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Capital Equipment Rental Remains One of the Biggest Industries - 1 views
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Thousands of start-ups are currently under construction and a thousand more are projected to materialize in a year or two. Along with this, there comes a high demand for heavy equipment for construction.
However, instead of buying heavy machineries which can be outdated overtime, many companies prefer to rent equipment from reputable sources in order to cut cost and ensure fully maintained heavy machineries.
Many rental companies across Asia have admitted to increase in revenue since the start of 2015, and the sustained increase of sales within 7 months of this year's operation. Those with an increase include even mediocre sustaining construction and rental company, Axis Capital Group and have the greatest impact to stock market's darlings, Komatsu and Deere&Co.
Companies have been aggressively pushing their way to the top and have been tightening their machineries. The biggest market review in Asia includes that of the developing city, Jakarta, Indonesia, Singapore and Hong Kong.
According to many analysts, the high demand for heavy equipment rental trace back to the 2008 economic breakdown. Because of the uncertain economic outlook, renting heavy machineries seems the best option. Some construction companies are also hesitant to buy new machineries since emission control standards have boosted prices by 15% - 20% on prices of more sophisticated filters and other gear for the pollution reduction.
In the United States of America, 54% of rental profit comes from heavy machinery market. It also remains as one of the biggest industries in dire need of operators and workers. Jobs related to this industry may be a little bit tough and risky but it pays well. In the present times, there's a lot more confidence but capacity expansion is slightly muffled by a lack of drivers. In this particular issue, a warning was released by analysts that the growth of the industry may waver when the number does not increase.
Companies are currently unthreatened by this debacle while the growth of the industry still promises big potential. The lack of manpower is being resolved through mass hiring and higher compensation.
Another reason for the recent shift toward new equipment relates to technology. Through ergonomic joystick controls, quick-change attachment couplers, and cab designs that lessen operator fatigue, technology has made earth moving machines more comfortable for operation while simultaneously bolstering the versatility and efficiency of the machines themselves.
There is more to expect in heavy equipment's future. What that is and how it can be realized are yet to be discovered.
Setting up your Rental Business - 1 views
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With the development of construction industry and infrastructure, the demand for the equipment used in this field is also increasing. In America alone, 80% of businesses and projects are taking advantage of rented equipment on a regular basis.
The set-up of local manufacturers in Jakarta, Indonesia also set up ways for heavy equipment rentals and sales to a big boom. In Singapore, Axis Capital Group, one of the companies in the same field has a lot in their sleeves since the lion city has set up to be one of the most developed countries in Asia.
Many individuals are also wondering how they could get into the game. Despite the warnings of a very fierce competition between local and foreign manufacturers and distributors, a lot are still willing to risk. How do you set up your own business then?
1. Evaluate the Competition
Prior to launching a heavy construction equipment rental business in your area, it's a smart move to see how strong the competition is. Know them and identify their strengths, marketing practice as well as their weaknesses. Knowing their products they offer and their partnership can be a little over-the-top but it can be an advantage. Review it and compare on your own. You may learn some lessons from their own way of making their business.
2. Learn from Experts
Since you are just a start-up business and the industry is a tough one, you can be humble enough and ask those who had been in the game longer than you are. An owner of a heavy construction equipment rental business in another town may be willing to share their entrepreneurial wisdom with you, after they realize you reside far away from them and won't be stealing their local customers. In that case, the business owner may be more than happy to discuss the industry with you. Based on Axis' experience, you may have to call ten business owners in order to find one who is willing to share his wisdom with you.
3. Every business needs to be marketed
Market your rental business. Let everyone know you exist in the game. Call on businesses that have need of your equipment. Advertise on radio, in the paper or on TV. As an introductory offer, you can give promotions so you can gain a good customer base. Marketing your business can also give you a good branding.
Equipment Rental in the Future - 1 views
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Equipment rental is one of the most booming industries in today's generation. Given the option to rent or to maintain heavy equipment with the risk to be outdated in the near future, many people choose the path to better renting. Maintenance is also one key factor that prevents people from buying heavy machineries.
Now that machineries are more patronized nowadays, have you also wondered what the future for construction equipment is like in 5 years?
Axis Capital Group, a company which sells and rents capital equipment based in Singapore and has now expanded to Jakarta, Indonesia has also been wondering where the industry be in the near future. Our experts are constantly analyzing today's construction industry's status to better prepare our clients for what is to come.
Rental companies are emphasizing service in everything they do. And many dealers who once said they happened to have a rental division are now more likely to describe themselves as full-service rental companies who happen to do sales. What does full-service rental mean today? It means more convenient locations, faster check-in and check-out procedures, faster field response, better customer training.
Many of these services in a construction industry are not new. But more and more, these services are no longer considered an added value or an extra benefit. They are considered part of the basic rental package - an operating necessity in a maturing business and something that must be done to survive.
The quality of equipment fleets is also improving. And so is fleet utilization. According to reviews of contractors, availability of equipment is far and away the most important factor in why they choose a company. Availability is even ahead of price. To serve this demand, companies continue to expand and modernize their fleets while they also implement systems to manage it all more efficiently.
Another trend is toward newer fleets. Companies used to hold equipment for as long as it would hold up - the longer it rented, the better the return on investment. Now all things being equal, the customer wants to rent the latest models. Both large and small companies are reporting fleets with average ages as low as 24 and 36 months.
However, despite the growth and development, the rental industry remains fragmented. These companies still remain to be a minority in many nations. It would take a lot of time for the industry to establish its position but will continue to control their destinies.
Heavy Construction Equipment on a Tight Perspective - 1 views
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Today's construction industry requires different number of capital equipment in different sizes, types, and groupings for earth moving, excavating and/or lifting. Construction equipment today is specifically made for certain purposes to design and perform specific tasks and mechanical operations. Working capacity is direct function of the size of the machine and the motor power.
The dependency on capital equipment in the creation of buildings and infrastructures lays a deep root on the growth of the industry. As long as there is equipment fit to do the more tedious tasks that manual labor cannot do, there will always be a demand.
Axis Capital Group, a company which sells and rents capital equipment with its head office in Singapore and its subsidiary in Jakarta, Indonesia, is among the few companies which emphasizes the need for heavy machineries in today's generation. With the increasing number of infrastructure projects not only in the already developed countries of America and Europe but also on the developing nations of Asia, the need for construction equipment has been greatly acknowledged. Both foreign and local manufacturers from all over the world has been busy producing and distributing new models almost every week.
In some cases, there is a threat that these machineries will replace manpower, a warning of a possible increase in unemployment rate especially in developed countries. However, when local producers and manufacturers have been greatly affected by the increase in attrition rate caused by the recession, the demand for operators and construction workers are proven to be as highly important as the need for these machineries. In a sense, it is a give and take scenario. If there is no manpower, there is no one to operate these heavy machineries and if there are no machineries, workers can obviously file tantamount of complaints on the extremities of labor and tasks.
The dependency and need for construction equipment have grown with the size and the complexity of the projects. The development of automated machineries for earthmoving, excavating and lifting has had an overwhelming evolution in the last two centuries. Today, when some new model of equipment does not exist to perform specific tasks, it can be designed and built. Heavy construction equipment manufacturers are very responsive to the market's needs and to client's feedback and comments. A lot of innovators and idealists make it so simple to create a machine which was once a big challenge. How effectively a new machine is done will greatly affect and influence the construction project.
The Vital Role Capital Equipment Plays - 1 views
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Prices of capital equipment have increased in the market nowadays. With a number of infrastructure projects being rolled out in the coming years, alongside overall real estate expansion and economic growth, the construction equipment sector has a vital role to play in Indonesia's future development. The value has admittedly doubled between 2008 and 2013. The market is one in which foreign firms, particularly those from Japan, have a major presence via local joint ventures and subsidiaries. These are benefitting from increased government investment in transport and energy infrastructure in particular, coupled with rising demand for all kinds of real estate.
The market structure is widely visible in Jakarta, Indonesia where the supply of construction equipment is concentrated in globally linked suppliers. Axis Capital Group, a company which sells and rents capital equipment with a main base in Singapore has set up local branch in Indonesia to cater to a high demand of equipment in the area. They partner with manufacturers from different brands in Europe, an example of globally linked partnership despite the set up of local businesses in Indonesia such as John Deere and Mitsubishi.
According to a 2014 review from the Construction Intelligence Centre (CIC), Komatsu Indonesia, a joint venture between Japan's Komatsu and United Tractors, is the largest, with a 43% market share in 2012. Caterpillar Indonesia, a joint venture between Caterpillar of the US and Tiara Marga Trakindo, and Hitachi Construction Machinery Indonesia - a subsidiary of Japan's Hitachi - vie for second and third places. The former had a 19% market share in 2012, according to the report; the latter, 21%. The fourth company is Daya Kobelco Construction Machinery Indonesia, a subsidiary of Japan's Kobelco Construction Machinery, with 13% of the market in 2012. According to the CIC figures, the building construction equipment market was worth some $142.61m in 2008, rising to $272.49m in 2013. The report predicted a value of $424.11m by 2017.
Bringing the supply and demand side together, when it comes to the many smaller outfits, has long been a conundrum, given the high cost of machinery and the low financial capacity and tight margins of many contractors. This has been increasingly resolved, however, via growth in leasing. This has led in turn to rising efficiency and productivity in the sector, with vendors offering rentals on an increasingly wide range of equipment.
Renting companies like Axis receives continuous complaints on the cost, however. Equipment prices are influenced by exchange rate risk too, given the number of imported parts and the costs of other inputs, such as energy. These in turn get passed on to vendors and then to contractors in rentals, further squeezing tight margins in such a competitive business. One expectation is that the sector could see some consolidation, at the demand end, in the years ahead, particularly if economic growth continues to slow.
Axis Capital Group to Launch New Off Road Vehicles - 1 views
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Jakarta, Indonesia - Axis Capital Group, a company which rents and sells capital equipment in Singapore and has now expanded to Jakarta, Indonesia to deliver heavy machineries across Asia, is about to launch new off-road machineries manufactured by trusted brands in the construction industry. If you are looking for new list of heavy equipment for your particular needs, here is the list for you to review:
Gang Reel
This type of mower is used to produce consistently short and even grass on bowling greens, lawns, parks and sports grounds. When pulled by a tractor, these mowers are often ganged into sets of three, five or more, to form a gang mower. Hardly can you find fraud materials in its system.
Skid Steer Loaders
A skid steer loader is a small rigid frame, engine-powered machine with lift arms used to attach a wide variety of labor-saving tools or attachments. Though sometimes they are equipped with tracks, skid-steer loaders are typically four-wheel drive vehicles with the left-side drive wheels independent of the right-side drive wheels. By having each side independent of the other, wheel speed and direction of rotation of the wheels determine the direction the loader will turn.
Skid steer loaders are capable of zero-radius which makes them extremely maneuverable and valuable for applications that require a compact, agile loader.
Bobcat 3600, 3650 Utility with Hydraulic Drives
The 3600 and 3650 compact utility vehicles feature a hydrostatic transmission system that can be adjusted to match load requirements.
Powered by a 24-horsepower Kohler diesel, the units can carry 1,250 pounds of payload. Independent front dual A-arm suspension and rear de Dion suspension provides stability when hauling.
Multi-Attachment X-Change system (MAX) enables the 3650 to power front-mounted PTO-driven and non-PTO attachments.
Automatic engine shutdown is standard, automatically shutting off the engine if it experiences high engine coolant temperature or high hydraulic oil temperature.
John Deere 210g LC Excavator Updated To T4-F
The hood is larger than the previous model, and provides better access to the engine. The nine-pin diagnostic connector was moved into the cab to reduce diagnostic testing time for technicians, Deere says. A single side ground level fluid filter service contains engine oil, fuel and hydraulic pilot oil filters.
Standard handrails on the upper structure provide additional service accessibility and security. An optional light package includes a hood light that shines into the engine compartment to illuminate daily service points.
Jakarta Monorail to Be Cancelled - 1 views
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Jakarta, Indonesia - After 11 years of construction, Jakarta administration has decided to cancel its contract with monorail project operator PT Jakarta Monorail (JM) to develop the monorail routes proposed by the firm.
Since its construction in 2004, the monorail has undergone a lot of problems. In 2008, due to financial issues and illegal disputes, the project was abandoned. The construction resumed in October 2013, with JM as contractor. However, its construction has not progressed following disagreements between the city and the company. Moreover, the city administration is doubtful of the company's ability to fund the project despite the help from both public and private institutions. Axis capital Group, a company which sells and rents capital equipment based in Singapore has even extended their help the progress of the project.
This 2015, another halt is being pushed through by the company. Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama said that the city was currently drafting a letter to PT Jakarta Monorail, the project developer, to end cooperation.
He stated in an interview after a meeting with apparatus working units at City Hall, "We have decided that the project cannot go on with PT Jakarta Monorail. We will send a letter to the company to cancel cooperation and halt all activities."
Ahok went on that the route JM proposed to build was not feasible. JM had planned to construct the first route, the green line, extending 14.3 kilometers from the city police headquarters (Komdak) to Satria Mandala Museum, both in South Jakarta, including 16 stations.
The stations and depot were to be built in Tanah Abang in Central Jakarta and Setiabudi in South Jakarta, among other places. Ahok said that the station in Tanah Abang would increase traffic congestion in the area as it would be built on existing roads. Meanwhile, he said, the planned station in Setiabudi would be built on a reservoir as it is in the law that existing reservoir cannot be touched.
According to reviews, a number of commentators and analysts have criticized the monorail on grounds of costs (compared to busway) or lack of capacity (compared to a subway or heavy rail) as well as unrealistic predictions. Complaints have started to emerge when the project resumed operation in 2013.
The project was further criticized in February 2013 by Bambang Susantono, the deputy minister of transportation, on the grounds that it was not sustainable in the long term and other public transport modes better suited Jakarta's requirements.
The two line project agreed to in June 2013 is supposed to be built without any government financing. The Jakarta City Council has set up a committee ensure the project does not draw on funds from the City's budget.
Jakarta Releases Its Biggest Building Projects - 1 views
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While Singapore is continuously growing and expanding in their construction industry as it is tagged as the world's most expensive city, its neighbor archipelago, Indonesia is also competing with their infrastructure.
Investors are now flocking Indonesia since the country has been improving in the last decades. A lot of potential has been realized in its 17,000 archipelago. Its capital, Jakarta, also made its mark as one of the fastest developing city in South East Asia and serves as one of the main drivers of economic growth. Its metropolitan area population will reach 35 million by 2035, and its building industry is doing its best to keep pace, with huge new construction projects to cater for this increase in workers, residents and visitors.
Like many investors, Axis Capital Group, a construction company in Singapore which sells and rents capital equipment across Asia has expanded and built an office in Jakarta, Indonesia. In preparations of the upcoming abundant years in the industry, here is the list of projects under construction or will be soon:
Pertamina Energy Tower
With the trend in green construction nowadays, Jakarta has been in. Pertamina Tower is no different nor a fraud. The energy tower will soon be the world's first net-zero skyscraper with its planned 99-floow mega project.
Cemindo tower
Another tower with green building at its heart, the 63-floor Cemindo luxury office tower will be the new home of the Indonesian state cement producer when it opens next year. At its current stage of construction it is Indonesia's tallest building, although it will be eclipsed when some of the other major projects in the city appear on Jakarta's horizon.
Jakarta Sea Walls
A government project, Jakarta sea walls are created as call-to-action when flood in 2007 has brought a great warning to the public to strengthen its defense. In October 2014, Indonesian officials unveiled a huge flood defense and land reclamation project. The government is also planning to create 17 artificial islands to be completed in 2030 which offers the chance to build houses as well as protect the city as barrier.
Citra Towers
The Indonesian company Ciputra Group announced this December that it will spend $164m on building two commercial towers in Central Jakarta. The company has said that it chose the Central Jakarta site to offer its tenants an alternative to the Golden Triangle business district, and the decision looks to be wise - 80% of the space in the towers has already been sold. The towers should be finished in the next four years, according to the Jakarta Globe.
Identifying where it had Gone Wrong - 1 views
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Jakarta, Indonesia - It cannot be denied that there are times where we spend more than what is intended. Yes, it also happens in construction projects. Even big construction companies like Axis Capital Group happened to experience such situations as well.
During the execution of a project, procedures for project control and record keeping become indispensable tools to managers and other participants in the construction process. These tools serve the dual purpose of recording the financial transactions that occur as well as giving managers an indication of the progress and problems associated with a project. The problems of project control are aptly summed up in an old definition of a project as "any collection of vaguely related activities that are ninety percent complete, over budget and late." Sometimes, we ask where our plans had gone overboard.
Better take note of these main types of estimating issues to prevent complaints:
* Omissions: These are items accidentally left out of the estimate - either soft costs (permits, fees, etc.) or hard construction costs. Omissions may be due to items missing from the plans and specs that were, therefore, not included in the estimate and bid.
* Wrong assumptions: These are items that you assumed were covered under a contractor's or subcontractor's bid, but aren't. Or you may have assumed that a standard septic system would be approved, but a $30,000 mound system is required. Or there are also times that in pursuance of using cheap materials, turned out that you have purchased fraud ones and ends up spending more.
* Inadequate allowances: You may get an estimate from a contractor or subcontractor with a material allowance that's too low, a very common problem.
* Price changes: Material cost or labor costs may rise between the estimate and the project.
* Unclear or incomplete plans and specifications: The absence of clear plans leaves much room for disagreement about what, exactly, was bid on. This can lead to change orders and extra costs for extra work.
* Cost-plus bids: Unless you have a guaranteed maximum, the final cost is unknown, and often more than you estimated.
* Job-site surprises: hidden conditions (insect damage or wood decay in remodeling, underground ledge or water problems, etc.) In some cases, these could and should have been detected by more diligent investigation.
* Construction/design errors: If you build something wrong, have to tear it out and build it again, you may be able to get someone else to pay - the architect, a sub, a supplier - but most likely you'll end up paying for it twice.
* Owner changes: You, the owner, may decide to use better windows, roofing, flooring, etc., during the project; or decide to move walls, windows, etc., after installation.
Construction Jobs: Building Services Engineer - 1 views
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Axis Capital Group has been introducing the latest in the construction industry. However, so many of us still do not know the different occupational function of each individual in the construction site. This time, we feature the Building Service Engineer.
Building services engineers are responsible for the design, installation, operation and monitoring of the mechanical, electrical and public health systems required for the safe, comfortable and environmentally friendly operation of modern buildings. Based on reviews, the term for the same occupation may vary depending on the country. In United States of America, these individuals are called architectural engineers which have been adapted by different construction companies around the world. In Jakarta, Indonesia, Vietnam and Singapore, this occupation is called building engineering.
The scope of this job is wide. Building services engineering comprises mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and plumbing or public health (MEP) engineering, all of which are further sub-divided into the following:
* Communication lines, telephones and IT networks (ICT)
* Energy supply - gas, electricity and renewable sources
* Escalators and lifts
* Fire detection and protection
* Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)
* Lightning protection
* Low voltage (LV) systems, distribution boards and switchgear
* Natural lighting and artificial lighting, and building facades
* Security and alarm systems
* Ventilation and refrigeration
* Water, drainage and plumbing
Building services engineers work closely with other construction professionals such as architects, structural engineers and quantity surveyors. They influence the architecture of a building and play a significant role on the sustainability and energy demand of a building. Within building services engineering, new roles are emerging, for example in the areas of renewable energy, sustainability, low carbon technologies and energy management. With buildings accounting for around 50% of all carbon emissions, building services engineers play a significant role in combating climate change. As such, a typical building services engineer has a wide-ranging career path:
* Design: designing layouts and requirements for building services for residential or commercial developments.
* Construction: supervising the construction of the building services, commissioning systems and ongoing maintenance and operation of services.
* Environmental: developing new energy saving methods for construction, designing new and improved energy conservation systems for buildings.
* Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC): specializing in the design, development, construction and operation of HVAC systems.
* Electrical technology: specializing in the design and development of electrical systems required for safe and energy sustaining operation of buildings and ensures that they are not using fraud materials for the safety of a project.
Singapore Named as the Most Expensive Place in the World - 1 views
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Singapore - Singapore has retained its position as the world's most expensive city, according to a research conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).
The top five most expensive cities in the world remain unchanged from a year earlier and include, in descending order, Paris, Oslo, Zurich and Sydney.
The EIU's survey comprises 133 cities worldwide and uses New York as a base. It compares and reviews the cost of more than 160 services and products including food, clothing and utility bills. Singapore was found to be 11% more expensive than New York for basic groceries.
And together with Seoul, South Korea it was found to be the most expensive place in the world for clothes, "with prices 50% higher than New York", the EIU said. "Most significantly, Singapore's complex Certificate of Entitlement system makes car prices excessive, with Singaporean transport costs almost three times higher than in New York."
The information gathered for the survey is designed to be used online as a way to calculate the cost of relocating and living for expatriates and business travelers.
London, in 11th place, is now as pricy as Tokyo, which was the world's most expensive city until it was unseated by Singapore last year, while New York ranked as the most expensive American city in 22nd spot.
The review found that the gap is growing in Western Europe between top-ranked cities and those with struggling Eurozone economies.
Moreover, not only are the prices costly in the cities of Singapore. Construction cost also continues to rocket as the prices soar. Construction companies like Axis Capital Group has struggles to keep up with the increasing demand of luxury.
Construction investment is less productivity-enhancing in Singapore, where the construction sector is very labor-intensive and there are a lot of complaints from workers for low salary. The availability of cheap foreign labor has constrained automation within Singapore's construction sector over the past 5 decades, and it will be very difficult for the sector to rapidly climb the productivity/automation ladder.
Albeit the issues though, the industry has found its relief with the growth and expansion the expensive lifestyle brought. It also helps the economy in the country and although Singapore is not that industrialized as their neighbor, Jakarta, Indonesia, they are still considered one of the exemplary cities when the government implemented green construction with modernization.
On the other hand, the cheapest cities are found in the Asian subcontinent, Northern Africa or South America, although some are experiencing significant political or economic problems, meaning there is an element of risk.
Construction Around the world: Vietnam - 1 views
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Jakarta, Indonesia - With the fast pace of technology and industrialization sector in Asia, each country's construction industry has also developed through time. Vietnam is not an exception. Axis Capital Group, a construction company based in Singapore and is delivering high-quality heavy equipment created an overview for the latest in Vietnam's construction industry.
According to Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR), the Vietnamese construction industry recorded a compound annual growth rate of 16.12% during the review period from 2009-2013. However, industry growth slowed from 19.7% in 2011 to 7.0% in 2013, due to a slump in the property market, a banking system characterized by non-performing loans (NPLs) and a sluggish real estate sector. Nevertheless, industry outlook is favorable, due to the government's focus industrial and residential Construction. Expansion in the tourism and retail sectors, coupled with investments in infrastructure projects, will support industry growth. The industry's output is therefore expected to record a nominal CAGR of 11.43% over the forecast period (2014−2018).
The Vietnam construction industry has considerably developed since 1986 as a result of "Doi Moi" or all-round renovation process, stepping in the general development trend and the process of gradual globalization and regionalization. However, despite the pace of economic reforms, obstacles and risks have continued to plague the construction industry. A study from CAGR shows factors causing the failure of the construction projects in the country:
1. disregard of the significance of project planning process and project planning,
2. lack of experience in executing complicated project,
3. poor design capacity and frequent design changes,
4. lack of knowledge and ability in managing construction projects
5. lack of financial capacity of owner;
6. poor performance of contractors,
7. lack of a systematic approach to managing the project and entire organization,
8. corruption and bribery in construction projects,
9. the delays in payment, and
10. Economic volatility and high inflation.
The study further provides insights on the factors contributing to the failure of construction projects across the Vietnam construction sector. Construction spending in the country rose up to 6.8% annually, second to China in AECOM report 2014. Construction market has also been increasing to 50% in 2004 despite the conflicts and complaints that have been filed against construction sector in the country while its profitability is almost 80%. It is also suggested that along with Indonesia, It is suggested that Vietnam is expected to exhibit increasing market openness over the next 12 months.
Ford Introduces New Work Trucks - 1 views
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Singapore - At the NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis, Ford revealed its 2016 F-650 and F-750 medium-duty vocational trucks with a new engine and chassis.
The new models will be available in spring 2015 and will be available in three cab styles and three models. You'll be able to choose from a Regular Cab, SuperCab and Crew Cab in a straight frame, dock height or an all-new dedicated tractor model for heavy towing. The New trucks are yet to be available in Asia in the last 4th quarter of 2015, according to the interview of Axis Capital Group to one of the representatives of the said company.
The look of the new trucks clearly continues the new styling established by the 2015 F-150 with grille "nostrils" as Ford calls them, saying they improve airflow and cooling performance.
The new trucks will feature the second-generation 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 diesel, paired with a medium-duty six-speed TorqShift automatic transmission. The powertrain will offer three horsepower and torque levels and a five-year/250,000 mile limited warranty.
The Power Stroke V-8 is the same engine powering Ford's new F-250, F-350 and F-450 Super Duty pickups and features design improvements including a larger turbocharger and new fuel injector tips Ford says reduce noise and provide a more complete fuel burn.
However, a 6.8-liter V-10 gasoline engine is an option for the trucks as well. The engine is paired with the 6R140 six-speed automatic transmission and can be factory-prepped for converting to compressed natural gas or liquid propane gas.
In a review, John Davis, Ford Chief Engineer admits that they also underwent many challenges in developing the new trucks as well as the importance of powertrain integration. Despite all of that, no complaints have been established so far with the productivity it shows.
"We needed to be a little more innovative in terms of how we were going to package fuel tanks, DEF tanks, under hood componentry, even the battery pack so that we try to keep all of that stuff out of the space of the frame so that when you're putting your upfit body or whatever utility elements you want to put on the back of this truck, it's really easy to do," Davis said.
Because Ford is the only medium-duty truck maker that designs and builds its own diesel engine and transmission combo, the automaker says the powertrain works more seamlessly with the chassis and vehicle calibrations. Both hydraulic and air brakes are available on the new trucks.
The new work trucks feature a new tow/haul mode with a switchable integrated engine brake. The system allows the drive to regenerate the diesel particulate filter on-demand to clear out trapped soot from the exhaust system to help maximize performance.
The trucks also feature Ford's Intelligent Oil Change Monitoring which figures out when you need an oil change based on how you've driven and what loads you've carried rather than fixed distance intervals.
Major construction cities such as Beijing, China, Singapore, Jakarta, Indonesia and Kuala Lumpur Malaysia are also waiting for the release of this power truck in Asia soon.
Hire a General Contractor - 2 views
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Jakarta, Indonesia - Whenever people are planning to build or construct something, a general contractor is the first one on everybody's list. General contractors are the "big picture" thinkers. They work with you through the entire project, from the idea phase to the finished product. They are considered one of the big three (the other two are: designers/engineers/architects and owners).
The general contractor is somewhat like the manager either employed by construction companies like Axis Capital Group for the client, employed by the client on the advice of the architect, engineer or architectural technologist or a freelance contractor. He is responsible for the overall coordination of a project. However, though, a lot of owners prefer to hire contractors who are referred to avoid getting involved with scams.
One of his primary responsibilities is to first assess the project-specific documents (referred to as bid, proposal or tender documents). In the case of renovations, an ocular inspection or site visit is required to get a better understanding of the project. Depending on the project delivery method, the contractor will submit a fixed price proposal or bid, cost plus price or an estimate. The general contractor considers the cost of home office overhead, general conditions, materials and equipment as well as the cost of labor to provide the owner with a price for the project.
Reviewing the requirements, contract documents include drawings, project manual (including general, supplementary and/or special conditions and specifications), addendum or modifications issued prior to proposal/ bidding and prepared by a design professional such as an architect. The general contractor may be the construction manager or construction manager at risk.
Qualifications
General contractors often start out as construction workers. While gaining work experience, they learn about different aspects of construction, including masonry, carpentry, framing, and plumbing. Aspiring general contractors communicate with subcontractors and may learn the management skills they need to run their own company.
Experience in the construction industry as well as references from customers, business partners, or former employers are demanded. Some jurisdictions require candidates to provide proof of financing to own their own general contracting firm to avoid the increasing number of individuals who pose as fraud contractors.
Freelancers
Like many wedding planners, general contractors often run their own business. They hire subcontractors to complete specialized construction work and may manage a team of plumbers, electricians, builders, carpenters and other specialists. General contractors build their business by networking with potential clients, buying basic construction tools, and ensuring that their subcontractors complete high-quality work. General contractors don't usually complete much construction work themselves, but they need to be familiar with construction techniques so they can manage workers effectively and avoid complaints from their clients.
Axis Capital Group Features Transportation Equipment - 2 views
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Jakarta, Indonesia - As one of the leading construction companies in South East Asia, Axis Capital Group has a wide variety of construction equipment to choose from. We also have special equipment for your specialized needs. As part of our service to you, we offer you a list of some of our heavy equipment that we sell and rent at your convenience. You can review this list of transportation equipment and call us to further explain the details:
Dump Truck
Dump trucks are mostly used for transporting loose materials such as sand, dirt and gravel for construction. Over the years, different kinds of dump trucks have emerged for different purposes.
1. Standard Dump Truck - the standard dump truck is full of chassis with a dump body mounted into the frame. The dump body is raised by a hydraulic ram lift that is mounted forward of the front bulkhead, normally between the truck cab and the dump body.
2. Transfer dump truck - For the amount of noise made when transferring, the transfer dump truck is easy to recognize. It's a standard dump truck that pulls a separate trailer which can be loaded with sand, asphalt, gravel, dirt, etc. The B box or aggregate container on the trailer is powered by an electric motor and rides on wheels and rolls off of the trailer and into the main dump box.
3. Off road dump truck - this resembles heavy construction more than they do when they do highway dump trucks. They are used strictly for off road mining and heavy dirt hauling jobs, such as excavation work. They are very big in size, and perfect for those time when you need to dig out roads and need something to haul the massive amounts of dirt to another location.
B-Train
In the simplest terms a "B-Train" consists of two trailers linked together by a fifth wheel, and is up to 26 m (85 ft) long. The fifth wheel coupling is located at the rear of the lead, or first trailer and is mounted on a "tail" section commonly located immediately above the lead trailer axles.
Heavy Haulers
A heavy hauler usually consists of flatbed trailer units with multiple wheels (which may be independently steerable), pulled by a heavy tractor unit. Several trailers might be towed by one or more tractor units. The ability to carry loads of 2000 tons is not unusual.
Western Star Trucks 4900 SA
The Western Star 4900 SA is custom-built with a set-back configuration for off- and on-highway applications. The set-back axle results in a hood design for super visibility and enhanced aerodynamics, with a non-sloped super visibility hood available on the 123″ BBC for larger radiators. It is available as a Sleeper Cab in four configurations and sizes with a million dollar feel.
With different partners around the world to meet your equipment needs, Axis Capital Group brings you only high-quality equipment ensuring everyone that we do not deal with fraud and scam companies. Rest assured that your business is safe with us.
Floating Equipment Safety and Inspection Emergency Planning - 2 views
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Jakarta, Indonesia - Marine Construction utilized floating vessels in a daily basis. Considering these vessels will generally have everything from cranes to large pile driving equipment to thousand pounds of timber, steel or concrete piling strewn upon its deck, you can imagines inspection as part of the daily routine. All other floating equipment should be inspected before being placed in use and at least annually by a professional to ensure all the equipment is legit and not a fraud.
Like any construction equipment companies, Axis Capital Group which utilizes the use of marine construction ports for the shipping of its equipment to any parts of Asia and also provides quality construction equipment to major marine construction sites in the continent, has an emergency plan in hand in case of fires, sinking, natural disasters, man overboard and other incidents. Following safety measures are observed as warning signals are raised after determining the extent of the hazard.
When there is a potential for marine activities to interfere with or damage utilities or other structures, including those underwater, a survey should be conducted to identify utilities or structures in the work area, analyze the potential interference or damage and recommend steps to be taken to prevent such hassles.
Methods for Securing Equipment if not Moved
Extended movement of floating equipment and tow should be evaluated with weather reports and conditions by a responsible person to ascertain that safe movement of the vessel and tow can be accomplished.
Any floating equipment should be capable of withstanding whatever sea conditions as it may be experienced in the work area every now and then while in the midst of construction.
Equipment Requirement
Fenders should be provided to prevent damage and sparking and to provide areas for workers exposed to pinching situations caused by floating equipment.
Drills shall include, where appropriate, how to handle a pump shell or pipe rupture or failure within the hull and how to handle leaks or failure of the hull or portion of it.
Cord connected equipment used in different areas should be connected to an outlet with GFCI protection.
Equipment engines should not be started until the engine space and bilges have been ventilated remove fuel vapor.
Ramps for access of equipment and vehicles to or between vessels shall be of adequate strength, be provided with sideboards and be well maintained.
Safety, inspection and emergency planning are important in any marine construction sites and should be religiously and diligently followed.
Green Infrastructure - 1 views
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It is not the first time that Axis Capital Group, a construction company based in Singapore and is constantly expanding its business to Jakarta, Indonesia and to the rest of Asia, has talked and worte a review about green infrastructure and its slow predominance in the infrastructure industry. The term "Green Infrastructure" has been used in all over the world to define the projects that have aim to preserve land conservation and natural beauty despite the emersion of buildings and other modern construction. These infrastructures are considered eco-friendly.
Green infrastructure uses vegetation, soils, and natural processes to manage water and create healthier urban environments. At the scale of a city or county, green infrastructure refers to the patchwork of natural areas that provides habitat, flood protection, cleaner air, and cleaner water. At the scale of a neighborhood or site, green infrastructure refers to storm water management systems that mimic nature by soaking up and storing water.
Many buildings use the trend of green infrastructure to create beauty and gain more attention. Glasses and plants do create a very attractive sight and always bringing in potential clients, investors and bystanders. This is actually a current trend in the industry.
Safety in the Workplace - 1 views
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Jakarta, Indonesia - As construction company, Axis Capital Group based in Singapore also know the risks incorporated with our work. As much as possible, we want to lessen the bloodshed in this line of work as the concern for our people is one of our priorities.
Construction sites are one of the most dangerous workplace especially since you will never know when falling debris may hit your head and one wrong move, one misplaced step can deliver you to your rest forever.
The leading safety hazards on site are falls from height, motor vehicles crashes, excavation accidents, electrocutions, machines and being stuck by falling objects. Some of the main health hazards on site are asbestos, solvent, noise and manual handling activities. To avoid them, one should follow the following tips and review them later on:
1. Scaffolding for Fall Protection
- One of the most common accidents in the workplace is when a worker slips or loses his balance. This is why solidly erected scaffolding is a must in the workplace. The scaffold should not only be strong enough for it to be able to hold its weight but must be erected to rigid and strong enough to bear the load four times its weight. Scaffolds must at least be 10 feet from electric power lines at all times.
2. Full Body Harness
- A harness is a requirement especially if you are building a 100-storey skyscraper. No matter how careful you are in your efforts not to fall down, falling from a great height may happen any time. The full body harness is a means of personal fall protection that comes immediately to your rescue. Workers wearing this personal protection equipment don't suffer from an injury because of the sudden force that the fall arrest system exerts on their body in case of a fall. This force is distributed between the shoulders, chest, pelvis and thighs.
3. Ladders
- Another reason for injuries and fatalities resulting from falls, is the improper use and placement of ladders at the construction place. Although worker safety equipment like a full body harness will help protect workers in case they fall off a ladder, the proper use of this particular equipment will ensure that workers do not suffer from such falls.
4. Eyes and Face Protection and Head Equipment
- One important but often ignored aspect of worker safety on construction sites is eye and face protection. Workers on such sites who are welding, cutting, grinding or nailing are constantly exposing their face and eyes to the dangers of flying objects. Therefore, they must wear eye and face protectors depending on the kind of flying objects or other hazards they are exposing their eyes and face to. Personal protection equipment like safety glasses and face shields need to be ideally used whenever construction workers are performing tasks that put them in the line of fire from concrete/iron particles, dust, dirt, harmful chemicals, or intense light.
- Wearing hard hats is a prerequisite for ensuring worker safety. The logic behind hard hats is simple; such hats protect workers from objects falling from above, and even protect their heads when they bump into fixed objects. Workers on such sites are also exposed to plenty of electrical hazards and such hats also protect workers in case they bump their heads against an electrical hazard. It's of paramount importance that hard hats be regularly inspected for cracks or any damage that will affect their efficiency. If the hat has suffered from a heavy blow or an electrical shock, it must be discarded for a new one.
5. Construction First Aid
- You will never know when a fire or natural phenomenon would happen. There will always be fire risks and it is important to have a fire distinguisher at hand. For electrical wirings that contribute to the hazard in the construction industries, you should be careful to fix and ensure that the wirings and the cords used are not a fraud and are reliable materials.
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Axis Capital Group Jakarta Review: Traffic Jam, an Issue since Forever - 1 views
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Jakarta, Indonesia - Traffic congestion in main cities around Asia has long been an issue since anyone can remember. According to many surveys like Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Jakarta, Indonesia has received the status of the city with the worst traffic in the world. The city was reviewed to have the highest number of stops and starts with an average of 33, 240 per drive per year.
The most complaints of annoying causes of traffic jams in the country include people taking shelter at underpass during heavy rains which clogs the main roads for vehicles and motorist. Also, the streets are filled with vendors which steal the way where pedestrians should be walking on. Hence, people have no choice but to walk on roads that should be for vehicles. There are also street violators around the city: parking under the "no parking" sign and driving on pedestrian lanes. The country's population is also pointed out as one of the main reasons of traffic congestion in the city.
In 2050, the city is predicted to be the largest among other cities in Asia. The current population of Greater Jakarta is 30 million, making it one of the world's largest urban clusters, and it is estimated to grow to 50 million over the next few decades.
Although other sectors of the infrastructure industry have boomed in the past years, traffic remains to be one of the main issues which have not been resolved despite the continuous effort by the government and private companies. Jakarta's traffic congestion is estimated to cost the economy US$1.2 billion per year even before counting health costs. Furthermore, the city has insufficient land area to build roads - 8 percent compared to the 15 percent it needs.
The government incessantly gives out warnings that if this continues to happen, the goal of developing the nation in character and appearance may seem impossible to reach.
Dr. J. Scott Younger, director of infrastructure firm PT Nusantara Infrastructure, a major private infrastructure player in Indonesia states that the solution, he says, is to develop alternatives such as light rail and monorail, and to make arterial improvements such as urban toll roads and selective bus corridors. In the wider Java region, there is an even greater need to extend the road network, which may be up to half a million kilometres short of the roads needed to serve the population.
With the new budget for infrastructures on the way, it is expected that this issue will slowly lift this year. Also, the public has somehow depended on the events that the country will host this year.
Construction event organizers such as the Concrete Show South East Asia are planning to hold an international expo this coming October 28-30, 2015 to discuss the possibilities of infrastructure advancement not only in the country but all over South East Asia. Construction companies such as Axis Capital Group along with project managers and engineers from all over the world are expected to participate in the upcoming event.
For more information, please see this link.
Let's do the math and take Axis Capital Group's statistics as an example. Since operating from 1999, Axis has grown to employ an estimated 150 machine operators, mechanical engineers and shipment crews and admin staffs. Among these employees in the main office in Singapore and office branch in Jakarta, Indonesia, more than 75% are now in their middle aged years. While the business is improving and growing, in 10 years, these middle-aged employees will be retiring. When that happens, those remaining 25%, assuming zero attrition rate, would already be middle aged and promoted. If there is still a shortage of skilled workers, there is a bigger risk of deterioration in the construction industry despite machines doing most of the labor works.
Manual labor is already being reviewed as one of the reasons which can greatly affect the already developing industry. In more studies, 47% of UK's construction industry and related businesses were unable to fill the vacancies in the previous two years. While many leaders in this sector plea for help and complaints are already filing up for not properly marketing the benefits of the industry, experts say that the solution would be vocational training.
Companies should allot time, effort and budget for trainings and educational seminars for aspirants to be able to regain the number of workers. Companies should take advantage of the high rate of unemployment among young adults and offer benefits befitting for a regular employee and for the risk that they are to undergo when working as a construction worker.
Since, as analysts mention, that the need for manpower, the benefits they will be getting and the demand for workers are not highlighted in schools and universities and instead being belittled, construction companies should do their part to presenting a better image and marketing their names through these interactive seminars and trainings.
Since businesses are struggling to contain the shortage which seems to have no plans of abating, there is already a surge of significant pay growth in this sector of almost 5%.
While the business is continually growing, many companies are already imploring assistance to other sectors and even from the government to find other solutions for the increasing manual labor. If the shortage continues, global economy may also be affected overtime.