Herrenknecht Tunnelling Systems Acquires Construction & Tunneling ServicesWith the common goal to provide optimal and thorough services to contractors and tunnelling projects in the North American market for TBM projects with diameters of 4.2 metres and more, Herrenknecht Tunnelling Systems (HTS) USA, Inc. and Construction & Tunneling Services (CTS), Inc. signed a purchase agreement at the end of September 2006. With the acquisition of CTS by HTS, Herrenknecht will be able to sustain its market position in traffic tunnelling for the future US market.For Herrenknecht, the North American market is one of the most important future markets for mechanical excavation. In reference to quality, safety, reliability and service, the American contractors request the best. Based on the growing interest in innovative tunnelling systems for large diameters (4.2 m and above) for traffic and service infrastructures, Herrenknecht has increased the service and sales capacity of its daughter HTS in Auburn (state of Washington) step by step. Alongside highly qualified service personnel, Herrenknecht also has its own cutter manufacturing facility (excavation tools for hard rock excavation) in Tacoma (also in the state of Washington) since 2000.With the recent acquisition of CTS, located in Kent (state of Washington), which has been operating in the US market for the past 16 years, HTS is now able to offer even more comprehensive and first class servicewith regards to operation, maintenance and revision of tunnelling systems of all kinds to contractors and their projects. The TBM experts at CTS have an excellent reputation in the North American market when it comes to their know-how in design, maintenance as well as spare parts service not only in hydraulic and electrical field but also in the cutter market. In addition, the CTS expert team of eight people, who will immediately start working with the HTS experts, is very experienced in the systematic and economical modification and refurbishment of TBMs. With the acquisition of CTS, Herrenknecht provides a solid basis to bring future local manufacturing, refurbishment and purchasing in the USA up to speed. It also gives a guarantee for North American clients that project support and service is quickly available. Visit www.herrenknecht.com and www.ctstbm.com 42/06.