READING, UK, July 20, 2023 – HP Inc announced full availability of HP SitePrint in the US, Canada, UK and Ireland following a successful Early Access Program with some of the biggest names in construction. HP SitePrint is a robotic solution that prints the most complex construction site layouts with pinpoint accuracy, empowering construction pros with as much as ten times the productivity of manual techniques.^[i]

Autonomous precise layouts

HP SitePrint has been used by General Contractors, Trade Contractors and Geospatial Service Providers on over a hundred projects, across six countries – including the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Spain and Norway. Full case study videos exploring the use of HP SitePrint by Level 5 Drywall Inc. and Greenhatch Group can be viewed here.

“On our first day with the device we did a competition between SitePrint and a manual layout team of four people. The HP solution laid out seven or eight rooms in the time it took the manual team to do two or three!” recalls Gerardo Rivera, COO, L5 Drywall Inc. “Now we can free up resources to start laying out track much earlier, helping move the project forward faster. The accuracy also impressed us. Make a couple of errors during the layout phase and you end up ripping out walls later in the project – eating away at your margin. With HP SitePrint you can help eliminate mistakes and move weeks ahead in your schedule.”

Complex designs and info

A $9.7 trillion-dollar industry, the construction sector represents almost 10% percent of the world’s GDP, meaning its performance has a sizeable impact on the global economy.^[ii] However, the industry faces challenges in productivity and human resourcing. While labor productivity in manufacturing has grown an average 3.6 percent a year over the past two decades, the construction sector has lagged with only a 1 percent increase over the same time period, according to McKinsey.^[iii] Slow adoption of digital technologies compared to other sectors is seen as a key reason for sluggish productivity in construction.

New features further boost productivity  

The HP SitePrint solution has been enhanced with several new hardware and services features, all designed to drive performance and improve workflow:

• Obstacle Avoidance – improved sensors for obstacle detection increase SitePrint’s autonomy when operating onsite, further allowing layout professionals to focus on other tasks while the robot is at work
• New Inks – a range of eight different interchangeable inks improve the versatility of the solution, including three colors (cyan, magenta, black), different compositions that work both on porous and water-proof surfaces, as well as the choice of either permanent or semi-permanent durability. Inks are now delivered via easy to swap in/out cartridges
• Robotic Total Stations – HP SitePrint is now compatible with Leica’s TS16 and iCR80, Trimble’s RTS573 and Topcon’s LN-150 Robotic Total Stations
• Improved Workflows: 
  • The Robotic Total Station set-up process has been integrated into the tablet-operated SitePrint user interface, significantly reducing how long it takes to get a job started
  • Cloud functionalities have been expanded, allowing users to manage the entire layout workflow from virtually anywhere, log support requests, and share CAD documents from design office to job site

Easy management

“We’re thrilled to be making our innovative HP SitePrint solution fully available to customers in the US, Canada, UK and Ireland,” said Daniel Martinez, general manager, HP Large Format Printing. “We’ve successfully demonstrated the ability to radically improve productivity when it comes to the layout process. By digitizing what has long been a manual and time-consuming task, SitePrint makes it faster and easier for construction professionals to bring an idea to life on site, while also providing layout accuracy and reducing costs.”

Availability

HP SitePrint will be commercially available in the US, Canada, UK and Ireland from July 2023. Inquiries can be made via the new website, here.

About HP SitePrint

HP SitePrint is an end-to-end, easy-to-use robotic solution designed to automate the site layout process, consisting of:

• A rugged and autonomous robotic device designed to operate in the conditions of the construction site. Light and compact, it is very transportable, including a hard case that fits all the solution components
• Cloud tools to submit and prepare jobs to be printed, manage the fleet and track usage
• An application for remote control and configuration that can be run on any Wi-Fi-enabled device
• A portfolio of inks for different surfaces, environmental conditions, and durability requirements
• Fully certified – SitePrint is fully compliant with all required safety, electromagnetic (EMC) and sustainability regulations^[iv]

About HP

HP Inc. is a global technology leader and creator of solutions that enable people to bring their ideas to life and connect to the things that matter most. Operating in more than 170 countries, HP delivers a wide range of innovative and sustainable devices, services and subscriptions for personal computing, printing, 3D printing, hybrid work, gaming, and more.

For more information, please visit: http://www.hp.com.

^{[i] Based on data from real customer usage where HP SitePrint was deployed – comparing HP SitePrint’s performance to manual layout techniques used for the very same job, or to the customer’s estimation of the manual layout time/resources needed based on their experience working on similar projects. HP’s data typically finds manual layout methods average between 25m2 and 35m2 covered per hour, with a crew of two people. SitePrint’s performance averages between 180m2 and 300m2, with one operator. Exact improvement results will vary from project to project and can be influenced by multiple factors, such as the line density or the dimensions of the site.}

^{[ii]  Global GDP recorded at $100.218 trillion in 2022. Construction GDP in 2022 recorded as $9.7 trillion by Oxford Economics’: https://www.oxfordeconomics.com/resource/global-construction-futures/#:~:text=Construction%20work%20done%20up%20from,in%20the%20global%20green%20economy.}  

^{[iii] ‘Reinventing construction through a productivity revolution’, https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/operations/our-insights/reinventing-construction-through-a-productivity-revolution}

^{[iv] Safety certifier is TÜV SUD, with the certification marks: TÜV, CE, UKCA. EMC certifier is Applus, with certification marks: FCC, CE, UKCA. Sustainability certifier is EU, with the mark: CE.}

EXTON, PA, July 20, 2023 – Bentley Systems, Inc., the infrastructure engineering software company, announced the date for the release of its second quarter 2023 operating results.

Second Quarter 2023 Operating Results

Bentley Systems will release second quarter 2023 operating results, before the market opens, on Tuesday, August 8, 2023. A live Zoom video webinar of the event can be accessed at 8:15AM EDT that same day through a direct registration link.

About Bentley Systems

Bentley Systems is the infrastructure engineering software company. They provide innovative software to advance the world’s infrastructure – sustaining both the global economy and environment. Their industry-leading software solutions are used by professionals, and organizations of every size, for the design, construction, and operations of roads and bridges, rail and transit, water and wastewater, public works and utilities, buildings and campuses, mining, and industrial facilities. Their offerings, powered by the iTwin Platform for infrastructure digital twins, include MicroStation and Bentley Open applications for modeling and simulation, Seequent’s software for geoprofessionals, and Bentley Infrastructure Cloud encompassing ProjectWise for project delivery, SYNCHRO for construction management, and AssetWise for asset operations. Bentley Systems’ 5,000 colleagues generate annual revenues of more than $1 billion in 194 countries.

For more information, visit www.bentley.com.

LAKE MARY, FL, July 20, 2023 – FARO Technologies, Inc., a global leader in 4D digital reality solutions, today announced that after market close on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, it will release its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2023. In conjunction with the release, management will host a conference call on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, 2023 at 5:00PM ET.

Interested parties can access the conference call by dialing 800-245-3047 (US) or +1 203-518-9765 (International) and using the passcode FARO. To avoid a delay in connecting to the call, please dial in 10 minutes prior to the start time. A live webcast will be available in the Investor Relations section of FARO’s website at: https://www.faro.com/about-faro/investor-relations/events

A replay of the webcast will be available in the Investor Relations section of the company’s website approximately two hours after the conclusion of the call and remain available for approximately 30 calendar days.

About FARO

FARO serves the 3D metrology, AEC (architecture, engineering & construction), O&M (operations & maintenance), and public safety analytics markets. For over 40 years, FARO has been a pioneer in #RealityCapture, bridging the digital and physical worlds through data-driven reliable accuracy, precision, and immediacy, providing industry-leading technology solutions that enable customers to measure their world and use that data to make smarter decisions faster.

For more information, visit www.faro.com.

COLUMBIA, MD, July 19, 2023 – Global design and BIM software provider Vectorworks, Inc. announces it has obtained IFC4 Reference View 1.2 Import Certification (Architectural Reference Exchange) from buildingSMART International (bSI), the worldwide industry body driving the digital transformation of the built asset industry, through the creation and adoption of open, international standards and solutions for infrastructure and buildings.

The Software Certification Program provides validation that Vectorworks’ IFC4 import has been quality-tested against bSI’s robust benchmarks, ensuring that users are consistently sharing the highest quality IFC models with other BIM software products and instilling confidence in the accuracy and credibility of their work.

Supporting IFC4 import and export since 2018, Vectorworks was the first architectural software developer to achieve IFC4 Export Certification in 2019. Now paired with the import certification, it fully meets international standards for openBIM.

“Providing our users with a software platform that continuously delivers innovative efficiencies and collaborative capabilities is a top priority,” said Vectorworks director of product marketing Martyn Horne. “This includes steadfast support of openBIM workflows, and the certification of our IFC4 import further exemplifies our ongoing commitment.”

To learn more about how BIM with Vectorworks Architect can help you to collaborate more seamlessly, visit vectorworks.net/architect/bim.

About Vectorworks, Inc.

Vectorworks, Inc. is an award-winning design and BIM software provider serving the architecture, landscape architecture and entertainment industries in 85 countries. Built with designers in mind since 1985, Vectorworks software offers you the freedom to follow your imagination wherever it leads you. Globally more than 685,000 users are creating, connecting and influencing the next generation of design with Vectorworks on Mac and Windows. Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, with offices in the UK, Canada and Australia, Vectorworks is a part of the Nemetschek Group.

For more information, visit Vectorworks website.

ORLANDO, FL, July 19, 2023 – UES, a national leading engineering and consulting company, has acquired GEO Solutions, a full-service geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing company headquartered in Huntsville, AL.

Founded in 2003 by Brian Cook and William Kennard, P.E., the GEO Solutions team has successfully completed thousands of projects throughout the southeast in both the private and public sectors.  GEO Solution’s laboratory is certified by the US Army Corps of Engineers, ALDOT and AASHTO. Noteworthy GEO Solutions projects include the Bridge Street Town Center, Town Madison, Clift Farm, Village of Providence, United Launch Alliance, The Alabama School for Cyber Technology and Engineering, and the SR255/Blake Bottom Road Interchange.

GEO Solutions joins Contour Engineering, GEOServices, Dan Brown and Associates, and Carmichael Engineering in the Southeast Region of UES, led by David Hesterlee, P.E., president of the Southeast Region. GEO Solutions’ leadership team will continue to operate the day-to-day business. “GEO Solutions further expands the capabilities of our region, and we are excited with the experience and people that GEO Solutions brings to our Southeast team,” said David Hesterlee, P.E.

“We’re proud to announce the expansion of our presence and technical expertise in the Southeast,” said UES CEO Dave Witsken. “GEO Solutions and UES both have built unique cultures that our team members are proud to be a part of, where we can work on exciting projects and ultimately improve the infrastructure and the communities where we live and work. GEO Solutions has a reputation for excellence, dedication, and expertise that aligns well with our culture and vision.”

“We are very excited by this partnership,” said William Kennard, P.E., partner and chief engineer of GEO Solutions. “GEO Solutions can continue to stand out from other consulting firms in the area with access to more personnel, more equipment, and more capabilities. Working in UES and UES’ Southeast Region allows GEO Solutions to continue performing at the highest levels, meeting our clients’ needs and objectives.”

With nearly six decades of experience and recognition as the premier engineering and consulting firm in the geotechnical engineering space, UES is well-positioned to serve the needs of commercial, residential, and civic customers across the country.

Beginning in 2019, UES’ acquisitions have included prominent engineering firms including: Universal Engineering Sciences, GFA International, Inc., NOVA Geotechnical & Inspection Services, Contour Engineering, Wallace-Kuhl & Associates, Construction Testing & Engineering, SUMMIT Engineering, Laboratory & Testing, GEOServices, McGinley & Associates, Geotechnology, Alpha Testing, GSI Engineering, Speedie & Associates, Rock Engineering Testing & Laboratory, Dan Brown and Associates, Carmichael Engineering, Faulkner Engineering Services, Grubbs, Hoskyn, Barton & Wyatt, Riner Engineering, and now GEO Solutions which have made UES one of the largest, most resource-rich organizations of its kind nationwide.

About GEO Solutions  

GEO Solutions is a full-service geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting and materials testing company headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama. Founded in 2003 by Brian Cook and William Kennard, P.E., the GEO Solutions team has been involved in thousands of projects throughout the southeast.  Project work has included airports, bridges, commercial and municipal developments, multi-story structures, highways and roadways, hospital and medical facilities, light and heavy industrial projects, residential developments, water storage tanks, lakes and reservoirs, water and wastewater plants and other public and private works. GEO Solution’s laboratory is certified by the US Army Corps of Engineers, ALDOT and AASHTO.

About UES

UES is a privately held, rapidly growing engineering and consulting firm with nearly six decades of experience in geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, building code compliance, threshold inspections and environmental consulting. With nearly 3,500 professionals across more than 85 branches in high growth markets in the US, UES consults on projects of all sizes for public and private clients across many industries including transportation, healthcare, commercial, education, industrial, and residential. UES was named ‘Hot Firm of the Year’ by Zweig Group for 2021 and 2022.

For more information, please visit teamues.com.

CORK, Ireland, July 18, 2023 – Johnson Controls, the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, has acquired FM:Systems, a leading digital workplace management and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions provider for facilities and real estate professionals. The base purchase price for the transaction is $455 million, plus additional payments to be made subject to the achievement of post-closing earnout milestones.

“FM:Systems’ powerful, predictive workplace management platform will build on our best-in-class building automation services, OpenBlue, to offer a one-stop solution that helps customers accelerate their digital transformation journey, improve building efficiency and reduce operational costs,” said Johnson Controls chairman and CEO George Oliver. “Coupled with our building asset solutions, energy management offerings and global field network, this acquisition further differentiates Johnson Controls’ leadership in the fast-growing segment for autonomous and digitally enabled buildings.”

FM:Systems, headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, and owned by Accel-KKR, has more than 200 employees and 1,200 customers, representing more than 2.4 million users across 80 countries. The company has earned a loyal customer base, achieving a greater than 110% average net revenue retention since 2020. An established leader in the digital workplace solutions industry, FM:Systems has had double-digit revenue growth with gross and operating margins that are accretive to Johnson Controls.

“Workplace management technology is a key enabler in terms of improving operational efficiency, creating safer, healthier and smarter buildings, and supporting sustainability goals. Since our investment in 2017, FM:Systems has become a leader in this space with continued innovation and service excellence, leading to a strong growth profile,” said Dean Jacobson, managing director at Accel-KKR. “We are proud of the success accomplished together with the talented team at FM:Systems, and we are pleased to see how well FM:Systems fits into and expands Johnson Controls OpenBlue digital capabilities in pursuit of a shared vision to lead in the future of autonomous and connected buildings.”

FM:Systems’ innovative software products offer a range of solutions to make workspaces smarter, like space-scenario planning, asset management and facilities maintenance, supported by security protocols, floor plan scenario modeling, bi-direction integration with AutoCAD and Revit models, and advanced workplace analytics capabilities. Improving the experience of everyone inside, from visitors to occupants to building managers, its powerful sensors and analytics can help portfolio managers optimize space, realize greater cost savings, and help manage and report on indoor air and other environmental data in facilities as diverse as commercial real estate, hospitals, universities, and government buildings.

FM:Systems’ capabilities will further strengthen Johnson Controls OpenBlue suite of software, which uses cutting-edge artificial intelligence and digital twin technologies to improve building performance, while making buildings smarter and healthier for the planet. Buildings collectively account for nearly 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The added expertise of FM:Systems will accelerate Johnson Controls’ leadership in net zero building technologies globally, while strengthening long-term relationships with existing customers and creating new opportunities to meet demand in the fast-growing smart building segment.

FM:Systems CEO and Chairman Kurt von Koch will join Johnson Controls’ digital business in a leadership role.

The acquisition is not expected to impact Johnson Controls’ 2023 fiscal year financial outlook.

Centerview Partners LLC served as exclusive financial advisor and Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP served as legal advisor to Johnson Controls on the transaction. Moelis & Company LLC and Raymond James acted as financial advisors, and Goodwin Procter as legal advisor to FM:Systems.

About Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls is the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings. Building on a proud history of nearly 140 years of innovation, they deliver the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, manufacturing and beyond through OpenBlue, their comprehensive digital offering.

Today, with a global team of 100,000 experts in more than 150 countries, Johnson Controls offers the world`s largest portfolio of building technology and software as well as service solutions from some of the most trusted names in the industry.

Visit www.johnsoncontrols.com for more information.

About FM:Systems

FM:Systems’ all-in-one workplace management platform helps more than 1,200 of the world’s largest organizations access, manage and measure every aspect of their real estate portfolio. With the most complete range of intuitive and scalable space management, hybrid work, workplace analytics and smart sensor solutions, FM:Systems helps customers gain the data-backed clarity and vision necessary to make strategic real estate decisions and deliver high-performance workplaces today and long into the future.