Denso Inc., offers Densoband, a hot asphalt bituminous sealing strip designed for sealing joints between asphalt, concrete and steel. Densoband is composed of a polymer-modified bitumen strip to enhance flexibility and durability, and to accommodate movement caused by heavy traffic loads and thermal changes. Its flexible seal is designed to prevent water ingress, reducing erosion and deterioration of joints over time.

Densoband simplifies the installation process with its integrated adhesive system, which eliminates the need for flame application. The product can be applied by hand or machine.

Densoband has been shown to perform reliably across a wide range of climates, with an application temperature range of +41 to +113°F. Furthermore, its cold bend behavior ensures no cracking occurs at 0°C, making it dependable even in extreme cold conditions, according to the manufacturer.

CM Labs Simulations, Montreal, Quebec, announced in December that it had acquired GlobalSim Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah. CM Labs also broadens its U.S. presence with the addition of GlobalSim’s Salt Lake City, Utah, location, which offers expanded manufacturing resources.

“This is a natural evolution for two organizations that have decades of proven safety, precision and performance outcomes in port operations,” said Robert Weldon, CEO of CM Labs. “CM Labs and GlobalSim are uniting to deliver unmatched quality, value and support to our port customers worldwide.”

In December, Caterpillar, Irving, Texas, announced every Cat® Customer Value Agreement (CVA) will have an opportunity for an upgraded services commitment for customers, starting in 2026. CVAs that include dealer labor provide a two-day repair commitment on common repairs to get the equipment back to work, or the customer gets paid. Additionally, parts next-day availability with the new services commitment includes maintenance, wear and repair parts, available for pickup at the customer’s requested dealer location.

Cat also announced in late December, the addition of a joystick option to new next generation Cat 140® motor graders. As of early 2026, customers globally will have the option of choosing either joystick (JOY) or lever/steering wheel (LVR) controls for the new 140. Pablo dos Santos, the Global Product Application Specialist for Cat, said: “Rather than having separate JOY or LVR models for the next generation 140, customers will choose between joystick or lever steering configurations similar to other options like tandem or all-wheel-drive, technologies and attachments.”

In early January, Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) unveiled Cat AI Assistant. With Cat AI Assistant, Caterpillar is making it easier for customers to buy, maintain, manage and operate their equipment no matter where they are. Cat AI Assistant unifies Caterpillar’s diverse portfolio of digital applications and vast amounts of data into one conversational experience. It operates against the entire Caterpillar knowledge base and serves as a proactive partner for customers, providing personalized data and insights, and enabling faster, smarter decisions.
For fleet managers and business owners, Cat AI Assistant is an extra set of eyes on their equipment—evolving alongside their operations, continually refining insights and recommendations to help turn unplanned incidents into planned maintenance.
For a technician, Cat AI Assistant is a partner that can, with a voice command, and without interrupting the task at hand, access the right section from a library of thousands of instruction manuals. It provides step-by-step guidance on repairs, highlights common issues and suggests additional parts needed to complete the job.
For an operator, Cat AI Assistant connects every step of the workday from machine startup to shift handoff. It can function as a coach in the cab, providing operators with information to work smarter and safer without switching screens, returning to the yard or losing focus. Cat AI Assistant leverages the NVIDIA Jetson Thor platform to run speech recognition and advanced AI models and can even assist with directing the machine.

With industries facing talent and skills gaps, and customers managing increasing job site complexity, Cat AI Assistant can help a less experienced operator improve productivity.

Caterpillar plans to bring the off-board Cat AI Assistant live in the first quarter of this year and was in the final stages of validation for in-cab applications in January.

For more information, visit your local Cat dealer.

Effective May 1, 2026, Sara Thomas will join the Hawaii Asphalt Paving Industry (HAPI) as executive director. Thomas is a chemical engineer and Six Sigma Green Belt with more than 20 years of progressive industrial leadership experience. She is known for advancing sustainable work practices, strengthening stakeholder relationships, and driving measurable, data-informed improvements across complex organizations.

Her experience in Hawaii’s asphalt paving industry includes leading regulatory compliance programs for Grace Pacific Corporation and helping ensure the statewide supply of asphalt binder for Asphalt Hawaii. Her work has consistently balanced operational excellence with environmental responsibility and industry collaboration.

Guided by a lifelong commitment to bridging industry and education, Sara has developed award-winning employee training programs that translate technical knowledge into practical impact. She was recently honored with the President’s Volunteer Service Award for her contributions to MATHCOUNTS, an after-school program dedicated to building problem-solving skills and fostering enthusiasm for mathematics among middle school students.

As executive director, Thomas brings her technical expertise and passion for education to advance the organization’s mission. She is focused on strengthening industry partnerships, driving continuous improvement and inspiring the next generation of Hawaii’s infrastructure professionals. Interim Director Jon Young will serve as a senior advisor as she prepares to step into the role.

Trimble®, Westminster, Colorado, announced in January, West Side Tractor Sales Co. as the newest Trimble Technology Outlet. West Side Tractor will now sell Trimble grade control, site positioning systems and correction services technology directly to customers using John Deere earthmoving equipment, including dozers, excavators, motor graders, mini-excavators and compact track loaders. Founded in 1962 on Chicago’s west side, West Side Tractor is a third-generation family business. Today, five active members of the Benck family, alongside a team of over 300 dedicated employees, proudly continue the 60+ year partnership with John Deere construction equipment. West Side Tractor has 11 full-service facilities spanning 80 counties in Illinois and Indiana.

Weiler offers the P385C paver in the commercial class paver category, now with improvements to the conveyor drive system and more. The P385C features a Cat® C3.6 Tier 4F/Stage V engine with an increase to 120 horsepower (90 kw). The undercarriage features 90-inch (2,286-mm) track length, 68 inches (1,727 mm) of ground contact and 140-mm track chain pitch to provide smooth ride and excellent flotation with automatic track tensioning, according to the manufacturer.

The improved conveyor drive system features a sealed chain case, hydraulic motor with heavy duty bearings and splined shaft.

An updated hydraulic system with proportional valving provides variable speed and reversible conveyors and augers. The larger tunnel height allows for lower conveyor speeds without loss of material output.

The Weiler-designed 3,700-pound (1,678-kg) screed features a paving range of 8 feet to 15 feet, 8 inches (2.2 m to 4.8 m). The redesigned heating system eliminates GFCI breakers and utilizes insulation monitoring.

Three different operating positions allow for optimal visibility and control with the adjustable, magnetic-resistance steering system. Optional screed mounted control panels give operators additional function control from screed level.

Weiler equipment is sold and serviced exclusively at Cat® dealers across North America, with factory trained technicians and readily available parts for unmatched service and support.

For more information, visit weilerproducts.com