Pennsylvania to Engage MATECH'S EFS Technology
| eröffnet am: | 02.03.07 09:55 von: | TradingAsket |
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02.03.07 09:55
#1
TradingAsket
Pennsylvania to Engage MATECH'S EFS Technology
Pennsylvania to Engage MATECH'S Patented EFS Technology to Find Growing Fatigue Cracks in Highway Bridges
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/070228/law065.html?.v=95
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Material Technologies, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: MTTG - News; "MATECH") announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), following MATECH's successful non- destructive testing of three bridges in Pennsylvania at their request, has prepared an on-call contract with MATECH for the entire state.
PennDOT had engaged MATECH to use its Electrochemical Fatigue Sensor(TM) (EFS) for special inspections of the three bridges, each of which were part of interstate highways in diverse areas of the State.
At a meeting late last year with PennDOT to discuss the results of these inspections, the officials were so impressed with the work and the cost effectiveness of the results that they ordered an on-call contract with MATECH for the entire state. With only inspecting three bridges in the state, they believe MATECH has already saved them on the order of $50,000, and most likely avoided the closure of one of their main bridges (saving even more money and potentially the lives of their citizens). Because the EFS can find growing cracks and an indication of their rate of growth, PennDOT told MATECH they can sleep better at night knowing if a known crack is growing or not.
MATECH's Electrochemical Fatigue Sensor (EFS) technology can find growing cracks in the bridges, including cracks below the surface, as small as 0.01 inches. This critical information will allow the State's bridge engineers to fix the specific bridges in most need of repair. Using EFS, the engineers will also be able to verify that repairs are effective in halting further fatigue crack growth, by determining that previously repaired fatigue cracks are no longer growing. Being able to prioritize needed repairs, the State can realize significant cost savings. It can also repair the most critical bridges sooner, eliminating the need to restrict the weights of some trucks and most important, minimizing adverse economic impacts.
MATECH has recently received a great deal of interest from federal and state agencies, following the passage of the $286 billion Federal Transportation Bill, which included funds to help states evaluate nondestructive methods such as EFS to detect growing fatigue cracks in steel bridges.
MATECH CEO Robert M. Bernstein commented: "We are extremely pleased that ten years of diligent research has finally allowed us to take the company to the next level, and we are confident that this should be the first of many revenue streams to come. The State of Pennsylvania alone has 3500 steel bridges, of which 1/2 must be inspected every year. This could lead to a very substantial annual contract in Pennsylvania."
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/070228/law065.html?.v=95
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Material Technologies, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: MTTG - News; "MATECH") announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), following MATECH's successful non- destructive testing of three bridges in Pennsylvania at their request, has prepared an on-call contract with MATECH for the entire state.
PennDOT had engaged MATECH to use its Electrochemical Fatigue Sensor(TM) (EFS) for special inspections of the three bridges, each of which were part of interstate highways in diverse areas of the State.
At a meeting late last year with PennDOT to discuss the results of these inspections, the officials were so impressed with the work and the cost effectiveness of the results that they ordered an on-call contract with MATECH for the entire state. With only inspecting three bridges in the state, they believe MATECH has already saved them on the order of $50,000, and most likely avoided the closure of one of their main bridges (saving even more money and potentially the lives of their citizens). Because the EFS can find growing cracks and an indication of their rate of growth, PennDOT told MATECH they can sleep better at night knowing if a known crack is growing or not.
MATECH's Electrochemical Fatigue Sensor (EFS) technology can find growing cracks in the bridges, including cracks below the surface, as small as 0.01 inches. This critical information will allow the State's bridge engineers to fix the specific bridges in most need of repair. Using EFS, the engineers will also be able to verify that repairs are effective in halting further fatigue crack growth, by determining that previously repaired fatigue cracks are no longer growing. Being able to prioritize needed repairs, the State can realize significant cost savings. It can also repair the most critical bridges sooner, eliminating the need to restrict the weights of some trucks and most important, minimizing adverse economic impacts.
MATECH has recently received a great deal of interest from federal and state agencies, following the passage of the $286 billion Federal Transportation Bill, which included funds to help states evaluate nondestructive methods such as EFS to detect growing fatigue cracks in steel bridges.
MATECH CEO Robert M. Bernstein commented: "We are extremely pleased that ten years of diligent research has finally allowed us to take the company to the next level, and we are confident that this should be the first of many revenue streams to come. The State of Pennsylvania alone has 3500 steel bridges, of which 1/2 must be inspected every year. This could lead to a very substantial annual contract in Pennsylvania."
11 Postings ausgeblendet.
24.07.07 15:59
#13
TradingAsket
Appoints Marybeth Miceli To Chief Operating Office
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/070724/20070724005644.html?.v=1
Material Technologies, Inc. Appoints Marybeth Miceli To Chief Operating Officer
Tuesday July 24, 8:25 am ET
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Material Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: MTTG - News), an engineering and product/service company specializing in technologies that monitor and measure metal fatigue, has appointed Marybeth Miceli to Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective immediately.
Ms. Miceli has been a consultant to Material Technologies for the past six years, and has twelve years of experience in engineering and nondestructive evaluation. She was formerly the Director of Infrastructure Engineering and Marketing for Sam Schwartz, PLLC, Engineering and Planning Consultants in New York City. She served the company in both rolls for two years. Prior to that, she was with Lucius Pitkin, Inc. Engineering Consultants of New York, where her positions included Materials Engineer, Quality Assurance Manager and Assistant Radiation Safety Officer. Among her duties was the supervision and performance of failure analysis investigations, fatigue testing investigations, and interfacing with government agencies on testing, regulations, and safety. She is a graduate of the Whiting School of Engineering at The Johns Hopkins University and holds a Masters in Science in Materials Science and Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute.
"I am honored to have Marybeth Miceli join us as Chief Operating Office," said Robert M. Bernstein, Material Technologies' Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. He continued, "Marybeth's wealth of experience and extraordinary passion for her work is vital for the advancement of Material Technologies. Her past work as a consultant for the Company over the last six years has demonstrated her unique abilities. We firmly believe she is the leading expert and the perfect candidate for this job."
Marybeth is a candidate for the international Board of Directors of the American Society of Nondestructive Testing, serves on a number of national committees and councils and has previously served as the 2004 and 2005 Chairman of the Metro NY/NJ Chapter. She was also named as the Young NDT Professional of the Year in 2004. Ms. Miceli is an active member of ASCE and WTS as well. She has published numerous papers on nondestructive testing of bridge components and other related subjects.
Material Technologies, Inc. Appoints Marybeth Miceli To Chief Operating Officer
Tuesday July 24, 8:25 am ET
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Material Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: MTTG - News), an engineering and product/service company specializing in technologies that monitor and measure metal fatigue, has appointed Marybeth Miceli to Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective immediately.
Ms. Miceli has been a consultant to Material Technologies for the past six years, and has twelve years of experience in engineering and nondestructive evaluation. She was formerly the Director of Infrastructure Engineering and Marketing for Sam Schwartz, PLLC, Engineering and Planning Consultants in New York City. She served the company in both rolls for two years. Prior to that, she was with Lucius Pitkin, Inc. Engineering Consultants of New York, where her positions included Materials Engineer, Quality Assurance Manager and Assistant Radiation Safety Officer. Among her duties was the supervision and performance of failure analysis investigations, fatigue testing investigations, and interfacing with government agencies on testing, regulations, and safety. She is a graduate of the Whiting School of Engineering at The Johns Hopkins University and holds a Masters in Science in Materials Science and Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute.
"I am honored to have Marybeth Miceli join us as Chief Operating Office," said Robert M. Bernstein, Material Technologies' Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. He continued, "Marybeth's wealth of experience and extraordinary passion for her work is vital for the advancement of Material Technologies. Her past work as a consultant for the Company over the last six years has demonstrated her unique abilities. We firmly believe she is the leading expert and the perfect candidate for this job."
Marybeth is a candidate for the international Board of Directors of the American Society of Nondestructive Testing, serves on a number of national committees and councils and has previously served as the 2004 and 2005 Chairman of the Metro NY/NJ Chapter. She was also named as the Young NDT Professional of the Year in 2004. Ms. Miceli is an active member of ASCE and WTS as well. She has published numerous papers on nondestructive testing of bridge components and other related subjects.
24.07.07 16:26
#14
TradingAsket
Interview mit CEO Robert Bernstein bei MN1
http://files.mn1.com/mp3/MTTG_071307.mp3
02.08.07 11:14
#15
TradingAsket
Bridge failure occurs once a week on average in US
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/070802/20070801006542.html?.v=1
Material Technologies' Electrochemical Fatigue Sensor (EFS) and Fatigue Fuse Can Determine Actively Growing Cracks in Bridges and Continuously Monitor Accumulated Fatigue in Real-Time
Thursday August 2, 12:45 am ET
Expert Opinion on River I-35 Bridge Collapse in Minneapolis Available from Material Technologies, Inc.
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Material Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: MTTG - News) has the only nondestructive field testing device able to find growing cracks in bridge structural members as small as 0.01 inches in length and some non-surface breaking cracks - critical information that allows structural engineers to isolate and repair steel bridges in the U.S.; competing technologies do not detect crack growth.
Material Technologies, Inc.'s Electrochemical Fatigue Sensor (EFS) is a nondestructive crack inspection technology, similar in concept to a medical EKG. It can be used to determine if actively growing fatigue cracks are present. An EFS sensor is first applied to the fatigue sensitive location on the bridge or metal structure, and then is injected with an electrolyte at which point a small voltage is applied. The system subsequently monitors changes in the current response that results from the exposure of fresh steel during crack propagation. The EFS system consists of an electrolyte, a sensor array and potentiostat for applying a constant polarizing voltage between the bridge and sensor, as well as data collection and analysis software. The current response from the sensor array, which consists of a crack measurement sensor and a reference sensor, are collected, analyzed and compared with the system software. An algorithm, specifically written for this system, automatically indicates the level of fatigue crack activity at the inspection location.
Benefits:
- Replaces "wait-and-see" approach by allowing immediate detection of growing cracks at known and unknown locations, as well as at repairs
- Increases the safety of the infrastructure and the efficiency of bridge management through better and more timely fatigue crack detection
- More accurate assessment of condition ratings - extends the life of the structure through early identification and repair of growing cracks
- Determines which cracks need immediate attention and which repairs can be deferred or eliminated; helps bridge owners utilize repair and rehabilitation funds more effectively
- Repairs/retrofits can be verified immediately - no re-inspection needed
Fatigue Fuse - a sensor that continuously monitors accumulated fatigue in real time. Each sensor, which is comprised of several notched metal strips, is adhered to certain "high-stress" areas of a metal structure. As the structure experiences varying stresses and strains, individual notches crack and separate at calibrated fractions, thereby indicating the amount of fatigue life remaining.
Robert M. Bernstein, CEO, of Material Technologies commented on the River I-35 bridge collapse tragedy in Minneapolis saying: "A recent AP article stated that the May 2006 evaluation of the I-35 bridge recommended monitoring of 'fatigue cracking' on the bridge's girders. This type of tragedy can be prevented. The visual inspection techniques that are the industry standard for evaluating fatigue and cracks are simply not adequate. Our EFS and Fatigue Fuse technologies are relatively inexpensive and efficient ways to monitor growing crack issues in real-time."
Bridging the Facts
- Fatigue is one of the leading causes of bridge structural problems
- All 600,000 bridges listed in the National Bridge Inventory (NBI) require biennial inspection, as mandated by National Bridge Inspection Standards
- Approximately $400 million is spent annually on inspection of small- to medium-size steel bridges.
- Visual Inspection is the most used inspection method, and according to the Federal Highway Association, about 90% of fatigue cracks are missed during visual inspections
- A bridge failure (closure/ collapse) occurs once a week on average in the US - causing highway congestion, which ultimately affects economic productivity
- Average age of a bridge is greater than 50 years old - most bridges in the US are designed for a 50-year life
- 26% of U.S. bridges are not designed to handle current traffic levels or need major repairs; among the 11 Northeastern states, 39% of bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete (The Road Information Program®, TRIP, 2005)
Material Technologies' Electrochemical Fatigue Sensor (EFS) and Fatigue Fuse Can Determine Actively Growing Cracks in Bridges and Continuously Monitor Accumulated Fatigue in Real-Time
Thursday August 2, 12:45 am ET
Expert Opinion on River I-35 Bridge Collapse in Minneapolis Available from Material Technologies, Inc.
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Material Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: MTTG - News) has the only nondestructive field testing device able to find growing cracks in bridge structural members as small as 0.01 inches in length and some non-surface breaking cracks - critical information that allows structural engineers to isolate and repair steel bridges in the U.S.; competing technologies do not detect crack growth.
Material Technologies, Inc.'s Electrochemical Fatigue Sensor (EFS) is a nondestructive crack inspection technology, similar in concept to a medical EKG. It can be used to determine if actively growing fatigue cracks are present. An EFS sensor is first applied to the fatigue sensitive location on the bridge or metal structure, and then is injected with an electrolyte at which point a small voltage is applied. The system subsequently monitors changes in the current response that results from the exposure of fresh steel during crack propagation. The EFS system consists of an electrolyte, a sensor array and potentiostat for applying a constant polarizing voltage between the bridge and sensor, as well as data collection and analysis software. The current response from the sensor array, which consists of a crack measurement sensor and a reference sensor, are collected, analyzed and compared with the system software. An algorithm, specifically written for this system, automatically indicates the level of fatigue crack activity at the inspection location.
Benefits:
- Replaces "wait-and-see" approach by allowing immediate detection of growing cracks at known and unknown locations, as well as at repairs
- Increases the safety of the infrastructure and the efficiency of bridge management through better and more timely fatigue crack detection
- More accurate assessment of condition ratings - extends the life of the structure through early identification and repair of growing cracks
- Determines which cracks need immediate attention and which repairs can be deferred or eliminated; helps bridge owners utilize repair and rehabilitation funds more effectively
- Repairs/retrofits can be verified immediately - no re-inspection needed
Fatigue Fuse - a sensor that continuously monitors accumulated fatigue in real time. Each sensor, which is comprised of several notched metal strips, is adhered to certain "high-stress" areas of a metal structure. As the structure experiences varying stresses and strains, individual notches crack and separate at calibrated fractions, thereby indicating the amount of fatigue life remaining.
Robert M. Bernstein, CEO, of Material Technologies commented on the River I-35 bridge collapse tragedy in Minneapolis saying: "A recent AP article stated that the May 2006 evaluation of the I-35 bridge recommended monitoring of 'fatigue cracking' on the bridge's girders. This type of tragedy can be prevented. The visual inspection techniques that are the industry standard for evaluating fatigue and cracks are simply not adequate. Our EFS and Fatigue Fuse technologies are relatively inexpensive and efficient ways to monitor growing crack issues in real-time."
Bridging the Facts
- Fatigue is one of the leading causes of bridge structural problems
- All 600,000 bridges listed in the National Bridge Inventory (NBI) require biennial inspection, as mandated by National Bridge Inspection Standards
- Approximately $400 million is spent annually on inspection of small- to medium-size steel bridges.
- Visual Inspection is the most used inspection method, and according to the Federal Highway Association, about 90% of fatigue cracks are missed during visual inspections
- A bridge failure (closure/ collapse) occurs once a week on average in the US - causing highway congestion, which ultimately affects economic productivity
- Average age of a bridge is greater than 50 years old - most bridges in the US are designed for a 50-year life
- 26% of U.S. bridges are not designed to handle current traffic levels or need major repairs; among the 11 Northeastern states, 39% of bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete (The Road Information Program®, TRIP, 2005)
02.08.07 11:28
#16
TradingAsket
Chief Engineer Comments on Bridge Disaster for Fox
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/070802/20070801006545.html?.v=1
Material Technologies Chief Engineer Comments on Bridge Disaster for Fox News, Notes Widespread Bridge Infrastructure Problem in U.S.
Thursday August 2, 12:53 am ET
LOS ANGELES & MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Brent Phares, Ph.D., Chief Engineer of Material Technologies Inc., (OTCBB:MTTG - News), a developer of advanced technology to monitor and measure metal fatigue, commented on today's highway bridge collapse in Minneapolis, calling the disaster a sign of America's widespread problem with its aging infrastructure. Company Chief Engineer Brent Phares made his comments during and after an interview Wednesday night on Fox News at 11:00 PM ET.
Phares said it is too early to tell exactly what caused Minnesota DOT Bridge 9340, which carries Interstate 35 W over the Mississippi River just east of downtown Minneapolis, to collapse suddenly during rush hour. But he pointed out that the bridge was 40 years old and was built at a time when vehicular traffic and weights were much less than they are today and at a time when bridge steels and redundancy where not at today's standards. At the time of the collapse, trucks, buses and passenger vehicles were bumper-to-bumper on the bridge. The bridge also had fatigue-susceptible details which were difficult to inspect.
"Our first thoughts after this horrific event must go toward the injured, the families of the victims and the heroic people who have worked to save lives at the disaster scene and at hospitals," Phares said today. "As authorities analyze the collapse and determine its cause, however, they will have to come to terms with the fact that bridge failures are not isolated, rare events, and that the risk of new tragedies from unseen metal fatigue inevitably grows as steel bridges age. There is a growing, urgent need to inspect bridges with the most advanced technology in order to prevent more tragedies like today's collapse."
Phares noted the following facts about bridges in the U.S.:
- Visual inspection is the primary method of checking bridges for possible metal fatigue and potential catastrophic failure.
- One study by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) found that over 90% of fatigue cracks were missed with visual inspection.
- Of all the methods (visual and non-visual) used to detect cracks, only Material Technologies' Electrochemical Fatigue Sensor system can determine whether the cracks are growing. EFS can determine not only whether cracks are growing but whether they are growing slowly or rapidly.
- Over the past 10 years, on average, there have been one bridge failure in the U.S. every week.
According to federal data, 39% of the bridges in the U.S. are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete
- Federal law mandates that bridges over 20 feet long be inspected every other year, but it does not require any particular method of inspection.
- SAFETEA-LU, the federal transportation bill currently in effect, mandated that the FHWA carry out a program to identify technologies that detect growing fatigue cracks in bridges. Material Technologies' EFS is part of that program and already has been used in Pennsylvania. It also has been used in New Jersey, Massachusetts and Utah. Overseas, bridge owners in Australia, the U.K. and elsewhere have shown interest in deployment of the EFS in the near future.
Material Technologies Chief Engineer Comments on Bridge Disaster for Fox News, Notes Widespread Bridge Infrastructure Problem in U.S.
Thursday August 2, 12:53 am ET
LOS ANGELES & MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Brent Phares, Ph.D., Chief Engineer of Material Technologies Inc., (OTCBB:MTTG - News), a developer of advanced technology to monitor and measure metal fatigue, commented on today's highway bridge collapse in Minneapolis, calling the disaster a sign of America's widespread problem with its aging infrastructure. Company Chief Engineer Brent Phares made his comments during and after an interview Wednesday night on Fox News at 11:00 PM ET.
Phares said it is too early to tell exactly what caused Minnesota DOT Bridge 9340, which carries Interstate 35 W over the Mississippi River just east of downtown Minneapolis, to collapse suddenly during rush hour. But he pointed out that the bridge was 40 years old and was built at a time when vehicular traffic and weights were much less than they are today and at a time when bridge steels and redundancy where not at today's standards. At the time of the collapse, trucks, buses and passenger vehicles were bumper-to-bumper on the bridge. The bridge also had fatigue-susceptible details which were difficult to inspect.
"Our first thoughts after this horrific event must go toward the injured, the families of the victims and the heroic people who have worked to save lives at the disaster scene and at hospitals," Phares said today. "As authorities analyze the collapse and determine its cause, however, they will have to come to terms with the fact that bridge failures are not isolated, rare events, and that the risk of new tragedies from unseen metal fatigue inevitably grows as steel bridges age. There is a growing, urgent need to inspect bridges with the most advanced technology in order to prevent more tragedies like today's collapse."
Phares noted the following facts about bridges in the U.S.:
- Visual inspection is the primary method of checking bridges for possible metal fatigue and potential catastrophic failure.
- One study by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) found that over 90% of fatigue cracks were missed with visual inspection.
- Of all the methods (visual and non-visual) used to detect cracks, only Material Technologies' Electrochemical Fatigue Sensor system can determine whether the cracks are growing. EFS can determine not only whether cracks are growing but whether they are growing slowly or rapidly.
- Over the past 10 years, on average, there have been one bridge failure in the U.S. every week.
According to federal data, 39% of the bridges in the U.S. are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete
- Federal law mandates that bridges over 20 feet long be inspected every other year, but it does not require any particular method of inspection.
- SAFETEA-LU, the federal transportation bill currently in effect, mandated that the FHWA carry out a program to identify technologies that detect growing fatigue cracks in bridges. Material Technologies' EFS is part of that program and already has been used in Pennsylvania. It also has been used in New Jersey, Massachusetts and Utah. Overseas, bridge owners in Australia, the U.K. and elsewhere have shown interest in deployment of the EFS in the near future.
03.08.07 22:31
#17
TradingAsket
European Institutional Investors Exercise Warrants
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/070803/20070803005610.html?.v=1
Material Technologies Inc. Receives Capital Boost as European Institutional Investors Exercise Warrants
Friday August 3, 4:15 pm ET
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Material Technologies Inc. (OTCBB: MTTG - News), a developer of advanced technology to monitor and measure metal fatigue, today reported that its European institutional investors have committed more capital by exercising warrants from a round of equity financing arranged earlier this year through Continental Advisors SA of Luxembourg.
The investors include leading firms Julius Baer Asset Management of Zurich, Switzerland, and Anima Funds of Milan, Italy. Fund managers cited the potential of Material Technologies' EFS technology to detect cracks in aging bridges and infrastructure in the U.S. and Europe. EFS best utilizes bridge and rail maintenance funds by finding cracks early on, so that they can be repaired quickly and inexpensively before a failure is imminent.
"Once a competitive advantage, the U.S. infrastructure from roads and bridges to pipelines and sewage is becoming a growing liability and a new focus for the government. Material Technologies is favorably positioned to benefit from this renewed spending cycle," said Alexander Shalash, Executive Director and fund manager for Julius Baer Asset Management.
Materials Technologies now has the necessary capital to continue its expansion and marketing campaign to further add municipalities, states and countries in need of disaster-averting EFS technology to the list of its clients.
"This decision by high-profile money managers to commit significant new equity capital is a strong vote of confidence for the future of this company and of its technology," said Material Technologies CEO Robert M. Bernstein. "It enables us to meet our capital needs for the foreseeable future, and it recognizes the potential demand for EFS technology, especially amid safety concerns that have been heightened by this week's bridge collapse in Minnesota."
Material Technologies Inc. Receives Capital Boost as European Institutional Investors Exercise Warrants
Friday August 3, 4:15 pm ET
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Material Technologies Inc. (OTCBB: MTTG - News), a developer of advanced technology to monitor and measure metal fatigue, today reported that its European institutional investors have committed more capital by exercising warrants from a round of equity financing arranged earlier this year through Continental Advisors SA of Luxembourg.
The investors include leading firms Julius Baer Asset Management of Zurich, Switzerland, and Anima Funds of Milan, Italy. Fund managers cited the potential of Material Technologies' EFS technology to detect cracks in aging bridges and infrastructure in the U.S. and Europe. EFS best utilizes bridge and rail maintenance funds by finding cracks early on, so that they can be repaired quickly and inexpensively before a failure is imminent.
"Once a competitive advantage, the U.S. infrastructure from roads and bridges to pipelines and sewage is becoming a growing liability and a new focus for the government. Material Technologies is favorably positioned to benefit from this renewed spending cycle," said Alexander Shalash, Executive Director and fund manager for Julius Baer Asset Management.
Materials Technologies now has the necessary capital to continue its expansion and marketing campaign to further add municipalities, states and countries in need of disaster-averting EFS technology to the list of its clients.
"This decision by high-profile money managers to commit significant new equity capital is a strong vote of confidence for the future of this company and of its technology," said Material Technologies CEO Robert M. Bernstein. "It enables us to meet our capital needs for the foreseeable future, and it recognizes the potential demand for EFS technology, especially amid safety concerns that have been heightened by this week's bridge collapse in Minnesota."
08.08.07 16:53
#18
TradingAsket
National Media Coverage Following Bridge Collapse
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/070808/20070808005220.html?.v=1
Material Technologies' Work Achieves National Media Coverage Following Bridge Collapse Tragedy
In Aftermath of Minneapolis Bridge Collapse, Company Reiterates its Mission to Provide Cost-Effective, Technologically Advanced and Accurate System for Detecting Growing Cracks in Steel to Help Prevent Future Bridge Collapses
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Material Technologies, Inc. (OTC BB: MTTG - News) has received extensive national print and broadcast media coverage in the past week as news media outlets have called on the expertise of company management to explain the reasons for the tragic I-35 bridge collapse.
Among the national broadcast news programs and stations which featured Company management were "CBS Evening News with Katie Couric," MSNBC, ABC, CNN and several programs on Fox News Channel including, "The O'Reilly Factor," "Fox and Friends," FOX News, "The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet" and WNYW Fox 5's "Good Day New York" and 48 other broadcast media outlets nationwide. Print coverage included Newsday, The New York Daily News, The Toronto Star and Electronic Engineering Times.
"The tragedy in Minneapolis has clearly demonstrated that without a technologically advanced and accurate system for finding cracks in metal, these cracks will inevitably spread, leading to a serious undermining of highway safety and unnecessary loss of lives," said Robert M. Bernstein, CEO of Material Technologies. "We have developed an effective method to pinpoint growing cracks as small as .01 inches, and we've shown that a simple inspection using our system is worth millions of dollars and will save lives." The EFS (Electrochemical Fatigue Sensor) he noted, measures the activity of growing cracks in metal bridges during ordinary traffic conditions, similar to the way an EKG monitors a heart.
Mr. Bernstein said visual inspection is the primary method of checking bridges for possible metal fatigue and potential catastrophic failure, noting that the Federal Highway Administration found that over 90% of the fatigue cracks were missed with visual inspection. "Material Technologies' EFS system is the only one that can determine not only whether cracks are growing, but also if they are growing slowly or rapidly, and whether these cracks pose an immediate threat," Mr. Bernstein stated.
Material Technologies' Work Achieves National Media Coverage Following Bridge Collapse Tragedy
In Aftermath of Minneapolis Bridge Collapse, Company Reiterates its Mission to Provide Cost-Effective, Technologically Advanced and Accurate System for Detecting Growing Cracks in Steel to Help Prevent Future Bridge Collapses
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Material Technologies, Inc. (OTC BB: MTTG - News) has received extensive national print and broadcast media coverage in the past week as news media outlets have called on the expertise of company management to explain the reasons for the tragic I-35 bridge collapse.
Among the national broadcast news programs and stations which featured Company management were "CBS Evening News with Katie Couric," MSNBC, ABC, CNN and several programs on Fox News Channel including, "The O'Reilly Factor," "Fox and Friends," FOX News, "The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet" and WNYW Fox 5's "Good Day New York" and 48 other broadcast media outlets nationwide. Print coverage included Newsday, The New York Daily News, The Toronto Star and Electronic Engineering Times.
"The tragedy in Minneapolis has clearly demonstrated that without a technologically advanced and accurate system for finding cracks in metal, these cracks will inevitably spread, leading to a serious undermining of highway safety and unnecessary loss of lives," said Robert M. Bernstein, CEO of Material Technologies. "We have developed an effective method to pinpoint growing cracks as small as .01 inches, and we've shown that a simple inspection using our system is worth millions of dollars and will save lives." The EFS (Electrochemical Fatigue Sensor) he noted, measures the activity of growing cracks in metal bridges during ordinary traffic conditions, similar to the way an EKG monitors a heart.
Mr. Bernstein said visual inspection is the primary method of checking bridges for possible metal fatigue and potential catastrophic failure, noting that the Federal Highway Administration found that over 90% of the fatigue cracks were missed with visual inspection. "Material Technologies' EFS system is the only one that can determine not only whether cracks are growing, but also if they are growing slowly or rapidly, and whether these cracks pose an immediate threat," Mr. Bernstein stated.
09.08.07 14:32
#19
TradingAsket
Dije USA im Kampf mit ihrer Infrastruktur
http://www.welt.de/welt_print/article1091947/American_Frontiers.html
LEITARTIKEL
American Frontiers
Amerika sei ein "erstaunliches Land, in dem es der erste Instinkt der Menschen ist, Leben zu retten". So rühmte George W. Bush in Minneapolis einen der Retter der Schulkinder von der gefallenen Brücke. Niemand wird dem Präsidenten widersprechen, auch wenn es der zweite Instinkt des Helden gewesen wäre. Amerikaner können in Krisen fabelhaft sein. Nicht minder staunen machen können jeden, der am Alltag der Vereinigten Staaten teilnimmt, Gleichgültigkeit und Gleichmut, mit denen eine heikle Koexistenz von Allererster und Dritter Welt, von Hightech und Hinterwäldlertum in der eigenen Infrastruktur hingenommen wird. Was immer den Einsturz der Brücke verursacht hat - die Rede ist von zu schwerem Ausbesserungsmaterial bei zu geringer statischer Redundanz -, das wahre Wunder ist, wie gelassen Amerika mit seinen Zeitbomben lebt.
Inzwischen kennt jeder den Bericht des Ingenieurverbandes, der American Society of Civil Engineers, der 2005 der Infrastruktur des Landes, von Dämmen, Deichen, Brücken, Straßen, Flughäfen, schiffbaren Flüssen bis zur Sicherheit von Müllbeseitigung und Trinkwassergüte, ein erschreckend schlechtes Zeugnis ausstellte. Mehr als ein Viertel der 590 000 Brücken in den USA wurden als "strukturell mangelhaft" oder "funktionell obsolet" eingestuft. Was reparaturbedürftig bedeutet, noch nicht einsturzgefährdet. Ein Gutteil dieser Brücken wurde in den 1950er und 1960er-Jahren gebaut, mit wenig Stahl und wenig Geld, für ein Verkehrsaufkommen, das nach Gewicht und Zahl einer Pferdekutschenidylle näher war als dem Schwerstverkehr von heute. Selbst das Inspektionssystem gleiche, so ein Kritiker, einem Arzt, der Patienten ohne Stethoskop und Blutdruckmesser untersuche. Für Ultraschall- und Röntgenprüfungen fehle es an Geld, heißt es. Mehr noch an politischem Willen. Neue Infrastrukturprojekte machen sich im Wahlkreis besser als die Sicherung maroder Systeme, die niemand wahrnimmt. Infrastruktur ist Luft, durchsichtig, bis zum Störfall. Bis Menschen sterben.
Was so entsteht, ist, mit den Worten des Direktors des Ingenieurverbands, eine "Flickwerkmentalität". Je älter die Städte, je früher U-Bahnen, Wasser, Strom, Telekomunikation in die Erde kamen, desto beklagenswerter ist ihr Zustand heute. Amerika zahlt auf paradoxe Weise dafür, der Zeit im späten 19. und frühen 20. Jahrhundert technisch voraus gewesen zu sein. Auch für seine Verschonung von Krieg und Zerstörung. Mit dem Wildwuchs der Metropolen ("sprawl") entstand das wuchernde Suburbia, dessen Systeme so überfordert sind, dass es bei Gewittern oft genug in Verdunkelung und in Überschwemmung sinkt. Mit engelhafter Geduld oder Fatalismus nehmen Amerikaner selbst in sündhaft teuren Vororten ihre "powercuts" hin, warten lange auf die Beseitigung umstürzender Bäume und Telefonmasten. Mit ähnlicher Grandezza werden über viele Wochen Schlaglöcher in Straßen hingenommen, die Radfahrer den Hals und Autos die Achsen kosten können. In Manhattan lenkte ein explodierender Geysir Mitte Juli die Aufmerksamkeit auf ein Dampfrohrsystem aus den 1920er-Jahren. Inspekteure haben nicht die Mittel, drohende Lecks zu finden. Die New Yorker halten sich die Daumen.
Man muss das klaglose Gottvertrauen, mit dem Amerikaner ihre von Tornados verwüsteten Leichtbauhäuser wieder aufbauen, ebenso bewundern wie die Disziplin, mit der Fluggäste Stunden an Flugsteigen oder gar auf dem Flugfeld in gestrandeten Maschinen ausharren. Man kann sich jedoch auch fragen, ob eine Nation, die sich viel auf zupackenden Gründergeist zugute hält, auf befreite Völker, gewonnene Kriege, eroberten Weltraum, im eigenen Land ihren Schneid verloren hat. Eine Viertelmilliarde Steuermittel erhielten die Bundesstaaten vor zwei Jahren für Verkehrsprojekte. Wie viel davon in Lieblingsspeckprojekten von Politikern verschwand, weiß niemand. Amerika sei eine "Can't-do-Nation" ohne Know-how und Courage geworden, ihre eigenen Bürger zu schützen oder zu retten, schrieb die "Washington Post" nach dem Brückensturz. Auch mit Blick auf die tödliche Lähmung in New Orleans nach dem Hurrikan "Katrina" vor zwei Jahren: "Eine Supermacht, die ihre Schuhe nicht binden kann."
Übersteigertes Flagellantentum? Alles halb so schlimm? Manche machen die Bush-Regierungen verantwortlich, die über ihre Fixierung auf den Anti-Terror-Krieg den Kampf gegen Materialermüdung daheim verliere. Andere sagen, zu viel Outsourcing, Steuergeschenke, Misstrauen gegen Bundesbehörden hätten das Land innen geschwächt. "Als Amerikaner finden wir immer einen Weg, unsere Probleme zu lösen." Daran glaubten 2002 noch 74 Prozent, in diesem Jahr sind es nur mehr 58 Prozent. Amerika verliert Selbstvertrauen und viel Geld, indem es nicht genug in sich selbst investiert. Die Börse sieht das kalt. Am Tag nach dem Brückenfall stiegen Aktien von Unternehmen, die am Infrastrukturwandel verdienen würden, um vier Prozent. Die Frontier, die es zurückzuerobern gilt, liegt in Amerika. Überall.
LEITARTIKEL
American Frontiers
Amerika sei ein "erstaunliches Land, in dem es der erste Instinkt der Menschen ist, Leben zu retten". So rühmte George W. Bush in Minneapolis einen der Retter der Schulkinder von der gefallenen Brücke. Niemand wird dem Präsidenten widersprechen, auch wenn es der zweite Instinkt des Helden gewesen wäre. Amerikaner können in Krisen fabelhaft sein. Nicht minder staunen machen können jeden, der am Alltag der Vereinigten Staaten teilnimmt, Gleichgültigkeit und Gleichmut, mit denen eine heikle Koexistenz von Allererster und Dritter Welt, von Hightech und Hinterwäldlertum in der eigenen Infrastruktur hingenommen wird. Was immer den Einsturz der Brücke verursacht hat - die Rede ist von zu schwerem Ausbesserungsmaterial bei zu geringer statischer Redundanz -, das wahre Wunder ist, wie gelassen Amerika mit seinen Zeitbomben lebt.
Inzwischen kennt jeder den Bericht des Ingenieurverbandes, der American Society of Civil Engineers, der 2005 der Infrastruktur des Landes, von Dämmen, Deichen, Brücken, Straßen, Flughäfen, schiffbaren Flüssen bis zur Sicherheit von Müllbeseitigung und Trinkwassergüte, ein erschreckend schlechtes Zeugnis ausstellte. Mehr als ein Viertel der 590 000 Brücken in den USA wurden als "strukturell mangelhaft" oder "funktionell obsolet" eingestuft. Was reparaturbedürftig bedeutet, noch nicht einsturzgefährdet. Ein Gutteil dieser Brücken wurde in den 1950er und 1960er-Jahren gebaut, mit wenig Stahl und wenig Geld, für ein Verkehrsaufkommen, das nach Gewicht und Zahl einer Pferdekutschenidylle näher war als dem Schwerstverkehr von heute. Selbst das Inspektionssystem gleiche, so ein Kritiker, einem Arzt, der Patienten ohne Stethoskop und Blutdruckmesser untersuche. Für Ultraschall- und Röntgenprüfungen fehle es an Geld, heißt es. Mehr noch an politischem Willen. Neue Infrastrukturprojekte machen sich im Wahlkreis besser als die Sicherung maroder Systeme, die niemand wahrnimmt. Infrastruktur ist Luft, durchsichtig, bis zum Störfall. Bis Menschen sterben.
Was so entsteht, ist, mit den Worten des Direktors des Ingenieurverbands, eine "Flickwerkmentalität". Je älter die Städte, je früher U-Bahnen, Wasser, Strom, Telekomunikation in die Erde kamen, desto beklagenswerter ist ihr Zustand heute. Amerika zahlt auf paradoxe Weise dafür, der Zeit im späten 19. und frühen 20. Jahrhundert technisch voraus gewesen zu sein. Auch für seine Verschonung von Krieg und Zerstörung. Mit dem Wildwuchs der Metropolen ("sprawl") entstand das wuchernde Suburbia, dessen Systeme so überfordert sind, dass es bei Gewittern oft genug in Verdunkelung und in Überschwemmung sinkt. Mit engelhafter Geduld oder Fatalismus nehmen Amerikaner selbst in sündhaft teuren Vororten ihre "powercuts" hin, warten lange auf die Beseitigung umstürzender Bäume und Telefonmasten. Mit ähnlicher Grandezza werden über viele Wochen Schlaglöcher in Straßen hingenommen, die Radfahrer den Hals und Autos die Achsen kosten können. In Manhattan lenkte ein explodierender Geysir Mitte Juli die Aufmerksamkeit auf ein Dampfrohrsystem aus den 1920er-Jahren. Inspekteure haben nicht die Mittel, drohende Lecks zu finden. Die New Yorker halten sich die Daumen.
Man muss das klaglose Gottvertrauen, mit dem Amerikaner ihre von Tornados verwüsteten Leichtbauhäuser wieder aufbauen, ebenso bewundern wie die Disziplin, mit der Fluggäste Stunden an Flugsteigen oder gar auf dem Flugfeld in gestrandeten Maschinen ausharren. Man kann sich jedoch auch fragen, ob eine Nation, die sich viel auf zupackenden Gründergeist zugute hält, auf befreite Völker, gewonnene Kriege, eroberten Weltraum, im eigenen Land ihren Schneid verloren hat. Eine Viertelmilliarde Steuermittel erhielten die Bundesstaaten vor zwei Jahren für Verkehrsprojekte. Wie viel davon in Lieblingsspeckprojekten von Politikern verschwand, weiß niemand. Amerika sei eine "Can't-do-Nation" ohne Know-how und Courage geworden, ihre eigenen Bürger zu schützen oder zu retten, schrieb die "Washington Post" nach dem Brückensturz. Auch mit Blick auf die tödliche Lähmung in New Orleans nach dem Hurrikan "Katrina" vor zwei Jahren: "Eine Supermacht, die ihre Schuhe nicht binden kann."
Übersteigertes Flagellantentum? Alles halb so schlimm? Manche machen die Bush-Regierungen verantwortlich, die über ihre Fixierung auf den Anti-Terror-Krieg den Kampf gegen Materialermüdung daheim verliere. Andere sagen, zu viel Outsourcing, Steuergeschenke, Misstrauen gegen Bundesbehörden hätten das Land innen geschwächt. "Als Amerikaner finden wir immer einen Weg, unsere Probleme zu lösen." Daran glaubten 2002 noch 74 Prozent, in diesem Jahr sind es nur mehr 58 Prozent. Amerika verliert Selbstvertrauen und viel Geld, indem es nicht genug in sich selbst investiert. Die Börse sieht das kalt. Am Tag nach dem Brückenfall stiegen Aktien von Unternehmen, die am Infrastrukturwandel verdienen würden, um vier Prozent. Die Frontier, die es zurückzuerobern gilt, liegt in Amerika. Überall.
09.08.07 15:10
#20
TradingAsket
Positive Outlook in Special Letter to Shareholder
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/070809/20070809005383.html?.v=1
Letter to Shareholders
09.08.07
Dear Shareholder,
I am writing today to bring you up to date on the progress being made by Material Technologies Inc. (MATECH) toward meeting its strategic goals. Bottom line: The news is good. MATECH has completed its long technology-development phase and is now taking its technology to market, with impressive results. Our list of current and potential customers is growing, and Wall Street is taking notice.
As I write this, MATECH stock is up more than 29% over just the past week. Granted, it has been an eventful week for our industry, with the tragic highway bridge collapse in Minneapolis raising fresh concerns about the safety of bridges all over the nation and generating significant media attention for us. But I believe that investors also see MATECH's signature technology, the Electrochemical Fatigue Sensor (EFS) system, as the best means available to address those safety concerns quickly and cost-effectively.
We recently received another vote of investor confidence from an important and influential group of money managers. European institutional investment firms exercised MATECH warrants they had received in a round of equity financing earlier this year. Included here were big names, such as Julius Baer Asset Management of Switzerland and Anima Funds of Italy. The fund managers cited the potential of MATECH's EFS technology to detect cracks in aging bridges and infrastructure in the U.S. and Europe. One of them, Julius Baer Executive Director Alexander Shalash, foresaw a "renewed spending cycle" to repair aging U.S. infrastructure and said MATECH is "favourably positioned to benefit" from it.
Of course, the warrant exercise also helps us by adding to our capital. With our low burn rate and our expectation of rapid revenue growth in the near term, we are now confident that we have sufficient funds to finance our operations for the foreseeable future. In short, we are poised for rapid growth, starting now.
Already, the EFS system has been used by highway departments in Pennsylvania, Utah, Massachusetts and New Jersey. The Pennsylvania deployment is the farthest along, with MATECH benefiting from an "on-call" inspection contract under which the state could use the EFS system as needed, anywhere in the state. Five such inspections have been completed, and several more were under way this summer. And this is just scratching the surface. According to 2006 figures from the Federal Highway Administration, 2,610 of Pennsylvania's 7,605 steel bridges are structurally deficient and another 1,651 are functionally obsolete. We also have been asked in recent months to demonstrate EFS in New York and to use it for verifying crack repairs in Alabama. Overseas, we have met with bridge owners in Australia, the U.K. and elsewhere and they have expressed serious interest in using EFS.
These officials recognize - and many others will come to recognize - that EFS is simply the best technology for testing bridges when judged by accuracy, cost and ease of use. In laboratory tests, it has detected metal-fatigue cracks as small as 0.0004 inch wide and 0.001 inch long. Cracks this size are far too small to be picked up with visual inspection alone or by other methods of inspection in use today, such as acoustic emission (the exciting of metal structures and analysis of resulting sound waves). Eddy current testing, which uses electromagnetic effects to inspect metal structures, is effective at detecting small cracks, but even it can miss cracks that EFS detects. Most importantly, it cannot determine if the crack is growing. EFS can, and this is a crucial advantage.
By measuring ongoing metal fatigue, EFS enables highway agencies to focus on active cracks, which need immediate attention. Knowing the difference is critical to both safety and cost-effectiveness. It helps direct repair money to where it is most needed. Additionally, the EFS is far more effective than these "health monitoring" systems by providing direct measurement of fatigue crack activity. It does this at a fraction of the cost of the extensive strain gauging and modeling that the health monitoring systems use.
Another MATECH technology, the "Fatigue Fuse" sensor, is available to fill the gaps between EFS inspections by monitoring accumulated fatigue in real time. Each Fatigue Fuse, consisting of several notched metal strips, is placed on a high-stress area of a metal structure. As the structure experiences stresses and strains, individual notches crack and separate at calibrated fractions, thereby indicating the amount of fatigue life.
MATECH thus can offer highway agencies and private-sector bridge owners (railroads, for instance) a full safety package based on periodic inspection (EFS) and continuous monitoring (Fatigue Fuse). With no other company providing comparable technology, we have a huge, largely untapped market open to us. To give you some idea of that market's size, in U.S. highway bridges alone, here are some facts:
Under federal law, nearly 190,000 steel highway bridges are subject to inspection every two years. In other words, the number of annual inspections for which EFS could be used is nearly 95,000.
According to federal data, 39% of the bridges in the U.S. are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete.
In 2006, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) classified 39,496 steel highway bridges as structurally deficient. Another 34,951 were labeled functionally obsolete.
Over the past 10 years, on average, a bridge failure (closure or collapse) occurs once a week on average in the U.S.
The average age of U.S. bridges is greater than 50 years, and most bridges in the U.S. were designed for a 50-year life.
According to the Road Information Program® (TRIP), 26% of U.S. bridges in 2005 were not designed to handle current traffic levels or need major repairs. In the 11 Northeastern states, 39% of bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete.
And this is just for the use of EFS on U.S. highway bridges. It does not factor in the potential revenues from Fatigue Fuse, or the use of EFS and/or Fatigue Fuse on railroad bridges and other non-highway structures where metal fatigue is a critical safety issue (these include oil rigs, nuclear power plants and offshore docking stations). Surveying the current state of U.S. infrastructure, and looking at the clear advantages of MATECH technology, you can see why experienced investors are so positive on the company's prospects.
I would like to close by thanking you for your interest in MATECH, and saluting your foresight as an investor in promising but unheralded technology. Your judgment about the prospects of EFS and MATECH is now being rewarded, as you can see from the recent appreciation in share prices. Wall Street is beginning to see what you have seen all along: There is an urgent need for reliable and efficient technology to ensure that bridges and other crucial structures are safe, and MATECH has the technology that best meets this need. I expect to be giving you more good news in the coming months, as the company's growth story progresses and reaches an ever-widening audience of investors.
Yours truly,
Robert M. Bernstein
Chief Executive Officer
Letter to Shareholders
09.08.07
Dear Shareholder,
I am writing today to bring you up to date on the progress being made by Material Technologies Inc. (MATECH) toward meeting its strategic goals. Bottom line: The news is good. MATECH has completed its long technology-development phase and is now taking its technology to market, with impressive results. Our list of current and potential customers is growing, and Wall Street is taking notice.
As I write this, MATECH stock is up more than 29% over just the past week. Granted, it has been an eventful week for our industry, with the tragic highway bridge collapse in Minneapolis raising fresh concerns about the safety of bridges all over the nation and generating significant media attention for us. But I believe that investors also see MATECH's signature technology, the Electrochemical Fatigue Sensor (EFS) system, as the best means available to address those safety concerns quickly and cost-effectively.
We recently received another vote of investor confidence from an important and influential group of money managers. European institutional investment firms exercised MATECH warrants they had received in a round of equity financing earlier this year. Included here were big names, such as Julius Baer Asset Management of Switzerland and Anima Funds of Italy. The fund managers cited the potential of MATECH's EFS technology to detect cracks in aging bridges and infrastructure in the U.S. and Europe. One of them, Julius Baer Executive Director Alexander Shalash, foresaw a "renewed spending cycle" to repair aging U.S. infrastructure and said MATECH is "favourably positioned to benefit" from it.
Of course, the warrant exercise also helps us by adding to our capital. With our low burn rate and our expectation of rapid revenue growth in the near term, we are now confident that we have sufficient funds to finance our operations for the foreseeable future. In short, we are poised for rapid growth, starting now.
Already, the EFS system has been used by highway departments in Pennsylvania, Utah, Massachusetts and New Jersey. The Pennsylvania deployment is the farthest along, with MATECH benefiting from an "on-call" inspection contract under which the state could use the EFS system as needed, anywhere in the state. Five such inspections have been completed, and several more were under way this summer. And this is just scratching the surface. According to 2006 figures from the Federal Highway Administration, 2,610 of Pennsylvania's 7,605 steel bridges are structurally deficient and another 1,651 are functionally obsolete. We also have been asked in recent months to demonstrate EFS in New York and to use it for verifying crack repairs in Alabama. Overseas, we have met with bridge owners in Australia, the U.K. and elsewhere and they have expressed serious interest in using EFS.
These officials recognize - and many others will come to recognize - that EFS is simply the best technology for testing bridges when judged by accuracy, cost and ease of use. In laboratory tests, it has detected metal-fatigue cracks as small as 0.0004 inch wide and 0.001 inch long. Cracks this size are far too small to be picked up with visual inspection alone or by other methods of inspection in use today, such as acoustic emission (the exciting of metal structures and analysis of resulting sound waves). Eddy current testing, which uses electromagnetic effects to inspect metal structures, is effective at detecting small cracks, but even it can miss cracks that EFS detects. Most importantly, it cannot determine if the crack is growing. EFS can, and this is a crucial advantage.
By measuring ongoing metal fatigue, EFS enables highway agencies to focus on active cracks, which need immediate attention. Knowing the difference is critical to both safety and cost-effectiveness. It helps direct repair money to where it is most needed. Additionally, the EFS is far more effective than these "health monitoring" systems by providing direct measurement of fatigue crack activity. It does this at a fraction of the cost of the extensive strain gauging and modeling that the health monitoring systems use.
Another MATECH technology, the "Fatigue Fuse" sensor, is available to fill the gaps between EFS inspections by monitoring accumulated fatigue in real time. Each Fatigue Fuse, consisting of several notched metal strips, is placed on a high-stress area of a metal structure. As the structure experiences stresses and strains, individual notches crack and separate at calibrated fractions, thereby indicating the amount of fatigue life.
MATECH thus can offer highway agencies and private-sector bridge owners (railroads, for instance) a full safety package based on periodic inspection (EFS) and continuous monitoring (Fatigue Fuse). With no other company providing comparable technology, we have a huge, largely untapped market open to us. To give you some idea of that market's size, in U.S. highway bridges alone, here are some facts:
Under federal law, nearly 190,000 steel highway bridges are subject to inspection every two years. In other words, the number of annual inspections for which EFS could be used is nearly 95,000.
According to federal data, 39% of the bridges in the U.S. are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete.
In 2006, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) classified 39,496 steel highway bridges as structurally deficient. Another 34,951 were labeled functionally obsolete.
Over the past 10 years, on average, a bridge failure (closure or collapse) occurs once a week on average in the U.S.
The average age of U.S. bridges is greater than 50 years, and most bridges in the U.S. were designed for a 50-year life.
According to the Road Information Program® (TRIP), 26% of U.S. bridges in 2005 were not designed to handle current traffic levels or need major repairs. In the 11 Northeastern states, 39% of bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete.
And this is just for the use of EFS on U.S. highway bridges. It does not factor in the potential revenues from Fatigue Fuse, or the use of EFS and/or Fatigue Fuse on railroad bridges and other non-highway structures where metal fatigue is a critical safety issue (these include oil rigs, nuclear power plants and offshore docking stations). Surveying the current state of U.S. infrastructure, and looking at the clear advantages of MATECH technology, you can see why experienced investors are so positive on the company's prospects.
I would like to close by thanking you for your interest in MATECH, and saluting your foresight as an investor in promising but unheralded technology. Your judgment about the prospects of EFS and MATECH is now being rewarded, as you can see from the recent appreciation in share prices. Wall Street is beginning to see what you have seen all along: There is an urgent need for reliable and efficient technology to ensure that bridges and other crucial structures are safe, and MATECH has the technology that best meets this need. I expect to be giving you more good news in the coming months, as the company's growth story progresses and reaches an ever-widening audience of investors.
Yours truly,
Robert M. Bernstein
Chief Executive Officer
14.08.07 23:34
#21
TradingAsket
Featured in BusinessWeek and Engineering News Rec.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/070814/20070814005629.html?.v=1
Material Technologies Featured in BusinessWeek and Engineering News Record
Tuesday August 14, 8:15 am ET
Two Leading McGraw-Hill Business Publications Discuss Company's Metal Fatigue Monitoring Technology
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Material Technologies, Inc. (OTC BB: MTTG - News) Material Technologies, Inc. (Matech), an engineering and product/service company specializing in technologies that monitor and measure metal fatigue, has been featured in BusinessWeek and Engineering News-Record (ENR), two influential and widely-read McGraw-Hill business publications, for its comments in the aftermath of the recent Minneapolis bridge collapse.
In the BusinessWeek article, featured in the magazine's "Upfront" section, the magazine discusses Matech's technology for studying the behavior of cracks in bridges. The piece highlighted the relatively low cost associated with MATECH'S Electrochemical Fatigue Sensor (EFS) technology: "A system like this can test a typical bridge for as little as $8,000." The article also noted the company's analogy that engineers can detect growing cracks similar to an electrocardiogram for the heart.
The article in Engineering News Record, a weekly magazine on the construction industry, included a more in-depth discussion of the Company's EFS System and the benefits it offers departments of transportation and municipalities.
"We are pleased to see that these reputable McGraw-Hill publications have recognized our technology as one that can save considerable sums of money - and potentially even avert a catastrophe," said Robert Bernstein, Chief Executive Officer of Material Technologies. "We hope that business and trade media outlets continue to run such coverage, as it helps to ensure that state departments of transportation realize there is a cost-effective alternative to current inspection methods."
Material Technologies Featured in BusinessWeek and Engineering News Record
Tuesday August 14, 8:15 am ET
Two Leading McGraw-Hill Business Publications Discuss Company's Metal Fatigue Monitoring Technology
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Material Technologies, Inc. (OTC BB: MTTG - News) Material Technologies, Inc. (Matech), an engineering and product/service company specializing in technologies that monitor and measure metal fatigue, has been featured in BusinessWeek and Engineering News-Record (ENR), two influential and widely-read McGraw-Hill business publications, for its comments in the aftermath of the recent Minneapolis bridge collapse.
In the BusinessWeek article, featured in the magazine's "Upfront" section, the magazine discusses Matech's technology for studying the behavior of cracks in bridges. The piece highlighted the relatively low cost associated with MATECH'S Electrochemical Fatigue Sensor (EFS) technology: "A system like this can test a typical bridge for as little as $8,000." The article also noted the company's analogy that engineers can detect growing cracks similar to an electrocardiogram for the heart.
The article in Engineering News Record, a weekly magazine on the construction industry, included a more in-depth discussion of the Company's EFS System and the benefits it offers departments of transportation and municipalities.
"We are pleased to see that these reputable McGraw-Hill publications have recognized our technology as one that can save considerable sums of money - and potentially even avert a catastrophe," said Robert Bernstein, Chief Executive Officer of Material Technologies. "We hope that business and trade media outlets continue to run such coverage, as it helps to ensure that state departments of transportation realize there is a cost-effective alternative to current inspection methods."
26.10.07 14:57
#22
TradingAsket
Featured on History Channel
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/071024/20071024005554.html?.v=1
Material Technologies Inc. to Be Featured on History Channel
Wednesday October 24, 4:05 pm ET
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Material Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB:MTTG) (MATECH), an engineering company specializing in technologies that monitor and measure metal fatigue, will be featured on the History Channel’s Modern Marvels: Engineering Disasters, to be broadcast this Thursday, October 25, at 8 p.m. PDT. (Please check local TV listings for other broadcast times.)
The program will discuss several recent disasters, including the collapse of the Minneapolis I-35 Bridge on August 1, 2007. Immediately following this tragedy, several MATECH personnel were interviewed by local and nationwide media outlets, and their comments will be included in the History Channel broadcast.
Robert M. Bernstein, CEO and President of MATECH, said, “While the specific cause of this bridge collapse won’t be determined by authorities for many months, there is federal documentation showing current inspection practices are ineffective and often rely solely on inspectors’ subjectivity. This Modern Marvels episode explores some ways to help eliminate that subjectivity, improve the overall safety of bridge structures, and avoid similar tragedies in the future.”
Bernstein added, “There were known problems with this bridge. We try to emphasize the need for better bridge management through use of technologies that help owners make the right repairs at the right time to ensure structural integrity. It is essential that the best available inspection methods be used to determine the status of these bridges, and I believe the emphasis in the near term will be to improve bridge inspections, and management by exploiting the latest proven technologies.”
Material Technologies Inc. to Be Featured on History Channel
Wednesday October 24, 4:05 pm ET
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Material Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB:MTTG) (MATECH), an engineering company specializing in technologies that monitor and measure metal fatigue, will be featured on the History Channel’s Modern Marvels: Engineering Disasters, to be broadcast this Thursday, October 25, at 8 p.m. PDT. (Please check local TV listings for other broadcast times.)
The program will discuss several recent disasters, including the collapse of the Minneapolis I-35 Bridge on August 1, 2007. Immediately following this tragedy, several MATECH personnel were interviewed by local and nationwide media outlets, and their comments will be included in the History Channel broadcast.
Robert M. Bernstein, CEO and President of MATECH, said, “While the specific cause of this bridge collapse won’t be determined by authorities for many months, there is federal documentation showing current inspection practices are ineffective and often rely solely on inspectors’ subjectivity. This Modern Marvels episode explores some ways to help eliminate that subjectivity, improve the overall safety of bridge structures, and avoid similar tragedies in the future.”
Bernstein added, “There were known problems with this bridge. We try to emphasize the need for better bridge management through use of technologies that help owners make the right repairs at the right time to ensure structural integrity. It is essential that the best available inspection methods be used to determine the status of these bridges, and I believe the emphasis in the near term will be to improve bridge inspections, and management by exploiting the latest proven technologies.”
06.11.07 16:02
#23
TradingAsket
Finalizing Inspections of Nine Pennsylvania Bridge
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/071106/20071106005604.html?.v=1
Material Technologies Finalizing Inspections of Nine Pennsylvania Bridges
Tuesday November 6, 8:00 am ET
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Material Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB:MTTG - News), an engineering company that engages in the research and development of technologies to monitor and measure metal fatigue, today announced that they have nearly completed the inspection of nine bridges throughout the State of Pennsylvania using the company’s proprietary Electrochemical Fatigue Sensor (EFS) system. The inspections were intended to determine if existing cracks are growing, if cracks exist that were not previously documented and to help the state prioritize repair funds. Additionally, the inspections are helping Pennsylvania determine the most effective retrofits to stiffen bridge members.
“Being able to prioritize repairs to these bridges is an invaluable result of the EFS inspection,” said Robert M. Bernstein, CEO of MATECH. “Also, by being able to immediately verify the effectiveness of repairs, we help to eliminate the ‘wait and see’ method. This kind of objective information allows bridge owners to sleep at night,” he added.
Pennsylvania has over 7,500 steel bridges in its inventory. The national rate of structurally deficient bridges is nearly 30%. Material Technologies currently has an on-call contract with the state of Pennsylvania to deploy its EFS system on steel bridges across the state.
Material Technologies Finalizing Inspections of Nine Pennsylvania Bridges
Tuesday November 6, 8:00 am ET
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Material Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB:MTTG - News), an engineering company that engages in the research and development of technologies to monitor and measure metal fatigue, today announced that they have nearly completed the inspection of nine bridges throughout the State of Pennsylvania using the company’s proprietary Electrochemical Fatigue Sensor (EFS) system. The inspections were intended to determine if existing cracks are growing, if cracks exist that were not previously documented and to help the state prioritize repair funds. Additionally, the inspections are helping Pennsylvania determine the most effective retrofits to stiffen bridge members.
“Being able to prioritize repairs to these bridges is an invaluable result of the EFS inspection,” said Robert M. Bernstein, CEO of MATECH. “Also, by being able to immediately verify the effectiveness of repairs, we help to eliminate the ‘wait and see’ method. This kind of objective information allows bridge owners to sleep at night,” he added.
Pennsylvania has over 7,500 steel bridges in its inventory. The national rate of structurally deficient bridges is nearly 30%. Material Technologies currently has an on-call contract with the state of Pennsylvania to deploy its EFS system on steel bridges across the state.
06.11.07 16:05
#24
TradingAsket
Audio Interview
http://www.smallcapvoice.com/mttg/mttg-10-31-07.php
Robert M. Bernstein, CEO and President and Marybeth Miceli, Chief Operating Officer, of Material Technologies, Inc., are the Featured Guests in an Audio Interview at SmallCapVoice.com
Robert M. Bernstein, CEO and President and Marybeth Miceli, Chief Operating Officer, of Material Technologies, Inc., are the Featured Guests in an Audio Interview at SmallCapVoice.com
16.11.07 15:45
#25
TradingAsket
Inspect New York State Bridge
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/071116/laf019.html?.v=101
Material Technologies Will Inspect New York State Bridge With Their Electrochemical Fatigue Sensor Technology
Friday November 16, 9:00 am ET
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Material Technologies, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: MTTG - News), an engineering and product/service company specializing in technologies that monitor and measure metal fatigue, announced that the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) has selected Material Technologies to inspect a bridge with known fatigue cracks that is later scheduled for repair.
The New York State DOT has provided Material Technologies with technical information on the bridge of interest such that a cost estimate can be provided. The effort will include a re-inspection after repairs are completed, to verify that the repairs were effective in halting any further fatigue crack growth. The bridge is in the vicinity of Albany.
"This inspection illustrates just one of the many uses of the Electrochemical Fatigue Sensor. New York will be using the EFS system to inspect the bridge prior to performing repairs and to then verify those repairs once complete," CEO Robert Bernstein indicated. "With this approach, New York will immediately know if the repair solved the problem. In the past they would have needed to wait and see if the problem rematerialized later."
Material Technologies Will Inspect New York State Bridge With Their Electrochemical Fatigue Sensor Technology
Friday November 16, 9:00 am ET
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Material Technologies, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: MTTG - News), an engineering and product/service company specializing in technologies that monitor and measure metal fatigue, announced that the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) has selected Material Technologies to inspect a bridge with known fatigue cracks that is later scheduled for repair.
The New York State DOT has provided Material Technologies with technical information on the bridge of interest such that a cost estimate can be provided. The effort will include a re-inspection after repairs are completed, to verify that the repairs were effective in halting any further fatigue crack growth. The bridge is in the vicinity of Albany.
"This inspection illustrates just one of the many uses of the Electrochemical Fatigue Sensor. New York will be using the EFS system to inspect the bridge prior to performing repairs and to then verify those repairs once complete," CEO Robert Bernstein indicated. "With this approach, New York will immediately know if the repair solved the problem. In the past they would have needed to wait and see if the problem rematerialized later."
20.11.07 11:37
#26
TradingAsket
New Research Update on Material Technologies
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/071119/20071119005364.html?.v=1
New Research Update on Material Technologies with $3.00 Price Target Issued by Beacon Equity Research
Monday November 19, 7:00 am ET
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--New Research Update on Material Technologies (OTCBB: MTTG - News) with $3.00 Price Target Issued by Beacon Equity Research Analyst, Lisa Springer, CFA.
The full report is available at http://www.BeaconEquityResearch.com.
Anyone interested in receiving alerts regarding Material Technologies research should email members@beaconequityresearch.com with “MTTG” in the subject line.
In the report, the analyst writes, “Material Technologies Inc. (MTTG) is an engineering, research, and development company that provides technology solutions for detecting, measuring and monitoring metal fatigue in metal structures and equipment.”
“The Company holds exclusive patent rights to several technology products, including the Electrochemical Fatigue Sensor and the Fatigue Fuse. Its technologies can measure and monitor microscopic cracks in metal structures. These products have wide-scale applications in evaluating America's aging bridge infrastructure. MTTG also plans to market its technology to operators of windmills and antenna towers, highway signs and aircraft, equipment used in the oil industry, and other metal structures subject to fatigue loadings.”
New Research Update on Material Technologies with $3.00 Price Target Issued by Beacon Equity Research
Monday November 19, 7:00 am ET
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--New Research Update on Material Technologies (OTCBB: MTTG - News) with $3.00 Price Target Issued by Beacon Equity Research Analyst, Lisa Springer, CFA.
The full report is available at http://www.BeaconEquityResearch.com.
Anyone interested in receiving alerts regarding Material Technologies research should email members@beaconequityresearch.com with “MTTG” in the subject line.
In the report, the analyst writes, “Material Technologies Inc. (MTTG) is an engineering, research, and development company that provides technology solutions for detecting, measuring and monitoring metal fatigue in metal structures and equipment.”
“The Company holds exclusive patent rights to several technology products, including the Electrochemical Fatigue Sensor and the Fatigue Fuse. Its technologies can measure and monitor microscopic cracks in metal structures. These products have wide-scale applications in evaluating America's aging bridge infrastructure. MTTG also plans to market its technology to operators of windmills and antenna towers, highway signs and aircraft, equipment used in the oil industry, and other metal structures subject to fatigue loadings.”
26.11.07 18:59
#27
TradingAsket
Anleger entdecken Infrastruktur
http://www.faz.net/s/...A99A2E6C970E72B64A~ATpl~Ecommon~Scontent.html
Infrastruktur ist teuer. Millionen oder Milliarden reichen nicht aus, um die anstehenden Kosten zu beziffern. Experten bemühen inzwischen die Billion. So wird alleine in Amerika der Erneuerungsbedarf für baufällige Brücken, überalterte Strom- und Wasserleitungen und überlastete Straßennetze in den kommenden fünf Jahren auf 1,6 Billionen (also 1,6 Millionen Millionen) Dollar geschätzt. Für die Schwellenländer, vor allem die so genannten BRIC-Staaten (Brasilien, Russland, Indien, China) sehen die Prognosen sogar Kosten von drei Billionen Dollar für die kommenden zehn Jahre voraus.
Wer soll das bezahlen? Traditionell der Staat. Weil es sich zum Beispiel bei Straßen um „öffentliche Güter“ handelt, von deren Nutzung keiner ausgeschlossen werden kann, muss sie - so die bislang herrschende Ansicht - die öffentliche Hand bezahlen, also letztlich alle. Zwei Entwicklungen sprechen aber dafür, dass sich Private zunehmend in die Finanzierung von Infrastruktur einmischen: Zum einen die Leere der öffentlichen Kassen, zum zweiten neue technische Möglichkeiten. Die Autobahnmaut etwa gestattet kilometergenaue Nutzungsentgelte.
Bis 360 Milliarden Dollar jährlich privat finanziert
Und so wachsen zusammen mit dem zunehmenden Infrastrukturbedarf auch die Anlagemöglichkeiten für privates Kapital. Experten zufolge werden künftig zehn bis 15 Prozent des benötigten Kapitals, das sind rund 240 bis 360 Milliarden Dollar jährlich, aus privaten Geldern gedeckt. Institutionelle Anleger setzen bereits seit Jahren auf Infrastrukturinvestments, um ihr Portfolio abzurunden. Jetzt folgen die Privatanleger. Nicht nur wegen der volkswirtschaftlich gut abgesicherten Investmentstory ziehe Infrastruktur mehr und mehr Aufmerksamkeit auf sich.
Zwei Varianten der Privatfinanzierung sind derzeit üblich. Entweder vergibt der Staat Projekte komplett an Privatunternehmen. Die tragen die Investitionskosten, agieren dann als Betreiber und ziehen Gebühren, zum Beispiel Maut, direkt von den Nutzern ein. Oder aber der Staat betreibt selbst das Projekt, reicht aber die Einnahmen an den privaten Investor weiter. In beiden Varianten profitiere der Privatanleger von einer gut kalkulierbaren und stabilen Einnahmensituation, loben Finanzprofis. Besonders attraktiv: Infrastruktur dient der Grundversorgung der Menschen. „Deshalb führen Preiserhöhungen dort in der Regel nicht zu einem Nachfragerückgang“, heißt es.
Zum Thema
* Wie Anleger vom Rückgrat der Weltwirtschaft profitieren
Geschlossene Fonds mit Private-Equity-Charakter
Die Berliner Rating-Agentur Scope hat jetzt in einer Studie ermittelt, wie Privatanleger vom großen Kuchen Infrastruktur ihr Stück abhaben können. „In Deutschland decken neben Zertifikaten und offenen Fonds inzwischen auch geschlossene Fonds die Investmentthematik ab“, erklärt Finanzexpertin Claudia Vogl-Mühlhaus. Überwiegend handelt es sich um so genannte Hybridfonds, also zum Beispiel Mischformen zwischen den Segmenten Private Equity und Immobilien.
Diese Beteiligungsmodelle investieren in Zielfonds, die sich wiederum an Infrastrukturunternehmen beteiligen. „Der Fondscharakter trägt also Private-Equity-Züge, mit dem in diesem Bereich üblichen erhöhten Risikoprofil“, warnt Vogl-Mühlhaus. Noch risikoreicher wird es bei so genannten Greenfield-Projekten. Hier geht es, wie der Name schon angedeutet, um völlig neue Infrastruktur-Projektentwicklungen auf der grünen Wiese.
Sechs Beteiligungsmodelle - mit gehörigem Risiko
Scope hat sechs Beteiligungsmodelle deutscher Emissionshäuser untersucht, die unter der Marke „Infrastrukturfonds“ laufen. Sie alle sind für den sicherheitsorientierten Anleger nicht die erste Wahl: „Gemeinsam haben alle analysierten Fonds die vergleichsweise hohen Risiken, die bei einer Verschlechterung des Marktumfelds auf den Anleger zukommen“, resümiert Chefanalyst Steffen Möller. Nur eines von vier benoteten Portfolios wurde mit „BBB“ („erhöht“) bewertet, drei mit „BBB-“, also mit Tendenz nach unten Richtung „BB“ („leicht erhöht“). Von den erstklassigen Investmentnoten A („hoch“), AA („sehr hoch“) oder gar AAA („hervorragend“) sind die Fonds ziemlich weit entfernt.
Dazu kommt, dass Anleger ordentlich Geld mitbringen müssen, wenn sie sich an den Infrastrukturfonds beteiligen wollen. Die Mindestbeteiligung liegt zwischen 15.000 Dollar und 25.000 Euro. Auch die Konstruktion als geschlossener Fonds macht die Produkte teuer, wie Möller erläutert: „Bei den beschriebenen Beteiligungsmodellen kommen auf den Investor Weichkosten in Höhe von rund zwölf Prozent des Eigenkapitals zu.“ Ganz zu schweigen von laufenden Kosten wie Treuhändervergütung und Zertifikategebühr. Fazit des Scope-Experten: „Warum nicht gleich zum Zertifikat greifen, wenn es ein vergleichbares Produkt gibt?“
Infrastruktur ist teuer. Millionen oder Milliarden reichen nicht aus, um die anstehenden Kosten zu beziffern. Experten bemühen inzwischen die Billion. So wird alleine in Amerika der Erneuerungsbedarf für baufällige Brücken, überalterte Strom- und Wasserleitungen und überlastete Straßennetze in den kommenden fünf Jahren auf 1,6 Billionen (also 1,6 Millionen Millionen) Dollar geschätzt. Für die Schwellenländer, vor allem die so genannten BRIC-Staaten (Brasilien, Russland, Indien, China) sehen die Prognosen sogar Kosten von drei Billionen Dollar für die kommenden zehn Jahre voraus.
Wer soll das bezahlen? Traditionell der Staat. Weil es sich zum Beispiel bei Straßen um „öffentliche Güter“ handelt, von deren Nutzung keiner ausgeschlossen werden kann, muss sie - so die bislang herrschende Ansicht - die öffentliche Hand bezahlen, also letztlich alle. Zwei Entwicklungen sprechen aber dafür, dass sich Private zunehmend in die Finanzierung von Infrastruktur einmischen: Zum einen die Leere der öffentlichen Kassen, zum zweiten neue technische Möglichkeiten. Die Autobahnmaut etwa gestattet kilometergenaue Nutzungsentgelte.
Bis 360 Milliarden Dollar jährlich privat finanziert
Und so wachsen zusammen mit dem zunehmenden Infrastrukturbedarf auch die Anlagemöglichkeiten für privates Kapital. Experten zufolge werden künftig zehn bis 15 Prozent des benötigten Kapitals, das sind rund 240 bis 360 Milliarden Dollar jährlich, aus privaten Geldern gedeckt. Institutionelle Anleger setzen bereits seit Jahren auf Infrastrukturinvestments, um ihr Portfolio abzurunden. Jetzt folgen die Privatanleger. Nicht nur wegen der volkswirtschaftlich gut abgesicherten Investmentstory ziehe Infrastruktur mehr und mehr Aufmerksamkeit auf sich.
Zwei Varianten der Privatfinanzierung sind derzeit üblich. Entweder vergibt der Staat Projekte komplett an Privatunternehmen. Die tragen die Investitionskosten, agieren dann als Betreiber und ziehen Gebühren, zum Beispiel Maut, direkt von den Nutzern ein. Oder aber der Staat betreibt selbst das Projekt, reicht aber die Einnahmen an den privaten Investor weiter. In beiden Varianten profitiere der Privatanleger von einer gut kalkulierbaren und stabilen Einnahmensituation, loben Finanzprofis. Besonders attraktiv: Infrastruktur dient der Grundversorgung der Menschen. „Deshalb führen Preiserhöhungen dort in der Regel nicht zu einem Nachfragerückgang“, heißt es.
Zum Thema
* Wie Anleger vom Rückgrat der Weltwirtschaft profitieren
Geschlossene Fonds mit Private-Equity-Charakter
Die Berliner Rating-Agentur Scope hat jetzt in einer Studie ermittelt, wie Privatanleger vom großen Kuchen Infrastruktur ihr Stück abhaben können. „In Deutschland decken neben Zertifikaten und offenen Fonds inzwischen auch geschlossene Fonds die Investmentthematik ab“, erklärt Finanzexpertin Claudia Vogl-Mühlhaus. Überwiegend handelt es sich um so genannte Hybridfonds, also zum Beispiel Mischformen zwischen den Segmenten Private Equity und Immobilien.
Diese Beteiligungsmodelle investieren in Zielfonds, die sich wiederum an Infrastrukturunternehmen beteiligen. „Der Fondscharakter trägt also Private-Equity-Züge, mit dem in diesem Bereich üblichen erhöhten Risikoprofil“, warnt Vogl-Mühlhaus. Noch risikoreicher wird es bei so genannten Greenfield-Projekten. Hier geht es, wie der Name schon angedeutet, um völlig neue Infrastruktur-Projektentwicklungen auf der grünen Wiese.
Sechs Beteiligungsmodelle - mit gehörigem Risiko
Scope hat sechs Beteiligungsmodelle deutscher Emissionshäuser untersucht, die unter der Marke „Infrastrukturfonds“ laufen. Sie alle sind für den sicherheitsorientierten Anleger nicht die erste Wahl: „Gemeinsam haben alle analysierten Fonds die vergleichsweise hohen Risiken, die bei einer Verschlechterung des Marktumfelds auf den Anleger zukommen“, resümiert Chefanalyst Steffen Möller. Nur eines von vier benoteten Portfolios wurde mit „BBB“ („erhöht“) bewertet, drei mit „BBB-“, also mit Tendenz nach unten Richtung „BB“ („leicht erhöht“). Von den erstklassigen Investmentnoten A („hoch“), AA („sehr hoch“) oder gar AAA („hervorragend“) sind die Fonds ziemlich weit entfernt.
Dazu kommt, dass Anleger ordentlich Geld mitbringen müssen, wenn sie sich an den Infrastrukturfonds beteiligen wollen. Die Mindestbeteiligung liegt zwischen 15.000 Dollar und 25.000 Euro. Auch die Konstruktion als geschlossener Fonds macht die Produkte teuer, wie Möller erläutert: „Bei den beschriebenen Beteiligungsmodellen kommen auf den Investor Weichkosten in Höhe von rund zwölf Prozent des Eigenkapitals zu.“ Ganz zu schweigen von laufenden Kosten wie Treuhändervergütung und Zertifikategebühr. Fazit des Scope-Experten: „Warum nicht gleich zum Zertifikat greifen, wenn es ein vergleichbares Produkt gibt?“
25.01.08 21:38
#28
TradingAsket
Video: MATECH opinion on Minneapolis Bridge Colla
http://www.matechcorp.com/index.html
MATECH expert opinion on Minneapolis Bridge Collapse
MATECH expert opinion on Minneapolis Bridge Collapse
01.02.08 19:29
#29
TradingAsket
Late inspections of bridges put travelers at risk
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20998261/
Late bridge inspections put public at risk - Bridge inspections-
At least 17,000 spans didn't get a two-year checkup, msnbc.com finds
Late bridge inspections put public at risk - Bridge inspections-
At least 17,000 spans didn't get a two-year checkup, msnbc.com finds
04.02.08 21:48
#30
TradingAsket
First Electrochemical Fatigue Sensor Training
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/080204/lam041.html?.v=101
Material Technologies Holds First Electrochemical Fatigue Sensor Training for Private Inspection Firms: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance
Material Technologies, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: MTTG - News; "MATECH") held its first 4-day training for private inspection firms last week. Company officers and inspectors attended a four-day training in St. George, UT last week to learn how to implement an EFS inspection, which includes: receipt of contract, field inspection, collection and analysis of the data, and the preparation of a report. Attendees participated in 3 days of classroom and laboratory training with a final day of written and practical testing on day 4.
Conventional bridge inspections are mostly visual, often done by inspectors using binoculars from a distance. This is not an adequate means of inspection, since 90 percent or more of the fatigue cracks are completely missed with visual inspection alone, according to the Federal Highway Administration. The fifty states of the U.S. as a whole have 190,000 metal bridges, with 39,000 structurally deficient and 35,000 functionally obsolete.
MATECH's EFS is being used by states in three different ways -- as a means of prioritizing already limited repair and rehabilitation funds, as a traditional inspection tool since EFS finds cracks smaller than other technologies which leads to less expensive repairs, and as a repair/retrofit verification device.
The firms which attended the training did so at their own costs in order to provide the EFS inspections to their existing clients in the near future. One official stated, "This technology will revolutionize the way we view bridge management and inspections." Companies will be licensing the technology from MATECH in order to execute contracts across the U.S.
Robert M. Bernstein, MATECH's CEO, says, "We are very pleased to be partnering with these companies in order to bring this indispensable technology to bridge owners. Already, these engineers have come up with other uses for the technology with their existing clients. We are all very excited about the prospects."
Material Technologies Holds First Electrochemical Fatigue Sensor Training for Private Inspection Firms: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance
Material Technologies, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: MTTG - News; "MATECH") held its first 4-day training for private inspection firms last week. Company officers and inspectors attended a four-day training in St. George, UT last week to learn how to implement an EFS inspection, which includes: receipt of contract, field inspection, collection and analysis of the data, and the preparation of a report. Attendees participated in 3 days of classroom and laboratory training with a final day of written and practical testing on day 4.
Conventional bridge inspections are mostly visual, often done by inspectors using binoculars from a distance. This is not an adequate means of inspection, since 90 percent or more of the fatigue cracks are completely missed with visual inspection alone, according to the Federal Highway Administration. The fifty states of the U.S. as a whole have 190,000 metal bridges, with 39,000 structurally deficient and 35,000 functionally obsolete.
MATECH's EFS is being used by states in three different ways -- as a means of prioritizing already limited repair and rehabilitation funds, as a traditional inspection tool since EFS finds cracks smaller than other technologies which leads to less expensive repairs, and as a repair/retrofit verification device.
The firms which attended the training did so at their own costs in order to provide the EFS inspections to their existing clients in the near future. One official stated, "This technology will revolutionize the way we view bridge management and inspections." Companies will be licensing the technology from MATECH in order to execute contracts across the U.S.
Robert M. Bernstein, MATECH's CEO, says, "We are very pleased to be partnering with these companies in order to bring this indispensable technology to bridge owners. Already, these engineers have come up with other uses for the technology with their existing clients. We are all very excited about the prospects."
21.02.08 12:45
#31
TradingAsket
Strategic alignment with Smith Emery Company
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/080221/lath025.html?.v=101
Material Technologies, Inc. Joins Smith Emery Company in a Strategic Alignment: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Material Technologies, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: MTTG - News; "MATECH") announced today it has formed a strategic alignment with Smith Emery Company, a Los Angeles based engineering, materials testing, and inspection firm.
Smith Emery Company, established in 1904, began performing independent inspection and testing on commercial building structures following the San Francisco Earthquake-Fire of 1906. The company now employs over 400 people in the state California with an office in China as well. Over 150 Licensed Deputy Building Inspectors are dispatched daily to construction sites for visual and nondestructive examination of concrete, masonry, soil, structural steel, welding, fireproofing, etc. Smith Emery Laboratories includes five certified materials testing laboratories. Under the direction of civil engineers, technicians test all construction materials including concrete, grout, mortar, cable, rebar, steel "I" beams, asphalt, soils, and aggregates. Testing services for building faces, tiles, marble, granite, roof materials, skylights, Jacuzzi bathtubs and sinks are also provided.
Ms. Marybeth Miceli, MATECH's COO, says, "It is clear that Smith Emery Company's talented work force will be able to easily execute bridge inspection contracts using MATECH's Electrochemical Fatigue Sensor (EFS) system. This is a critical milestone in ramping up our inspection capabilities as demand grows for the EFS on the west coast, as well as in China."
Engineers and technicians from Smith Emery Company have already been trained to install sensors, acquire data, and analyze data using MATECH's EFS system. Additionally, they have accompanied MATECH's personnel in the field, performing an inspection together.
Robert M. Bernstein, MATECH's CEO, says, "Both companies are extremely pleased with this alignment. Smith Emery Company now has access to the only technology that detects growing cracks in bridge structural members and MATECH has expanded its capabilities. It is of great benefit to everyone involved."
Material Technologies, Inc. Joins Smith Emery Company in a Strategic Alignment: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Material Technologies, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: MTTG - News; "MATECH") announced today it has formed a strategic alignment with Smith Emery Company, a Los Angeles based engineering, materials testing, and inspection firm.
Smith Emery Company, established in 1904, began performing independent inspection and testing on commercial building structures following the San Francisco Earthquake-Fire of 1906. The company now employs over 400 people in the state California with an office in China as well. Over 150 Licensed Deputy Building Inspectors are dispatched daily to construction sites for visual and nondestructive examination of concrete, masonry, soil, structural steel, welding, fireproofing, etc. Smith Emery Laboratories includes five certified materials testing laboratories. Under the direction of civil engineers, technicians test all construction materials including concrete, grout, mortar, cable, rebar, steel "I" beams, asphalt, soils, and aggregates. Testing services for building faces, tiles, marble, granite, roof materials, skylights, Jacuzzi bathtubs and sinks are also provided.
Ms. Marybeth Miceli, MATECH's COO, says, "It is clear that Smith Emery Company's talented work force will be able to easily execute bridge inspection contracts using MATECH's Electrochemical Fatigue Sensor (EFS) system. This is a critical milestone in ramping up our inspection capabilities as demand grows for the EFS on the west coast, as well as in China."
Engineers and technicians from Smith Emery Company have already been trained to install sensors, acquire data, and analyze data using MATECH's EFS system. Additionally, they have accompanied MATECH's personnel in the field, performing an inspection together.
Robert M. Bernstein, MATECH's CEO, says, "Both companies are extremely pleased with this alignment. Smith Emery Company now has access to the only technology that detects growing cracks in bridge structural members and MATECH has expanded its capabilities. It is of great benefit to everyone involved."
22.02.08 12:50
#32
TradingAsket
Video: MATECH on MoneyTV
http://www.emergingcompany.com/volume12week8.htm
Material Technologies, Inc. (OTC BB:MTTG.OB - News) CEO Robert Bernstein and COO Marybeth Micelli explained the company's globally patented technology which monitors metal fatigue in structures such as bridges.
Material Technologies, Inc. (OTC BB:MTTG.OB - News) CEO Robert Bernstein and COO Marybeth Micelli explained the company's globally patented technology which monitors metal fatigue in structures such as bridges.
10.03.08 12:14
#33
TradingAsket
Bridge Inspections Receiving Significant Interest
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/080310/lam034a.html?.v=1
Electrochemical Fatigue Sensor System for Bridge Inspections Receiving Significant Interest
Monday March 10, 7:00 am ET
LOS ANGELES, March 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Material Technologies, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: MTTG - News; "MATECH") recently issued a newsletter updating its shareholders on MATECH's business activities over the recent past and expected near-term activities. To summarize, in recent months interest in the Electrochemical Fatigue Sensor System (EFS) has been tremendous. The EFS can detect very small growing fatigue cracks on highway and railway bridges and similar structures that are subjected to repetitive loads, and has been utilized in over twenty field tests. The technology is well patented worldwide.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) signed a contract with MATECH, purchasing equipment and training as part of their Steel Bridge Testing Program. They will use the EFS system in the laboratory and on actual bridges to find growing fatigue cracks. Following the completion of this program, the FHWA will recommend technologies for use on bridges for specific bridge problems. MATECH anticipates this will result in recommending EFS to all bridge owners across the country for use on fatigue cracks in steel bridges.
MATECH has an on-call contract with Pennsylvania, and is continuing to produce good results. The EFS System has been used on twelve bridges in that state to date. Further work orders are anticipated to be issued for the next inspection season. Interest also has been received from several inspection companies in Pennsylvania that wish to purchase EFS equipment as well as training and licensing, in order to execute these further work orders, with licensing fees payable to MATECH for each bridge inspected. One such company has already been trained at their own cost to help MATECH execute their on-call contract in 2008.
MATECH has recently completed an inspection contract with Massachusetts, and has met with officials at MassHighway to review the results and to discuss the use of EFS throughout their entire highway system. They have indicated a clear need for the EFS technology, and will furnish a list of bridges to be inspected this inspection season.
New York State has also recently contracted with MATECH to provide EFS inspection services on a high profile fracture-critical bridge. As a result of this initial inspection MATECH will be performing a follow up inspection, and NYSDOT is evaluating purchase of equipment, training for their engineers, and licensing in 2008.
MATECH completed an inspection of a fracture-critical bridge in West Sacramento, California, and have met with several high-ranking state and national officials including Lt. Governor Garamendi and the staff of Senator Boxer; these discussions focused on the use of EFS across the state and the country, respectively.
MATECH also formed a strategic alignment with a California-based independent testing laboratory, the Smith Emery Company. This company, over 100 years old, has 400 employees in California, and an office in China. Their engineers and technicians have already been trained at their cost to execute EFS inspection contracts in the western U.S. region.
Work completed with the New Jersey DOT last year has been verified by their engineers. As a result they want to continue using the EFS System to verify fatigue crack repair effectiveness on additional bridges in the state.
The Commonwealth of Virginia and State of Alabama have also requested EFS inspections. These will be executed in the first half of 2008. Several other states have requested inspections that will occur in the second half of 2008. Initial inspection contracts are expected this Spring with Ohio DOT and URS Engineers; confirmation to proceed from each of these organizations has been received. Additionally, MATECH is speaking with the several entities in China and Europe, and the Association of American Railroads plus the following state DOT's about setting up EFS inspections: Maryland, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Texas, and Wyoming,
Proposals have been requested by Union Pacific Railroad and the Canadian National Railway. We will be proceeding with these inspections in the summer. Also, Proposals for service and equipment have been requested and subsequently submitted to several entities in Australia, with plans to execute by the end of the year. The contract would include training of their personnel, sale of EFS equipment, as well as the associated licensing fees for each bridge inspected using the EFS system.
Inspection service providers in other parts of the world are now requesting proposals for equipment and training. We have had interest from various countries including, most recently, Vietnam. MATECH's Chief Engineer, Dr. Brent Phares, P.E., recently returned from a trip to China to train representatives there who will be meeting with Chinese government officials and private company executives. Also, the company's COO, Marybeth Miceli, has been asked to speak at the World Nondestructive Testing Conference in Shanghai, China in August about EFS technology. Additionally, papers detailing the work performed with the EFS system have been accepted at numerous conferences worldwide for presentation during 2008.
In light of last year's bridge tragedy in Minnesota, bridge inspections have become a highly discussed and debated topic. Media outlets have been covering MATECH and the EFS system technology. Government officials in Washington, D.C. are actively discussing the best way to approach improving the U.S. system for already-mandated bridge inspections. All of the solutions involve using the limited available funds in a more efficient way. It is estimated that each state could save as much as $100M annually by making the right maintenance decisions at the right time. MATECH will continue to push the EFS system into the mainstream in order to promote public safety and fiscal responsibility.
Electrochemical Fatigue Sensor System for Bridge Inspections Receiving Significant Interest
Monday March 10, 7:00 am ET
LOS ANGELES, March 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Material Technologies, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: MTTG - News; "MATECH") recently issued a newsletter updating its shareholders on MATECH's business activities over the recent past and expected near-term activities. To summarize, in recent months interest in the Electrochemical Fatigue Sensor System (EFS) has been tremendous. The EFS can detect very small growing fatigue cracks on highway and railway bridges and similar structures that are subjected to repetitive loads, and has been utilized in over twenty field tests. The technology is well patented worldwide.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) signed a contract with MATECH, purchasing equipment and training as part of their Steel Bridge Testing Program. They will use the EFS system in the laboratory and on actual bridges to find growing fatigue cracks. Following the completion of this program, the FHWA will recommend technologies for use on bridges for specific bridge problems. MATECH anticipates this will result in recommending EFS to all bridge owners across the country for use on fatigue cracks in steel bridges.
MATECH has an on-call contract with Pennsylvania, and is continuing to produce good results. The EFS System has been used on twelve bridges in that state to date. Further work orders are anticipated to be issued for the next inspection season. Interest also has been received from several inspection companies in Pennsylvania that wish to purchase EFS equipment as well as training and licensing, in order to execute these further work orders, with licensing fees payable to MATECH for each bridge inspected. One such company has already been trained at their own cost to help MATECH execute their on-call contract in 2008.
MATECH has recently completed an inspection contract with Massachusetts, and has met with officials at MassHighway to review the results and to discuss the use of EFS throughout their entire highway system. They have indicated a clear need for the EFS technology, and will furnish a list of bridges to be inspected this inspection season.
New York State has also recently contracted with MATECH to provide EFS inspection services on a high profile fracture-critical bridge. As a result of this initial inspection MATECH will be performing a follow up inspection, and NYSDOT is evaluating purchase of equipment, training for their engineers, and licensing in 2008.
MATECH completed an inspection of a fracture-critical bridge in West Sacramento, California, and have met with several high-ranking state and national officials including Lt. Governor Garamendi and the staff of Senator Boxer; these discussions focused on the use of EFS across the state and the country, respectively.
MATECH also formed a strategic alignment with a California-based independent testing laboratory, the Smith Emery Company. This company, over 100 years old, has 400 employees in California, and an office in China. Their engineers and technicians have already been trained at their cost to execute EFS inspection contracts in the western U.S. region.
Work completed with the New Jersey DOT last year has been verified by their engineers. As a result they want to continue using the EFS System to verify fatigue crack repair effectiveness on additional bridges in the state.
The Commonwealth of Virginia and State of Alabama have also requested EFS inspections. These will be executed in the first half of 2008. Several other states have requested inspections that will occur in the second half of 2008. Initial inspection contracts are expected this Spring with Ohio DOT and URS Engineers; confirmation to proceed from each of these organizations has been received. Additionally, MATECH is speaking with the several entities in China and Europe, and the Association of American Railroads plus the following state DOT's about setting up EFS inspections: Maryland, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Texas, and Wyoming,
Proposals have been requested by Union Pacific Railroad and the Canadian National Railway. We will be proceeding with these inspections in the summer. Also, Proposals for service and equipment have been requested and subsequently submitted to several entities in Australia, with plans to execute by the end of the year. The contract would include training of their personnel, sale of EFS equipment, as well as the associated licensing fees for each bridge inspected using the EFS system.
Inspection service providers in other parts of the world are now requesting proposals for equipment and training. We have had interest from various countries including, most recently, Vietnam. MATECH's Chief Engineer, Dr. Brent Phares, P.E., recently returned from a trip to China to train representatives there who will be meeting with Chinese government officials and private company executives. Also, the company's COO, Marybeth Miceli, has been asked to speak at the World Nondestructive Testing Conference in Shanghai, China in August about EFS technology. Additionally, papers detailing the work performed with the EFS system have been accepted at numerous conferences worldwide for presentation during 2008.
In light of last year's bridge tragedy in Minnesota, bridge inspections have become a highly discussed and debated topic. Media outlets have been covering MATECH and the EFS system technology. Government officials in Washington, D.C. are actively discussing the best way to approach improving the U.S. system for already-mandated bridge inspections. All of the solutions involve using the limited available funds in a more efficient way. It is estimated that each state could save as much as $100M annually by making the right maintenance decisions at the right time. MATECH will continue to push the EFS system into the mainstream in order to promote public safety and fiscal responsibility.
26.03.08 12:52
#35
TradingAsket
Kursverfall
Die Story von Matech is eigentlich genial und seit dem Brückenunglück vor einigen Monaten in den USA sind sie auch zu einiger Bekannheit gekommen. Siehe Homepage, da kann man sich die Videos der vielen Interviews ansehen, die sie dazu gegeben haben.
Die Sache hat nur einen Haken. Keiner kauft im großen Stil die Technik, das Geschäftsmodell scheint nicht aufzugehen. Obwohl das Verfahren billiger und besser ist als alles andere was es zur Zeit gibt und auch in vielen Tests bewiesen hat, das es funktioniert. Warum das so ist? Keine Ahnung!
Die Sache hat nur einen Haken. Keiner kauft im großen Stil die Technik, das Geschäftsmodell scheint nicht aufzugehen. Obwohl das Verfahren billiger und besser ist als alles andere was es zur Zeit gibt und auch in vielen Tests bewiesen hat, das es funktioniert. Warum das so ist? Keine Ahnung!
27.03.08 10:36
#36
Jing
@ T. Asket, danke fuer die Info,
beobachte MTTG schon lange, zum Glueck nur auf Watch.
Ob da billig gesammelt wird? Fuer mich sieht es nicht so aus.
Der Kurs ist jetzt allerdings schon sehr verlockend. Irak
kostet solche Riesensummen, dass an Brueckenreperaturen u.a.
natuerlich, gespart wird, koennte ich mir vorstellen.
Vielleicht einfach mal ein paar ins Depot.
Gruesse
Jing
Ob da billig gesammelt wird? Fuer mich sieht es nicht so aus.
Der Kurs ist jetzt allerdings schon sehr verlockend. Irak
kostet solche Riesensummen, dass an Brueckenreperaturen u.a.
natuerlich, gespart wird, koennte ich mir vorstellen.
Vielleicht einfach mal ein paar ins Depot.
Gruesse
Jing
09.05.08 17:38
#37
TradingAsket
Neues Interview mit Bernstein und Micelli
http://www.emergingcompany.com/newsletter.htm
This Week on MoneyTV-Donald Baillargeon
Sie erzählen wieder mal, wie seit nunmehr 2 Jahren!, wer alles ihre Technik testet und wie hoch das weltweite Interesse angeblich ist. Doch irgendwie will halt dann doch immer keiner einen wirklich großen Auftrag abschließen. Komisch, Komisich!
This Week on MoneyTV-Donald Baillargeon
Sie erzählen wieder mal, wie seit nunmehr 2 Jahren!, wer alles ihre Technik testet und wie hoch das weltweite Interesse angeblich ist. Doch irgendwie will halt dann doch immer keiner einen wirklich großen Auftrag abschließen. Komisch, Komisich!
