Tungsten carbide is a critical component, in snowplows and pretty much every type of digging equipment (backhoes, graders, and lots more). Suddenly, the price of tungsten carbide (and thus of things like snowplow cutting edges) has gone through the roof. When the price of a raw material increases by more than 50 percent in a month, you know there will be issues. This program will discuss the reasons behind the increases, and indicate what the long-term situation looks like, as far as we can tell at present.
So, what can agencies do to ensure they can still plow roads and dig dirt? This program will discuss the options available, noting the benefits and drawbacks of each approach.
Speakers/Panelists
Gardiner "Gardi" F. Willis
Managing Director / Co-Founder
Kueper North America
Matt Aquino
Sales Manager & Product Development
Evolution Blades
Elmira, New York
Ron Nelson
Vice President of Sales
Winter Equipment
Willoughby, Ohio
Moderator
Wilfrid "Wilf" A. Nixon, PhD, PE, PWLF
APWA Technical Director, Engineering and Technology
Director of Public Works
City of Pella, Iowa
Hosted by the Winter Maintenance Subcommittee
Proficiency Level
Introductory
Free for members and nonmembers. Registration closes June 17,2026 12:00 p.m. CST