More news in brief: 6 December 2006

Husqvarna Construction Products, part of the Husqvarna Group, has chosen to assemble its brands under a single joint brand called Husqvarna. Existing brands - Dimas, Partner and Target - will be phased out at the beginning of next year.Products will carry a new logo and will be delivered in the Husqvarna colours of orange and grey.

Work is underway to build the Irlam eco-home in Manchester, a joint venture by Prestoplan and Persimmon. The innovative timber frames can reduce the build time by up to a third compared to the block and brick method. The two/three-storey detached 'concept house' includes advanced insulation, a fully insulated habitable loft space, flooring that has space for wiring, plumbing and additional insulation within the floor zone.

Allenbuild is nearing completion of a major restoration contract of part of the Reform Club in London's Pall Mall. The contractor is due to complete the works on the Grade I-listed building by spring next year.

Valla Cranes UK supplied two 20E cranes to Smithfield Construction for use in Chicago, Illinois.

Birmingham-based scrap metals recycler HW Taroni Metals uses its 23t Doosan Daewoo Solar 225LC-V tracked-excavator to take care of the shell of a car. HW Taroni will use the machine to handle 500t of ferrous and non-ferrous metals a week.

[Contract Journal, 6 December 2006, p03]