EarthCam, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, announced in November the launch of CommandWatch24, a central station monitoring service designed to strengthen perimeter protection for worksites and deliver precise intrusion detection.

“The launch of EarthCam Command Watch24 delivers a stronger, more advanced central station monitoring service with highly accurate detections and rapid alert response,” said Brian Cury, CEO and founder of EarthCam.

Command Watch24 combines advanced detection capabilities with EarthCam’s broad portfolio of video surveillance offerings to support safer worksites and more reliable perimeter awareness. Construction professionals already using EarthCam products and services can begin leveraging EarthCam Command Watch24 for a complete end-to-end job site solution.

W. R. MEADOWS, INC. proudly marks its 100^th anniversary on January 26, 2026, celebrating a century of growth, innovation, and leadership in the construction materials industry. Founded in January 1926, the company began with a single product – ASPHALT EXPANSION JOINT, sold under the Sealtight name. The company evolved into a global manufacturer, offering more than 350 products that serve nearly every segment of the concrete construction industry through an extensive network of authorized distributors.

Over the past century, W. R. MEADOWS has continually expanded its product offerings to include solutions across multiple product lines, including expansion joints, construction liquids, joint sealants, and complete building envelope systems, which encompass vapor barriers, below-grade waterproofing, above-grade air barriers, and roofing materials.  Its portfolio also encompasses a range of specialty technologies designed to protect, enhance, and extend the life of concrete structures.

From its Midwestern roots, W. R. MEADOWS has grown into an international operation with nine U.S. manufacturing locations, three in Canada, supported by a strong global network of distribution partners that enables the company to serve customers efficiently throughout North America and worldwide.

Growth has also come through a strong portfolio of respected brands, including, HUEBERT FIBERBOARD, BLUE RIDGE FIBERBOARD, ALCOT PLASTICS, GEMITE, and DECK-O-SEAL. Together, these brands bring specialized expertise that strengthens W. R. Meadows’ position as a leading provider of comprehensive construction solutions.

A key driver of W. R. MEADOWS’ success has been its enduring commitment to innovation and education. The company’s state-of-the-art Innovation Center, located at its headquarters in Hampshire, features advanced laboratory capabilities and a dedicated training facility that supports research, product development, quality assurance, and professional education for industry partners.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we honor the people, partnerships, and principles that have guided us for 100 years,” said Matthew Price, President of W. R. MEADOWS, INC. “While we are proud of our history, we remain focused on the future – continuing to innovate, expand, and deliver trusted solutions that help build stronger, longer-lasting structures worldwide.”

As a fourth-generation, family-owned company, W. R. MEADOWS remains deeply committed to the core values that have defined its success – Quality, Service, and Integrity. These values are shared by the distributors and partners who help deliver its trusted solutions to builders worldwide.

While you prep estimates and bids for the 2026 construction season, you may be seeing a trend. It’s not your imagination and your peers offered some help. 

Commercial contractors performing non-DOT work have seen a trend toward mix design specs and QC/QA parameters in contracts. Prepping the bid (and prepping to execute the project) increasingly involves attention to new requirements. Requirements like achieving a percentage of density or using a specific mix that used to be only for DOT projects. For example, 2025 was the first year Bryce Wuori of Pavewise Inc. worked on a commercial project requiring a custom PWL spec. 

How do you work in this new paradigm? 

One way is to work “with” the engineering firms that are advising owners to help them understand logical limitations. Don’t have an “in” with the local engineering firm that’s been guiding the state? Another way is to beef up your quality control efforts to meet rising standards. Another way is to read the “Private Specs” article from the January issue of AsphaltPro Magazine to see how your peers are adapting to and succeeding with stricter requirements on commercial work (see the link below). 

Also make sure to stop by the AsphaltPro booth GL30901 in the grand lobby during CONEXPO-CON/AGG this March 3-7 to visit with paving professionals during our Ask the Expert sessions. Both Bill Stanley and Bryce Wuori, featured in the article referenced herein, will be on hand at scheduled times to answer questions and share ideas. 

If you have an estimator, QC/QA tech, or other manager who would benefit from this week’s tip, please feel free to forward it to each/all of them! 

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Fine Stripes, Charlotte, North Carolina, a specialized line striping and pavement marking

company, has officially launched operations in the Charlotte metropolitan area. The new venture focuses exclusively on commercial parking lot striping, pavement marking services, and ADA-compliant line striping solutions for property managers, retail chains, and business owners throughout North Carolina’s largest city.

The launch addresses increasing demand for reliable, compliant parking lot striping services as Charlotte’s commercial real estate market continues expanding.

“We identified a significant gap in Charlotte’s line-stripping market for contractors who combine technical expertise with genuine reliability,” said Tyler Davidson, co-founder of Fine Stripes. “Property managers need their parking lots to look professional while meeting stringent ADA compliance standards. Our pavement marking services deliver exactly that combination—precision application with regulatory peace of mind.”

Astec Industries Inc., Chattanooga, introduced in fourth quarter 2025 the EZR3 screed, a rear-mount screed engineered to deliver enhanced stability. Its rear-mount design minimizes the need for frequent adjustments, holding settings longer and reducing downtime.

The manufacturer states the key features of the EZR3 screed include:

• Balanced Design: Enhances tractor balance while boosting strength and durability.
• Optimized Mat Quality: Maintains angle of attack even during full-width applications.
• Material Visibility: Lower profile improves visibility of material flow for better control.
• Class-Leading Endgate: Free-floating design with narrow or wide-width options and four

runner configurations to suit diverse applications.

For more information, visit https://www.astecindustries.com/products/details/ezr3-highway-class-screed

Bergkamp, Salina, Kansas, has partnered with Jim Rawson of Rawson Manufacturing to reintroduce the Rawson screening plant for microsurfacing. While not a formal acquisition, Bergkamp will bring to market a screening plant designed by Rawson that closely resembles the popular, now-unavailable Rawson model. The move comes in response to contractor demand for a reliable aggregate screening solution—one that’s purpose-built for microsurfacing crews and their unique operational needs.

“When we learned that the Rawson screening plant was no longer available, it was clear that the industry had lost a critical piece of equipment,” said Scott Bergkamp, CEO of Bergkamp. “We’ve respected Jim Rawson’s work for decades. This partnership allows us to reintroduce a field-proven design, backed by Bergkamp’s long-standing commitment to quality, service, and innovation.”

The new screening plant is designed to provide a low screening platform on a transport-ready frame with ample horsepower to power optional water and emulsion pumps to enable stockpile filling on site.

“These features solve real problems our customers face every day,” Bergkamp said. “We’re proud to bring this solution back into the market—and just as proud that it’s being done the right way, with Jim Rawson’s involvement and insight.”