Publisher’s Message – Reflecting on the Year at Trenchless Technology
This past year Trenchless Technology captured defining moments and major achievements in the industry. Looking ahead to 2025, it’s exciting to reflect on everything that made 2024 a memorable year.
Earlier this year, we celebrated Craig Vandaelle as the 2024 Trenchless Technology Person of the Year, honoring his exemplary contributions to advancing our industry.
We end the year with the unveiling of our annual Top 50 Trenchless Engineering Firms in North America ranking in our December issue, with Stantec earning the top spot—a testament to the firm’s commitment to trenchless innovation.
In between, our prestigious Projects of the Year awards highlighted groundbreaking achievements, with the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion Project and the Front Street Interceptor Project setting new standards in installation and rehabilitation excellence.
Significant anniversaries among our partners and colleagues were celebrated in the magazine, underscoring the endurance and growth within the trenchless community. Trenchless Technology Canada magazine marked its 10th year, Barbco celebrated 35 years, Logiball achieved 40, and Madewell Products reached an impressive 50 years, to name a few.
This year, we also saw significant industry shifts and growth, such as Vortex’s acquisition of MaxLiner and Applied Felts, strengthening its position in the market. Additionally, Aegion rebranded as Azuria Water Solutions, setting the stage for a new chapter and renewed focus. And, in a true feat of engineering, Huxted Trenchless achieved a world-record pullback of a 42-in. DR 11 pipe, setting a new benchmark for our industry.
While we celebrated many successes, we also mourned the loss of visionary leaders and industry stalwarts, including HDD industry icon Frank Canon, tunneling and CIPP pioneer Bob Affholder, and trenchless rehabilitation expert Wally Huber. Their legacies have left an indelible mark on trenchless technology, and they will be deeply missed.
One of my personal favorites of the year was the return of our HDD Rodeo, held in September in Independence, Missouri. After 20-plus years, the HDD Rodeo returned in 2024 to crown a new champion, Ward Trenching, a father-son duo who won more than $100,000 in cash and prizes!
On behalf of the entire Trenchless Technology team, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of you — our readers, partners, and contributors. Your passion and dedication fuel our progress and inspire us to look ahead with optimism.
Together, let’s welcome 2025 with the same drive and determination that carried us through 2024. Here’s to continued innovation, resilience, and growth in the trenchless industry.
Make an Impact and Advance Your Career with Trenchless Technology Magazine
We are the No. 1 magazine that solely covers the exciting trenchless technology industry — and we want you to be a part of that exclusive coverage. Contributing an article to Trenchless Technology magazine or joining a webinar panel is a win-win for trenchless professionals and the entire industry.
Sharing your expertise raises your profile and drives growth and innovation in the trenchless field. Trenchless Technology offers a unique platform for knowledge-sharing and serves as a networking hub, fostering meaningful collaborations, partnerships, and career-building opportunities.
Interested in making an impact? Contact our editor, Sharon Bueno, at sbueno@benjaminmedia.com to learn how you can get involved in 2025!
As always, we are here to serve you, our readers. If you have any suggestions or comments, please email me at kvannatten@benjaminmedia.com.
Until next year!
Kelly VanNatten
Publisher,
Trenchless Technology
