Caterpillar has reported a 15% decline in global revenues for 2015 and a 40% fall in profits. Caterpillar Inc made revenues of US$47.0bn (£32bn) in 2015, down from $55.2bn the previous year. Profit per share fell from $5.88 in 2014 to $3.50 for 2015. Total profits fell from $3.7bn for 2014 to $2.1bn for 2015. The two most significant reasons for the decline were weakening economic growth and substantially lower commodity prices. Caterpillar was particularly hit by the slowdown in previously booming Brazil and China. Faced with the fall in sales, Caterpillar spent $908m on restructuring the business in 2015, which was a major cause of the hit on profits. Chairman and chief executive Doug Oberhelman said: “Cost management, restructuring actions and operational execution are helping the company while sales and revenues remain under pressure from weak commodity prices and slowing economic growth in developing countries.  We took tough but necessary restructuring actions in 2015 – and they were significant.  I am proud that our team stayed focused on our customers in this difficult environment.  Our balance sheet is strong; our product quality remained at high levels; we gained market position for machines for the fifth year in a row; inventory levels have declined and are well positioned as we look forward to 2016; and our safety levels are world class.  We are benefiting now and expect to even more in the future when markets rebound.” No improvement is expected in 2016.  The company expects its sales and revenues to be in a range of $40bn to $44bn. Sales in construction industries are expected to decline about 5 to 10 percent from 2015.  In the United States, improving labour market conditions and relatively stable economic growth should continue to support the wider economy and construction, Caterpillar said.  However, it expects continuing weakness in developing countries and lower activity in oil-producing regions. Mr Oberhelman concluded: “Our outlook reflects struggling oil and other commodity markets, and continued economic weakness in developing countries.  While the U.S. and European economies are showing signs of stability, the global economy remains under pressure.  While we manage through these difficult economic times with substantial restructuring actions to lower costs, we are also preparing for the long term.  We are continuing substantial investments in R&D and our digital capabilities.  These investments will be positive for Caterpillar and our customers through connected fleets and jobsites and access to data and predictive analytics.  Investing in the future is important to improving productivity and the bottom line – for Caterpillar and our customers over the long term.  While it is tough to predict when an economic recovery will happen, the investments we are making and the actions we are taking to lower our cost structure and improve quality and our market position will help deliver better results when a recovery comes.”  

For more than 110 years STANLEY® has maintained brand name recognition for manufacturing products with good value and even better quality. With every product, STANLEY® continues to design tools that last a lifetime and help get the job done right- STANLEY® screwdrivers are no different. STANLEY® offers ratcheting, multi-bit, and standard screwdrivers that make completing the task at hand fast and easy. If you’re looking to save time STANLEY®’s ratcheting screwdrivers are just what you need. STANLEY®’s ratcheting screwdrivers are designed with a 4:1 gear ratio for driving up to four times faster than traditional screwdrivers. These screwdrivers are also easy to use with their bi-material grips for great torque and anti- slipping. In addition, the ratcheting mechanism makes forward and reverse driving a breeze. Rely on STANLEY® multi-bit screwdrivers to make life simple and to get the job done with a little speed. STANLEY® multi-bit screwdrivers provide convenience and accessibility- everything you need can be stored in the internal bit storage handle. Multi-bit screwdrivers offer easy access to bits as well as fast changeover which make these screwdrivers indispensable to your toolbox, workbench, or tool belt. STANLEY® standard screwdrivers have plenty to appreciate as well. DIYers benefit from the value and quality in each standard screwdriver. For example, the quad or four sided handles are great for better tip torque. In addition, quad handles are anti-roll so users don’t have to worry about these screwdrivers rolling away or rolling off the ladder when working. The cushion grip style offers a great feel and tip identification provides users with fast and easy selection with each color type. Another plus, some standard screwdrivers are designed with vinyl grip for users in the automotive and/or chemical industry. These screwdrivers are great when working with corrosive materials. For users who love a bit of innovation, try STANLEY® FatMax® Simulated Diamond Tip Screwdrivers. Many screwdrivers take a beating over time and become less effective at staying seated in screws. STANLEY® FatMax® Simulated Diamond Tip Screwdrivers offer longer tip life than standard screwdrivers and are encrusted with simulated diamond sand composite to help bite into screws for easy driving and screw removal. Color coded handles also make it quick and easy to choose the right screwdriver size for the project at hand.

For more than 110 years STANLEY® has maintained brand name recognition for manufacturing products with good value and even better quality. With every product, STANLEY® continues to design tools that last a lifetime and help get the job done right- STANLEY® screwdrivers are no different. STANLEY® offers ratcheting, multi-bit, and standard screwdrivers that make completing the task at hand fast and easy. If you’re looking to save time STANLEY®’s ratcheting screwdrivers are just what you need. STANLEY®’s ratcheting screwdrivers are designed with a 4:1 gear ratio for driving up to four times faster than traditional screwdrivers. These screwdrivers are also easy to use with their bi-material grips for great torque and anti- slipping. In addition, the ratcheting mechanism makes forward and reverse driving a breeze. Rely on STANLEY® multi-bit screwdrivers to make life simple and to get the job done with a little speed. STANLEY® multi-bit screwdrivers provide convenience and accessibility- everything you need can be stored in the internal bit storage handle. Multi-bit screwdrivers offer easy access to bits as well as fast changeover which make these screwdrivers indispensable to your toolbox, workbench, or tool belt. STANLEY® standard screwdrivers have plenty to appreciate as well. DIYers benefit from the value and quality in each standard screwdriver. For example, the quad or four sided handles are great for better tip torque. In addition, quad handles are anti-roll so users don’t have to worry about these screwdrivers rolling away or rolling off the ladder when working. The cushion grip style offers a great feel and tip identification provides users with fast and easy selection with each color type. Another plus, some standard screwdrivers are designed with vinyl grip for users in the automotive and/or chemical industry. These screwdrivers are great when working with corrosive materials. For users who love a bit of innovation, try STANLEY® FatMax® Simulated Diamond Tip Screwdrivers. Many screwdrivers take a beating over time and become less effective at staying seated in screws. STANLEY® FatMax® Simulated Diamond Tip Screwdrivers offer longer tip life than standard screwdrivers and are encrusted with simulated diamond sand composite to help bite into screws for easy driving and screw removal. Color coded handles also make it quick and easy to choose the right screwdriver size for the project at hand.

Brushless Technology is here and it’s taking the DIY Market by storm! The #1 consumer power tools system just got a whole lot better! Ryobi’s ONE+ System always pride themselves on producing the best products with the most innovative technology year on year and once again, Ryobi have designed a drill which can do more! BRUSHLESS technology is a major breakthrough for consumer tools and here are the benefits:   • Up to 40% more runtime • Up to 20% more power • Up to 10X more durable   Ryobi’s BRUSHLESS drills will deliver previously unseen levels of power, runtime and durability to help the DIY’er do more and do it quicker.   “Our global team of engineers have packed this drill with the most advanced technology available to DIY’ers. We are confident users will love it!” says Dan Arthurs, Product Manager for Ryobi.   Ryobi’s new BRUSHLESS drills are packed with the latest innovative technologies. It’s not just a new motor, there’s an on board computer that controls the highly sophisticated electronics, state of the art Lithium+ battery technology and an electronically controlled clutch. The combination of these innovative technologies working together optimises the tools output to deliver a huge performance increase. How it Works BRUSHLESS motors have no brushes, and thus no physical contact that could lead to frictional energy losses. Instead the motor is turned inside out with permanent neo magnets spinning and advanced electronic controls charging electromagnetic coils around them. BRUSHLESS motors are also incredibly good at heat dispersal. The motor is no longer contained inside a metal can; instead BRUSHLESS drills use a frameless construction inside the drill housing to hold the motor in place. The copper windings (which get really hot) are now nearer the air vents and it’s easier for heat to dissipate.   Add in to the equation the more compact design which allows for a larger fan and it’s easy to understand how the motor runs cooler and lasts longer. Power and efficiency savings in BRUSHLESS motors allows for a more powerful, durable, compact and ergonomic drill overall. BRUSHLESS is intelligent technology. It works by using electronics to control the motor, instead of relying on physical connections. The rotor is made from permanent neo magnets which are smaller and twice as powerful. With BRUSHLESS you can get more performance out of a smaller tool!   Switching to a BRUSHLESS motor doesn’t automatically boost a tool’s performance. The motor, electronics and battery technology all need to work together in a highly refined system to achieve the power and runtime increases which users crave. The key to unlocking this added performance is very complex electronic controls. Not all BRUSHLESS drills are the same (even if their motors are similar) as the level of sophistication in the electronic system dictates the performance of the tool.     Runtime Traditional brushed motors have carbon brushes in them, energy flows through them in physical contact with the rotor which spins. This causes heat, sparking and friction; Brushes waste energy and eventually wear out. BRUSHLESS is designed to do so much more!   The precise computerized control of the motor has huge runtime benefits. Drills can be optimised for maximum efficiency during common DIY applications. This is where the BRUSHLESS drills really deliver! When you upgrade to a BRUSHLESS drill, you can drill 397 16mm holes compared to 276* holes using the same battery on a brushed drill! Ryobi’s ONE+ system gives users the tools to get more done per charge!   Speaking to Dan Arthurs, Product Manager for Ryobi he tells us how TTi has always invested heavily in electronics and is a key area of expertise for them. They are in a great strategic position to apply a global team of engineers with huge amount of expertise to develop BRUSHLESS for the consumer. In use is where you really feel the benefit of BRUSHLESS technology as he goes on to say: “Our advanced electronics constantly monitor and fine tune performance depending on the application, which means a top line increase in max torque AND a real difference in performance which is what really matters to our users.”   That’s why Ryobi BRUSHLESS technology is such a breakthrough! ONE+ System Included in Ryobi’s BRUSHLESS range are a new compact Drill Driver and Percussion Drill which are also new additions to Ryobi’s ONE+ System where 1 battery powers over 40 power and garden tools. To find out more please visit our Ryobi TV YouTube channel to view the BRUSHLESS Playlist or visit

JCB Power Products has acquired the business and assets of Broadcrown Ltd, a UK producer of diesel generators. Established in 1976, Broadcrown has a 29,000 sq ft assembly and test facility at Hixon, near Stafford, a 19,000 sq ft plant in Newtown, Wales, and employs more than 100 people. The company specialises in diesel generators and power generation systems providing power from 6kVA to 30mVA. The new business will operate under the name of JCB Broadcrown and its products will be marketed as Broadcrown. JCB currently offers a range of over 200 generators from 8-3300kVA, 35% of which are powered by JCB’s engines. Director & General Manager, Jonathan Garnham, said, “This purchase offers us a fantastic opportunity to accelerate the growth of the JCB Power Products business by significantly extending the range. It also offers a great opportunity for the fuel-efficient JCB engine to power more generators.”

The company that pioneered the world’s first chainsaw is joining forces with the Forestry Commission to help train the next generation of foresters. STIHL has announced that it will sponsor the 2015 Forestry Commission England Apprentice Programme, supplying 14 apprentices with the tools and safety equipment they will need for their two years of training. The programme will equip them with skills crucial for the management of the UK’s forests, enabling them to make an important contribution to rural communities. More than 1,000 people applied to join the Apprentice Programme, and the successful applicants will now be trained in every area of forestry work including health and safety, pollution control, clearing, tree felling, planting and fencing. STIHL is supporting the programme by supplying each of the 14 apprentices with: STIHL MS 261 C-M chainsaw STIHL C-M clearing saw STIHL protective clothing Ian Gambles, Forestry Commission Director for England, says the programme is a fabulous opportunity and teaming up with STIHL makes perfect sense all round: “There could soon be a shortage of foresters as much of the current labour force begins to retire. This programme will give these young people the best training available, teaching all the fundamental skills to put them in prime position for future job opportunities. There is no other programme like this in the country. Forest management and tree felling are highly-skilled activities and we must always remember the importance of well-maintained and reliable tools alongside quality protective equipment to ensuring a job well done and getting home safely.” Rory Stewart, Rural Affairs Minister, said: “Forests and woodland are one of the most precious elements of our natural heritage. I am delighted that the 2015 Forestry Commission England Apprentice Programme will help ensure the forestry sector has a passionate and skilled workforce for the future. Increasing the number of apprentices is also a key pledge of the Government’s Rural Productivity Plan – designed to harness the enormous economic potential England’s rural areas have to offer – for the prosperity and benefit of everyone in the UK. This is fantastic news.” Simon Hewitt, Head of Marketing at STIHL GB, says the decision to support the initiative was an easy one. “STIHL is committed to encouraging a thriving and enduring forestry sector in Britain, and we are proud to support this scheme that will bring valuable and skilled newcomers into the industry.  We wish all the new apprentices the best in their future careers.” The new agreement builds on STIHL’s 2014 Forestry Commission Apprenticeship of the Year sponsorship, which rewarded apprentice Cameron Williams for his efforts on last year’s programme. More information can be found at www.forestry.gov.uk.

Rugged mains/cordless LED work-light Carbide reciprocating saw blades for wood and metal Diamond hole-saw set, 6-25mm, with water feed Makita continues to expand their accessory range constantly adding useful new lines and improved blades, bits and cutters for best possible performance. The latest additions include a rugged site work-light that can be powered by mains or by Makita’s high performance Lithium Ion batteries; a new series of carbide tipped reciprocating saw blades that will efficiently cut through timber and nails, and a new set of diamond tipped hole-saws ideal for cutting accurate holes in tiles for bathroom installations. The new Makita DML805 LED work-light will run on 240v mains power or 14.4v and 18v Lithium-ion batteries from the Makita range. The twenty 0.5watt LED’s provide a bright and even light and there is a full beam and low level setting on the simple push button control. The light unit is mounted in a rugged moulded carry cradle with flat base and top handle that can serve as a hanging bar. A simple rotating knob releases the angle setting which can spin through 360°. Ideal for site operations this work-light features Makita Extreme Protection Technology, XPT, against water and dust ingress. It has three tripod mounting options as standard. Using a 4.0Ah 18v Makita Li-ion battery the DML805 LED work-light has a continuous run time in high setting of a useful 6.5 hours. “It is wise to remember that high performance Makita power tools will achieve the best results when used in combination with our quality accessories,” says Kevin Brannigan, marketing manager, Makita UK. The new Makita Tungsten carbide-tipped reciprocating saw blades have a new shape of saw tooth which gives faster cutting and longer life. Designed to cut through timber where metal nails or fixings require cutting, these new 1.25mm width blades are available in three lengths: 152mm, 228mm and 305mm. All these saw blades have 6-8 teeth per inch. The new Makita diamond-tipped hole-saw kit brings together the individual hole-saws available in the range. Users will find these hole-saws invaluable for cutting through ceramic and porcelain tiles or glass in bathroom and kitchen installations. The electroplated diamond-tripped hole-saws must be used with the water feed tube supplied in the six piece kit which includes 6, 8, 10, 15, 20 and 25mm diameter hole-saws. For more news and product information about Makita UK please visit www.makitauk.com.  Follow us on Twitter @MakitaUK and Facebook.com/makitauk

To support fast and efficient working, FLEX has now replaced the existing “Box on Box” transport case system with the proven L-BOXX. The familiar system was developed for secure storage, protection during transport and portable use. The L-BOXX is suitable for tools, accessories and consumables.   The L-BOXX is available in four different sizes and is designed for a loading capacity of up to 25 kg per box. Inserts inside the boxes allow professional and clean storage. In all box sizes, the case lids have a load-bearing capacity of up to 100 kg and provide reliable protection for the entire contents even during rough transport and conditions of use. At the workplace, the robust, splashwater-protected cases impress with their quick accessibility and clear, organised storage.   All it takes is a click to join and separate the boxes All L-BOXXes can be individually combined and comfortably transported with a robust “Easy-click-and-go” system, up to a total weight of 40 kg. This means that tools, compatible accessories and the associated consumables are intelligently pre-sorted and quickly available where they’re needed. No more time-consuming backwards and forwards between the vehicle and the building site. For additional loading safety, the L-BOXX system can be integrated into the crash-tested vehicle racks of Sortimo and Aluca.   Company: FLEX-Elektrowerkzeuge GmbH Nadine Hofmeister, Marketing/PR Bahnhofstraße 15 71711 Steinheim/Murr, Germany Tel: (0049) (0)7144 / 828-888, Fax: 25899 Mail: nadine.hofmeister@flex-tools.com  

Dewalt is (hopefully soon) coming out with a new 20V Max brushless impact driver, model DCF887. It is unclear whether the Dewalt DCF887 will replace either of their other brushless impact driver options, or whether it will be sold alongside them. Dewalt’s other impact drivers include the DCF885, which dates back to the launch of the 20V Max platform, the DCF895 brushless impact driver, which comes with a stubby button-operated bit chuck and features 3 speed and torque settings, and the single speed DCF886 brushless impact driver, which is our best cordless impact driver editor’s choice pick. The new brushless impact driver, DCF887, is said to be shorter than the DCF886, and nearly 22% more powerful at its highest electronic speed and torque setting. Ergonomically, the DCF887 appears to be closely based off of the DCF886 design. Going by specs, the DCF887 is 1/4″ shorter in length (5.55″ – 5.3″ = 0.25″) than the DCF886, although Dewalt’s product description explicitly says it is 2 mm shorter than the previous DCF886, which would be a paltry 0.079″ (a little over 5/64″). The previous DCF886 part could suggest that this model is meant to replace the DCF886. Features & Specs 1/4″ hex bit chuck 3 speed settings Max torque: 240/1500/1825 in-lbs Speed: 0-1000/2800/3250 RPM 5.3″ length Precision drive in speed 1 for increased control for precision applications 3 LED worklights around chuck for shadow-free illumination 20 second LED trigger-release delay The new cordless impact driver will launch with 3 bundle options: DCF887B is the bare tool, a DCF887D2 kit comes with (2) compact 2.0Ah Li-ion battery packs, and a DCF887M2 kit comes with (2) 4.0Ah battery packs. The kits also come with a fast charger, belt clip, and kit box. ETA: TBA Pricing: TBA

As two of the biggest names in the power tool market, Milwaukee and Dewalt have many similar products in their ranges, with the consumer ultimately left to work out which one they believe to be best suited to the job at hand. In order to assist with this often difficult decision, the team at CBY Tools have created a Top Trumps style graphic which pits the Milwaukee M18BPP2A-402C 18V Heavy Duty Twin Pack against the Dewalt DCK255M2 18V XR Li-Ion 3 Speed Twin Pack to see which comes out on top. Factors under consideration include max torque, drilling capacity and accessories, with points awarded to the winner of each round, with an overall winner announced at the end. As a great little resource to assist when making the difficult decision between the two products, check out the interactive product battle by clicking here and discover which of the Milwaukee or Dewalt comes out on top.