant starting up in January 2006 in Addis Ababa. In the last few years, Ethiopia has bought 10 to 15 million USD worth of geomembranes for agriculture. They are also buying large quantities of pipe for all applications. The new company Geosynthetic Industrial Works PLC has built a new factory with 4000 m 2 of factory and 1500 m2 of offices as stage 1 of the start of a Geosynthetics for Africa initiative. They will produce in stage 1: HDPE pipe, PVC pipe, HDPE geosynthetic netting and 25% of the plant production is smooth sheet geomembranes (most of the applications are water ponds). WASEW Technologies is the operating partner and has a large ownership position. The opening of this phase 1 plant will halt the importation of Geosynthetics into Ethiopia. Also, the new plant will employ over 100 Ethiopians. Phase 2 may have a more modern plant (three more plants are on the horizon). There will be no need to export as the plant is already sold out for the next 10 yrs with Goverment infrastructure projects. Labor costs there are less than 10% of the US. For more information on this new development, please contact Mike Mathieson at 702 353 2607.

After nearly a decade in the pipeline, an artificial surfing reef using geotextile bags at Mount Maunganui is finally taking shape… Learn more here.;

BBA Group plc (BBA) announced its intention to separate Fiberweb business from BBA. As independent entities, BBA says Aviation and Fiberweb will be better placed to pursue their individual strategies and operational development and to maximize value for shareholders. Options being reviewed are demerger or sale of Fiberweb. Additional information is at the "continued" link below. Learn more here.;

The Tensar Corporation, a leading developer and manufacturer of technology-driven site solutions, has a new owner – and new, unprecedented capabilities to take its business worldwide. Effective October 31, the Company and its four subsidiaries – Tensar Earth Technologies, Tensar Polytechnologies, Geopier Foundation Company and North American Green – were acquired by the global investment group Arcapita Inc. The Company had been owned since 2000 by Denver, Colorado-based KRG Capital Partners. Minority owners remain American Capital Strategies Ltd., AIG Global Investment Corporation and the Tensar management team. The total transaction value approached $385 million.

The Certified Welding Technician (CWT) Program currently has more than 355 certified welding technicians around the world. This program has grown to the point that it is viable for engineers and regulators to require IAGI certified welders on their job site. IAGI has been actively promoting the CWT Program to engineers and specifiers. Also, companies who enjoy CWTs have an IAGI brochure promoting their welders. Two additional programs, the CWT Program for Reinforced Materials and the Approved Installation Contractor Program are both finished. The first welders and companies should be announced at the GRI annual meetings.

This page includes: Change of Conference Dates; Featured Lectures; Special Sessions; Geotechnical Special Publications; Abstract Stats; and the Preliminary Conference Program.

Business spans CONTECH’s strategic growth markets: Construction Products Inc. announced today that it has finalized its acquisition of the Armortec® business of Lee Brick and Block LLC, Bowling Green, KY. Armortec is a leading provider of concrete erosion control systems. Armortec solutions are widely used in shoreline protection, bridge scour, dam overtopping and channel lining applications. “CONTECH‘s strategic growth opportunities are in the bridge and stormwater industries,” said Patrick M. Harlow, president of CONTECH. “The Armortec product line spans both of our key growth areas, enabling us to further expand our capabilities in these flourishing markets.” According to Harlow, Contech has successfully distributed Armortec’s products nationally for the last three years in a marketing venture with Lee Brick and Block. Completing the Armortec acquisition solidifies the resources necessary to improve customer service and product acceptance. It also assists CONTECH in achieving its goal of expanded participation in stormwater markets. Armortec will operate as an autonomous division of CONTECH Construction Products Inc. Lee Brick and Block will continue to be a major supplier to Armortec. This acquisition is CONTECH’s 9th major acquisition in the past six years. CONTECH has pursued its growth and diversification strategy through a series of acquisitions, primarily in the bridge and stormwater markets including: Keystone Retaining Walls, Continental Bridge, Steadfast Bridge, BEBO Concrete Arch Structures, Vortechnics Inc., Stormwater Management Inc., BridgeTek LLC and CON/SPAN Bridge Systems Ltd.

From PGI, PVC Geomembrane Pond Liners Support Majesty of New Water Feature-Filled Golfing Community.

CIWM now has an online trade directory. Is your business recycling waste or resource management? CIWM's Green Pages online trade directory can boost your business by putting you in touch with like-minded companies. Registration is free, or you can participate at three varying levels of payment. Learn more here.;