Caterpillar Inc. (CAT: 63.17 +0.99 +1.59%) will now use three-dimensional technology in its equipment to locate underground utilities and other infrastructure through the acquisition of New York-based geophysical services company, Underground Imaging Technologies Inc. (“UIT”). Caterpillar can deploy UIT’s technology to save costs on projects and ensure increased safety on the work site. The technology that UIT deploys improves the safety, accuracy and efficiency of operations related to design, construction and management of underground infrastructure. The company integrates multi-channel ground-penetrating radar (“GPR”), multi-sensor time-domain electromagnetic instruments, seismic detectors and geo-positioning systems to see structures below the ground and to generate 3D underground images and maps.
It also provides a wide range of services involving processing, interpreting and archiving 3D subsurface data of underground facilities. Using its proprietary software and technology, it offers engineering and geophysical solutions to problems concerned with risk mitigation and underground asset management.
Caterpillar can utilize UIT’s advanced near-surface geophysical tools to provide highly accurate three-dimensional images and digital maps of subsurface utilities and unknown objects. Design engineers and contractors will now have a clear picture of the subsurface environment for the underground projects. The technology operates like a GPS system and notifies equipment operators when they can raise or lower their blades. The identification of underground obstructions before the beginning of design and construction will speed up the work, save money and enhance safety.
This news follows the announcement of another acquisition by the company. Caterpillar’s subsidiary, Caterpillar Emissions Solutions has acquired emissions control systems manufacturer CleanAIR Systems Inc.
Santa Fe, New Mexico-based CleanAIR makes ceramic-based filters with a proprietary catalytic process that uses platinum to convert particulate matter and gasses into nearly harmless emissions. These devices help reduce emissions from diesel-powered machines, including stationary generators, trucks, and off-road vehicles, such as construction and earth-moving equipment.
CleanAIR Systems will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc. within the Customer Services Support Division. Caterpillar Emissions Solutions will provide marketing and engineering support to CleanAIR Systems, assist with California Air Resources Board (CARB) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) verification, and jointly develop next-generation products for Caterpillar customers.
This is not the first time that the two companies are coming together. Caterpillar’s subsidiary, Caterpillar Emissions Solutions, had signed a joint vendor agreement in 2008 with CleanAIR to sell products through Caterpillar’s worldwide dealer network. As of 2010, around 70% of CleanAIR’s products have been going to Caterpillar dealers under the 2008 agreement.
The Caterpillar−CleanAIR deal allows Caterpillar dealers to more effectively meet customers’ stringent air quality requirements by offering a responsive and competitive solution
No comments:
Post a Comment