Cal Minerals Inc., a supplier of natural pozzolans to the western United States, announced that it is changing its corporate name to Geofortis. The name change reflects the company’s broader natural pozzolan commitment and its expertise in driving the innovations needed to shape the future of natural pozzolans as a geopolymer across a broad range of industry needs.

The American Concrete Institute (ACI) announced the winners of its 2015 Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites Competition. The competition took place at The Concrete Convention and Exposition in Kansas City, Missouri, over April 12 through 15. The first, second, and third place teams received cash awards of $750, $500 and $250, respectively.

Atlas Copco unveiled several pieces of equipment during its March dealer event in Phoenix. The event introduced many models of Atlas Copco construction equipment, including the CT3000 tamping soil compactor, the CP1200 and CP2700 pneumatic tired asphalt rollers and the intelligent compaction system.

Smooth-On has introduced AquaCon, a water-based concrete release agent that aids in releasing concrete castings from Smooth-On rubber molds and other surfaces such as melamine, metal and non-porous (sealed) wood. It provides a clean, positive release, does not interfere with color or surface detail and helps minimize bug holes and air bubbles in finished castings.

Clemons Concrete Coatings announced that Etch & Clean has been improved with a new reformulation. The reformulation produced a more gentle and easier-to-use acidic cleaning solution. The active ingredient in Etch & Clean is a mild acid that lightly etches the surface and removes efflorescence on concrete.

The Portland Cement Association (PCA) predicts that U.S. cement consumption will continue its growth trend in 2015 and cement and clinker imports will grow rapidly in 2017 and beyond.

Atlas Copco Road Construction Equipment’s new CP2700 pneumatic tired roller tackles soil compaction, in addition to asphalt finishing and sealing applications. Like many other Atlas Copco Dynapac rollers and pavers, the CP2700 maximizes productivity through operator comfort and excellent visibility.

Hyde Tools, a Southbridge, Massachusetts-based manufacturer that distributes hand tools throughout the world, has just published its digital master catalog of products in Spanish to support retail placements in the Latin American market.

Wagner Meters, the world’s leading manufacturer of moisture meters, announced that a technology upgrade related to measuring moisture in concrete will continue to be offered for free through June 1, 2015. This upgrade is specific to the Easy Reader device, part of Wagner Meters’ award-winning Rapid RH 4.0 EX system.

The American Concrete Institute (ACI) has presented its Distinguished Achievement Award to Concrete Promotional Group Inc., a 28-year-old trade association that supports the local construction community in the use of quality concrete construction means and methods. The award was presented at The Concrete Convention and Exposition in Kansas City, Missouri, April 12, 2015.