“ CONEXPO-CON/AGG PAYS DIVIDENDS ON YOUR TIME AND INVESTMENT BY BRINGING TOGETHER NEW TECH, BIG PLAYERS AND EDUCATION IN ONE PLACE.”
— BREX ENTERPRISES, IRWIN, PA
250,000 sqm of Exhibits
130,000 Attendees
1,800 Exhibitors
150 Education Sessions
REGISTER at conexpoconagg.com
Save 20% with promo code SHOW20
MARCH 14-18 / 2023 / LAS VEGAS / NEVADA
News
26 JCB Highlights Hydrogen Future
34 CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 Already A Sell Out
61 Industry Training Services Opens for Business in Dublin
78 Spring Farm Machinery Show
82 Demand for construction workers high despite economic uncertainty
Regular Features
20 Gordon Best, MPANI
48 Auctions & Used Plant
51 Court Report
53 Recycling & Waste
comment
Golda
David Stokes Group Editor
Phil Eaglestone Commercial Editor
Joel Byers Production Manager
Zara Beggs Social Media Content
Eleanor Blane Accounts Manager
Helen Beggs & Garfield Harrison Publishers
Plant & Civil Engineer is Published by:
4 SM (NI) Ltd, The Old Coach House, 12 Main Street, Hillsborough BT26 6AE
TEL: 028 9268 8888 FAX: 028 9268 8866
Email: info@4squaremedia.net
Product Launches
08 New ‘Tight-Tailswing’ Komatsu Midi Excavator Launching Here
32 Doosan Launches New Mini-Excavator
30 CASE to Launch Wheeled Excavator Range
70 Premium performance from new Cat Wheel Loaders
Sales & Services
85 Plant Sales
88 Buyers Guide
Spring is on the way and with it an air of optimism that things can only get better, not just on the political front, for the industry still faces many challenges in the months ahead and far beyond, not least a growing skills shortage.
Latest figures from the Construction Industry Training Board reveal that almost 225,000 extra workers will be required to meet construction demand across the UK by 2027 – that equates to around 45,000 additional workers a year, which is why recruitment, training, development and upskilling remain major priorities for the industry for 2023 and beyond.
One locally based organisation doing its bit to address the skills shortage is CITB NI who have just launched an all female plant operator training pilot scheme at their headquarters in Crumlin in County Antrim. The scheme, which will fully fund the training of 10 female plant operators, came about after it was recognised that there was a high level of interest from females who were willing to get involved in the sector.
On another front, health and safety also remains a priority. Provisional data from the HSA shows that 26 people across Ireland lost their lives in work-related incidents in 2022 compared to 38 in 2021. While that is the lowest figure recorded since the Authority was established over thirty years ago, it is important to point out that there are ongoing investigations that may see the reported/recorded number of fatalities increase. The HSA report shows that falling from height (9 fatalities) and loss of control of a vehicle or its attachments (7 fatalities) were the leading causes of work-related fatalities in the past year. Meanwhile, we are now entering ‘show time’ with a number of major exhibitions on the way, including the biggest of them all - CONEXPO-CON/AGG, where all available exhibit space has already been booked, guaranteeing the 2023 edition of the show will be the biggest in history. The show, now nearly 5% bigger than the record set in 2020, will feature 1,800 exhibitors and 175+ education sessions during its run from March 14-18, 2023. We have a full report in this issue on what visitors can expect. Well, that’s it for now, but in the meantime, you can keep up to date with all the industry news 24/7 by logging on to our website at www.plantandcivilengineer.com Of course, you should also be getting our weekly newsletter which is emailed out every Tuesday; if not, do subscribe on our website so you don’t miss out. It’s FREE!
David Stokes Group Editor Email: david@4squaremedia.net
The sudden passing of our General Manager Henry Ardis on Boxing Day came as a great shock to all of us here and throughout the industry. He was 58. Henry, who had a wealth of experience in the magazine and publishing industry, only took on the role at Plant & Civil Engineer just over a year ago and in that short time he established some great working relationships with many of the leading companies across the plant, construction and recycling sectors.
With a BA (Hons) with a focus on economics from Liverpool John Moores University, Henry proved to be a big asset to Plant & Civil Engineer, even though the industry was a new area for him; it was a challenge that he relished and he quickly made his mark, as was demonstrated by the many tributes that were posted on various online social platforms. Born in London, Henry moved to Belfast at a young age and in later life – in 2005 - took on the Northern Ireland franchise for Primary Times, a widely read magazine for
parents, pupils and teachers in the primary school sector. When it was badly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, Henry looked to expand his business interests and joined the team here at Plant & Civil Engineer. Previously, he held positions with the Ulster Tatler and Ulster Tatler Interiors. In his spare time, Henry enjoyed a range of hobbies, including golf, travelling, chess, current affairs, socialising and walking. He is survived by his wife Agnes and sister Susan.
Tandragee-based electrical engineering company, Rapid Power Generation is creating 15 jobs in efforts to meet global demand for its generator sets.
The early-stage SME designs and manufactures diesel and natural gas powered generating sets which power the domestic, agricultural, construction and healthcare markets.
Making the announcement, Barry Taaffe, Director of Rapid Power Generation said: “Our mission is to become the de-facto standard in power generation across the UK, Europe and internationally. Since setting up in 2019, we have spent the last number of years building relationships and organising a production process which can be scaled up to meet demand. We also recognise the global demand for sustainable energy and offer our customer’s natural gas fuelled generator sets.
“To expand our sales globally and enter new export markets, we are creating 15 new roles across areas including engineering, design and sales and marketing. With Invest NI’s support, the team will support our expansion plans in the years ahead and we’re excited to see what the future holds.”
Founded in 2019, Rapid Power Generation is a division of Tandragee-based materials handling company, Rapid International.
Congratulating the company, George McKinney, Invest NI’s Director of Scaling said: “Rapid Power Generation has a
strong leadership team with many years of experience in the generator market, which is a solid platform to grow its business. Over the last number of years, Invest NI has been working closely with Rapid Power Generation and we welcome this investment which will take the company from just two employees to a team of 17. With global interest in its products, now is the right time for it to grow its team to support sales in export markets including France, Italy, the USA and Canada. Importantly, the company’s growth will have a valuable impact regionally.
“We have offered the company advice and guidance on growing its business
and financial assistance to grow its team. The jobs being created will generate £850,000 of additional annual salaries, a great boost for the local economy.”
Ethna McNamee, Invest NI’s Western Regional Manager said: “This investment marks a significant step in Rapid Power Generation’s business journey and it’s an attractive time to be part of its future. It’s also excellent news which will enhance the materials handling capability in the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council area. We look forward to continuing to support the company as it grows internationally.”
THE Mineral Products Association (MPA) has welcomed the Government’s announcement of the new Energy Bill Discount Scheme (EBDS), extending the Energy Bill Relief Scheme. The broad support available through the EBDS encompasses most of the products manufactured by MPA members, including aggregates, asphalt, cement, concrete, and industrial minerals.
However, the MPA says the proposed support may not be sufficient to maintain the competitiveness of UK manufacturing should prices return to the high volatility observed over the last 12 months.
It says for energy-intensive mineral products such as cement and lime, tackling high energy prices is critical. These sectors compete in international markets and Government
support is vital to ensure high energy costs do not render UK producers uncompetitive, which can lead to an increase in imports, a reduction in domestic production, and the associated loss of jobs and the sector’s economic contribution.
However, while energy prices are expected to remain high for the foreseeable future, the EBDS is only relatively short term and could leave the mineral products industry exposed if price fluctuations continue. A longer-term solution, through
delivery of the commitments set out in Britain’s Energy Security Strategy, is required to properly address high UK energy costs.
MPA chief executive Jon Prichard said: ‘The announcement of ongoing government support is welcome, but there is still a risk that in the event of highly volatile prices, MPA members could remain exposed to high energy costs. As such, this support package provides only a partial, short-term fix.
‘We call on the Government to deliver the electricity market reforms promised in the British Energy Security Strategy as a matter of priority.
Electrification is a key driver to decarbonize UK industry and the transition to net zero will rely on long-term secure supplies of competitively priced electricity. The MPA believes that fundamental electricity market reform is the only way to ensure this is achieved.’
McHale Plant Sales, distributors in Ireland for Komatsu, Merlo, Metso Outotec, Jonsson, and Terex Ecotec equipment, has further extended its portfolio of interests with their appointment to represent the Prinoth range of tracked, all-terrain vehicles in the Irish market. At the centre of the highly versatile Prinoth line-up is the six-strong dumper trucks range which – with payloads from 5,715kg to 13,200 kg – are expected to have special appeal. Seen to be ‘as versatile as a Swiss army knife’ amongst utilities and construction vehicles, the Prinoth range is regarded by McHale Plant Sales managing director, Tim Shanahan as one “that will complement the company’s current portfolio and create new opportunities in markets not open to us previously.”
At its core, Prinoth equipment has an established presence across a myriad of work site applications: in construction, vegetation management, biomass harvesting, land clearance and in the mulching and reclamation of forest sites. Another major application, less likely to apply in Ireland, is in ‘snow grooming’ involving the maintenance of ski slopes at alpine sports resorts, and in the maintenance of transportation links and access routes in regions subject to heavy snowfalls. Equipped with the appropriate job-specific attachment, Prinoth work vehicles are found in applications that span electric power and transmission, wind power, oil and gas pipeline laying, construction, environmental protection, hydro-excavation, costal erosion, landscape preservation, firefighting and rescue, mining and drilling, forestry and crew transportation.
Volvo Trucks has supplied Cemex with its first fully electric, zero exhaust emission heavy-duty concrete mixer. The battery electric truck marks the next step in the two companies global collaboration in deploying electromobility solutions. The Volvo FMX Electric will be operating at a ready-mix concrete plant in Spandau, Berlin, starting this month. With interest in fully electric heavy-duty transport increasing, Volvo Trucks and Cemex are working to develop and scale the technologies needed to make emissions-free transport a reality in the demanding construction industry.
Roger Alm, President, Volvo Trucks, says: “We are very happy to take this important step in the partnership with CemeX. Both our companies have committed to ambitious sustainability targets and collaboration is the way to get there. “Together we will work to implement emission-free transport in the construction industry. Our electric trucks are zero emissions and their silent operation also provide a better environment for people working at construction sites, as well as for residents living nearby.”
“CEMEX is committed to becoming a net-zero CO2 company; innovation and collaboration are at the core of this commitment,” says Fernando A. González, CEO of Cemex. “Our partnership with Volvo has incredible potential to contribute to the decarbonisation of our business. Rolling out our first fully electric ready-mix truck is a strong progress in that direction.”
Electrification of concrete transportation is challenging due to heavy loads and
continuous mixing demands. However, CEMEX’s new mixer can be used for a full day’s work, with just a single topup charge needed during its shift.
CEMEX and Volvo Group are founding members of the First Movers Coalition, a collaboration between the World Economic Forum with US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry, that encourages companies to make purchasing commitments to create market demand for low-carbon technologies. Volvo Trucks and CEMEX are committed to reaching their ambitious sustainability targets and contribute to the decarbonisation of the global economy.
Volvo Trucks has the most complete electric line-up in the global truck industry, with vehicles that can operate at a total weight of 16- to 44-tonnes, covering everything from city distribution and refuse collection, to urban construction transportation and regional haulage.
As the market leader in heavy electric trucks in Europe and the US, Volvo Trucks aims for half of its total sales of new trucks to be electric by 2030. The company is also committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in its value chain by 2040, at the latest.
A range of initiatives is being implemented to provide an even better show experience at Hillhead 2024.
The renamed Showground Pavilion (previously the Main Pavilion) is being extended by around 1,300 m². As well as generating more indoor stand space, this will also house a newly designed Hillhead Café offering a wider range of hot and cold food and drink, as well as an outdoor terraced seating area. There will also be a meeting lounge equipped with free Wi-Fi and charging points where you can grab a coffee and catch up on e-mails. The numbers of toilets for the next event will be extended with additional plumbed units being installed at the top of the showground adjacent to the Registration Demo area. To reduce queues at peak times, there will also be a higher provision of urinals throughout the Showground. More seating and communal areas will be introduced at various locations around the showground, allowing visitors to take a break and enjoy their picnics and other refreshments.
Two new hydration stations will be located on the showground where visitors and exhibitors can top up their water bottles with fresh, cold, filtered water free-of-charge. These areas will also be available to sponsor. Additional catering areas are being organised across the site (including within the Registration Pavilion). These new outlets will deliver more choice and meet a wider range of dietary requirements. They will also help to reduce queuing times during busy periods.
1,000 additional car parking spaces have been added together with a new dedicated helicopter landing area. This will help to maximise entry to the parking areas from multiple access points and reduce queuing times to a minimum throughout the busy morning rush.
Brand new for 2024, exhibitors will now have their own dedicated entrance taking them directly into the showground as part of a reconfigured Registration Pavilion. This will ensure fast track access at the beginning and end of the day for exhibitors.
The show opening times for visitors are being put back to 9am (from 8:30am). This returns to the 2016 timetable and will allow exhibitors more time to get onto the site and parked up before visitors arrive. It will also enable the organisers to provide priority car parking for exhibitors in the lower car parks (nearest to the show entrance) until around 8.30am each morning. This will be accessed on a first-come first-served basis. Exhibitors in the registration area will have their own dedicated help desk where members of the QMJ team will be on hand to help you with any stand or contractor enquiries.
Latest new Komatsu on its way to Ireland is the PC88MR-11 midi excavator, a model its distributor McHale Plant Sales claims ‘will deliver the threefold benefits attractive to owners: faster work speed, greater productivity and lower fuel consumption.’ Having debuted at October’s bauma 2022 trade show in Munich, the PC88MR-11 is powered by a low-consumption 2.4 litre EU Stage V engine (50.7 kW / 68hp) fitted with DPF (no SCR needed).
Described by McHale Plant Sales as ‘more than a simple model update’ its lower consumption gives advantage to owners by enabling them to futureproof their investment and pitch for urban area projects in which environmental
concerns and sensitivity to emissions are paramount. Said by their sales director, Denis McGrath to have “the feeling of a faster excavator”, its improved dig-loading cycle and all-round better digging performance
come from an engine now making its European debut. “Its tight tail swing, which allows the operator to concentrate on the work in hand without fear of rear-swing impacts, helps to make the PC88MR-11
a versatile solution, ideal even in confined areas.”
To the eye, the PC88MR-11’s design is improved with allnew, ergonomically-superior styling. Improvements include a redesigned blade for better dozing; an automatic safe, fast and versatile 2-way changeover valve for better comfort when switching; 20mm lower transport height; first class operator comfort; a repositioned low/high gear switch for better ergonomics; smart safety initiatives; advances in performance and controllability; easy serviceability; and a high level of standard specifications.
Other plus points include an average 6% lower litre-per-hour fuel consumption; up to 7% better productivity due to hoist/ swing operations speed-boost; a 14% increase in levelling speed; a 12% litres-per-minute increase in attachment oil flow; new large access doors; LED work lamps for better visibility; Bluetooth radio; air-heated suspended seat; and easy radiator cleaning thanks to a convenient, well-placed dust net.
Hyundai Doosan Infracore (HDI) is replacing the DOOSAN brand on its construction equipment and introducing its new brand named ‘DEVELON’.
DEVELON is a combination of the words ‘Develop’ and ‘Onwards’. The new brand name conveys the direction of HDI to move onwards to the future through innovation and its intention to relentlessly change the world with innovative products and solutions.
HDI has planned the launch of the new brand since it became a subsidiary of HD Hyundai in August 2021. It plans to take a leap forward to becoming a global top-tier player in the construction equipment industry with the launch of the new brand. With the change of the brand name, the new DEVELON decal will be used on HDI’s construction equipment.
“Our three construction equipment businesses have
already solidified their status as one of the key business pillars of HD Hyundai and have built an unwavering foundation for achieving performance targets and creating synergistic effects among them, amid the rapidly changing global economic environment,” said Cho Youngcheul, CEO of HDI, who added, “DEVELON will lead the future market of electrification and automation to spur growth
and continue to be a brand of choice for our customers.”
HDI plans to introduce a more detailed brand story and vision by releasing a ‘New Brand Showcase’ through social media by the end of February. It will also unveil equipment with the new brand name DEVELON at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023, which will be held in Las Vegas in the US this coming March.
NI Water has completed phase one a major Flood Alleviation Project to upgrade the sewerage infrastructure and substantially reduce the risk of out-of-sewer flooding in the Marguerite Park area of South Belfast.
Work on this major project commenced within the grounds of Musgrave Park in April 2021 and was recently completed ahead of schedule. BSG Civil Engineering Ltd was appointed as the main contractor for this phase, with Atkins providing Project Management services.
Mark Sefton, NI Water’s Senior Project Manager said: “The aim of this £8million project, which was funded through the Living With Water Programme (LWWP) which is led by the Department for Infrastructure, was to increase the capacity of the existing network, reducing the risk of out-of-sewer flooding and environmental pollution within the Marguerite Park area.
“The local community will benefit from the improvements for many years to come, and the completion of phase one will also pave the way for future work in the Sicily Park area. NI Water and our project team appreciate that work was disruptive in a busy residential area and would like to sincerely thank the local community and
all our stakeholders for their patience and support throughout this essential scheme.” Phase one involved laying a total of 1.3km new large diameter sewers, which were constructed from the “Grovelands” area of Musgrave Park, through the park grounds, Musgrave Park Hospital, Malone College, crossing under the railway line and through private lands into Diamond Gardens/ Marguerite Park and Donegall Park. 800 metres of the new sewers were constructed using underground microtunnelling techniques, which included crossing under the main Belfast to Dublin railway line. Tunnelling techniques significantly reduced disruption to our customers, particularly within Musgrave Park/Musgrave Park Hospital and Malone College. The final section of pipelaying was laid throughout Diamond Gardens, Marguerite Park and Donegall Park.
Irelands construction, quarry and recycling event CQMS takes place this April 21st and April 22nd in Molloy’s quarry, Tullamore, Co Offaly. Get the date in your diary and get ready for one of the key live events of the year. The event as ever has attracted enormous interest from exhibitors, sponsors and visitors. So much so that we are delighted to announce three joint title sponsors.
CQMS ’23 Meet the Title Sponsors: Capitalflow, is Irelands digital business lender who is committed to making finance simpler for its customers. Captialflow Managing Director Ronan Kelly said,'' At Capitalflow we make finance simple and put people first. We are delighted therefore to announce this significant title sponsorship of CQMS 2023, the leading construction and quarry event in Ireland. The expo will enable the Capitalflow team to move even closer to our customer, meeting and listening face to face to support business growth across Ireland".
The Irish Plant Contractors Association (IPCA) is the trade association working for the good of Irish plant owners, hirers and contractors. IPCA CEO Brian Coogan said “The IPCA is the voice of Irish plant owners and operators, CQMS 23 gives our growing membership a place to come together to meet as a peer group, whilst interacting with both suppliers and customers, the reason why so many of our members
attend the show and so many see the benefits of being a member of the IPCA”. Topcon, are the global experts in workflow solutions, getting work done the right way, the first time, on time. We thank our title sponsors and look forward to working
with and welcoming over 200 exhibitor stands and 10,000 visitors to the event.
CQMS is Ireland’s only construction & quarry machinery expo. With the majority of quarry
plant manufactured in Ireland, it is only fitting that the island has its own dedicated showcase to promote the products these companies manufacture and take to market.
In a world where increasingly, everything seems to be done in the digital space it is quite nice, on occasions to attend an event and meet face to face.
CQMS ’23 will attract and unite the industry, allowing dealers, distributors and manufactures to meet, to do business, to create new relationships… Keeping the dealer network connected to their customers.
CQMS is an event for the island of Ireland, if you are in construction, quarrying, recycling or plant hire this is the must exhibit and or attend event of the year.
Molloy’s Quarry in Tullamore, County Offaly, is ideally and conveniently situated:
• Under an hour from Dublin airport / port
• Under 2-hours from the furthest port.
A unique event in a unique setting, Molloy’s quarry is a spectacular ideal space for such an event. The showcase enables major displays from major brands such as: Thwaites, Hitachi, Bell, Bomag, LiuGong, Kubota, Terrex and Komatsu to name but a few to demonstrate live their latest product innovation in dedicated demo areas that will make sites safer, smarter and more sustainable. Many of Irelands leading dealers and distributors will also be in attendance from TBF Thompson, Dungannon Plant Sales, Cullion Plant and Dave Power Plant.
Yet there is so much more to see from the very latest technology, the latest alternative power sources, the latest battery technology for powered access. In addition to everything from Tipper Trucks to Tyres. Search CQMS for more information and how to register for tickets… Don’t forget the Saturday is the ideal day to bring the family.
Look out for our weekly updates, announcements on new exhibitors, how this will benefit your business and much, much more.
According to organiser Brian Coogan, "Finning Caterpillar have confirmed their attendance at the show and tickets sales so far are very very strong with thousands sold at this early stage."
ACCESS EQUIPMENT, TELEHANDLERS, DIGGERS, DOZERS, QUARRY PLANT, TRUCKS, TRAILERS, DEMOLITION RIGS, PILING RIGS, SMALL DIGGERS, BIG DIGGERS, TYRES AND MUCH MORE
As a multi award winning civil engineering company working all over Ireland and the UK providing services to some of the biggest construction companies in the world, Cole Groundworks Contracts, based outside Newry in County Down, continues to invest in its people and its plant. Adopting a steady and measured growth strategy, the company, founded by Managing Director Conor Cole in 2005, has spent more than half a million pounds over the past year in new construction machinery and a fleet of works vehicles to service its expanding portfolio of ground works and civil engineering projects. Since its formation, the company has delivered a broad range of highly specialist projects in the residential and commercial markets, as well as in the education sector, in addition to working on electrical generation sites, telecommunications signals masts, and within the water industry, and is currently engaged in a number of new projects, among them an apartment block and retail units at Malahide in Dublin, as well as major works in Cork and Mullingar on behalf of Green Biofuels Ltd (GBF), the UK’s leading supplier of advanced renewable biofuel. Earlier this year, GBF opened Ireland’s first renewable biofuel terminal at Cork Harbour. The Port of Cork is the world’s second largest natural harbor and is a key international gateway for trade. The terminal represents a major commitment by GBF to Ireland’s cleaner energy infrastructure for transport and generator power, further accelerating the transition to Net Zero. The terminal, which will be fully operational shortly, will act as both an import facility to service the accelerating demand for GBF’s clean, advanced Gd+ HVO renewable fuel in Ireland, of which Conor Cole is a strong advocate, and a blending/
export facility to enable the collection and use of renewable fuels overseas. GBF will initially use 38 million litres of the overall capacity to supply Gd+ HVO fuel, which equates to a potential lifecycle CO2e emissions saving of over 100,000 tonnes on each tank refill cycle when compared to conventional diesel fuel. GBF plans to invest up to €20 million in the terminal and to increase the capacity to 53 million litres.
Cole GWC are Principle Contractor looking after the entire refurbishment of the facility, including new offices, complete new network of utilities for power, data, water and sewer, street lighting, improvement and extension to bund walls, flood gates, multiple interceptors, attenuation tanks, construction and makeup of new egress road from site to enable a one way system onsite, entire new concrete roads and parking facilities, security fencing, automated gates, CCTV and managing all aspects of upgrades to the existing tanks and pipework on the facility including all works on the jetty; this will be a modern state of the art industrial facility
Cole GWC also recently carried out upgrade works on behalf of GBF to an existing fuel distribution depot in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. The works involved an entire improvement of the existing facilities, including cut and fill within the entire perimeter, providing adequate falls to deal with surface water, and to protect the environment from any potential spills through forecourt and bypass interceptors along with all new drainage runs and a network for all utilities such as power and data, erect secure perimeter fencing, precast concrete kerbs, concrete bays with incorporated expansion joints, erect site lighting and CCTV and fully automated gates to control entry / exit to the facility.
GBF’s clean, advanced Gd+ HVO has rapidly become a sustainable and environmentally friendly fuel of choice for many in the construction, logistics and marine industries. Gd+ HVO is a fossilfree, paraffinic, renewable alternative to diesel made from Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and GBF’s supply is low-carbon from waste collection to customer engine. Cole GWC was the first Irish company to be using this clean, advanced Gd+ HVO fuel in all its sites. “This is what we believe is a true revolution for air quality in our area of expertise, and an innovation that will help the entire construction industry,” says Conor. “We are passionate about being at the forefront of innovation.”
Gd+ HVO was first used by Cole GWC in 2019 when the company was brought in to work on an extremely large student accommodation project at Brighton University. As part of its environmental consciousness pledge, with the University looking to reduce its carbon footprint from the build and to improve
the local air quality in the built-up area around the site, Cole GWC selected Gd+ for its high performance, low emission and drop-in replacement benefits. A true commitment from a company that was not contracturally obliged to do so.
Cole GWC monitored the CO2 emissions from the site and calculated the fuel economy during the works. The company has reported a 90% reduction in green house gas emissions, a NOx
COLE GROUNDWORK CONTRACTS LEADING THE WAY WITH SUSTAINABILITY...
reduction by approximately 30% and a particulates reduction by 70%. In total Cole GWC saved 3,614 kg of CO2 over the course of the construction project.
So, to what does Conor attribute the company’s successful growth? “Hard work and a strong, dedicated and fully focused team – from our site workers and plant operators to senior management,” says Conor who is not afraid of leading from the front. “We are very fortunate we have the right people around us and are always searching for the best talent in the industry to join us.”
One of the driving forces on the Senior Management Team is Senior Contracts Manager PJ Fagan, supporting Conor’s dedication to be the best in the industry, managing client relationships and taking time to understand customer requirements by going that extra mile, which is why he was recognised as a High Achiever at
last year’s annual Plant & Civil Engineer, following in the footsteps of Conor who himself was a recipient of the same High Achiever award a few years ago.
CONTINUED
He was also awarded Construction Employee of the Year at the Newry Chamber Awards – further testament to his hard work and dedication, if it were needed. He has pushed for and consequently managed the company’s change over from fossil diesel to a high performance, low emission and drop-in alternative, such as Gd+ HVO.
Another key member of the Senior Management Team is Jonathan Connolly who fills the role of Senior Engineer and Head of Operations. Jonathan assists in the smooth running of the business with Conor, from engineering technical support, programme and sequencing, assisting in commercial reporting, and correlating all projects and staff in a structured format for the smooth
operation of the business, while Paul Cole is responsible for delivering and maintaining world class health and safety procedures across all elements of the company.
“The past 18 months have been a challenging period for many businesses working through Covid and its immediate aftermath with many challenges within the supply chain alone, but we are proud to have successfully navigated our way through these changes, thanks to the invaluable input of everyone on our team, especially Jonathan, PJ and Paul,” adds Conor. “We meet on a regular basis to discuss, plan and establish good working practices to ensure our clients benefit from the best available service, focusing on quality of workmanship rather than quantity.
“But we don’t forget the effort from every member of the company both site and
www.colegwc.co.uk
Ashbourne Truck Centre, Ballymadun, Ashbourne, Co. Meath, Ireland
Tel: 00353 18350573 Josef: 0035387 255 66 77 Sarah J: 0035386 255 66 77
New Faymonville 4-axle hydraulic widening bed low loader, extendable in width from 2.54m to 3.2m at the push of a bu on, also extendable in length, double ip hydraulic ramps, rear steer axles, hydraulic rear legs, full spec. In stock available immediately.
2022 Faymonville 4 axle 9ft wide, heavy duty spec on 19.5” wheels, trough, extendable, double flip ramps, BPW axles, greaser, marker boards, available with immediate delivery IN STOCK
New Schmitz Bulk Tipping Trailer, 70 cubic yard, step frame design, steel galvanised chassis, roll over cover, grain hatch and sock, sealed tail board, front lift axle, ina stock, available immediately.
New Schmitz Cargobull insulated tar spec pping trailer, 8.2m, steel body, electric cover, front li axle. In stock available immediately.
New Faymonville 4 axle fixed bed low loader, two rear steer, double flip ramps, marker boards, 9ft wide plus out riggers, coming into stock within 2 weeks. Available on short delivery (same spec as trailer shown)
2022 Schmitz 8.2m tipping trailers, standard size and higher side wall for waste etc, steel body, galvanised steel chassis, front lift axle, auto dump on suspension, manual cover, sealed tail board, fully thermal insulated in stock also. available with immediate delivery IN STOCK
New Schmitz Cargobull
Aluminium pping trailer 9.6m, electric cover, rear steer axle, front li axle. In stock available immediately.
New Faymonville MAX 3 axle step frame low loader, double flip ramps (timber or grid floor), in stock available immediately.
2022 Faymonville 4 axle 9ft wide, choice in stock, extendable with trough, or full extension no trough, double flip ramps, hydraulic rear support legs, marker boards, top spec, available with immediate delivery, IN STOCK New Schmitz tipping trailers, in stock & on short delivery times, various specs, 8.2m steel 1460mm side or 1860mm side, manual or electric covers, various other options available.
www.ashbournetruckcentre.com
www.ashbournetruckcentre.com
With the current economic situation, it’s more important than ever to reduce costs and achieve the lowest total cost of ownership possible.
Rokbak’s Senior Product Manager, Scott Pollock, explains how the company is helping customers achieve this...
Rokbak’s fuel-efficient drivetrains deliver powerful performance and meet worldwide emission standards with low cost of operation and low environmental impact. Fuel consumption is the biggest cost of operating a machine. The RokbakRA30 and RA40 EU Stage V engines produce a fuel consumption saving of up to 7%, when compared to the previous EU Stage IV engines. This means lower operating costs and less impact on the environment. The RA30 EPA Tier 4 Final machines also achieved a fuel saving of up to 5% when the latest eight-speed transmission was introduced.
A key feature towards increasing productivity and reliability for the customer is the engine air intake filter. Within the dry-type,2-stage aspirated air cleaner, this small suction draws out major contaminates, extending the time between maintenance intervals, lowering total cost of ownership and potentially increasing machine life cycle.
Rokbak’s Haul Track telematics system helps machine owners to reduce total cost of ownership (TCO) by keeping an eye on everything from fuel consumption and machine usage to issues that, if neglected, could lead to repairs or unplanned downtime. The system enables you to remotely monitor your machine to manage performance, plan preventative maintenance, proactively control production and track the condition of your hauler. By taking a deep dive into a variety of software parameters – such as travel speed, fuel consumption, temperatures and pressures – owners can look for patterns and identify improvement areas that can reduce TCO. Haul Track connects to the onboard weighing (OBW) system, so any under or overloading can be easily identified and used to help educate operators in correct machine usage.2022 saw the re-introduction of improved fault alerts, with improved maintenance alerts being reintroduced shortly. These not only notify the dealer of upcoming service intervals, but also provide a list of
required parts for that specific task – enabling faster servicing and greater machine uptime.
Both Rokbak articulated haulers are installed with hydraulic system magnetic suction filters, which reduce the risk of contaminants entering the hydraulic system, saving on disposable maintenance materials and maximising productive uptime through cleaner systems and prolonged component life.
The RA30 and RA40 both adopt modern hydraulic fluids that maximise time between maintenance periods to 4,000 hours. The RA40’s transmission has high-performance fluid and up to 6,000 hours between service intervals, while the RA30’s long-life transmission fluid supports 4,000 hours between oil maintenance intervals. As a result, customers can achieve increased productivity and uptime, as well as low cost per tonne.
Rokbak has created the ideal ergonomic environment for the articulated hauler operator to work within. Operators can have a huge influence on TCO. A happy operator is a productive operator, and the more your machines move the more you earn. Spacious, pressurised cabs have been designed to avoid fatigue and be highly comfortable – with low noise, an active air suspension operator’s seat with adjustable arm rests, cushioned steering, and highcapacity heating and air-conditioning.
The RA30 is equipped with true independent front suspension as standard, further enhancing operator comfort and enabling excellent traction control and maximum productivity, even in challenging conditions.
January saw the staging of the postponed MPA Health and Safety Awards and Conference in London when the latest innovations and good practices helping to keep workers in the UK mineral products industry safe and well were showcased – and it is congratulations to Kilwaughter Minerals on their success as winners of ‘Safer Through Improvements in Health & Wellbeing’ category. Details of all the entries for the MPA Health & Safety Awards will be added to SafeQuarry. com, the free-to-access mineral products global hub for health and safety. Videos of the finalists and winning entries can be viewed on the MPA YouTube channel which also features a film of the whole of the 2022 awards event as well as previous years. Meanwhile, MPANI and HSENI have begun making preparations to host the All Island Safety Conference in October at the Armagh City Hotel. More on the arrangements will be published soon. On the economic front nationally the UK economy saw a meaningful loss of momentum in the second half of last year and is expected to suffer a shallow recession in 2023 and contract by 0.9%, before a modest return to growth in 2024 (+1.4%).
As well as developments on global energy markets, chronically-weak business investment, structural issues in the labour market and public sector pay disputes threaten to hold back the economy’s progress over the next couple of years. The Construction Products Association’s (CPA) new winter forecast outlined a 4.7% decline in construction output in 2023 and only a modest 0.6% recovery in 2024. Locally, the latest Construction Employers Federation survey and Ulster Bank monthly PMI report paint a fairly pessimistic picture, at least in the short to medium term, for the local construction industry. The CEF Construction Survey reflects a local construction sector that remains busy in terms of current workloads, but also a sector where immediate to medium term cost pressures prevail alongside a growing pessimism about market opportunities over the coming year.
The survey, which collected data from NI-headquartered firms which have a
collective annual turnover of approximately £2.5bn, covers the last six months of 2022 and reflects on many of the key challenges that contractors, civil engineers and homebuilders are currently facing. The main findings included:
• Looking at 2022, 50% said their profit margins had worsened or significantly worsened in comparison to 2021. Over the same period, 20% had seen an improvement in profit margins.
• 62% of respondents do not expect their annual turnover to increase in 2023. Indeed, some 43% are looking to consolidate their business over the coming 12 months –with 27% looking to increase profitability.
• 67% of firms said they were either at full or almost full capacity. Only 7% currently had capacity for significant levels of new work.
• Materials availability challenges have receded – 80% saying any issues are now manageable.
• Inflationary issues remain – 63% of respondents said these were continuing to pose serious financial concerns and 85% said they expect material costs to continue to rise.
The Ulster Bank PMI highlighted that Northern Ireland’s private sector started last year in expansion mode as the post-pandemic economic recovery gathered pace. Last January, businesses were optimistic for the year ahead with the expectation that growth would continue. This proved not to be the case. Largely as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which added fuel to the cost-of-living crisis, growth petered out and confidence ebbed away. Northern Ireland’s private sector therefore ended the year on a much more negative note. December saw output and orders fall for the eighth successive month. The contraction in output was the steepest in a decade outside of lockdowns. All four sectors posted declines in output and orders although retail, services and construction firms did increase their staffing levels.
The good news is that inflationary pressures moderated with firms reporting the weakest rise in input costs in 22 months. As a result, firms raised their prices at their slowest pace in almost two years. But these price rises
still exceed anything that occurred in the pre-pandemic era. This time last year, firms were braced for a challenging year, but it turned out much worse than anticipated. December’s report suggests that negative sentiment is receding and that we may have passed peak pessimism. This year, expectations for the 12-months ahead are low but we could see the converse of last year with expectations being exceeded this time around.
MPANI has recently launched its 2023 Age Profiling Survey. The success and long term sustainability of any industry is dictated both by the quality of the people within it and its ability to attract qualified, enthusiastic young people with the right work ethic. The Association last carried out an age profiling assessment back in early 2020 that again highlighted the ongoing reality that we have an ageing workforce. MPANI will use the results to inform members and relevant industry stakeholders of the critical succession, skills and recruitment issues facing the industry with a view to formulating and implementing an industry wide plan to address these worrying trends. Meanwhile, MPANI are currently drafting its response to the Department for the Economy Consultation on the Circular Economy. This draft strategy sets out a vision that by 2050, Northern Ireland will have an innovative, inclusive and competitive economy where business, people and planet flourish, with responsible production and consumption at its core. Construction material suppliers will have a key role to play in achieving many of the targets. Once again however I fear this is the public sector telling the private sector what to do! At the same time the reality is most of the private sector are already innovating in terms of decarbonising, automating, energy efficiency and recycling. As many of you know and have direct experience of it, the public sector does not lend itself to quick decisions and risk taking. One just has to look at the adoption of renewable energy on the government estate and the roll out of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
I recently attended the opening of the new Competition and Mergers Authority (CMA) Office in Erskine House Belfast along with other business representatives. In a very engaging questions and answers session a number of us asked how the CMA might help in ensuring that Government procurement policy and energy policy can act in a way that enhances competition here in NI and protects businesses, particularly those exporting materials and products. I highlighted the current uncompetitive, and in many ways discriminating, policy that means rural businesses have to pay huge fees if they wish to connect to the electricity grid. While in GB, because there is greater competition in the energy market, the supplier will bring the energy grid to your gate and then you pay for the connection. This policy is holding back the decarbonising and energy efficiency of many rural business, it’s unfair, needs addressed at the earliest opportunity and if not will hold back NI PLC journey to the target of Net Zero by 2050.
In other news, arrangements are well advanced for our Annual General Meeting on March 9th in the Dunsilly Hotel, Antrim. This year we are continuing our expert panel “Question Time” session.
worked in Strategic Planning and Policy with Belfast City Council and played a key role in supporting the Council’s Brexit Committee. Outside of work, Claire is Chair of Brain Injury Matters, the regional charity supporting, promoting and empowering people living beyond acquired brain injury.
oil and gas into renewables 30 years ago to form the B9 Energy group of companies.
B9 has developed 10 onshore and two offshore wind farm projects, provided O&M services on 49 wind farms, developed industrial scale anaerobic digestion, 6 x landfill gas power stations, and is now focussed on green Power-to-X projects to provide balancing load for otherwise curtailed wind farms. The hydrogen produced will be supplied to the heat, power and transport sectors and the oxygen used for secondary sewage treatment in the water industry and for Oxygen Enhanced Combustion at base load thermal plants.
Also on the panel is Kirsty McManus, who is National Director for the Institute of Directors in Northern Ireland. The Institute supports 1,000 Northern Irish business leaders through unparalleled access to information, advice, peer networks and learning opportunities. Kirsty has over 20 years’ experience working in markets such as the United States and Europe. She was appointed Chair of the Ministerial Advisory Panel on Infrastructure by Minister Mallon in August 2020 and is a founding member of the Northern Ireland Business Brexit working group.
This year’s panel includes Claire SullivanCBI, Head of Policy, Northern Ireland. The CBI is regarded as the ‘voice of business’ both locally and nationally. It represents around 70 per cent of the Top 100 companies in NI as well as many small firms across the region. Claire recently joined the CBI as Head of Policy, Northern Ireland (July 2022). With over 20 years of experience in strategic public policy and research, she previously
Joining
He is joined on the panel by David Sterling, former head of the NI Civil Service, where he spent his career working in a variety of roles before being promoted Head of the NICS in June 2017. In that role he faced the challenge of delivering public services in the absence of ministers, preparing for Brexit, facilitating the resumption of devolved government in early January 2020 and dealing with the Covid-19 Pandemic. He retired from the NICS in August 2020 and is currently the Chair of Northern Ireland Screen, the Chief Executives’ Forum and is a board member of a number of charities: Ulster Wildlife, the Cancer Fund for Children, the Centre for Cross Border Studies and Women in Business NI.
Alas, we end this month’s round-up of news on a very sad note. A number of our members lost loved ones in 2022. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family and friends of Pat O’Connor, Will Chambers Snr, Henry Ardis, Christopher Scurfield and Imelda Quinn (daughter of Cormac McDonnell Snr). www.mpani.org
HS2 is leading the way in sustainability with two of its Main Works Civils Contractors being awarded the gold standard by the Supply Chain Sustainability School (SCSS) just two weeks after the project’s first ten sites went diesel-free.
Part funded by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and industry partners, the Supply Chain Sustainability School was set up in 2012 to boost knowledge and collaboration in the built environment. The school set up their Plant Charter in 2020 to support the UK’s ambition of Net Zero by 2050. Signatories are encouraged to take measures to lower emissions on construction sites, address and reduce tailpipe emissions, and train staff on why and how to reduce emissions. These measures result in improved air quality and more environmentally friendly working practices.
HS2’s Civils Contractors, Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture (SCS JV) and EKFB JV - a team made up of Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction and BAM Nuttall – have both been awarded the highest level under the Charter.
To achieve the gold standard, companies must meet standards set by the SCSS, be reassessed every 12 months, demonstrate increased competency in sustainable practices, attend multiple training events and be at the forefront of sharing best practice with other companies.
Speaking about the achievement Andrea Davidson, HS2 Ltd’s Head of Environment Sciences, said: “With two of our contractors now achieving gold standard for sustainability, HS2 is really pioneering sustainable construction in the UK. The size of the project means that we are able to invest in
innovative practices, allowing them to become mainstream and scalable which will make a huge difference to the sector in the future.
“We recently announced that ten of our construction sites are now totally diesel free, and now with this recognition we look forward to going further in our sustainability in 2023.”
First to be awarded the gold standard was HS2’s London tunnels contractor, SCS JV, who have introduced a number of measures including deploying the cleanest available plant and machinery on sites, rolling out innovative technologies that improve efficiency and reduce emissions. Three of SCS JV’s construction sites now operate entirely diesel-free, with their Canterbury Road site first announced as diesel free in May 2022.
SCS JV have also collaborated with plant hire suppliers with the aim of delivering lower emissions on sites. SCS’s environment team are working closely with Flannery Plant Hire, L Lynch, and M O’Brien on EcoDriver refresher sessions so site staff are up to speed on how to reduce effectively reduce tailpipe emissions from plant. After receiving the bronze standard in March 2022, the first construction joint venture
to do so, EKFB JV – who are building the section of HS2 between Buckinghamshire and Warwickshire – have continued to improve sustainability, upgrading to gold status. Some of these improvements include phasing out diesel tower lights and introducing more eco-friendly solutions such as solar and highbred lights, as well as changing generators to hybrid sets across sites. EKFB have also adopted new and innovative greener equipment on site as well as retrofitting existing plant equipment to reduce emissions.
Robert Lockwood, Air Quality Lead, Skanska Costain STRABAG JV, said: “The achievement of the Plant Charter Gold award is testament to the collaborative work across the whole of SCS JV, including our dedicated supply chain, to minimise the impact of our activities on local air quality. I’m confident it won’t stop there either and the teams will keep innovating and striving to reduce emissions even further for the remainder of the project.”
Craig Downs, Plant Manager for EKFB JV said: “EKFB and its supply chain worked hard to achieve the industry-first bronze status earlier this year and we are now thrilled to have reached gold status in less than half the time we’d originally predicted. To go from bronze to gold in 8 months shows how committed we are to reducing our environmental impact on our local communities and within our construction sites.
“This is a testament to our supply chain and EKFB and Hydrock teams working together to achieve the first gold status outside of London which supports the progress we are making in our environment and sustainability strategy objectives.”
JCB’s double-award winning electric mini excavator has marked another significant milestone in its short history – the production of the 1,000th machine.
JCB went into full production with the world’s first volume-produced all-electric mini excavator in 2019. Employees at JCB Compact Products in Cheadle, Staffordshire, recently gathered on the shop floor to cheer the milestone 1,000th 19C-E model off the production line.
JCB Chairman Lord Bamford said: “We are delighted with the success of JCB’s electric
mini excavator, which is proving very popular around the world, particularly in North America, France and the UK where there is a growing demand for zero emissions equipment operating in urban environments.”
JCB has been at the forefront of the development of electric technology to meet customers’ demands for zero-emission products and the company has led the way with the introduction of a battery-electric solution for smaller machines.
The 19C-1E is a staggering five times quieter than its diesel counterpart and can be fully
charged in under two hours and can complete a typical full shift on a single charge. The model has been a big hit with companies working inside buildings and in emissions and noise-sensitive inner-city areas. It is perfect for working indoors or outdoors, in factories, tunnels or basements, for digging foundations, or on utility projects.
In 2019, the 19C-1E scooped one of the automotive industry’s most prestigious honours when the Royal Automobile Club presented JCB with the Dewar Trophy for ‘Outstanding Technical Achievement in the British Automotive Industry’ for the
development of the machine. The following year, the Royal Academy of Engineering in the UK announced that the 19C-1E had won the MacRobert Award, a prize for innovation that has been presented since 1969 to honour a wide variety of engineering feats, including the CT scanner and Rolls-Royce’s Pegasus engine used in the Harrier jump jet.
NI Water has been adapting new technology to assist with the impact of climate change on the supply of drinking water. More extremes in weather including drier, warmer periods and the recent cold winter have added stress to our water supplies. With this trend set to continue, NI Water has been planning ahead to ensure the future security of the water supply. In Moneymore, the use of this new technology has successfully enabled sustainable ground water to be sourced. This will not only improve the resilience of supply for over 2,000 customers but will lower carbon emissions and energy costs as a result of reduced pumping and the use of solar energy.
NI Water has found this innovative solution by tapping into Earth’s most hidden asset, groundwater. The groundwater abstraction by NI Water, in collaboration with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, using boreholes at an existing service reservoir in Moneymore, has been able to access a longterm, resilient water supply.
The successful exploration project is part of NI Water’s ambitious strategy to help address the climate emergency and to help society become carbon neutral by 2050. As Northern Ireland’s single largest electricity consumer, the company aims to develop new approaches to sustainably deliver water services and this project will help towards that goal.
Mark Herron, NI Water Project Manager Business Improvement, explained: “Groundwater is stored underneath the earth’s surface and is a largely unused water source in Northern Ireland. It is also naturally filtered through rocks, so requires minimal treatment to make it drinkable.
“This innovative solution will not only provide water in all weathers but reduces chemical use and carbon. It is a fantastic local natural resource which will allow NI Water to strengthen its longterm water supply resilience.”
NI Water has also been able to use solar panels to reduce electricity for abstraction and treatment of the water. The use of activated filter media (recycled glass) also ensures the water is treated to the required drinking standards.
Maynard Cousley, Head of Water Supply, commented, “While much of Northern Ireland’s water supply is captured on higher ground through reservoirs, a significant proportion is drawn from lower lying loughs and rivers. This water often requires more treatment and pumping which increases emissions from fossil fuel generated electricity. In recent years we have also seen several unusually long dry spells and elevated temperatures, which create periods of exceptionally high demand for water.
“As a result, NI Water has faced increased water supply challenges and has been actively looking for a solution. We have learned a lot from this project and are keen to understand how other areas may benefit from this technology.
“We are delighted that over 2,000 customers in Moneymore will now have a sustainable supply thanks to groundwater sources and the resilience of the supply to a large number of customers in the wider Mid Ulster area will have been enhanced by the introduction of this new source. Thank you to all colleagues involved in this innovative initiative. It is a promising sign of what NI Water can deliver across the region in the future.”
ZoneSafe uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to create detection zones around vehicles and mobile plant.
Vehicle-mounted antennas detect RFID tags which can be worn by workers, or placed on objects or property. When a ZoneSafe tag enters a detection zone, the vehicle operator receives a visual and audible alert. A vibrating tag also warns the detected worker of an approaching vehicle.
ZoneSafe RFID technology does not require line-of-sight and tags will be detected regardless of obstructions, blind spots, adverse weather or poor visibility.
The Concrete Society NI region will be holding a talk on Wednesday 29th March 2023 on Calcined Clay & Sustainable Infrastructure. This event, at the Arup Belfast Offices, Bedford House, Bedford Street, Belfast, will be held as both face to face and streamed live. The speaker for the event will be Dr. Fragkoulis
Kanavaris who is Arup’s leading specialist on concrete materials with a background in structural engineering. He is an award-winning expert on concrete materials, sustainability, cracking, durability, concrete technology, specification, condition assessment and remediation of concrete structures. Fragkoulis has contributed to more than 250 projects worldwide, from buildings, bridges and tunnels to nuclear, renewable energy and maritime structures and is involved in several research projects focusing on concrete behaviour and sustainability. He is chairing and actively participating in several RILEM and fib technical committees and has published more than 40 articles in journals, conferences and books. Fragkoulis is involved with the adoption of calcined clays in concrete and has conceived, planned
and initiated one of the first industrial applications of calcined clay in the UK and Europe. Whilst working on the largest railway project in the UK and Europe, a substantial amount of material is to be excavated by the tunnel boring machines – 128 million tonnes! A large proportion of this material is London Clay and has proved suitable for calcination. This calcined clay was able to be used to replace Portland Cement and produce medium to low grade concrete – this was a great achievement in trying to make the project as sustainable as possible and
maximise circularity associated with the project works. Arup’s specialist will be able to discuss this process, how it has been adopted on site, the importance of client and contractor support and the gains from a climate and carbon viewpoint. The talk begins 6.00pm sharp and will finish around 7.15pm, and refreshments will be provided. To attend in person please register with NI Region secretary Enda McKenna at enda.mckenna@ mcfarlandconsulting.co.uk
MANY THANKS TO OUR 2022-2023 SPONSORS
The venue is limited to 40 attendees and places will be allocated on a first come first served bases.
Hitachi Construction Machinery UK (HCM UK) has established a strategic partnership with BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions UK. Under the agreement, BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions UK will be the exclusive partner for the provision of finance for HCM UK equipment in the UK and Republic of Ireland, under the brand name of ZAXIS Finance. Reflecting their long-standing commitment to the construction industry, with a presence in the UK for more than 50 years, this partnership highlights Leasing Solutions’ drive to provide innovative solutions and consistent funding which support the continued evolution of the sector.
David Roberts, CEO at Hitachi Construction Machinery (UK) Ltd comments: “More so than ever, finance is a key element of our value proposition and so it is critical that our offering in this regard aligns with all of our products and services. We know that working in partnership with
BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions UK will ensure that both our existing, and new customers, will get a flexible, reliable and responsive service when it comes to their financing needs.”
Mark Turnham, National Sales & Marketing Director at Hitachi Construction Machinery (UK) Ltd added: “HCM UK went out to the market to find a finance partner that held the same values as HCM UK in terms of customer focus and service levels, I am delighted that we found such a partner in BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions UK
BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions
UK has appointed a team with
many years of experience within the construction industry and who share the same passion and drive for the Hitachi construction machinery product as we do, allowing us to offer even higher levels of customer service than before.”
Rachel Appleton, CEO, Leasing Solutions UK & ROI comments: “The stability, consistency and breadth of expertise we can offer as part of a leading longestablished global brand will enable those in the construction sector to access the high-quality equipment that HCM UK delivers. This strategic partnership with Hitachi Construction Machinery
UK, under the ZAXIS Finance brand, consolidates BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions UK’s position as a committed and trusted funder to the UK and ROI construction industry.”
Mark Richards, Equipment Logistic and Solutions General Manager at Leasing Solutions UK & ROI adds: “We are excited to work in partnership with HCM UK to support their customers with access to financing solutions for all their Hitachi equipment needs, coupled with our marketleading service provision. By welcoming a number of the experienced ZAXIS Finance team to Leasing Solutions, customers will benefit from consistency of service and continuity of established relationships, plus the added pedigree of Leasing Solutions in delivering long term vendor finance partner programs. Putting the customer first is at the core of our business ethos and we are excited to develop long-standing and positive relationships that endure through ever-changing economic cycles.”
Manufacturers in every industry sector are working towards a zerocarbon future and none more so than construction and agricultural equipment suppliers, as Dan Gilkes reports for Plant & Civil Engineer. With the UK government set to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030, plus heavy trucks by 2040, construction and agricultural markets will also have to play a part in this seismic shift in the way in which machinery is powered. Companies like JCB have already started on what the company calls the Off-Road
to Zero, with electric mini excavators and compact wheeled loaders an increasingly common sight at the lighter end of the market. Heavier machinery however, the excavators, loaders and haulers that operate away from urban mains power supply, are not so easy to electrify.
JCB has mastered the art of battery electric operation for compact machinery, but Tim Burnhope, the company’s Chief Innovation and Growth Officer, explained that other solutions will be required for heavier kit.
“We believe there is a real place for electric machines under 4 tonnes and in urban operations,” he said.
The four batteries that power JCB’s electric mini excavator produce 20kW and cost around £8,000. Upscaling that to a 20-tonne machine would require a huge number of batteries, at a cost that would be unacceptable to customers. “Technically you can electrify anything, but it’s not financially viable for the customer,” said Tim. JCB has therefore had to look for alternatives to a battery electric driveline. This includes hydrogen fuel cells and the firm has built 20-tonne excavators with a fuel cell to trial the technology over the last few years. What this research has revealed however, is that a fuel cell is too complex for heavy machinery use and not sturdy enough for prolonged use on site. Alongside the actual fuel cell stack, the machine has to have hydrogen tanks, a DC/DC converter, power electronics, power batteries, motors and inverters.
“The fuel cell excavator is too complicated, not robust enough and too expensive,” added Tim. However, while it may not be an option in combination with a fuel cell, the company believes that hydrogen does have a big future within construction machines. Hydrogen can be transported as a liquid or a gas, carries roughly three times the energy density of diesel and, if created as green hydrogen using renewable energy, it can be a real zero-emission alternative, as the only emission is water.
JCB, like many of its competitors, has been working hard to improve the efficiency
of its diesel engines. From 2010 to 2020, the company managed cut the overall fuel consumption of its equipment lineup by around 50%, through efficiencies within the engine and hydraulic systems. It will continue to develop diesel machines, with the aim of cutting a further 50% of their emissions by 2030. However, while those engines can operate on a variety of alternative fuels, such as hydro-treated vegetable oils (HVO), JCB Chairman Lord Bamford believes that the answer still lies with hydrogen. In July 2020 he set the team at JCB Power Systems a challenge, to make one of its engines run with hydrogen as a fuel by the end of that year. The resulting hydrogen motor bears the initials AB H2 on the cylinder head, which shows his confidence in the technology. The engine block has much in common with JCB’s 444 diesel engine, but the hydrogen unit comes gets a totally new cylinder head and a new combustion system, with much lower injection pressures than for diesel. The fuel is ignited using spark plugs and the engine features a far larger turbocharger, to increase compression of the incoming air. Lord Bamford insisted that the engine had to produce the same power and torque as the firm’s diesel units and operate for just as long between regular services. It also had to fit into existing JCB machinery, with minimal changes. “It is a totally new engine, not a conversion,” said Ryan Ballard, Engineering Director at JCB Power Systems. “Lots of people have tried to do a hydrogen engine, but the problem has been that it’s always been a conversion.”
JCB’s engine plants in Derbyshire and India currently produce 400 engines a day between them and the plan is that the hydrogen engines should be built alongside existing and future diesel models. To meet this requirement, five of JCB’s dynamometer test cells now operate hydrogen engines, rather than dieselpowered motors and hydrogen test engines are rolling off the line, though there is no official date for a machine launch yet.
So far, JCB has installed the hydrogen engine into its backhoe loaders, Loadall telehandlers and a Fastrac tactor. In each case, the machine looks unchanged, with the engine fitting under the same bonnet. The diesel tanks are replaced by composite hydrogen tanks, operating at 350 bar pressure. The 3CX backhoe uses around 8-10kg of hydrogen to work for a full day, which is easily stored on-board in the space that would have held a diesel tank. Hydrogen is transported in what are called tube trailers, with hydrogen tanks operating at around 700 bar pressure. These can be delivered to a yard or to a construction site. JCB has then designed a Refueller, which is a smaller version of the tube tanker, carrying around 100kg of hydrogen and installed on the back of a Fastrac tractor. The Fastrac is of course also powered by the hydrogen engine. Like a conventional diesel bowser, the Refueller can travel around the site, filling
each machine in turn. The hydrogen has a flow rate of 1kg/min, so the Refueller could top-up the backhoe loader in just 6-7 minutes, similar to a diesel machine. “To succeed with larger machinery, we believe that you need to take the fuel to the machine, not take the machine to the fuel,” said Tim Burnhope. By building a hydrogen engine that offers the same power, torque and dimensions as a diesel, JCB would be able to create hydrogen versions of many of its most popular models, with no loss of performance or productivity for customers. With a means to refuel those machines on site, it has also made it much easier for those customers to adopt a hydrogen future. As mentioned, there are no dates for an actual hydrogen machine launch yet. However, with engines now rolling along the production line, that date can’t be too far away. JCB has just taken another big step along the Off-Road to Zero.
straight boom excavator
Built rugged for reliable operation in demanding applications, the new Cat® 352 Straight Boom Excavator is designed specifically for low-level demolition work up to five stories high, bridges and industrial infrastructures. Its stick/boom configuration delivers a higher vertical reach up to 12.85 m (42’2”), 36% more stick pin height compared to the standard 352 Reach configuration. Working with up to a 6000-kg (13,228-lb) attachment weight, the new 352 Straight Boom now features standard Cat technologies for increased versatility, precision and efficiency in both demolition and excavating applications. The excavator’s new optional 11.35-tonne (25,022-lb) removable counterweight design increases transportation efficiency and lowers transportation costs. The mechanical variable
gauge undercarriage has a 2990 mm (9’10”) transportation width when needed and extends 500 mm (19,7”) in working mode for maximum stability all around. Its new highefficiency hydraulic fan features standard automatic reverse to keep the cores free from debris and reduce maintenance time. Designed for demolition, the 352 Straight Boom features reinforced booms, sticks and frame, increasing machine durability. Standard Falling Object Guards (FOGS) protect the roof and front reinforced P5A laminated windows from falling debris during demolition, while helping to maintain visibility of the jobsite. Sloped to prevent mud and debris accumulation, the track frame design helps to reduce track damage, while sealed track pins and bushings reduce travel noise and
help to increase undercarriage life. Full track guiding guard is also a standard feature Its Operator ID function offers push-button engine starting and programmable joystick functions that are remembered when the operator enters their unique ID. Standard Cat Stick Steer simplifies excavator movements with single-hand and push-button operation of travel and turning. Offering automatic power increase when needed, standard auto dig boost delivers better bucket penetration, shorter cycle times and greater payloads. Auto heavy lift offers more lifting power when needed for as long as needed. Cat Lift Assist makes the operator aware that the load is within the excavator’s safe working range to avoid tipping Standard Cat technologies to elevate operating efficiency include Cat Grade with
2D that displays depth and slope on the in-cab 254-mm (10-in) touchscreen monitor. When excavating, Cat Payload offers realtime, onboard weight estimates to help achieve precise load targets. Payload can be combined with VisionLink® for remote management of production targets, while Cat Product Link provides critical machine operating data like location, hours, fuel usage, productivity and diagnostic codes to help increase jobsite efficiency and lower costs. To easily detect objects and personnel around the operator in a single view, the 352 Straight Boom comes standard with rearview and right-hand-sideview cameras, which can be upgraded to provide 360-degree visibility. Smaller cab pillars, larger windows, standard radial roof wiper and washer improves visibility around the machine. A premium seat, heated and cooled, is also standard. Easily powering through all different types of material, the 352 Straight Boom features an electrohydraulic system and is powered by the field-proven 330-kW (443hp) Cat C13B engine. Standard quick coupler, medium and high-pressure circuits increase operating versatility for using a variety of Cat demolition attachments. Three engine power modes – Smart, Power and Eco – help to match engine and hydraulic power to the task at hand to further reduce fuel consumption and costs.
Harnessing technology, the new Cat 352 Straight Boom Excavator now offers remote
diagnostics and updating capabilities. Remote Troubleshoot allows the dealer to diagnose fault codes and machine issues remotely without interrupting the production cycle. Remote Flash allows software updates to be pushed out to the machine and installed at a time convenient for the customer. Grouped together for simplified maintenance, all fuel filters now feature an extended, synchronized 1,000-hour change interval. Combined, these features help to lower long-term owning and operating costs. Long-life fuel, oil and air filters reduce excavator time in the shop, and hydraulic oil checks and fuel system purging of water are done from ground level. The operator can easily track filter life and maintenance intervals from inside the cab. The updated hydraulic system improves filtration performance, while anti-drain valves help keep the hydraulic oil clean when replacing the filter.
CASE is launching a fourmodel E-Series wheeled excavator range, with a fifth, larger model joining the series in the future. The machines will be built under an existing supply agreement with South Korean manufacturer Hyundai Construction Equipment.
The CASE wheeled excavator lineup will include the conventional tail swing WX140E and WX160E, along with the short radius WX155E SR and the WX175E SR. These four models will be joined by a conventional tail swing WX210E at a later stage.
The new CASE E-Series wheeled excavators will boast proven wellestablished quality components. They will be available in a range of lower frame layouts, with several combinations of front and rear dozer blades plus front and rear outriggers. Upper equipment will comprise a choice of mono or two-piece main booms for all machines except the WX175E SR, which will be supplied with a twopiece articulating boom only. Standard cruise control will make travel between work sites easier while moving material in a work site is made more efficient by the optional ride control and even more so by using joystick steering controls.
The new CASE wheeled excavators are powered by EU Stage V compliant Cummins diesel engines. The four smaller models will use a Cummins B4.5 engine, delivering an above industry standard, outstanding maximum power of 129kW, while the WX210E will come with the larger B6.7, offering up to 145kW maximum power. The engines feature a highly efficient exhaust aftertreatment module, incorporating a diesel
oxidation catalyst (DOC), selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF). With no need for complex exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system to comply with Stage V requirements, the maintenance cost is much reduced. In addition, fuel filter service intervals are 1,000 hours and engine oil and filter intervals are set at 800 hours, further maximizing machine up time for the operator. The engines are capable of operating with a range of fuels to suit the customer. This includes B7 and B20 biodiesel, hydrotreated vegetable oils and gas-to-liquid, coal-to-liquids biomass-to-liquid paraffinic fuels.The WX140E through to the WX175E SR all use a Load Independent Flow Sharing hydraulic system from Bosch Rexroth. This delivers smooth, progressive control for the operator, while enhancing multifunction operation of boom, dipper arm and bucket functions.
A pressure compensator is built into the control system, to allow flow sharing performance for simultaneous travel and boom operations.
The larger WX210E will come with an open centre hydraulic system with Electric Positive Flow Control, from Kawasaki. This uses a twin-pump layout, offering the power distribution required for smooth, productive operation. An electro-hydraulic proportional pressure reducing valve helps to reduce fuel consumption and boost performance.
Operators can also benefit from an optional automatic digging brake and a fine swing control to further ease control of the machine’s movements. An auto safety lock, similar to the system found on the CASE E-Series crawler models, prevents unwanted movement of the machine’s upper structure when the gate lock is released.
The E-Series cab features a telescopic steering column with two tilt points, to make it easier for operators of all sizes to find a comfortable driving position. The windscreen has parallel wipers in both the upper and lower sections for the widest possible coverage and the machines can be supplied with an optional rearview camera on
the right-hand side. The CASE 360° Maximum View Monitor is also offered as an option, along with rear-mounted radar for maximum visibility and safety.
The CASE Maximum View Monitor uses four cameras, mounted around the machine, to provide a 360°aerial view. This provides the operator with a complete view of the machine on the worksite, increasing safety and visibility and preventing potential collisions. The optional radar alarm can be set to five distances from the machine, warning the operator of any possible collision to the rear or the sides of the excavator.
Six LED work lights are standard, further improving visibility in poor light conditions. An 8” touchscreen monitor provides access to a menu system that controls all functions of the machine. A secondary screen is available for cameras. The operator can navigate the main screen through a jog-dial controller, that also controls the engine throttle. This jog-dial has 10 engine rpm positions. The monitor provides ECO guidance for the operator, showing a range of data including idle times to help the driver to improve their performance and productivity while working.
Proportional joystick controls are standard, with a forward/ reverse selection switch in the lever head. The lever also contains a front axle oscillation lock and a detent feature. Joystick steering is optional, as is a smart key with push-button start. The operator can select within the monitor menus up to 10 preset auxiliary hydraulic flow and pressure settings. This makes it easier to inter-change hydraulic attachments, with hydraulic flows suited to each work tool. The right-hand joystick also has a switch to activate one-way or two-way auxiliary flow.
WX140E
Operating weight: 14,900-15,860kg
Engine: Cummins B4.5 Stage V
Max. Power: 129kW
Boom: Monoboom or two-piece
Wheelbase: 2.6m
Travel speed: 20km/h or 35km/h
WX155E SR
Operating weight: 16,860-17,170kg
Engine: Cummins B4.5 Stage V
Max. Power: 129kW
Boom: Monoboom or two-piece
Wheelbase: 2.6m
Travel speed: 20km/h or 35km/h
WX160E
Operating weight: 17,580-18,390kg
Engine: Cummins B4.5 Stage V
Max. Power: 129kW
Boom: Monoboom or two-piece
Wheelbase: 2.6m
Travel speed: 20km/h or 35km/h
WX175E SR
Operating weight: 18,820kg
Engine: Cummins B4.5 Stage V
Max. Power: 129kW
Boom: Two-piece
Wheelbase: 2.6m
Travel speed: 20km/h or 35km/h
WX210E
Operating weight: 21,280-22,510kg
Engine: Cummins B6.8 Stage V
Max. Power: 145kW
Boom: Monoboom or two-piece
Wheelbase: 2.85m
Travel speed: 35km/h
Doosan has launched the new DX85R-78 tonne mini-excavator, the latest addition to the company’s next generation range of Stage V mini-excavators. The DX85R-7 reduced tail swing (RTS) excavator is designed to offer maximum performance, optimum stability, increased versatility, enhanced operator comfort, controllability, durability, ease of maintenance and serviceability. The DX85R-7 utilises a newly improved upper structure platform offering increased durability and robustness and a different boom swing cylinder layout resulting in an increased boom swing angle of 60o. Together the RTS design and boom swing angle make the DX85R-7 ideal for work in confined spaces on projects in construction, landscaping, utilities, rental, agriculture, recycling, waste and many other areas. The bucket digging force of the DX85R-7 is 6.7 tonne and this is combined with a traction force of 6.6tonne, whilst travel speeds are a mobile 2.9 km/h in the low range and 4.8 km/h in the high range. As well as sharing the new global styling common to all the new Doosan mini-excavators from 2 to 10 tonne, the DX85R7 is powered by the Doosan D24Stage V compliant diesel
engine providing 48.5kW (65 HP) of power at 2100 RPM. As a result, the DX85R-7 excavator offers excellent fuel efficiency, among the best in its class. It also combines exceptional power output and high torque at low RPM, more than 9% more than the previous DX85R-3 model. A combination of Diesel Oxidation Catalyst and Diesel Particulate Filter aftertreatment methods ensure compliance with Stage V regulations. The DPF offers a 25% increased ash cleaning period of 5000hours compared to the DX85R-3.
With a height to the top of the cab of over 2.6 m and a width of 2.25 m, the new cab on the DX85R-7 is especially roomy and comfortable, providing excellent operator comfort and controllability. The cab has a full glass entry door to maximize operator visibility on this side of the machine from inside the cab. The four standard high luminance LED work lamps on the cab further enhance visibility.
Protected by a Falling Object Protection Structure, the safety of the operator in the cab is further optimised with a rear view camera as standard and an optional Around View Monitoring 360°(AVM) system offering a choice of five viewson the display (Bird view, Rear, Bird view + Right, Rear + Corner and 3D).
The enhanced HVAC system is the best on the market, providing more nozzles to direct warming and cooling air, including both front and rear pillar nozzles that together help to improve the system performance. Larger nozzles are also used to ensure direct and sufficient airflow for operators and manual adjustment of the opening/closing of the nozzles is also possible.
The HVAC system and the DAB Audio can be controlled through the 8 inch touch screen and the feed from the optional rear view camera can be displayed on the screen. The monitor also shows the flow rate setting, which can be controlled in 10 steps with the thumbwheel joystick due to the newly applied EPPR (Electro-hydraulic Proportional Pressure Reducing) valve for rotating and 2-way functions.
A new series main control valve (MCV) is utilised in the DX85R-7, that has improved performance by reducing the internal pressure loss, compared to the DX85R3. The new MCV cuts energy wastage and pressure losses by over 40%, significantly reducing operating costs. The central location of the MCV also enhances its maintainability and helps to optimise the work visibility from the cab. An improved working range has resulted from the new position
of the boom foot point, which has been moved forward by 100mm and upwards by 50mm. The DX85R-7 also offers improved lifting power and stability through a number of design changes, including the 127 mm increase in the tumbler length (2.952mm), a redesigned undercarriage with lower ground approaching angle, an expanded rear swing radius and dual flange and double profile roller for both rubber track and steel track type shoes. Dozer improvements on the DX85R-7 have increased the jack up height/digging depth and the lift angle. A newly designed 1.45 tonne cast counterweight also ensures excellent machine balance and stability when working. The DX85R-7 offers full reach maintenance from ground level via a 3-part (Centre/LH/RH) rear bonnet cover, providing easy access and simple maintenance. A well-designed mesh cover has been applied for preventing dirt from coming in. The high efficiency pre-cleaner and two-stage air cleaner filters are easy to maintain and disassemble using clips.
The DX85R-7 mini-excavator has Doosan’s latest Doosan CONNECT system installed as standard, which provides a telematics management system for the excavator, by collecting data from sensors on the machine.
250,000 sqm of Exhibits
130,000 Attendees
1,800 Exhibitors
150 Education Sessions
REGISTER at conexpoconagg.com
Save 20% with promo code SHOW20
“CONEXPO-CON/AGG SHOWS US THE FUTURE OF OUR INDUSTRY, WITH INNOVATION, EQUIPMENT AND IDEAS YOU CAN’T FIND ANYWHERE ELSE.”
— GRANITEROCK, AROMAS, CA
CONEXPO-CON/AGG, already recognized as the largest trade show in North America, has officially sold all available exhibit space, guaranteeing the 2023 edition of the show will be the biggest in history.
“The addition of the new West Hall and Diamond Lot at the Las Vegas Convention Center gave us, and our exhibitors, a number of new opportunities to show how we are taking the construction industry to the next level,” said CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show Director Dana Wuesthoff. “Now at 2.8 million square feet of exhibits, there’s more for construction pros to see than ever before.”
The show, now nearly 5% bigger than the record set in 2020, will feature 1,800 exhibitors and 175+ education sessions during its run from March 14-18, 2023.
Despite being the largest CONEXPO-CON/ AGG ever, recent additions to the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) will make it the easiest to get around as well. Beneath the entire LVCC campus runs the Convention Center Loop, an underground transportation system designed by Elon Musk’s The Boring Company that transports convention attendees throughout the campus in under two minutes in Tesla vehicles, free of charge.
“We are excited to welcome CONEXPOCON/AGG back to Las Vegas for another record-setting event,” said Brian Yost, chief operating officer of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), which owns and operates the LVCC. “The addition of the West Hall and the Convention Center Loop will only further enhance the ‘Only Vegas’ experience for attendees and exhibitors.”
Construction pros are ready for the show to return as well. The current pace of attendee registration is nearly double what it was at this time for the 2020 show.
“This is the event that construction professionals, especially those making company-level decisions, and those needing professional development hours, can’t miss,” said CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show Chair and Caterpillar Senior Vice President Phil Kelliher. “Seeing the new equipment and techniques on a screen doesn’t compare to seeing it all in person. At the show, you can see the equipment, ask questions of the manufacturers themselves, and really understand what the equipment and education can do for your career and business.”
This will be EDGE Innovate’s fifth showing at ConExpo allowing customers to experience the company’s newest machines, technology, and services.
Lee Williamson, EDGE Innovate North American Sales Manager explains what visitors can expect from EDGE Innovate: “Our theme for this year’s event is ‘Next Level Solutions’. Our objective is to showcase the latest equipment and technology that allows organisations to increase processing capacity, provides greater efficiency and offers the best possible return. The equipment we will have on display at CONEXPO 2023 will allow operators to do just that; to bring their operation to the Next Level.”
From the largest mobile trommel on the market in the shape of the EDGE TRM831, to the EDGE FTS75 Mulch Master and the VS420 high torque shredder; the products to be displayed at CONEXPO 2023 are proven to meet customers demanding requirements when it comes to reliability, production capacity and cost of ownership.
EDGE’s latest offering is one of the largest wheel mounted trommels on the market
and provides operators with unrivalled production rates. With extensive stockpiling capabilities thanks to its end discharge conveyor design, the TRM831 design prevents product crosscontamination and reduces the double handling of material. This is complimented by a remote operated, 180° radial fines conveyor as standard which has the capacity to stockpile up to 1030m³ (1347yrd ³).
The EDGE TRM831 portable trommel is ideal for the highcapacity screening of various applications including topsoil, compost, sand, household waste and construction and demolition waste. With a wide range of different drum types and screening media available, the EDGE TRM831 can be customised to suit the customers exact application requirements.
The EDGE TRM831 incorporates a host of impressive design features such as an eco-power saving functionality which reduces unnecessary running costs and a user-friendly HMI control panel for the easy adjustment of machine parameters. An intelligent load management system prevents drum overload and ensures that the trommel screen is always operating at optimum performance with minimal supervision.
The EDGE FTS Mulch Master is setting new standards in the turning, blending and stockpiling of organic material.
Pioneered by EDGE Innovate; the FTS Mulch Master is a portable feed stacker that is specifically designed for processing lower density, organic materials such as mulch, compost, and soils. The unique hopper design from EDGE ensures 100% of feed stock sees the turner – a process the company says is not possible with traditional windrow turners. By combining the two methods of flipping, rotating and constant conveyor flow; the EDGE FTS75Mulch Master prevents unwanted material friction and compaction. Material is untangled via the forward/reverse high-speed turning drum which allows the feed material to breath whilst allowing the material to remain cool, thus, reducing the risk of combustion and anaerobic or “sour” mulch With a production capacity of up to764m³/hr (1000yds³/hr), the EDGE FTS75 Mulch Master allows operators to increase their ability to turn material in comparison to what is currently on the market whilst also providing greater flexibility.
With decades of knowledge in the design, manufacturing and installation of mobile waste shredders, it is no surprise that EDGE Innovate’s VS420 twin shaft shredder launched at CONEXPO 2020 is quickly gaining a reputation as a world class shredder. With its high capacity, reliability and low running costs, the EDGE VS420 is proving to be an excellent shredding alternative to what is currently on the market.
EDGE’s next generation shredder has been developed for ultimate versatility and high resistance to contaminants with a number of customisable shredding programmes and chamber configurations available. An intelligent operating system which incorporates tramp metal protection provides the ultimate security from contaminants and prevents asset damage. The VS420 offers operators a host of design features include hydraulic hopper extensions, a large automatic tipping hopper with remote functionality, hydraulic height adjustable twin pole magnet and a “One Point” service area. EDGE’s VS Status Lighting system which provides a quick and simple communication link between the machine and the operator. It allows the operator to know the status of the shredder, when to continuing loading material, when not to load or if there is a blockage thus ensuring maximum throughput while preventing material overload. EDGE Innovate’s next generation shredder has been proven to achieve high-capacity throughputs, operational reliability, and offers low operational costs.
Doosan will introduce the company’s new global brand and logo, as well as several new products at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023.
The company’s new name and logo will integrate new brand values and its commitment to creating the smart construction solutions of tomorrow. Visitors to the exhibit at CONEXPO will be able to see the new brand in action, hear the story of why the new name was chosen and see what’s next for the company.
“Fans of our current offerings will be delighted that the equipment will remain unchanged and continue to deliver the powerful, reliable solutions admired worldwide,” says Alice Banach, Senior Marketing Manager, Doosan Infracore North America.
The Doosan exhibit in the outdoor Festival Grounds area will showcase a sampling of the company’s full line of construction equipment, the exclusive Transparent Bucket for Doosan wheel loaders, a battery-powered engine and several new machines, including the company’s dozer line. Attendees are encouraged to stop by the exhibit to see how Doosan continues to evolve as a single source provider of the latest construction equipment. Cutting-edge technologies such as Concept-X demonstrations, safety features and electrification will be featured. The
Doosan exhibit will showcase autonomous equipment, the new Smart X-Care™ fleet management service and the topographyscanning drone Concept-X XiteCloud. The Concept-X autonomous worksite will feature three live demonstrations each day, along with other new products. First exhibited in 2019 with an autonomous Doosan® wheel loader and excavator, Concept-X is a smart control solution to tomorrow’s worksites. It can survey worksite topography via 3D drone scanning, establish
operational plans based on that data, and operate heavy construction equipment such as excavators, wheel loaders and articulated dump trucks without human intervention. Concept-X technology paves the way to the worksite of the future with equipmentdriven construction sites, freeing human personnel to tackle complex data analytics and management tasks. Continuous Concept-X demo pit footage will be played simultaneously on a large screen and a threescreen brand tower in the Doosan exhibit.
Rapid International will once again exhibit at Con Expo 2023. This will mark the company’s 11th appearance at the international exhibition which takes place every three years at the Las Vegas Convention Centre. Rapid has been operating in the USA, Canada and Central America for over 30 years and is a market leader in mobile continuous mixing technology for concrete, construction and environmental sectors. Rapid’s US sales network continues to thrive and is positioned to meet the sales, service and technical support requirements of customers across North and Central America. Rapid personnel
will be available on stand to discuss available territories and dealer opportunities.
Rapid Power Generation, a division of Rapid, will share the stand at Con Expo for the first time this March, displaying two soundproof canopied ScaniaDC16 Tier 4 Final generators.
Rapid Power Generation designs and manufactures premium, bespoke, diesel and natural gas generators from 10Kva – 2500Kva, for a wide range of applications.
Expertly equipped, Rapid Power Generation’s newly opened stateof-the-art manufacturing facility in County Armagh features the latest manufacturing technology. With over 30 years’ experience in the world of power generation,
Rapid Power Generation has the experience and expertise to provide a superior power solution for every requirement and will have representatives available to assist.
At Con Expo 2023, delegates will have the opportunity to see not one, but two innovative Rapidmix, mobile continuous mixing plants. Rapidmix offers an entirely self-contained and self-erecting design including an on-board genset, providing the ultimate in fast, mobile flexibility. Featuring outputs of up to 600 tonnes per hour, Rapidmix offers full weighing of all materials, including aggregates, cement and water. Popular with both civil engineering and road contractors
alike, Rapidmix is ideal for semi-dry mixing applications such as RCC (Roller Compacted Concrete), CTB (Cement Treated Base), soil stabilisation, soil cement, bentonite, marine dredging, mine backfill, lime stabilisation and many more.
As a long-standing exhibitor, Rapid’s first Con Expo appearance was 30 years ago in 1993. The very first Rapidmix continuous mixing plant was later sold to the US market in 1996 and is in fact still operational today in New York, 27 years later. This is testament to Rapid’s commitment to manufacture machinery that’s built to last.
Producing up to 600 tonnes per hour, Rapidmix delivers speed and cost e ciency. Fully mobile and selfcontained, Rapidmix travels from site to site with ease. O ering full weighing of all materials, Rapidmix provides accuracy you can depend on.
Rokbak is bringing a pair of its haulers and a strong team to CONEXPO in Las Vegas to show exactly how the brand has become a major mover in both the US and global market. Rokbak haulers will be on display for the first time ever at a North American tradeshow when the RA30 and RA40 arrive at CONEXPO 2023 in Las Vegas. The Scottish articulated hauler manufacturer is bringing both models to the largest construction show in North America, providing attendees with the chance to get up close and personal with the earth-moving machines and demonstrate exactly how they can offer grounded ‘Rok-solid’ performance Stateside. “We cannot wait to get back to CONEXPO and give the RA30 and RA40 pride of place on our stand,” says Paul Douglas, Managing Director of Rokbak. “We’re looking forward to getting as many attendees interacting with what we’ve got lined up as possible, as well as introducing people to our knowledgeable team who are keen to show off our robust and hardworking haulers. Rokbak will be
our machines and why we’ve become known as one of the most reliable and trusted articulated hauler manufacturers in the market.”
CONEXPO will be the perfect opportunity to highlight the machines’ abilities to benefit construction projects, talk to customers about how the haulers deliver new benchmarks in both performance and total cost of ownership, and reinforce the company’s commitment to sustainability and journey to net-zero as part of the Volvo Group. With sustainability in mind, the Rokbak event booth materials are all recycled or reusable. Two 40ft customised shipping containers, adorned in the recognisable Rokbak aesthetic, will be used for meeting rooms and product information displays. Following the event, these will be shipped back to Motherwell for reuse at future events. Product experts will be ready and waiting to discuss the technical capabilities and key aspects of the haulers, welcoming everyone to the booth where there will be merchandise giveaways and competition prizes up for grabs throughout the event – as well as plenty of refreshments.
“Rokbak is seeing huge demand for its RA30 and RA40 articulated haulers in the US,” says Robert Franklin, Rokbak’s Director of Sales – Americas. “The US is leading articulated hauler demand globally with huge infrastructure spend. There is a lot of construction activity at the moment around house and road building, so we are keen to meet with customers and potential customers
at CONEXPO and discuss how the RA30 and RA40 can help with these projects.”
It was to the USA that Motherwell-based Rokbak’s first sand-coloured machines were delivered following the rebrand in September 2021, with a pair of RA30s
sold to earthmoving, utility and clearing company Linco Construction of Houston, Texas, via Easton Sales and Rentals, to assist with earthworks, underground utility and clearing work. Most US dealers went on to confirm orders within the first few months.
Liebherr exhibits at Conexpo 2023 from March 14-18 offer visitors the unique opportunity to discover the latest developments from the areas of construction machines, cranes, material handling technology and components.
“On your site,” is the motto at this year’s Conexpo. It represents Liebherr’s promise to be at the customers’ side around the world at all times – whether it is directly on the construction site with high-quality machines or through individual advice, global services and comprehensive solutions.
Liebherr will have more than 30 exhibits at the show, including the TA 230 Litronic from the new generation of articulated dump trucks, which has been redeveloped from scratch not only featuring a new design. The machine was unveiled to the U.S. market during Liebherr USA, Co’s Customer Day event in May of 2022.
With the two material handling machines, the LH 30 M Industry Litronic and the LH 60 M Industry Litronic, Liebherr will present two models specifically designed for scrap handling. The handling of scrap steel and other metals is one of the toughest applications in industrial material handling which requires high-performance and economical material handlers.
The railroad excavator on display, the A 924, represents an example for maximum efficiency with very high flexibility. The machine, which is making its North American debut at Conexpo, is a dual-purpose machine that can be used both on the road and on tracks. The rail undercarriage is mounted on both sides of the undercarriage. With an operating weight of 48,100– 55,100 lbs (21,800 to 25,000 kg), the A 924 Rail Litronic combines aboveaverage performance with high economy and meets the requirements of Tier 4f emissions.
Likewise, Liebherr’s Generation 8 crawler excavators have proven as top performers since their market launch in the USA at Conexpo 2020: The machines with proven technology have fully established themselves on the US market. The R 924 and R 945A feature higher engine power, a larger counterweight in conjunction with higher bucket capacities and increased digging and pulling forces –special characteristics of the Generation 8 crawler excavators compared to their predecessors.
The PR 766 G8 is also premiering in the US. The crawler dozer model, which further expands Liebherr’s Generation 8 fleet, comes with an operating weight of up to 119,784 lbs and High Drive, the proven and tested undercarriage for heavy mining applications. As the only crawler dozer with hydrostatic drive in the117,859 - 119,784 lbs (50 t)
class, the PR 766 offers maximum efficiency, productivity and safety. For the first time in North America, Liebherr will also present its new medium-sized wheel loaders, which are equipped with a wide range of digital assistance systems. With a significant increase in performance compared to the previous models, the new machines are prepared for demanding applications in various industries such as mining, recycling or the timber industry. The portfolio of intelligent assistance systems for maximum reliability and safety includes, for example, active person detection with brake assist or the revised Skyview 360° camera system for an optimal all round view even in poor visibility conditions. Moreover, Liebherr shows several large wheel loaders of the XPower® series at the booth. Thanks to their power-split driveline, these wheel loaders are known for their tremendous fuel efficiency.
The industry has weathered a range of crises since the last CONEXPO-CON/ AGG. While uncertainties remain, there is a lot to be optimistic about, says Tate Johnson, President of Yanmar Compact Equipment North America. The last CONEXPO was marked by Covid-19, with the world literally shutting its borders as the week-long show progressed. In the intervening three years we have endured the pandemic, supply chain shocks, war in Europe, and more recently, inflation and monetary tightening. We have also ‘enjoyed’, if that’s the right word, an extraordinary boom in demand for construction equipment. While this has created its own challenges, in terms of production stress and waits for deliveries, this is a nice problem to complain about. While the economy may cool some sectors in 2023 – including possibly residential construction – there remains enough pentup demand that this may come as an industry-needed pause. All in all, there are more positive drivers in the US economy than negative ones. Dealers’ and rental firms’ stock levels have been depleted, and these channels need to be replenished. In any event, thanks to its lower prices, compact equipment tends to be hit less hard than more expensive general purpose equipment whenever there are investment uncertainties. Because of these factors we are sufficiently confident about the future to keep our foot firmly on the gas. We also have the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the money for which hasn’t hit the street in earnest yet. The many billions of dollars of investment this is pumping into the industry will begin breaking ground in the coming months. Compact equipment will enjoy its share of this, particularly in highway work and installing fiber to promote broadband access across the US. Given all this, we believe that 2023 will be another good year for the construction equipment market.
At Yanmar CE North America we are proud of our Japanese legacy and heritage of innovation – providing quality and reliability for over 100 years. We are also proud of our ASV history of innovation, resilience and durability, with deep roots as a proud American company. The combination of the Yanmar product line, capabilities and expertise with our legacy-ASV compact tracked loader knowledge, operational footprint, supply base and support infrastructure positions us to service the lion’s share of the US compact equipment market. With a new ‘Premium Red’ branding for our Yanmar
products, plus a soon-to-be announced new product line, we are looking forward to promoting our new status at CONEXPO. The introduction of our latest product line will mean a better experience for dealers and customers and a full-solutions focus on compact equipment customer needs.
North America is among the largest markets for construction equipment – it represents roughly half of the total global market. With the Chinese CE market currently in the doldrums, we know there are challenger brands targeting the NA CE market. As such, Yanmar aims to offer the right blend of
products, distribution and support to endear the market to our ownership experience. With shipping costs still exorbitantly expensive, our 40 years of operational, design and supply expertise positions us well to manufacture more of our product range in the US in the future. It’s good for the US economy, good for customers in North America (via shorter lead times and lower shipping costs), and good business for us. Our target is to manufacture 70% of our range for North America in North America. We currently employ nearly 300 people in the US and have ambitious growth plans. The positive reputation of Japanese design, quality and manufacturing coupled with US innovation and manufacturing capability is a compelling combination. It is enabling us to serve the North American market as well or better than entrenched providers and newcomers to the market.
Our theme at CONEXPO is ‘Building With You’, and this goes right to the heart of what our business is all about. It’s a commitment to customer success and collaboration, and underlines our evolving position as a global leader in the compact equipment marketplace. There’s everything to play for in North America in 2023. With the world on the brink of lockdown, the last CONEXPO’s timing couldn’t have been worse. But now, with opportunities abounding and Yanmar better able to capitalize on them, this year’s show comes at the perfect moment.
The stage is set for Caterpillar’s largest exhibit to date at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 where the company will highlight its latest products, services and technologies while paying tribute to those who build the world’s infrastructure. The company’s outdoor demonstration arena will anchor the massive display known as Operator Stadium located in the expo’s Festival Lot. New Caterpillar Technology, Services and Sustainability hubs provide visitors the opportunity to look beyond the iron for ways to increase operating efficiencies and improve machine uptime. Visitors will find new and current models and battery-electric machine prototypes during the expo. The extensive Cat equipment display in the Festival Lot includes more than 30 machines, including model unveilings and battery-electric model prototypes with charging stations. Visitors will see two main equipment demonstrations each day; one focused on the latest Cat Technology, and one that will spotlight the company’s full equipment line up. Additionally, Caterpillar will be providing unique daily spotlight demonstrations that will take a deep dive into key industry topics including improving fuel efficiency and jobsite efficiency, the evolution of technology,
and convenient, scalable solutions for all customers.
The new Cat 950 medium wheel loader on display offers premium performance and simple-touse technologies to help boost operator efficiency and increase productivity, while extended service intervals help lower maintenance costs. Visitors will be treated to a preview of the Next Generation Cat 926, 930 and 938 small wheel loaders – slated for production in late 2023 –which feature new technologies designed to make work easier, a reimagined operator environment and extended service intervals.
For paving contractors, the half-lane Cat PM822 cold planer features integrated Cat Grade technology and the latest System K rotor options that deliver performance, productivity and cutting precision. With its compact size, exceptional mobility and easy transport, the Cat AP455 Mobil-trac™ asphalt paver offers great features for both large and small contactors when paving urban streets, parking lots and rural roads. Furthermore, an exciting new market disrupting three-dimensional screed plate with modular fastening system improves mat density and smoothness, while reducing screed plate change time up to 80 percent.
THE LATEST POWER
Caterpillar Industrial Power Systems Division will exhibit
in booth S84329 in the South Hall a wide and rapidly growing portfolio of high-efficiency Cat industrial power solutions. The exhibit includes the unveiling of a new high power internal combustion engine, as well as the leading-edge lithium-ion battery technologies under development. Engines on display, such as the C3.6 IPU, C7.1 and C9.3B, meet EU Stage V, U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final emission standards and are compatible with biodiesel up to B20 and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) to EN15940, to help customers power a better, more sustainable world. The booth will also showcase Caterpillar’s technical services and market expertise leveraged by the global Cat dealer network to maximize the efficiency and extend the lifecycles of offhighway equipment, including Cat remanufactured and service replacement engines.
The Caterpillar Technology Hub in the Festival Lot will offer attendees the ability to experience a range of new and existing Cat technologies – VisionLink, Cat Command, VisionLink Productivity, Cat Detect, Cat Grade and Cat Payload. Caterpillar SMEs will be on hand to assist each customer in finding a scalable solution designed to fit the business’s needs and budget. Its centerpiece exhibit, the “Looking Glass” cube, displays
and interactively showcases the five key capabilities of the new Cat VisionLink application –Geofence & Location, Fuel Theft Alerts, Diagnostics, Idle Time/ Fuel Burn, and Maintenance. An interactive wall invites visitors to explore the full suite of VisionLink capabilities for both Cat and non-Cat equipment and non-machine assets.
With the quest to prove they are the best, more than 10,000 operators representing more than 32 countries around the world registered to compete in the 2022-2023 Global Operator Challenge. From 3,500 participants in the first round of local competitions to 84 advancing to the regional semi-finals, nine of the world’s best equipment operators will demonstrate their advanced skill, precision and stamina in hopes of being named the Global Operator Challenge Champion. The finals kick off on Tuesday morning, March 14, immediately following the expo’s grand opening ceremonies. Throughout the competition, the skills of the finalists will be put to the test in three identical challenges – excavating, loading, and hauling/manoeuvring the equipment through a variety of obstacles. The Finals will also be broadcast live on cat.com.
Hamm is presenting a packed programme at Conexpo, including several world premieres as well as innovative further developments. The spectrum of innovations ranges from electrified tandem rollers, compactors, pneumatic-tire rollers and pivot-steered tandem rollers, right through to the Smart Doc compaction app for selfmonitoring and documentation.
Particular focus is placed on the electric tandem rollers in the HD CompactLine series, which is used across the world. They compact with zero local emissions and are also extremely quiet. The operation and the compaction parameters are identical to the diesel-driven machines. The completely battery-powered rollers can work for an entire typical work day with the Li-ion battery (capacity 23 kWh) without needing to be charged.
With the HC series, Hamm is bringing together all compactors with an operating weight of 24,251–55,116 lbs (11–25 t) on a single platform. The engine power levels are between 85 and 160 kW; their emissions comply with the respective regional requirements. Thanks to an integrated ECOMode, the rollers work in the economical partial-load range for most of the time. With over 20% increased tread, around 30% increased space, and more storage
compartments, the Easy Drive cabs are more comfortable than ever. Many options are available for all models – from the automatic engine stop through to the dozer blade. In the segment for small compactors (11,023–15,432 lbs, 5–7 t), Hamm is showcasing the HC CompactLine series. In contrast to the predecessor models, Hamm has further improved the driving comfort, and has increased the traction and gradeability. The HC 70i model is still the most compact roller in the 7 t class on the market. Various digital tools are available for all HC CompactLine models, in particular the Smart Doc app. It supports GNSS-based self-monitoring and documentation.
The free Smart Doc app shows in real-time how the compaction develops and links the machine data to GNSS position data. The app creates clear compaction results in PDF format. They are suitable for self-monitoring as well as for documentation with respect to clients. No separate monitor is required to operate the app. It works simply via standard Android smartphones or tablets.
With the HP 100i articulated pneumatic-tire roller, Hamm is presenting a world premiere at the Conexpo/CON-AGG. The base weight of the roller is 13,228 lbs (6 t) and can be
increased to up to 22,046 lbs (10 t) using different ballast kits. With five wheels on the front axle and four wheels on the rear axle, the new pneumatic-tire roller has a working width of 68” (1725 mm). The generous overlap of the tire tracks results in homogeneous compaction. At the same time, the 3-point articulated joint ensures high manoeuvrability. The roller is ideal for applications such as chipseal and asphalt compaction on smaller construction sites. A water-sprinkling system and various scrapers can be integrated on request. The speed can be adjusted safely and conveniently directly at the driving lever. Clever speed control depending on the steering angle means that the roller can always be manoeuvred safely through curves despite the extremely high final speed. The HTC 15 articulated trench roller for compaction in trenches is new to the Hamm range. It is equipped with two 32” (80 cm) wide padfoot drums, making it perfect for compacting cohesive soils. It is operated via infrared remote control. This brings several advantages: On the one hand, the roller stops as soon as the operator no longer has a line of sight. On the other hand, the signal transmission via infrared does not interfere with other radio links on the construction site. The low center of gravity of the 3307 lbs (1.5 t) roller ensures an extremely low tendency to tip.
Terex Ecotec – industry leader in the design and manufacture of wood processing, biomass and recycling equipment are putting final plans in place ahead of their attendance at CONEXPOCON/AGG 2023, where they will be showcasing their latest product offerings, innovations and expertise on the Terex stand, Silver Lot at booth S5435.
On show will be the TDS 825, a robust twin shaft, slow speed shredder. Ideal for large scale operations this high-capacity machine is suitable for all types of material including household waste, bulky waste, commercial
waste, green waste, waste wood, tree stumps and roots. Customisable shredding programs allow operators to configure the machine to their specific requirements, maximising production.
The hydrostatic drive offers protection against contamination and allows for bi-directional shredding, while independent gear boxes enable each shaft to be run separately, helping to reduce wrappage and improve the shredding of material. Should a blockage occur, the shafts can be controlled via the radio remote control allowing material to be repositioned before attempting to shred again.
The TDS 825 Slow Speed Shredder is one of a significant product range offered by Terex Ecotec, meeting both market and customers’ needs. Making strides in the environmental sector since it was established in 2013, Terex Ecotec’s product line has grown rapidly and today a comprehensive product portfolio of mobile shredding, screening, handling and conveying equipment is available.
CONEXPO will provide visitors with the opportunity to meet the Terex Ecotec team, who will be available to discuss specific requirements and solutions they can offer.
Tony Devlin, Business Line Director for Terex Ecotec commented, “CONEXPO is renowned for being North America’s largest tradeshow and we are delighted to be exhibiting once again. We look forward to meeting with customers to discuss the scale and functionality of our product equipment, and how our solutions are proving themselves in a variety of environmental applications.”
To learn more about Terex Ecotec’s full product range visit www.terex.com/ecotec or to stay updated on our presence at ConExpo, visit: https:// www.terex.com/conexpo
LSBUD, the UK’s leading online safe digging resource, finished 2022 with 3.75 million search enquiries for underground pipes and cables passing through its central system. This is a 12 percent increase on the previous year. The portal also registered 43,190 new Users in 2022. This represents a 14 percent increase compared to 2021, and is 35 percent up on 2020.
Richard Broome, MD at LSBUD, comments: “In 2022, our portal received more search enquiries than we take breaths. It’s absolutely extraordinary. At the start of 2022, our aim was to break through the 3.5 million enquiries barrier, so to achieve 3.75 million is credit to those safe digging industries who are more committed to best practice than ever before.
“People operating within the farming, construction, highways, telecoms, water, gas and electricity sectors need to be praised for their part in this substantial growth, as do UK consumers who are increasingly undertaking home projects with greater care than ever before.”
Growth in coverage was also seen across all industries, in particular the gas sector, with Northern Gas Networks joining the collaborative portal in 2022. This means LSBUD now has complete coverage of the UK’s major gas distribution networks, with 100 percent of them collaboratively sharing their data on the free-to-use, central portal. Fibre networks also jumped on the safe digging momentum, with Voneus, Ogi, Wildanet and Toob joining the likes of broadband key players Gigaclear, Gamma, Neos Networks and Zayo, in recognising the importance of having their asset data shared on a central portal. Adds Richard: “2022 was the best ever year for the safe digging community. Pipes and cables were better protected than ever before, and those working near them were safer. Of course, there is room for improvement, and that is what we push for, however we wanted to extend a thank you to every farmer, construction, highways, telecoms, water, gas and electricity worker, that searches before they dig. It is good practice, it is safe, and it is sensible. Remember, always search before you dig.”
According to research by Close Brothers Commercial Finance, many Irish businesses are optimistic about the future, with more than a third of those reporting that they expect their company to expand over the next 12 months.
Construction firms across Ireland are expecting to maintain and grow their performance in 2023. Over the coming year, almost 40% say they are prioritising growth and 70% plan to seek funding. It is evident that SMEs have ambitions for development, despite the continuing economic uncertainty. However, a recent study by Close Brothers shows that many companies are not familiar with all the finance options available, which leaves some missing out on the funding solutions that are most appropriate for their needs.
Just 40% of SMEs across Ireland report that they are aware of asset finance and half of all firms indicate that they do not know what invoice finance is.
Beyond traditional funding options, asset finance can be instrumental in helping SMEs to survive and thrive. At Close Brothers, we offer a range of solutions, including hire
purchase, refinance and financial leases. These products enable businesses to spread the cost of new machinery or release money from existing assets, giving them funding for day-to-day tasks and additional capital to help them move forward. Our team have a wealth of experience working with the construction industry and will take the time to understand your needs and ambitions. Our asset finance solutions could provide the opportunity to raise working capital quickly at a competitive business finance rate.
Refinance, for example, can help asset-rich SMEs access the equity tied up in their equipment while continuing to use it for daily work.
It’s simple and straight-forward. We value the asset, ‘purchase’ it from you, and finance it back. Whether you originally own the equipment, or need to restructure another finance agreement, you will own the asset at the end of the repayment period.
Unlike traditional bank loans and overdrafts, the lending is secured against the value of your assets making it more secure and sustainable.
This highly flexible funding opportunity gives you cash up front. It’s designed with businesses in mind, providing suitable, supportive funding for practical firms.
Close Brothers is a UK merchant banking group providing lending, deposit taking, wealth management services, and securities trading. Close Brothers Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a member of the FTSE 250.
Our core purpose is to help the people and businesses of Britain and Ireland thrive over the long term. To achieve this, all of our diverse, specialist businesses have a deep industry knowledge, so they can understand the challenges and opportunities that our customers and clients face. We support the unique needs of our customers and clients to ensure that they thrive, rather than simply survive, whatever the market conditions. To find out more, visit www.closecommercialfinance.ie or call 02890995 950
2022 was a strong year for the used machinery market with prices resilient, demand high for good fresh low hours machines, with a shortage of new equipment from OEMs for the duration of 2022.
At the very last Euro Auctions sale of the year, the flagship sale site in Leeds, put just over £35 million of used construction machinery and agricultural equipment over the ramp in four days, including over 700 diggers of all makes and models. With market confidence in the UK still high with the Leeds yard stacked to the rafters, over 4,500 lots went under the hammer at the last sale of the year. 2022 was not without its challenges with access to stock being the major issue. However, the team at Euro Auctions excelled themselves consistently pulling into the Leeds sales between 4,500 and 5,500 lots of heavy earth moving, construction and agricultural machinery at each sale. With a reputation for sourcing good, fresh, late, low hours machines on a regular basis in addition to consignments of new and unregistered equipment, the Euro Auctions team continued to ‘dig deep’ and delivered, sale on sale. Internet bidding continued to be strong at all Euro Auctions sales in 2022, a hangover in trading style from Covid, with 69% of bids conducted online. However, in mid-2022 the crowds returned to the live sales and at the final Leeds sale of the year numbers of live bidders were approaching pre-Covid numbers and when compared with the same sale in October 2021, there was a 20% uplift. 2022 was a stellar year for Leeds with the highest yearly hammer total to date at the years end with over £329, million and the highest number of items sold in one year, at one site, with 40,000+ lots going under the hammer.
The demand for excavators in the UK has been unprecedented during the last 12 months, with the industry dubbing Euro Auctions, Leeds, as the ‘digger capital’ of the World’. Throughout 2022, at the Euro Auctions sale in Leeds anywhere from 700 and 1,000 variations of makes, models years, hours and types of excavators have gone over the ramp at each sale, a statistic unmatched anywhere globally. Due to the quality of the equipment offered and the exchange rates movements throughout the year, Leeds has seen increased
levels of international buyers participating and using Leeds to pick up equipment for export. Euro Auctions sellers have also been taking advantage of this and have been consigning to Euro Auctions sales in the US, branded as Yoder & Frey, in particular the upcoming multi day Winter auction in Florida in February.
Top buying regions and countries have been Europe, with the Middle East being consistently the second region by volume. The UK and the Republic of Ireland being top buying countries with The Netherlands and Poland constantly appearing in the top five.
A new emerging buyer in the last quarter of the year, previously not seen at the Euro Auctions sale in Leeds is the Ukraine. Registering online and buying utility earth moving equipment and smaller excavators, generators and telehandlers, One can assume that equipment is destined for clean-up in this war-ravaged region of Europe. Increased levels of buyers from Ukraine bought in Leeds in October and the November / December sale, as well as the recent Dormagen sale where Ukrainian buyers were the 9th top bidding nation.
Comments Chris Osborne, Sales Manager at Euro Auctions: “During the last 12 months Euro Auctions put on eight record breaking sales at the Leeds site and no sooner one sale ends, the yard is filling up for the next
auction. The ability for Euro Auctions to fill the Leeds yard with 5,500 + machines, 8-times a year, is a testimony to the ability of the global sales managers to consign good equipment for this sale. With sales managers in the UK, Spain, Germany, Middle East as well as the USA and Australia, Euro Auction is able to direct consignment into, not just Leeds, but to wherever demand is strongest.
“Prices have been strong, helped by the weaker pound and we have seen bidders from Europe and the USA bidding more aggressively. At the last two sales of 2022, 45% of bidders were from the UK, showing an increase in global bidders. Bidder registration from the USA jumped by 700% since October and I personally have seen those bidders buying multiple lots as they sit on the ramp, buying not one of five CAT or Hitachi diggers, but all five, which shows the appetite for the stock we are selling. In addition, at all sales we are hearing auctioneers repeatedly referencing online bidders in Texas, Florida and other states, which again, is fast becoming the chant of the auctioneer on sales day.
“Successful bidders from the USA have been growing sale on sale, and in October, approximately £2 million of the £43 million hammer went to bidders from America., Registered buyers from the USA are always evident, bidding in the early stages of the sale, so distance is clearly no barrier. You can get a stripped-down Cat 320D Excavator or a couple of telehandlers into a 40’ shipping container and for a few thousand pounds it can be shipped anywhere in the world. However, a trend we saw throughout the year was local buyers bidding more aggressively and winning.
“Another noticeable trend at the last few sales, the crowds are back! Whilst a lot of bidding takes place online, bidders are browsing in person and this last sale the number of floor bidders were back to pre-Covid numbers and not just from the UK. We are seeing registrations from across Europe turn up in person.
“What is selling well? Everything sells at Euro Auctions as the crowd sets the pace for the sale as all sales are unreserved. In the last three months, making good money have been the mid-range machinery such as 6t excavators, backhoes, telehandlers and wheeled loaders.”
Drones are rapidly becoming a weapon of choice for thieves targeting farm machinery and vehicles. The gathering of intelligence is happening in ‘specifically-targeted’ actions by well-organised gangs and criminals. Drones are being piloted over farms and land by thieves to identify potential targets. This relatively new technology allows thieves to explore farms from the air where they will be used to identify security weak spots – the aerial footage is allowing thieves to gain intelligence about farm movements, buildings, entry and exit points, and security such as CCTV cameras and of course equipment and machinery – all without detection.
Light-weight drones do not require a licence - therefore, the price of unmanned aerial vehicles is getting lower all the time and can be as little as only £50-£100.
Quad bikes and ATVs are amongst the biggest target for thieves owing to their portability, high value and ease to sell worldwide. Owners of these vehicles are being encouraged to increase security following a significant rise in thefts as the use of drones is rising to scope out farms and rural properties. Each year, it is estimated between 800 and 1,100 all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are stolen from farms across the United Kingdom - with criminals targeting rural communities before quickly selling on stolen equipment and machinery. This figure is set to rise as the global shortage of components and microchips is holding up manufacturing and across-theboard – this includes ATVs and Quad bikes. Before the supply chain issue, a farmer could visit a local ATV dealer and pick up a replacement vehicle with ease, sometimes
within a week or so but now, there’s a waiting list of anything up to a year!
Identification of stolen compact vehicles, such as ATVs and quads has already been made far easier with CESAR. This proven technology is being utilised by most leading manufacturers, and members of the farming community currently retrofit the CESAR Compact System, to their new and used agricultural vehicles. The CESAR Compact System reduces the risk of theft by enabling plant owners to apply a permanent identification to their assets through a combination of proven Datatag technologies including tamper evident warning labels, RFID transponders and Datadots® with forensic DNA solution. It’s also backed by Datatag’s secure 24/7 Contact Centre.
JCB Power Systems has won a contract to supply Stage V IPU engines to leading screening equipment manufacturer Powerscreen.
The partnership will see bespoke specification JCB 81kW and 97kW Stage V IPU engines power all of the latest models in Powerscreen’s Warrior and Chieftain screening ranges. This will include the Chieftain 1400, Warrior 1400X and Chieftain 2100X models which have been flagships of the Powerscreen brand for over 20 years. Production of the new JCB powered equipment began in August 2022 with the first models now in the market.
Neil Robinson, Product and Applications Manager at Powerscreen said: “We have been working with other suppliers for decades but JCB came in and quickly provided an excellent package for
key Powerscreen products with minimal fuss.
“There were a number of reasons for initially specifying these engines including JCB’s market reputation, availability of stock and overall support package, particularly its network across Stage V regions. We then worked very closely with JCB Power Systems on design and integration of the solution and we must give credit to the team for an impressively fast
and smooth transition process given the scale of the project.”
JCB Power Systems OEM Engines Sales and Applications Manager, Jon McNulty, said: “To be selected by a market leading screener manufacturer such as Powerscreen is a fantastic achievement for JCB engines and it is testament to the capability and durability of our IPU models that they can excel in the arduous crushing and screening environment.
Their proven performance in this type of application is seeing JCB Power Systems gain significant traction in this huge market.”
JCB 81kW and 97kW Stage V IPU engines highly efficient performance with a simple, flexible after-treatment solution and common customer connection points to enable easy integration with a wide range of OEM equipment designs.
The engine packages have been engineered to be as small as possible, while featuring engine mounted aftertreatment – which comprises a diesel oxidation catalyst with a selective catalytic reduction urea injection system for NOx reduction as standard - to simplify engine integration. Efficiency is the key focus, and the new models deliver incredibly low fuel consumption, thus lowering CO2 and other exhaust emissions. They are ideal for heavy duty environments due to the high-power density of the engines, with its robust design withstanding the environmental factors that are seen in these applications such as dust and vibration.
Terex Ecotec is pleased to announce the appointment of Utirom Invest SRL as their authorised distributor for Romania. Utirom will supply the full range of Terex Ecotec’s wood processing, biomass, and recycling equipment, as well as genuine spare parts and machinery maintenance throughout the country. Utirom was founded in 2016 by George Geadau, who, originally from a trucking background, spotted a gap in the market to deliver a highly responsive equipment dealership with service levels more akin to the trucking industry. The company has since developed into a major equipment distributor in Romania, impressively delivering market share improvements for the original equipment manufacturers (OEM) they represent. A young and ambitious company with a customer first approach to business, Utirom has garnered a reputation for service and
product availability and has significantly grown their market share in a short space of time. Having wanted to add a leading recycling and environmental brand to their portfolio, Utirom researched various OEMs, and felt Terex Ecotec was the right fit – both being young, growing companies making an impact within their respective industries.
George Geadau General Manager, Utirom explains, “Utirom Invest is very excited and proud to be chosen as the official distribution partner for Terex Ecotec in Romania. Through this collaboration we will support the distribution of the brand’s world-class products in our country and provide our customers outstanding quality. The addition of Terex Ecotec’s range of equipment will support our goal in becoming an essential piece of the recycling industry puzzle. We are confident that we will make waste work together, through innovation and efficiency.”
Thomas Coulter, Regional Sales Manager for Terex Ecotec said, “Romania has historically been a static market, but we are witnessing a move towards mobile machinery especially from SRF and RDF markets which have grown, and now that we have Utirom in place, we are already seeing an increase in enquiries. Utirom has a very good reputation for service and repair and this, along with their willingness to go in the direction where the market is, will ensure we have a strong representation in this growing market.” For more information on Terex Ecotec, visit https://www.terex.com/ ecotec/en or https://utirom.ro/
The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland has successfully led a prosecution against an Enniskillen based roofing contractor who was fined £1,000 after the death of a self-employed roofing contractor on site, who fell from height during the re-roofing of an outbuilding on a County Fermanagh farm.
The self-employed contractor died from his injuries after falling over three metres onto a concrete floor during the construction work. At the time of the incident, both contractors were walking across the roof structure when a wooden purlin broke causing both men to fall.
HSENI Inspector Gavin Rowan said: “Falls from and through roof structures are avoidable. Control measures are readily available within the construction industry to ensure workers are protected. The failure of wooden roof purlins is a common cause of falls from height. Workers should always avoid having to work on roof structures and should consider the use of alternative access equipment.”
The investigation determined that no appropriate measures were put in place to prevent falls from height during the construction work.
At Waterford Circuit Court, Judge Eugene O’Kelly imposed a fine of €80,000 on a Carlow based construction company for breaches of health and safety legislation after an accident at a partiallyconstructed building in Leighlinbridge, County Carlow. An employee of the company died when he fell from a height whilst in the process of installing precast concrete slabs at the first floor level of the building.
The company had pleaded guilty to one charge, in that they failed to manage and conduct work activities in such a way as to ensure the safety of employees and they failed to provide systems of work that were planned, organised, performed and maintained.
Mark Cullen, Interim Chief Executive Officer, HSA said: “Employers have a duty to ensure that workers are protected from any potential hazards that arise in their workplace. Failure to do so in this case has regrettably led to the fatal injury of an employee.”
A County Londonderry based plumbing and heating company has been fined after health and safety failings led to dangerous gas installations in several new build domestic properties at sites in County Antrim and County Londonderry.
The company was fined a total of £12,000 for failing to ensure gas work was carried out in a safe manner and in accordance with appropriate standards.
Kiara Blackburn, an Inspector with HSENI’s Major Investigation Team said: “All gas engineers have a duty to ensure the work they carry out in relation to gas installations is safe and without risk to any person including homeowners. All works must be carried out in line with appropriate standards, manufacturer’s instructions and in accordance with Gas Safe Register requirements.”
The investigation by HSENI focussed on the installation of corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) at the new housing developments. CSST although commonly used in the gas industry has specific installation requirements which must be followed to ensure gas installations are safe. The method of installation of the pipework was unsafe and not in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation requirements.
The Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland has successfully led a prosecution against a Belfast animal feed manufacturer following an incident that resulted in an agency worker sustaining life changing injuries. The company pleaded guilty at Belfast Crown Court was fined a total of £40,000 for the offences.
The HSENI investigation found that the worker was carrying out maintenance on a grain roller machine in an attempt to clear a blockage when his right hand was drawn into two counterrotating rollers. The incident caused severe crush injuries to his hand which later had to be amputated above the wrist.
Speaking after the hearing, HSENI Inspector, Kiara Blackburn said: “This serious incident could easily have been avoided. It is essential that safe systems of work are developed and implemented to ensure the safety of employees and other people working near dangerous parts of machinery.
“During any maintenance activity, machines must always be safely isolated from energy sources to prevent inadvertent start-up.”
McHale Plant Sales Limited of Birdhill and Rathcoole has been appointed to represent the MDS range of trommel screens in Ireland, North and South.
Founded in 1995 by local businessman and CEO, Liam Murray, MDS operates from a manufacturing base at Drummond, near Carrickmacross where it employs a highly skilled workforce of 35 employees focused mainly on trommel screen production.
Welcoming McHale Plant Sales to the MDS team, Ian Todd, MDS territory manager said: “Having such a well-renowned company on board means we can be certain our products are getting the best representation possible in Ireland. The close proximity of McHale’s Dublin depot to our factory will provide
a unique opportunity to work closely together on future projects and I look forward to many successful years.”
With a background in plant sales that dates back to 1952, when it was founded by the late Michael McHale Snr., McHale Plant Sales – now managed
by
Michael McHaleand Tim Shanahan – has developed a well-respected presence and extensive customer base within the construction equipment industry in Ireland. With a strong sales and after-sales team, coupled with a market leadership position, MDS views McHale Plant Sales as being ‘well placed to represent their brand in Ireland’. Seen by McHale Plant Sales as being ‘a valuable and marketable addition’ to their machinery portfolio, the introduction of MDS units into their line-up is viewed by their sales director, Denis McGrath as “an enhancement of our product range that will strengthen our offering in the quarrying, aggregates, and the ever-expanding waste management sectors.” First units to arrive early 2023 will be M515 and M412 track trommels.
Dublin-based tech company Kianda is launching a new software product called Kianda EHSwise that will empower the construction industry to move forward into the digital age.
Kianda’s all-in-one process automation and management software will bring significant improvements in Environmental, Health and Safety and Quality (EHSQ) management, helping companies to protect workers’ lives, increase project profitability while ensuring compliance with industry regulations and gaining competitive advantages.
Recently appointed Kianda CEO, Derya Sousa, with a degree in Architecture and Urban Planning and a master’s degree in Urban Planning, said of the new software product: “The construction industry is like any other industry. They need to deliver software solutions easily and quickly to maintain their competitive advantage and connect people to the processes. If they fail to embrace digital transformation and continue using outdated systems, prone to error, manual processes, they face the risk of being left behind. Kianda’s intuitive no-code
technology provides a fast and easy way of delivering industry specific software.”
Kianda EHSwise is a user-friendly, mobile and offline-capable software and allows teams to manage health and safety processes such as incident reporting, audit planning, observations, energy reporting and more, to provide real-time information to field and office workers.
Kianda’s innovative solutions have simplified EHSQ management, allowing employers to deliver highquality projects without compromising compliance while maintaining complete transparency from start-to-finish.
Sousa said: “Working with leading construction companies, Kianda has built up experience and industry insights that we would like to share with a larger audience. We are excited to help more companies in the industry by providing them with a modern EHSQ software built for the future to help them move beyond manual processes and ensure compliance and profitability.”
Employees can use this software to collaborate and complete their EHSQ
tasks quickly and efficiently by recording events and observations in real-time with apps that work anywhere. The Kianda EHSwise software is completely customisable and can be changed to suit any project no matter the scale. Employers can also use the software to interact with subcontractors to avoid unnecessary cost disputes and transfer across any data from previous systems. Kianda EHSwise is targeting construction companies with a size between 200 to 500 workers and limited IT teams.
Market research shows that companies of this size with 20-30 sites are spending at least half a day per week to input and report ESHQ related information manually. Kianda ESHwise software is expected to introduce more than €300,000 of savings annually just on manual paperwork costs across 20-30 projects.
Trusted by global brands, Kianda has an impressive client base including Mercury Engineering, Lagan Homes, Ardmac, AJI Bio Pharma and DEME, a world leader in the highly specialised fields of dredging, marine infrastructure, and offshore energy.
Ulster Shredders have kickstarted 2023 with the official opening of their Research & Development Facility at their headquarters Cogry Works in Toomebridge.
Adjacent to their existing 40,000 sq feet manufacturing facility housing their dedicated CNC machine shop and assembly area, the 5,000 sq feet building has been commissioned and designed to facilitate the testing of products that can be safely viewed by their customers to see the shredded output. The research and development facility houses the full range of shredders, conveyors, and hoppers.
“Customers are at the forefront of our business, and we wanted to take the extra step in providing them with a ‘testing before investing’ service. Seeing is believing and with the addition of the Research & Development test centre we will continue to give our customers confidence that in choosing an Ulster Shredder product they can be assured of
the quality and consistency of the products,” says Sales and Service Director Paul Atkinson.
Managing Director, Enda
Cushnahan adds: “The shredding industry has matured to the point where not all materials and applications need to be tested; we have vast amount of data,
experience and installations handling these materials. However, new applications or difficult-to-process materials need to be shred validated.”
Ulster Shredders produce a range of shredders and ancillary items tailored to meet the needs of their customer requirements.
With the new facility, the model and shredding chambers can be configured in a manner to demonstrate pre and post shred materials and throughputs and give their customers a tangible output of their infeed materials ensuring when investing in Ulster Shredders they can do so confident that the equipment can meet the needs of their business.
Engineering Manager Damian O’Hagan comments: “The Research & Development Facility will allow us to continue developing our product offerings, proving out our capabilities on our customers products. This facility is a vital step in ensuring we continue to develop robust and reliable products in-house at our Northern Ireland headquarters”.
While Ulster Shredders is renowned for its shredder range, the company places significant emphasis on product lifecycle customer support through their dedicated after sales support team who provide spare parts, servicing & repairs through a dedicated team.
Enda Cushnahan (Managing Director), Jason Smyth (Test Engineer), Chris Downey (Sales Manager), Jude Diamond (Sales Manager), Paul Atkinson (Sales & Service Director), Damian O’Hagan (Engineering Manager).SUPPLIED BY HYUNDAI CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT DEALER, NORTHERN LIFT TRUCKS, THE HL960A WHEEL LOADER IS PART OF HYUNDAI’S FLAGSHIP A-SERIES – A FRESH GENERATION OF CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT THAT COMPLIES WITH EUROPEAN EMISSION LEVELS
One of Northern Ireland’s leading waste firms, Skipway Waste Management & Recycling, has celebrated a 25-year history with Hyundai Construction Equipment Europe with the purchase of two brand-new A-series wheel loaders.
Belfast-based Skipway briefed their trusted dealer, Northern Lift Trucks, to source machines that would be durable, with a focus on good fuel economy and operator comfort. The machine that stood out as perfect for the job was the HL960A – and Skipway swiftly ordered two of them.
Matthew Heatrick, Systems Manager of Skipway, said: “We’ve only ever used Hyundais here at Skipway – mostly 770 models over the years - so we knew that we liked and trusted the brand, and wanted to stick with them for our next purchase. Already we’re seeing the benefits of upgrading to the new A-series machines – their fuel economy is so much better; they’re using half the diesel of the previous ones which obviously makes a huge difference to our finances.”
The two machines have been earmarked and specified for different uses – one of the HL960As will be based at a materials recovery site in Belfast and used for the heavy-duty tasks of stockpiling waste and loading rubble and timber. This machine has been fitted with longer
arms and supplied with different bucket attachments to ensure the HL960A can tackle any load, terrain and material in its path.
The second HL960A will be used for waste transportation at a second Skipway site in Newtownards, where flexible and robust machines are the key to running an efficient operation.
Matthew continued: “A typical day on one of our sites is long and complex, so we need machines that can live up to the challenge. The A-series has been above and beyond what we expected and our operators have been extremely complimentary about them. The main feedback has been about how comfortable they are – the joystick controls are really easy to use and the visibility is much better than any machine they’ve used before.
“From our side, the camera system gives us peace of mind that the machines will be operated safely and the fuel economy is obviously a big plus. We are very impressed with the new A-Series and these first machines definitely won’t be our last.”
Acquired by the R. Heatrick Group in 2012, Skipway Waste Management & Recycling provides demolition, aggregate, haulage and skip hire services throughout Northern Ireland.
With a focus on sustainability, Skipway’s current waste recycling rate is 92% equating to over 45,000 tonnes, helping the company to deliver on its promise of building a more sustainable future for Northern Ireland.
Supplied by Hyundai Construction Equipment dealer, Northern Lift Trucks, the HL960A Wheel Loader is part of Hyundai’s flagship A-series –
a fresh generation of construction equipment that complies with European emission levels. This stage V machine was awarded the SaMoTer Technical Innovation Award in the ‘Medium Wheel Loaders’ category and is suitable for general construction applications and heavy-duty work on industrial, mining and quarrying projects.
Newry-based Surefreight and Dungannon-based Greiner Packaging UK & Ireland made a major statement at the Packaging Innovations show at the NEC, parking a truck carrying Greiner’s “We love sustainable packaging” message at the entrance.
“It’s great to know that thousands of visitors to this important UK packaging event saw Greiner’s message,” says Surefreight Business Development Manager Stuart Ferris. “Greiner Packaging is a valued partner, and we are proud to promote its sustainability message as it so closely aligns with our own environmental values. We understand the value of getting people to think about packaging and sustainability, and half a dozen of our trailers now help to tell this important story.”
“The six new 13.6 m long trailers each have a 26 pallet capacity, or 52 pallets when doublestacked,” says GPUK Warehouse & Distribution Manager Gavin Lee. “The lightweight nature of our packaging solutions means we can ship large quantities on each delivery, reducing the number of journeys required, which also contributes to our sustainability story.”
“We wanted to ensure that all visitors to the Packaging Innovations show saw our ‘We love sustainable packaging’ message and understood that Greiner Packaging is your trusted innovative partner in delivering a circular economy,” says GPUK General Manager Paul Millar.
With the theme: “Join the Circular rEVOLUTION”, a surprise guest on the booth helped the company celebrate the 40th anniversary of its K3® sustainable packaging solution. Original since 1982 K3®, Greiner Packaging’s innovative cardboard-plastic packaging solution was first launched in 1982, and ‘Elvis’ was at the booth the explain how K3® is often imitated, but never equalled.
“Our K3® packaging solution has led the way in sustainability for 40 years,” says Paul Millar.
“First developed at the time of an oil crisis, to use less plastic, K3® is now used by thousands of brands worldwide, who love its ever-evolving sustainability credentials and effective and efficient performance.
“The outer wrap features a teartab which enables consumers to intuitively separate the cardboard from the plastic to enable recycling, and many brands use the reverse of the wrap for promotions and to tell their sustainability story. But to bring the 40 years up to date, we are proud to now be producing K3® r100.”
Self-separating packaging
“Our amazing K3® r100 cup is the highlight of the show,”
Aidan Doherty has been appointed Managing Director of Re-Gen Robotics to lead the development of the company which uses no-man entry, explosion proof robots to clean a huge variety of storage tanks in the oil and gas industry. Aidan is a founding member of the Re-Gen Group which employs over 300 people and has a group turnover of £58 million and previously held the post of Commercial Director of Re-Gen Waste and latterly Re-Gen Robotics. He will be the driving force in developing Re-Gen Robotics as it enters the European and US markets. Speaking of his new appointment Aidan said: “I’m delighted to take up the role at Re-Gen Robotics at an exciting time when we have been recognised as revolutionising safety in industrial oil tank cleaning.
“We’ll be focusing on our excellent customer service and problem-solving expertise, offering realistic and costeffective alternatives to our customers
in order to reduce accidents and fatalities in confined spaces.”
Re-Gen Robotics has been working with some of the world’s oil majors including Phillips 66, Shell, Valero and Vermillion and Aidan believes that
says GPUK Sustainability and Innovation Manager Rachel Sheldon. “K3® r100 is a product innovation that has made the impossible possible: separating cardboard wraps and plastic packaging from one another during the waste disposal process without the need for human intervention. Unlike all previous K3® packaging solutions, an outstanding level of recyclability can be achieved without having to rely on end consumers to separate the items correctly.”
“At the start of the year we were proud to announce that GPUK is the first packaging manufacturer in Northern Ireland to gain the Sustainably Sourced Plastics (SSP) Certification, and the first Greiner Packaging factory in the world to be awarded Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) Chain of Custody certification,” says Paul Millar. “These certifications came only three months after the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) approved the decontamination process used at our factory in Dungannon, Northern Ireland, to recycle post-consumer PET into food contact materials.”
“As a leading packaging producer, we are committed to delivering innovative products. We aim to maximize plastic reduction, introduce reusable systems, incorporate recycling content, and strive for the best recyclability for our products working towards a circular economy.”
the sector is now seeing the many benefits of using robotic equipment to complete industrial tank cleaning.
Mr Doherty said; “I believe that the greatest ethical investment a company can make is to the health and safety of its employees. Our system significantly reduces the man hours involved in cleaning tanks, and accompanying reductions in accidents and health and safety incidents.”
Since 2019, Re-Gen Robotics has contributed to eliminating tens of thousands of hours of confined space cleaning and is seen by the oil majors as the safest tank cleaning option. He added: “Our R&D department has been working hard on improving all aspects of our equipment especially in terms of reliability and productivity and I can see many opportunities in developing our talented team over the next five to 10 years as we take our service to global markets. “I would also like to thank former Managing Director Fintan Duffy who led the company from 2019 to 2022. Fintan steered the company’s international recognition in health and safety, innovation, and was responsible for gaining globally acknowledged safety technology awards for the company.”
The unpalatable fact is the UK still produces too much waste, and we don’t recycle enough of it. Currently in the UK, we’re falling short of our 2050 target to prepare 65% of municipal waste for re-use and recycling, and plastic packaging is an important part of this story. As of 2021, the UK has a recovery/recycling rate of 44% for plastic packaging, while materials such as aluminium (75%) and paper and cardboard (70%) are much higher.
It is easy to point at plastic packaging to say the material is a problem, to get caught up in the good-bad debate that has been polarising public opinion and media commentary. In reality, when items are made from reusable and recyclable plastics and managed correctly, they provide us with sustainable, costefficient, and durable packaging solutions.
At Biffa, we see the whole plastics picture. From guiding brands in their packaging choices to collecting, sorting and processing of millions of tonnes of plastic from households and businesses for recycling. Every year we recycle 151kt of plastic at our leading recycling facilities, transforming waste into material which is used to make new products.
Here are five ways plastic packaging can be better recycled to build a positive future for plastic:
1. USE MORE RECYCLABLE PLASTICS
WRAP’s 2022 update to its annual recycling tracker shows that 90% of UK citizens regularly recycle when asked about all types of materials. However, the recovery rate of plastic packaging is 44% because much of it (for example, flexible plastics or pouches) is not recyclable or reusable. While recycling is part of the nation’s day-to-day activities – and the motivation and behaviour are clear – the packaging used for many products does not support recycling. What can be done about this? People and businesses need information to guide and support their choices
From businesses’ product design and packaging decisions to consumers’ purchase choices, understanding is needed at every stage of production and purchase. If people know more about the different types of plastic and the environmental and economic impact of their choices, a change in behaviour could be more likely, all the while increasing
2.
the quality of recyclable material by creating separate waste streams.
When recyclable plastic packaging leaves the UK, the carbon cost of transportation leads to more emissions compared to on-shore recycling. There’s a clear argument for more plastic to be recycled in the UK; to support green investment, infrastructure, economic growth and jobs. An end to the export of plastic packaging would mean the UK must recycle the 0.7mtpa of plastic packaging waste a year currently exported. This would take at least 12 polymer plants with a minimum 55,000tonne processing capacity. Biffa’s 57,000te capacity recycling plant in Seaham brought 100 full-time jobs to the local region. Investment in infrastructure benefits both the economy and local communities in addition to the environment.
Although the Government has reiterated its commitment to banning export of plastic waste to non-OECD countries there is still more we can do to keep plastic within the UK circular economy and encourage packaging producers to use more recyclable material.
The Deposit Return Scheme in Scotland, launching August 16th 2023, is an example of how bold legislation can drive investment in and improvements to recycling infrastructure. As the logistics provider for the Scottish scheme, Biffa is developing new facilities to handle increased volumes of materials. The consultation for England, Northern Ireland and Wales is now complete, with the launch date set for 1stOctober 2025.
Last year, Biffa highlighted that nearly a fifth of all recycling is lost due to contamination. Food contamination on or inside packaging is one of the major issues hindering our recycling efforts, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Increased awareness around the recycling process and the impact of contamination will help change behaviour for consumers and businesses.
There are plans for legislation to make the current voluntary, on-package labelling system mandatory. This needs to be realised for both consumer and business packaging, with the clearest messaging possible, to drive awareness of what the recycling symbols mean and the condition a container needs to be in to be recycled. This will reduce the amount of unrecyclable material in the UK collection and processing systems, improve the quality of our recycled materials and lower the carbon emissions output. Our industry, regulatory bodies and government need a greater understanding of the packaging materials in circulation. Extended Producer Responsibility begins this year, obligating more businesses to report in greater detail on the packaging they produce and in what quantity. This will provide valuable insight to support customer choice and promote better packaging design for recycling.
The government recently announced its intention to ban certain single-use plastics, including plates and cutlery. While this is a welcome step in the right direction, the plastics themselves are not the problem; it’s that they are single-use. As single-use plastics are phased out, they need to be replaced by more multi-use or reusable options. From bamboo cutlery to plant-based plastic alternatives, any material in a single-use and on-the-go context presents a unique challenge. For example, it doesn’t matter if something is compostable if it ends up in general waste or if nonrecyclable materials are put in the recycling bin. It all results in resources being lost and emissions being created. Even if a material is identified as compostable, that can mean it is only industrially compostable, so it is not
suitable to be processed with end-of-life food in anaerobic digestion or biodegraded in a domestic compost setting or green waste collections. This means it requires specialist collection and processing. The ban on single-use plastics will help increase the use of readily recyclable packaging solutions, however it’s just one piece of the puzzle that will help the UK circular economy.
Brands are operating in highly competitive markets, working with tight margins. Packaging needs to be easy to fill, protect the contents and catch the eye of consumers in a split second in saturated environments. Often this leads to choices in colour and materials that render the container unrecyclable. It doesn’t have to be one or the other; it is possible to create sustainable plastic packaging that speaks to the consumer. Commonality and consistency are key to creating simple, sustainable packaging. If materials or different types of plastic are mixed, it becomes harder to separate the materials and recycle them. Packaging such as laminated material, plastic wrapping and big sleeves need to be separated or recycled at specialist facilities; this is often impractical and unsustainable at scale.
This is also true of packaging that contains more than one colour of plastic. No foodgrade coloured plastic can be recycled back into natural-coloured food-grade packaging as the pigment remains in the polymer. When mixed pigments are recycled together, the material becomes grey. Adopting clear plastic wherever possible will help move towards more sustainable packaging. Improvements can also be made by shrink-wrapping labels rather than gluing and tethering bottle tops to bottles (ideally the same colour).
Will plastic packaging lose its edge if it is clear, homogenous, and consistent? Most likely not. Eye-catching design can still be used, provided the components are easily removed and recyclable. Increasing public awareness will support positive changes in consumer behaviour. People want to do the right thing, and those brands which explore sustainable options first will catch the eco-conscious eye and achieve cutthrough - the time to start is right now. At Biffa, we support some of the UK’s leading brands through this process. Our Blueprint for Waste Net Zero outlines the role of recyclable plastic packaging within the future carbon hierarchy and what further changes are needed to deliver a truly circular economy.
Over 200 million electrical items have been diverted from landfill during an 18-year partnership between Ireland’s largest e-waste recycling scheme and a family-owned recycling firm, new data shows.
WEEE Ireland and KMK Metals Recycling in Co
Offaly have collected and recycled more than half a million tonnes of electrical waste since 2005 – the equivalent of 69 Eiffel Towers. The vital materials recovered from the end-of-life items are available for reuse in manufacturing, resulting in less mining for new materials.
Steel, plastic and glass make up the top three materials extracted, with over 20,000 tonnes recovered annually through KMK’s specialised recycling processes in Offaly and Westmeath. Other valuable and scarce precious metals derived include aluminium, copper and zinc.
Ministers Ossian Smyth and Pippa Hackett visited the KMK Metals Recycling plants in Tullamore and Kilbeggan to witness how the
collaboration has successfully steered millions of pieces of e-waste away from landfill.
“The scale and sophistication of treatment here is truly impressive. It is vital that these resources are captured and the critical raw materials reused,” said Minister of State Smyth, who has responsibility for Public Procurement, eGovernment and the Circular Economy.
“However, the volume of waste material here shows the massive opportunities that we have to become much more circular. I want to see Ireland making much more of our electronics and electrical appliances before they become waste. Through repair and reuse, we can keep these assets in use for much longer and reduce the waste we need to process. “This keeps costs down for everyone. Longer lived products also means we extract fewer raw materials from the environment and enhance the security of supply chains.”
Leo Donovan, CEO of WEEE Ireland, said old electronics are “an incredibly
rich source of precious metals and other raw materials” that are often very difficult to extract from the earth.
“Since 2005, KMK’s recycling facilities have been the anchor point for our successful Irish WEEE management system across the country.
“Through hard work and extensive investment, together we have developed a national recycling and material recovery infrastructure, giving us world-class EN 50625 certified e-waste facilities in Ireland.”
According to the 2021 annual reports of both companies, the top three categories of e-waste recycled through KMK were large household appliances (16,000 tonnes), small appliances (11,000 tonnes) and TVs/monitors (3,000 tonnes).
These were collected through a diverse network of retail collection points, civic amenity sites and WEEE Ireland free public collection events.
As the only dedicated waste battery sorting and management facility in Ireland, KMK also collected and segregated over 18,000 tonnes - the equivalent to nearly a billion AA batteries - on behalf of WEEE Ireland since they began working together under the European Battery Directive obligations in 2008. Minister of State with responsibility for Land Use and Biodiversity, Pippa Hackett said “This is a great example of how companies working together can achieve positive results. They have embraced the green transition and have also provided stable, secure employment in the Midlands.”
“KMK Metals Recycling are at the forefront in ensuring that the valuable raw materials used in the production of electrical goods are being recycled and given a new lease of life supporting a more circular economy,” said Kurt Kyck, MD of KMK Metals Recycling. “Hazardous materials, particularly in older appliance types, need safe environmental depollution. And this must be carried out in EPA-licensed specialist recycling plants and not in general metal shredding facilities.”
Re-Gen was named Team of the Year at the MRW National Recycling Awards at the Westminster Park Plaza, London; it was praised by an expert judging panel, drawn from across the recycling sector.
Joseph Doherty, MD at Re-Gen Waste, said: “I’m extremely
proud of the Health and Safety Team. It is a small team making a real difference. Representing the unsung heroes of the sector, the team has reduced our accident rate, supports the wider industry, and has set a benchmark from which others can learn and replicate. Health and safety are at the centre of our business
and the team has driven many projects and is duly recognised for keeping our staff and visitors safe, reducing incidents and accidents, delivering training, and introducing new systems.”
The MRW National Recycling Awards bring together recycling and resource management professionals to recognise
and celebrate best practise and innovation in recycling and resource management. The awards provide industry recognition and unrivalled networking opportunities. The night of recognition and celebration of the sector’s achievements saw around 500 attendees come together from the recycling industry. It was hosted by stand-up comedian Angela Barnes, a TV and radio star who has appeared in Mock the Week and Live at the Apollo.
Industry Training Services (ITS), Northern Ireland’s number one provider of health and safety training solutions to the construction, civil engineering, utilities and manufacturing sectors has opened a base in Dublin as the company sees a demand for health & safety training within the Republic of Ireland.
As the leading provider of health & safety training to local authorities, food manufacturers, telecoms and construction companies across NI, ITS is equipped to deliver first class safety training for essential safety certifications and for specialist conditions, such as confined space training, temporary works and tower crane rescue right across the country.
ITS was established in 2000 by civil engineer, Brendan Crealey who identified the need for a professional health and safety training company for the construction sector in Northern Ireland after working on large motorway and construction projects in the UK. Since then, the company has grown across the north and into border regions with a purpose-built health and safety training campus on 12 acres near Portadown, Co. Armagh. The company’s training services are also highly mobile as they can provide bespoke professional training courses at client sites anywhere across the island of Ireland. Brendan Crealey commented, “In the 23 years since we were first established, ITS has become the leading supplier of training courses for a wide range of industries across Northern Ireland. However, throughout those years of growth we have had a sizeable number of companies from the south that have become long-term clients of ITS. We see establishing a permanent presence in Dublin as a key step in enabling us to better serve our customers in Dublin and the wider region. “Our state-of-the-art training facility near Portadown, close to the M1 motorway is less than a 90-minute drive from north county Dublin and we have had a lot of clients from Dublin, north Leinster and indeed from a broad swathe of counties close to the border including Louth, Monaghan, Cavan, Roscommon, Sligo and right across the county of Donegal.”
The company provides accredited training for many employees from the island of Ireland who work on infrastructure projects across the UK, acting as a ‘close to home’ one-stop-
shop for companies who need to ensure they have the correct accreditation for employees before being assigned to projects across the water. ITS’ range of customers goes beyond the construction sector to include companies from utilities, telecoms, manufacturing and engineering, local authorities, food manufacturing, agriculture, and horticulture.
ITS is the leading provider for many indispensable training courses including tailored programmes aimed at employees who are faced with operating in confined spaces. The company has custom built confined space installations at its Portadown facility that replicates real world situations as faced by employees from varying sectors such as food manufacturing, agriculture, brewing, water and drainage works and flour milling. In addition, ITS has developed a tailormade trailer to provide a mobile confined space training facility that can be taken to a client’s facility anywhere in Ireland. Brendan added: “Thankfully, accidents with employees in confined spaces are very rare, but companies need to be aware of their duty of care for employees in these situations and our expertise in this area coupled with our specially designed trailer mean we are a leading provider for this
specialised training to companies and local authorities anywhere on the island of Ireland.”
Tower crane rescue is another area where ITS has built up a level of expertise. “Just look at the skyline of Dublin and you will see how many tower cranes there are in operation”, continued Brendan Crealey. “Tower crane operators are highly trained workers who carry out their duties in a unique environment. Tower crane operator employers have a duty of care to these very specialised workers, in the event of a health or other type of emergency that the operator could suffer, only specially trained personnel can effectively bring the tower crane operator down in such a situation. It is up to the construction company who owns the tower crane to ensure they always have an appropriately trained team of personnel on site who can intervene and carryout a rescue procedure should the worst happen. ITS can offer expert advice on equipment needed and carryout tower crane rescue training for companies that own or operate tower cranes anywhere in Ireland.”
The Dublin Headquarters for Industry Training Services is situated in Cherry Orchard, Dublin 10 and can be reached on (01) 891 6105 or at info@industrytrainingservices. com for more information.
The transportation sector is growing and changing, with increasing expectations to provide sustainable transport, reduce carbon emissions, improve health, develop people and communities and provide employment, yet we know very little about the changing size and structure of the collective workforce and the skills needed to work in the sector.
CIHT aims to address this gap and provide a comprehensive employment and skills map to help the strategic development of the sector. This initiative will include conducting a survey every two years, supported with some in-depth interviews and producing a biennial, dynamic report on the averages and trends unique to our sector.
To achieve this, CIHT is working with Pye Tait Consulting, an independent research agency.
“We are keen to attract employers from across the sector, different-sized organisations and varying specialist expertise to fill in the survey, to ensure a diverse representation of the sector. Participating organisations will be sent a copy of the results report.
“We would like your help in promoting and distributing details of this project and survey - helping our sector to build the evidence base - participants will receive a copy of the final report.
“If your organisation is involved in the planning, design, construction, maintenance and operation of land-based transport systems and infrastructure in the UK, we invite you take part in the survey which will be open until the end of February.” How will the results be used?
This survey will help to:
• Inform an industry initiative in this area and build the evidence base
• Provide a true benchmark for highways and transportation businesses to measure against
• Demonstrate comparisons and trends which increase in knowledge value over time
• Establish an evidence base, from which to influence government on key issues for the sector
• Give clarity on the level of skills development needed within the sector
• Illustrate areas of diversity where time and investment will reap value
• Highlight the opportunities for attracting new talent to the sector
To find out more and to register your interest, please visit the website at https:// www.ciht.org.uk/knowledge-resourcecentre/resources/providing-sectorintelligence-to-aid-future-planning/
NI Water’s project team working on the new Ballykelly Wastewater Treatment Works has been awarded the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) NI Sustainability Award.
The ICE award is presented to a project that demonstrates sustainability through innovation and is the third award for the Ballykelly project in recent months, with recent wins at the Green Apple Awards and Construction Excellence Awards organised by the Construction Employer’s Federation (CEF).
BSG was the main contractor for the Ballykelly project, with RPS providing project management and technical support.
Receiving the award at the ICE’s recent annual dinner, NI Water’s CEO Sara Venning said: “We are delighted to receive this prestigious award from the ICE, which is the third award for the Ballykelly plant. I would like to pay tribute to the wider NI Water project team for leading the
way with sustainable solutions to wastewater treatment.
“The Ballykelly project involved utilising more ecofriendly wastewater treatment approaches, including reed beds and maximising the use of renewables as part of the treatment process. This forward-thinking design will provide a natural, long-term
and resilient solution for customers in the Ballykelly area well into the future.
“As custodians of the environment, we are proud of the work completed at the Ballykelly plant, and look forward to continuing a similar approach on other schemes across NI as we continue our ambitions to pursue a net zero
sustainable future. The new solar panel system has now been upgraded with the addition of NI Water’s first battery energy storage system, which has now been switched on!
“Developed in-house, this innovative battery system is the first of its kind for NI Water and will bring many efficiency benefits and cost savings to the company in light of rising energy prices.”
The Ballykelly project beat off stiff competition and was shortlisted alongside six worthy projects, which demonstrate excellent community and environmental benefits. This award showcases some of the current civil engineering projects in the region that are demonstrating excellence in sustainability based on the following criteria: innovation, community and environmental benefit, economy of materials and labour, value engineering, as well as health and safety.
HS2 Ltd is celebrating a world-first as around 450 people from HS2’s construction contractor in the Midlands – Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV) – slid a 12,600 tonne bridge a record 165 metres to position it across a motorway in Warwickshire.
The site team worked around the clock to move HS2’s Marston Box bridge into place over the M42 during the Christmas period. The dramatic operation took 40 hours, at a speed of 4 metres per hour, during a 10-day closure of the motorway.
Rail Minister Huw Merriman said: “This is yet another astonishing achievement by HS2 - a project which is already changing lives through employment and regeneration, and will completely transform the way we live and work once trains hit the tracks.
“Thank you to the 450 people working over the Christmas period on this incredible operation, who are playing their part in bringing this pioneering project to life. What a way to end the year.”
HS2 Ltd’s Civils Delivery Director, Mike Lyons said: “This is the first box slide of its kind over a motorway in the UK, and we believe it’s also the world’s longest slide, so it’s a great achievement for HS2 as we quickly approach peak construction. It’s fantastic to celebrate another big milestone for a project that is already providing work for almost 30,000 people today, and in the future,
it will encourage people to use zero carbon public transport.”
Over the last six months, the giant 86 metre-long structure was built on land next to the motorway. The structure, developed by a Design Joint Venture of Mott MacDonald and Systra, working on behalf of BBV, has a base, three walls and top slab.
The sliding mechanism, designed by specialist civil and structural engineering company Freyssinet, allowed the box to be pushed into place over the motorway on a guiding raft over a distance of 163 metres – which is believed to be the world’s longest box slide. On completion, the whole structure will be around 190 metres in length, and will carry HS2 over the motorway as it heads north to Crewe, or on its southward journey as it loops into Birmingham Curzon Street or continues straight on to Interchange Station in
Solihull, Old Oak Common Station and London Euston.
Once built, the railway bridge will connect to Dunton Wood Embankment to the south and the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal Viaduct, which crosses the heritage canal, to the north. This construction method, which allowed it to be moved into place in one movement meant only two one-week closures of the motorway over a 12-month period, dramatically reducing disruption for road users.
Huge Achievement
Sasan Ghavami, Balfour Beatty VINCI’s Construction Director for the project said: “We’re extremely proud to have successfully delivered the world’s longest box slide. It’s a huge achievement for our project team and everyone connected with Balfour Beatty VINCI.
“We’ve used innovative construction techniques and worked tirelessly throughout the Christmas period to move this 12,600 tonne bridge over the M42 motorway – all done with the aim of keeping disruption to an absolute minimum.”
The box slide operation is part of HS2’s 550,000 square metre site at Kingsbury, where over 1,000 people are currently working. Around 6,800 people are already employed in HS2’s construction in the West Midlands, with thousands more jobs supported through the wider supply chain.
HS2 and its contractor Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV) has worked in partnership with National Highways to deliver this intricate operation.National Highways Senior Network Planner, Frank Bird said: “We’d like to say a big thank-you to motorists for their patience during the closure of the M42. It’s never easy to close a busy motorway such as the M42 for an extended period of time but it has been vital to ensure the safety of the workforce and motorists while this work is taking place.
“We’ve been working collaboratively with HS2 for the past 18 months to ensure the operation ran smoothly and to help keep disruption to a minimum for drivers. The installation of the new Marston Box bridge is a significant milestone in the HS2 project and it’s great to see it finally in place.”
You can watch dramatic footage of the bridge slide here: https://youtu.be/DxGd83rzcts
Saint-Gobain have appointed Niall Evans to the role of Sales Director for the Gyproc & Isover businesses in Ireland.
Before this appointment, Niall held the role of National Sales Manager at Gyproc & Isover for 7 years where he developed a great understanding of the Irish markets and customers.
Niall has held various commercial roles during his twenty-three years with SaintGobain and his insight and knowledge will help to drive business growth through new and existing customer relationships.
Niall takes over this role from Declan Smyth who retired at the end of 2022.
Commenting on his appointment Niall said, “It is an honour for me to take on the role of Sales Director and I look forward to working closely with all our customers throughout Ireland. Together with our excellent commercial team, I will continue to collaborate with all of our stakeholders into the future to enhance our successful working relationships.”
Padraig Barry, Managing Director of Gyproc and Isover in Ireland also commented, “For us it is a great privilege to be able to promote some of the most talented people in the industry. Sales Director
is a well-deserved position for Niall. I have no doubts he will thrive and will continue to develop the business while also supporting existing customers.
“We are very grateful to Declan for the hard work and unwavering commitment to the organisation, and the loyal support from all our customers during his tenure. Since taking on the position of National Sales Manager seven years ago, Niall has developed an intimate understanding of our markets and customers throughout the island.”
Niall is a Derry native and a graduate of the University of Ulster Jordanstown where he obtained his MBA.
BY EMMA COWAN
Joe Bradley will be a familiar name to Plant and Civil Engineer readers. A past winner of the PCE Quarry of the Year award in 2016, his company, Patrick Bradley Ltd, was founded in 1942 by Joe’s father Patrick, quarrying stone at Tamneymore, Garvagh for the construction of roads and an aerodrome at Aghadowey during World War II. In the mid-1960s the quarry transferred all its operations to Craigall Quarry, Kilrea. In the 1940s, Patrick Bradley bought a six/seven-horsepower Fowler steam engine to drive a stone crusher at the quarry and it continued to work for the business until the ‘50s.
With quarrying methods and equipment changing dramatically over the decades, the steam engine ended up abandoned and rusting at the disused Tamneymore Quarry. There is always somebody interested in an original steam engine and, Patrick sold it to a local man who started
restoration but never finished the job. The engine ended up being bought by sawmill owner Willie Smith, of Scotland, who restored it to its superb condition over two decades.
The opportunity arose after Willie’s passing for Joe to be reunited with the Steam Engine. When it went to auction in Forfar, Scotland, Joe placed the winning bid and brought ‘Tamneymore’, as the engine was named by the Bradley Family, home to Kilrea.
When talking to Joe about his story he told me; “From the moment the engine came home it has brought a lot of enjoyment to me and the family, travelling throughout Ireland and England attending shows.”
Joe was able to couple ‘Tamneymore’ with an original vintage stone crusher which he acquired, and he has travelled to several shows, providing a popular working attraction on the steam rally circuit. Joe continued: “The furthest I’ve taken Tamneymore is the Great Dorset Steam Fair in 2018
for its fiftieth-anniversary event. There were over 500 steam engines there.”
While stone crushing remains much the same process today (albeit on a much bigger scale) as it was in the 1940s, the pairing of the crusher with the mighty power of a steam engine is something to behold.
You can see Joe and his family with his magnificent and immaculate Fowler engine operating an original crusher at the Shanes Castle May Day Steam Rally, on Sunday 30th April and Monday 1st May at Shanes Castle Estate, Antrim.
For more information visit www.shanescastlesteamrally.co.uk
CITB NI have launched their all female plant operator training pilot scheme with an open day at their headquarters in Crumlin Co. Antrim. The scheme will fully fund the training of 10 female plant operators and equip them with the relevant CSR plant operator site cards along with other recognised qualifications including those in Health & Safety, First Aid, COSHH , Manual Handling and Noise & Dust - all relevant to plant operation which will leave the participants ‘job ready ‘ to gain employment within the construction sector. Statistics throughout recent years confirmed that competent qualified plant operators were scarce on the ground. CITBNI recognised that there was a high level of interest from females who were willing to get involved in the sector and decided to pilot and fund this scheme in a bid to address the shortage. The scheme has been organised and brought to the forefront by Rachel McKeeman, Director of Industry Training and her team at CITBNI who were all heavily involved throughout the open day.
CITBNI have appointed McKinney Safety Centre Ltd from Strabane to deliver the training scheme. They offer a wide range of health and safety courses, primarily focussing on plant operations, cranes and lifting, and offering various card schemes such as CSR, CPCS & NPORS to their customers throughout the whole of Ireland and into the UK.
Commented Linda McKinney: “It was great to be involved in the process; the open day
was the ideal opportunity for all in attendance to operate a wide range of machines. The pilot scheme itself developed by Rachel and her team at CITBNI is a fantastic opportunity for women to become competent operators and gain the required skills and qualifications to be in a position to operate on site. “We had a wide range of our training machines at the open day, all JCB. We have
used JCB for a number of years and are extremely pleased with the machines and service we get from Dennison JCB who also had their big new 26 metre JCB Roto telescopic at the event. Dennison’s have always been an advocate of operators skills training and have themselves invested heavily in women who operate successfully throughout their operation.”
Demonstrating at the open day was Georgina Williams who is the UK training manager for JCB backhoe excavators. Prior to this role Georgina was part of the dancing digger team and was also a test operator across a wide range of JCB machines, making her a perfect ambassador for what women can achieve. Quite a number of employers were also in attendance hoping to attract the women when qualified. One such company was Taranto Ltd, piling and ground engineering specialists based in Tandragee, Co. Armagh, who also invests heavily in female plant operators who are successfully working on sites across Ireland and the UK. Company Director David McCartney spoke at the event
about the opportunities available and just what is achievable for females in the industry. The training scheme itself begins in April and ends early July for the initial 10 operators. However, due to the interest
created and numbers attending the open day, CITBNI hopes to be in a position to run further similar schemes in the future and would encourage any female interested to get in touch to register their interest.
The next generation mini-excavator range with a new shared global styling have been launched by Doosan Infracore Europe.
The zero-tail swing design of the DX27Z7, DX35Z-7 and DX50Z-7 and the reduced radius design of the DX55R-7 models make them ideal for work in confined spaces on construction, landscaping and utility projects. The DX27Z-7 and DX35Z-7 are powered by the Doosan D17Stage V compliant diesel engine providing 18.4 kW (24.7 HP) of power at 2400 and 2200 RPM, respectively. The DX50Z-7 and DX55R-7 are powered by the Doosan D18 Stage V compliant diesel engine providing 36.4 kW (48.8 HP) of power at 2200 RPM. As a result, all four models offer the highest power and torque in their respective classes and cover a wide range of applications including heavy duty work. A novel platform design featuring new upper structures has increased durability/ robustness and this is complemented in all four new mini excavators by a larger
working range than other equivalent machines on the market, coupled with higher lifting capacities and digging forces.
The DX27Z-7 and DX35Z-7 offer high hydraulic flows of 58 and 74 l/min. The DX50Z-7 and DX55R-7 also offer a high hydraulic flow of 80 l/min and like the two smaller machines, this enhances work with attachments.
A new EPPR valve is incorporated for two-way and optional rotating functions, that provides the operator with 10-step proportional control of the hydraulic flow rate via the thumbwheel joystick. In all of these next generation mini-excavators, newly designed cast counterweights ensure excellent machine balance and stability when working. In the DX27Z-7 and DX35Z7, long arm options are available for both models with 60 and 100 kg additional counterweights included, respectively. An additional 200 kg bolt-mounted counterweight option is available for the DX55R-7. As well as offering the best performance, versatility, durability and ease of maintenance
in their classes, the new mini excavators feature a new larger, roomier cab, providing excellent operator comfort and controllability.
The new mini excavators are packed with a host of innovative features. Nowhere is this more evident than in the new high comfort cab, which has a full glass entry door to maximize operator visibility on this side of the machine from inside the cab. The high luminance LED work lamps on the cab further enhance visibility and additional LED lamps are also available as an option. The enhanced heating/HVAC system is the best on the market, providing more nozzles to direct warming and cooling air, including both front and rear pillar nozzles that together help to improve the system performance. Larger nozzles are also used to ensure direct and sufficient airflow for operators and manual adjustment of the opening/ closing of the nozzles is also possible.
The HVAC system and the DAB Audio can be controlled through the 8 inch touch screen and the feed from the optional rear view camera can be displayed on both the 5.7 and 8 inch screens. The monitors also show the flow rate setting, which can be controlled in 10 steps with the thumbwheel joystick. The new mini excavators incorporate a new dozer blade providing both a higher dozer lifting height and dozer digging depth than other machines on the market. The machines also have a new dozer blade control lever. Using the dozer lever, the operator can select between low and high speed for the levelling blade hydraulics. Travel speed
can also be selected by using the travel selector button on the dozer lever. When hydraulic oil pressure rises due to going up a slope while driving in the high speed mode, the travel speed auto-shift valve automatically resets the travel speed to low, to enhance the operator’s driving convenience and to reduce machine stress. In the DX50Z-7 and DX55R-7, the dozer control also provides a new blade floating function - pushing the dozer lever all the way forward puts the lever into the detent position and leaves the dozer blade in a‘float’ position. In the DX50Z-7 and DX55R-7, customers can also choose the optional Dozer lock function, which prevents dozer blade creep. If the machine
has the optional blade lock valve installed, the floating function will not work when the lever is in the detent position. In all four new mini excavators, the boom swing angle and swing radius are better than or equal to other machines in this class. Visibility and workability are improved by increasing the bucket protrusion distance beyond the tracks. Placing the boom swing cylinder on the left hand side of cab allows the operator to work right up against walls and other structures on the right hand side of the machines. The fuel tank and boom swing cylinder have been positioned at the base of the cab, with the MCV now on the right side of the machine, improving visibility for maintaining and working on the MCV.
IN ALL OF THESE NEXT GENERATION MINIEXCAVATORS, NEWLY DESIGNED CAST COUNTERWEIGHTS ENSURE EXCELLENT MACHINE BALANCE AND STABILITY WHEN WORKING.
The new Cat 950 and 962 Next Generation Wheel Loaders feature standard simple-to-use technologies that boost operator efficiencies, provide consistent bucket fill factors and increase productivity by up to 10% over the previous models. These flexible loaders offer application-specific designs to excel in the toughest applications, while service intervals are extended to lower maintenance costs by up to 30%. Their field-proven, reliable Cat C7.1 engine offers high power density with a combination of proven electronics, fuel and air systems. Equipped with the automatic Cat regeneration system, the engine meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final, EU Stage V, Korea Tier 5 and Japan 2014 emission standards without interrupting operation. Electric fuel priming pump, fuel-water separator and secondary fuel filter combine with component design and machine validation to offer unmatched reliability and uptime. A range of standard technologies on the 950 and 962 wheel loaders efficiently monitor, manage and enhance jobsite operations. Providing accurate weighing of material Cat Payload, with Assist, displays data in real time to improve productivity and loading efficiency. The operator can now fully automate bucket loading
using new Autodig to improve fill factors and loading times. Working in combination with Autodig, new Auto Set Tires promotes proper loading technique to significantly reduce tire slip and wear. New application profiles give operators the ability to set customized profiles for customerspecific applications at the touch of a button to optimize loader settings for the job. Facilitating loader operation, selectable job aids allow operators of all experience levels to be more productive. Wirelessly connecting the machine to the office, Product Link gives access to production and essential machine health information for making fact-based decisions. Loader and operation productivity are further enhanced with optional Cat technologies. Available Cat Advanced Payload with Assist includes Tip Off Assist to automate load adjustment of the final
bucket to match target. Plus, its enhanced lists management, site integration and extended scale features help manage and improve productivity. Also helping to improve profitability of operations, the optional Cat Productivity subscription provides detailed and comprehensive actionable information.
The consistently high bucket fill factors provided by new Autodig with Auto Set Tires delivers up to 10% more productivity for the 950 and 962 compared to the previous models. Single clutch and lock-to-lock shifting of the 5-speed transmission offers faster acceleration and speed on grades. The new loaders offer improved traction with standard front manual differential locks, with optional automatic front and rear differential locks available, to increase productivity, reduce tire scuffing and lower operating costs.
Cat Performance Series Buckets balance bucket shape against the loader’s linkage, resulting in higher fill factors and better material retention. Allowing the machine to move quickly from task to task, the Cat Fusion Quick Coupler offers easy tool changes without the operator leaving the cab.
Sound suppression, seals and viscous cab mounting decrease noise levels and vibration feedback to the operator for a quieter and more comfortable work environment. Providing excellent comfort and accuracy, the standard HMU steering wheel offers precise machine control. A seat-mounted electrohydraulic joystick steering option replaces the HMU steering wheel to deliver low-arm-fatigue operation. New in-cab dashboard and highresolution touch displays afford intuitive, user-friendly operation. The new 950 and 962 come standard with a rear-vision camera to enhance visibility behind the loader and work safely. Industry-leading all-around visibility is achieved through the cab’s floor-to-ceiling windshield, large mirrors with integrated spot mirrors and rear-vision camera. Optional multiview (360-degree) vision system, Cat Detect radar technology, and access light and an under-hood service lighting system are available to further enhance safe operation and maintenance.
Construction was put on the back burner in 2022, faced with compounding challenges like rising energy prices and supply chain issues, writes Ian King, COO, Zeroignition. As the conflict in Ukraine rages on and warnings from COP27 still echo across the globe, sustainability has become a high profile subject matter in construction once again. The industry is being challenged to adapt quickly and seek ways to, cost-effectively, reduce emissions and keep net-zero goals in sight. Building is expensive in today’s climate, and to make matters worse, the UK built environment produces around a quarter of our greenhouse gas emissions. This must be slashed if we are to stand a chance at meeting any carbon reduction climate goals.
Construction professionals can reduce the industry’s carbon emissions and project costs by carefully considering what building materials are used during the construction process. To put things into perspective, cement production alone accounts for around 8% of all global carbon emissions, according to a Chatham House Report. Replacing energy-intensive materials like concrete and steel with timber, a more sustainable (with its low embodied carbon) and potentially less expensive alternative, is a leap in the right direction.
To support timber’s resurgence, we must keep fire safety in mind to ensure timber building materials are protected as effectively as possible. It’s a tricky subject, as some timber products will take a long time to burn while others are more vulnerable. For example, a large oak beam is generally as structurally safe as a similar-sized piece of steel when exposed to fire. Both materials will however eventually buckle under extreme temperatures. Regardless, including fire retardants in a protection regime is essential to slow the charring rate of timber building materials as much as possible. Fortunately, we can chemically treat timber with nontoxic fire retardants to ensure they’re slow-burning or self-extinguishing when exposed to an open flame.
Thanks to advances in engineering knowledge and construction technology, we are learning
to build higher and more flexibly using wood. Versatile timber products like CLT have become more popular and as modern building methods such as offsite manufacturing become more widespread, timber, which lends itself well to prefabrication, could become an increasingly popular choice for many designs. There’s no doubt about it, timber has become a credible alternative to increasingly expensive, highly polluting building materials like steel and concrete. However, we must not lose sight of the need to develop a deeper understanding of timber building materials
and how they are protected to ensure safety in these structures remains a top priority. In order to do this, it also helps to consider the bigger picture and view fire protection methods, like fire retardants, as parts of a wider protection system. Combining fire retardants with other fire protection methods, such as sprinklers for example, can significantly increase a structure’s protection against fire. The interplay between different protection methods is important here. Regardless of how well fire protection solutions perform individually, if one fails, a cascading effect can compromise an entire system, emphasising the need for a solid understanding of how to apply multiple fire safety strategies into a system.
A robust fire safety system considers the whole structure when selecting each component. The system should also be inspected on a regular and thorough basis. Fire retardants are an essential part in any fire protection regime because they provide dependable passive fire protection that slows the spread of fire; however, they need to be incorporated into an efficient wider system. If used in conjunction with a mix of other fire protection methods, such as sprinklers and fire doors, fire retardants will significantly improve a building’s protection against fire, ensuring the safety of occupants and saving lives.
Timber is providing refreshing solutions to environmental issues in construction, and thanks to modern building techniques and an evolving timber product market, there’s no doubt it’s adoption will grow in years to come.
If timber’s adoption continues with safety in mind, building with wood could be a welcome shift in contemporary construction methods that will simultaneously work towards reducing buildings’ embodied carbon. Moving forward, we must unearth ways to support a struggling sector faced with a looming recession, and continue moving towards net-zero emission targets. As timber and other wood products like wood-based panels continue to gain prominence in modern construction, it is critical professionals across the sector retain an emphasis on fire safety to protect lives and build on progress towards a greener future for the sector.
Mark Royse, Head of Sales at Mecalac Construction Equipment UK, discusses the latest industry growth figures and explains why the future of compact equipment design and manufacture will be widely driven by efficiency, productivity and sustainability.
According to recent statistics from the Construction Products Association (CPA), sector output is predicted to fall across the board by 3.9% in 2023. Spending decisions and infrastructure projects are being put on hold as the looming threat of economic recession continues to make its mark, while the lingering effect of the ‘mini budget’ and widespread political uncertainty are proving significant barriers to investment. Consequently, commercial output will fall by 5%, while increasing mortgage rates will see the private housing market retract by 9%.
October’s State of Trade Survey found that construction product sales are falling fast,
with total output from the sector reported to be at its lowest point since January 2021. It may seem obvious, but there are challenging times ahead for the UK construction industry. The picture is certainly mixed, but it must be said that the situation won’t last forever. The sector is not only renowned for its
robustness and resilience, but also its commitment to collaboration and cooperation. Doing more with less, streamlining efficiencies and maximising productivity will all continue to prove essential for businesses operating across the supply chain. These themes will define the sector for the foreseeable future, alongside legislative pressure to improve worksite safety and the requirement to decarbonise both machinery and materials. At Mecalac, we’re investing heavily to support the industry – responding quickly to the changing needs of construction professionals and working in close partnership to co-create pioneering solutions. Indeed, we continue to innovate, expanding our portfolio of futureproof equipment to help deliver some of the world’s most ground-breaking projects. From developing new products designed to streamline the number of machines needed on site at any one time, to establishing first-to-market technologies that maximise productivity efficiencies, we’re renowned for pushing the boundaries of capability and challenging the status quo.
At the 2022 BAUMA exhibition, we revealed some of our latest and most game-changing
product innovations – each of which are set to hit the market in 2023. Designed with productivity, efficiency, safety and sustainability in mind, we believe that they will prove invaluable to construction professionals both in the UK and worldwide.
A unique engineering feat that seamlessly combines a revolving cabbed dumper with off-road trucking capabilities, REVOTRUCK makes material transport smarter and safer than ever before. Thanks to its unique chassis and central oscillation, operators can safely receive a load before rotating the entire cab at the touch of a button to face the direction of travel with no visual obstructions.
A solution shared by no other manufacturer, REVOTRUCK aims to revolutionise operator safety and make rotating dumpers commonplace on worksites. With a sleek, stylish design and state-of-the-art in-cab technology, it’s a real game-changer for construction professionals worldwide. While some products in the past, such as reversible site dumpers (which only feature rotating driver platforms not the cab), have attempted to achieve the same effect, industry research suggests that the cumbersome process means operators often tend to stay in the same position and ignore the option. After all, turning the heavy consoles can be time consuming and painful in a tight cab environment. What’s more, with just the internal console reversing, mirrors and doors are rarely in the right position, making the machines no better from a health and safety perspective than more traditional forward or swivel-tip dumpers. Setting the standards in safety, visibility, accessibility, ergonomics, mobility and stability, REVOTRUCK aims to buck this trend. Its 360° view ensures complete visibility in all directions, reducing downtime for tricky manoeuvres and drastically lowering
the chance of accidents. Combining the best of both worlds, REVOTRUCK is a rear dump truck when carrying materials and a highly manoeuvrable site dumper when loading and unloading. Thanks to its unique design, operators benefit from unrestricted access to all four corners of the cab. This means you can enter and exit the machine quickly and easily, regardless of the position of the operator station. But while the design itself is truly revolutionary, so is the technology behind it. Rather than a manual process, the cab can be easily repositioned via a multidirectional joystick. What’s more, thanks to intelligent design, REVOTRUCK automatically adjusts its behaviour depending on cab position. Automatically switching gears and wheel steering, this means that operators don’t need to worry about switching into reverse or mirror steering when travelling backwards. Offering an agile solution, perfect for even the tightest sites, operators benefit from three steering modes (2-wheel, 4-wheel and 4-wheel crab), as well as the tightest turning radius on the market. With two load capacity options – a six-tonne and nine-tonne variant – REVOTRUCK is powered by a Stage V-compliant 74hp Perkins turbocharged engine, delivering 380Nm torque @ 1,380rpm and featuring a DOC and DPF as standard to minimise environmental impact.
In 2018, we unveiled the revolutionary e12 concept – our first electric excavator and a clear representation of our ambitions to prioritise alternative fuels. While other manufacturers were dipping their toe in the water, we wanted to demonstrate the realworld potential of an electric powertrain. Suitable for a wide range of applications, including urban building sites and infrastructure projects, the 11-tonne e12 was the first medium-sized compact
excavator to really embrace electrification. But while the e12 gave an insight into our vision and appreciation for alternative fuels, we were keen not to rush full production, with infrastructure at the time unable to keep up with engineering advances.
Four years later, however, the world has transitioned far further towards electrification. At BAUMA, we presented the sector’s first zero-emissions range of medium-sized compact equipment. Comprising the e12 excavator, a 1,000-litre swing loader (the es1000) and a revolutionary six-tonne cabbed site dumper (the ed6), this new suite of models aims to change operator thinking. We’ve even created a solution to tackle the challenge of limited on-site power sources. M-Power – a 300kWh portable battery power supply – eliminates the requirement for traditional diesel generators and offers a low-carbon charging option for our latest electric equipment.
This is not our finished line-up, it’s simply the beginning. However, it shows our intent for the future and aims to demonstrate the realworld viability of electric compact equipment.
Although the industry continues to experience change, disruption and its own unique set of challenges, the opportunity for the future is significant. Investing in the latest equipment technology can help construction professionals to measurably improve their efficiencies, productivity and capabilities.
What’s more, they can decarbonise their fleets and significantly improve on-site safety.
Our latest product innovations have been developed with these requirements firmly in mind, offering a unique, class-leading solution to tackle challenges head-on. For more information about Mecalac, or to find out more about the company’s latest range of compact construction equipment, visit www.mecalac.com/en.
Hamm’s new generation of pivot-steered tandem rollers, the HX series, which replaces the previous DV+ series, is impressive thanks to intuitive operation with Easy Drive, high performance data, many comfort features and sustainable operation, as well as the “Smart Compact” digital compaction assistant. The HX series is the new flagship for the Hamm fleet. Designed for asphalt compaction, the HX 70i model (7 t/55.4 kW) and
HX 90i (9 t/74.4 kW) achieve high surface outputs on large construction sites. What’s more, they also impress in tasks such as compaction in curves with a high degree of precision. Here, the pivot steering shows its strengths with a large turning angle, large track offset and four different steering modes. A foundation for high compaction quality is intelligent drive control with automatic reversing. In combination with the electrically adjustable seat operating unit, it
guarantees quality and comfort. It brakes and accelerates the rollers quickly, but smoothly. The seat also turns automatically in the direction of travel when reversing. This is unique in the market. It produces first-class surfaces and ensures ergonomic working with safety at all times.
New LED turn indicators and details around the cab give the HX series its distinctive design. The fully glazed panoramic cab offers a vastly improved field of vision with an excellent view of the drum edges. Optionally, lighting for drums and drum edges can be added.
A camera system with two robust monitors (IP 67) are integrated as standard to provide optimal vision. Thanks to division of the screen, views to the front and to the rear are always visible regardless of seat position. Still unique is the cab floor’s glass window for viewing the drums. It can be folded in for cleaning.
The Easy Drive operating concept combines an ergonomically optimised operator’s platform with the sophisticated operating structure, including languageneutral and self-explanatory operation for the HX series. Despite the extensive machine functions, operation is intuitive and very quickly learned. Steering is performed with the steering wheel; all other important functions are operated via a joystick and the multifunction armrest. The position of armrests and tilt angle of the steering column are adjustable – not forgetting an ergonomic step, folding armrests on request and a comfort exit as well as comfort features such as 12 volt and USB sockets, plus many storage compartments.
A revised dual-circuit additive mixing unit for the combination rollers saves water and increases the range, as the sprinkling system at the front and rear are controlled separately. Water and additive can be sprayed separately or as a mixture.
For spreading surface courses, Hamm has improved chip spreaders in its range for the HX series: The HLS 150 line spreader (760 l) and HLS 170 line spreader(960 l), as
well as the HDS disc spreader (750 l, spreading width 8 m). All models have the option for height adjustment.
The Smart Compact compaction assistant can be used in the rollers of the HX series. The system decides compaction automatically and individually for each drum: Whether to compact with vibration and big or small amplitude, with oscillation, or statically.
The driver then only has to enter whether a base, binder or asphalt surface course is to be compacted. The assistant evaluates data about the condition of the asphalt, optionally incorporating local weather data from an integrated weather station. This means that Hamm is the first manufacturer in the world to automate the separate setting of both drums and is therefore raising process reliability and
quality of the compaction and surface to a whole new level.
The engines work at a lower speed of 1500–2000 rpm, which reduces fuel consumption as well as noise and exhaust gas emissions. Here, powerful travel pumps ensure high compaction power. Furthermore, the automatic engine stop automatically switches the engine off after an extended period of inactivity. Smart Compact also contributes towards sustainability. The assistant additionally saves up to 15% of fuel by switching off the vibration or oscillation as soon as it is no longer useful. Finally, the rollers can be operated with diesel or HVO fuel. Thanks to numerous interfaces and the corresponding hardware, the rollers in the HX series are prepared for future applications and challenges –be they quality, documentation or communication challenges.
Hamm also offers the option of integrating systems for avoiding collisions with a PDS (proximity detection system) interface.
In addition, the telematic system JDLink is on board in all models, which can be used to call up elements such as performance data for rollers, fill levels, error messages, operating hours or service intervals – anytime, anywhere.
The HX series rollers are available with 7 t (HX 70i) and 9 t (HX 90i) operating weight. Among the nine total versions are models with two vibrating roller drums, an oscillation and an vibrating roller drum as well as combination rollers. Here, the vibration and oscillation drums are made as a split or non-split drum depending on the model.
Doosan has launched two new ranges of high capacity electric counterbalance forklift trucks within the NXE Series, providing industrial users with a wide choice of zero-emission, low-noise level, environmentally friendly trucks capable of tackling heavy duty tasks. Both ranges have a compact new design for greater manoeuvrability in tight spaces and are built to Doosan’s exacting standards on durability and robust, reliable performance. Available in capacities from 8.0 to 10.0 tons, businesses across a broad spectrum of industry – from manufacturing, engineering, and foundries, to building supplies, transport and warehousing– will benefit from the improved capability, power and performance of Doosan’s latest heavy-lifting B80NS electric trucks.
The versatility of electric power is now available in a durable and reliable heavy-lifting vehicle, built for working long-shifts in arduous conditions, making it a viable alternative to increasingly regulated IC Engine equivalents – all of which helps to save time and costs.
For those businesses requiring a truck for light to medium duties, Doosan has introduced a low-cost electric truck specified for the task.
The B60NX‘value’ range, with three models covering a capacity range from 6.0 – 8.0 ton, offers the simple clean performance of electric power in a series of competitively priced high-capacity models –giving occasional users a reliable ‘buy new’
alternative to purchasing a secondhand or reconditioned forklift truck. Designed for light to medium duties, the B60NX range offers all that’s needed to get the job done – without needing to spend large. These compact zeroemission trucks are clean and quiet in operation, delivering safe, reliable performance exactly when it’s needed.
Durability for outside duty is catered for in both ranges with IP65 rated controllers and motors, offering maximum resilience to water and dust. Also included as standard is an industry leading sealed, oil-cooled disc brake system, which is virtually maintenance free and lasts up to five times longer when compared to conventional shoe brakes. The sealed units protect against outside elements such as dirt, water and grit, ensuring top-rate braking performance for enhanced safety and increased productivity. With zero emissions, low noise levels and a reduced total cost of ownership (TCO), the new models across both ranges will appeal to businesses looking to boost environmental performance, while reducing costs.
A major productivity-boosting feature across the range is a compact design and tighter turning radius, giving a strong competitive edge over the average diesel truck of the same capacity. Smooth and responsive acceleration are assured with the 96V or 80V AC drive system, where a single or dual, powerful motor gives the unbeatable
combination of power, performance and functionality. The all-round efficiency provided promises to boost productivity inside and outside the factory or warehouse.
Doosan places a strong emphasis on safety in the design of their trucks, prioritising allaround visibility. The clear-view overhead guard and lower seat position provides 360 degrees of visibility. A prominent safety feature included as standard is the Automatic Speed Control function which adjusts the travel speed for safer cornering. The spacious cab is designed for operator comfort and to reduce fatigue, with a fully adjustable premium Grammer seat as standard and excellent all-round visibility for safer manoeuvring with greater awareness. Other features included are an adjustable steering column, a low seat position for easy access and plenty of legroom. Everything a driver needs for maximum comfort during long shifts.
John Deere’s agricultural and sports turf machinery will be available through a single, larger dealer in Counties Antrim, Derry/Londonderry, Armagh and Down after Stephen W Moore Ltd announced that it is acquiring its neighbouring franchise, Johnston Gilpin & Co Ltd.
Both Coleraine and Lisburn branches will continue trading from the current locations, and customers will experience a simplification of all aspects of parts and service in the region as a result of the move, which is in line with Deere’s Dealer of Tomorrow strategy.
All Johnston Gilpin & Co employees will be transferred to Stephen W Moore, and the company’s branch in Lisburn will continue to trade under the name Johnston Gilpin.
The expanded dealership will offer the full range of John Deere agricultural machinery as well as domestic and professional turf care products, supplying farms, homes, sports venues and golf courses with the same quality equipment and aftersales service they have received under the previous structure.
Dealer Principal Stephen Moore said: “This is an exciting time as we prepare to nearly double the size of our business with the next stage of our evolution.
“We have known the McConnell family and the Johnston Gilpin group for many years and the whole team has done a fantastic job serving agricultural and turf care customers in the territory.
It is clear we share the same core values around delivering unrivalled customer service so I am looking forward to integrating the two businesses under the Stephen W Moore banner.
“The transition will be smooth and steady, ensuring that it’s business as usual for our customers while we are learning from each other behind the scenes.”
Stephen W Moore has been a John Deere dealer since 2008 in Coleraine. It is known for its strength in supporting farmers and contractors in the region, offering the full range of forage harvesters, combines, small, medium and large-frame tractors, sprayers, mowers and balers. “As well as covering a larger area and the benefits that scale brings to a business like ours, we will now be able to offer the full range of professional turf care machines, parts, service and technical knowledge,”
Stephen Moore added. “As one franchise with access to more machines, parts and know-how, the training and advice we can offer to customers and staff will continue to improve.”
John Deere’s Division Sales Manager, Brian D’Arcy, said:
“The acquisition is a great fit for our dealer network and the new, larger business –backed up by the support from John Deere – is an extremely strong proposition for our customers in Northern Ireland.
“Both companies are well established with knowledgeable staff and connected support. Looking ahead, the business will go from strength to strength and be in a position to make the future investments required in facilities, logistics and advanced precision technologies.
“Our special thanks go to Donn, Randal, Neale and all the McConnell family for their valuable and longstanding contribution to the industry after serving as a dealer in the area for John Deere for the past 54 years.”
Coming on the market here via their distributor in Ireland, McHale Plant Sales is the new Komatsu SubMonitor device for wheel loaders.
According to Komatsu, SubMonitor is designed to meet the challenges and operational complexity that customers face ‘by delivering easy-to-use safety,
driver assistance, machine and production monitoring, and real-time information, all within one system’. Available as an option on wheel loader models WA380 - WA500-8, the SubMonitor system merges a number of operational features through one simplified device that allows operators to interact with the machine’s assist systems.
Amongst them is an extended and updated ‘load-pilot’ weighing system; a new high-definition rear view digital camera and rear radar obstacle detection system that alerts operators with audible and visual warnings of rear hazards; and an all-new, performance-boosting ‘efficiency trainer’ to improve driver skills
and increase performance and efficiency during operation. All is controlled by the operator via an easy to operate 12.1” high-resolution touchscreen. Commenting, McHale Plant Sales director, Denis McGrath said: “When available, the system will be a boon to owners by providing them with greater operational efficiency and feedback whilst assisting both less experienced and expert operators to hone their skills as they carry out their work.”
The latest CEF Construction Survey reflects a local construction sector that remains busy in terms of current workloads – but also a sector where immediate to medium term cost pressures prevail alongside a growing pessimism about market opportunities over the coming year.
The survey, which collected data from NI-headquartered firms which have a collective annual turnover of approximately £2.5bn, covers the last six months of 2022 and reflects on many of the key challenges that contractors, civil engineers and homebuilders are currently facing.
The main findings included:
Looking at 2022, 50% said their profit margins had worsened or significantly worsened in comparison to 2021. Over the same period, 20% had seen an improvement in profit margins.
62% of respondents do not expect their annual turnover to increase in 2023. Indeed, some 43% are looking to consolidate their business over the coming 12 months – with 27% looking to increase profitability.
67% of firms said they were either at full or almost full capacity. Only 7% currently had capacity for significant levels of new work. Materials availability challenges have receded – 80% saying any issues are now manageable. Inflationary issues remain – 63% of respondents said these were continuing to pose serious financial concerns and 85% said they expect material costs to continue to rise.
On existing public sector supports – since the introduction of PAN 01/21 in August 2021, at least £21.5 million has been paid out to firms on existing public sector contracts to help with inflationary pressures and materials delays, and on future public sector projects - 81% wanted to see alternative forms of contract, specifically two-stage tendering, brought in for public sector works such as new schools and healthcare facilities, while only 13% of respondents see increased public and private sector opportunities in Northern Ireland in 2023. Some 60% see the local market declining further in activity.
Mark Spence, Managing Director of the Construction Employers Federation, said of
the results: “The results of our Construction Survey detail the resilience of Northern Ireland’s contractors and homebuilders in the face of the never-ending pressures of the last number of years. Current workloads remain strong, and many have grown their businesses by diversifying into other markets and sectors – showcasing the innovation and talent of the firms, their employees and supply chains across the UK, Ireland and beyond.
Material Costs
“In tune, however, with other recent surveys such as the Ulster Bank PMI, this positive picture is weighed down by the relentless impact of materials cost inflation over that period which is making sustainable profitability in the sector nearly impossible to achieve. This shows no signs of improving into 2023 and when you factor in the significant pessimism within our membership as to new opportunities going forward, we know that a difficult 12–24-month period lies ahead.
“Now more than ever we need our political institutions restored to engender much needed confidence within the industry. While a Northern Ireland Executive can in no way be a panacea for many of the challenges that we face, this survey reinforces the benefit of collaborative working between public and private sectors.
“Over an 18-month period since the introduction of the PAN 01/21 Material Cost Assistance measure that CEF negotiated with the Department of Finance to mitigate against the difficulties of material shortages and cost increases, our members have reported an at least £21.5 million benefit to the public sector projects they have been working on. This has ensured project and contractor viability across huge swathes of government activity and has only been achieved where our members and their clients have worked together in the spirit of openness and transparency.
“This type of dialogue must be the model going forward and is, as the evidence has very clearly proven, the only way in which we can jointly meet the challenges we are faced with over the coming years.”
Richard Ramsey, Ulster Bank Chief Economist, Northern Ireland, commented: “Survey
evidence and official statistics confirm that the local construction sector is front and centre in the current downturn. Last year Northern Ireland’s construction industry underperformed against other sectors and its peers in the rest of the UK and the Republic of Ireland. In the face of unprecedented supply-chain disruption and inflationary pressures, the resilience of local firms has been severely tested over the last two years.
“Planning, procuring and pricing work over this period has been extremely difficult. Fortunately, cost pressures and building material shortages have begun to ease from their extreme levels. How this evolves in 2023 will be influenced by two key factors – the war between Ukraine and Russia and China’s economic recovery. The lifting of Covid-19 restrictions there is expected to see a surge in economic growth from Q2 this year. This would provide a new source of inflationary pressures on energy, commodities and building materials.
“The construction downturn is particularly marked within housing with activity down almost 15% y/y in Q3 2022. Outside of the first lockdown, back in Q2 2020, housing activity plumbed a 7-year low in Q3 2022.
Housebuilders should see a significant easing in supply-chain disruption for building materials as demand falls. But the cost of living crisis and rising interest rates will hit housing affordability and demand. 2023 is set to be a more challenging year as concerns over supply-chain difficulties and inflation give way to weakening demand. There is also an over-supply of office space, pressure on capital spending budgets, and impediments such as inadequate infrastructure to enable development.
“Recovery from the current downturn requires a strong effective working relationship with government. This is particularly important as the construction sector responds to the demands of tackling the climate emergency. Given the cost-of-living crisis, energy efficiency is more important than ever. The lack of a functioning Executive makes this task more difficult. If and when an Executive does return to Stormont, the construction sector will find it is competing with multiple stakeholders to get its voice heard”.
The Spring Farm Machinery Show made a welcome return to the Eikon Exhibition Centre outside Lisburn recently, with an extensive range of exhibitors, featuring all the key brands of agricultural and construction machinery.
The event, which was organised by AJS Promotions, was one of the first to take place in the Eikon Exhibition Centre following its opening in late 2015, and shortly doubled in size following construction of the venue’s second hall in 2018.
Andrew Short, Director of AJS Promotions, said this was their biggest show to date, with hundreds of leading exhibitors showcasing impressive machinery and first time debuts in both indoor and outdoor settings - from big to small equipment there was something for everyone.
“For the first time this year we were proud to have Fibrus as our headline sponsor and it has been great to see the show growing
from strength to strength each year to now being widely recognised as the national machinery show for Northern Ireland.”
Added Colin Hutchinson, Fibrus’s Chief Financial Officer: “Fibrus was proud to be the headline sponsor at this year’s Spring Farm Machinery Show. Farming and agriculture are integral to the fabric of Northern Ireland and to the communities we serve, that is why we were delighted to support one of Ireland’s biggest agricultural events. “Fibrus is passionate about connecting people, particularly in rural and hard to reach parts of Northern Ireland. Farmers are the beating heart of local communities and play a vital role for both the people of Northern Ireland and the economy. We are committed to levelling up access to vital broadband that will ensure farmers, and those in the agricultural heartlands, can remain connected and access the services they need to support their business.”
Hiab, part of Cargotec, has launched HIAB ePTO 44, the second generation Electric Power Take-Off, with a lower weight and longer battery life to provide emission-free power to loader cranes.
The second generation ePTO plug-in system offers more power and longer battery life with less weight than its predecessor and is an electric, emission-free, alternative to drawing power from the vehicle’s engine. This enables the crane operator to work with the engine switched off – quietly, and free from exhaust fumes.
When compared to diesel alternatives, electricity reduces energy costs by up to 90% and the ePTO 44 offers greater energy efficiency as it only delivers the required energy to move the crane. No energy is lost when idling. The operating hours of the vehicle are increased as the ePTO allows the crane to be operated with the truck engine switched off. The setup consists of a battery, an electric motor, a hydraulic pump and a smart electronic control system, which is packaged on the truck chassis. The status of the ePTO 44 is visible in the CombiDrive4 remote control display or on a display mounted on the crane. It is easy to use the ePTO 44 with any HIAB HiPro loader crane. The crane capacity is the same, and the trusted HIAB operational response is even enhanced. When the crane is not in use, the electric pump is automatically switched off to save energy and battery capacity and the ePTO 44 starts up again with the control lever. The crane is virtually silent, enabling safe communication and a greatly improved working environment for operators.
According to a delivery driver at the UK timber and builders’ merchant Lawsons: “From an operator’s point of view, using the crane is far less tiring. We’re
not fatigued because we’re not working with the constant drone of the truck’s engine running all the time when we’re unloading. After a 10-hour shift, you really notice the noise difference. Working with the ePTO makes our environment a happier place.”
Working areas can also be extended due to zero emissions at the point of use so the crane can be operated in emissionrestricted zones such as indoor
and tunnel operations, urban areas, early morning or nighttime deliveries or other areas where noise is a concern. Overall the fully integrated ePTO 44 solution for HIAB cranes offers excellent driveability for a superior operator experience, while still offering the same lifting capacity as a conventional crane, all with fewer emissions.
Mattias Berglund, Director, Global Product Management,Special
Products, Hiab comments: “The new ePTO 44 raises the standard for battery-operated crane operation. The weight has been reduced and the power has been increased to provide greater, more sustainable loader crane performance while providing a safer and more comfortable working environment. All at a more competitive price.”
A fantastic £68,000 profit was raised at the WaterAid NI Greatest Showman Ball held recently at the Europa Hotel in Belfast. This money will be dedicated to WaterAid’s “Deliver Life” project in Malawi, which aims to improve the health of women, girls and children by providing access to clean water, decent sanitation and good hygiene in their communities.
The event was a dazzling success, with entertainment from host Cool FM broadcaster Pete Snodden, top local band Grooveline, JH Academy of Theatre Arts and popular local comedian Paddy McDonnell, who has sold out major venues this year including the Waterfront Hall.
NI Water is proud to lead the local WaterAid NI Committee and we would like to extend a huge thank you to all our amazing sponsors for helping us to raise this outstanding total. Platinum Headline Sponsor: McAdam; Gold
sponsors GRAHAM, BSG, KIER BAM JV, Farrans Construction, Lagan MEICA and Echo Managed Services; Silver Sponsors: CTS, Morrow, Meridian Utilities, Geda, Lowry, Water Solutions Ireland, Fujitsu,CIVCO, and TES.
Sara Venning - WaterAid NI President and CEO of NI Water said: “It’s hard to believe that one in ten people worldwide
don’t have a reliable source of clean water and almost one in five people worldwide don’t have a decent toilet of their own. All funds raised from the event will support the Deliver Life project in Malawi, which will specifically benefit health centres in the Machinga and Zomba districts of Malawi, where the project is based.
“I would like to extend a huge thank you to all our sponsors, particularly headline sponsor McAdam for helping us to achieve this fantastic total, which will make a big difference to the Deliver Life project.”
Within the four healthcare centres in this project, these funds are helping to introduce a variety of facilities such as solarpowered piped water supply systems, inclusive bathrooms and other sanitary facilities in 9 Early Childhood Development Centres, 4Healthcare Facilities where women go to give birth and improvements throughout 40 surrounding communities in Zomba and Machinga.
NI Water supports WaterAid’s vision of a world where everyone, everywhere has access to safe water, decent sanitation and good hygiene. Decent toilets, together with clean water and good hygiene, keep people safe and healthy. If you would like to be involved in next year’s event please email SNI@wateraid. org for more information.
The construction industry received a major wake-up call when, earlier this year, the number of vacant positions in the sector passed 40,000. Whilst a number of recent external, and systematic, challenges have contributed to this concerning figure, I believe the current downward trend is beginning to level out, writes Chris James, Civils Team Leader independent civil and structural engineering consultancy Perega.
There are plenty of indications of a recruitment recovery on the horizon, particularly in the civils sector, and much of it is being driven by changing attitudes amongst young Brits.
According to an NBS study, published in August 2022, over 50% of 18-29-yearolds polled now regard construction as an ‘attractive’ career, with engineering as a preferred profession. It all indicates perceptions are shifting, with the prospect of fresh blood entering the industry to mitigate the current pressures of an ageing workforce and less access to skilled foreign labour. However, getting to this situation has not been a simple process. Extensive work has been undertaken within the sector to showcase the construction industry’s potential to Britain’s impressionable graduates and school leavers. A variety of targeted campaigns have been developed over the past decade, and we’re now seeing the fruits of that labour come to fruition, most recently, Future Made.
Launched in 2020, the scheme provides the next generation of built environment professionals with fresh role models, encouraging young people who are forging successful careers in the construction industry to share their experiences.
Using social media as the primary engagement tool, Future Made has reached over two-thirds of 14-18-yearolds in the UK, warming them up for a potential career in construction.
Organisations like the Construction Youth Trust have been operating for a longer length of time, and their contribution has been just as crucial to igniting interest. Significantly, it’s promoted a more diverse and inclusive workforce, making construction and civil engineering more appealing to a wider audience. By bridging the gaps across more marginalised and disadvantaged groups within society, it’s demonstrating how inclusive and accessible the industry has become. Going further, more direct outreach by businesses themselves has been imperative to reset the narrative and correct sector disparities. At Perega, we have collaborated with the local education system and communities, encouraging engineers at every level of the company to take an active part. Furthermore, this universally inclusive strategy makes the process more relatable to our audience, helping to paint a picture of the path to success. It helps to highlight not only where
potential, ambitious, and impressionable prospects might go, but also how to get there. Despite there being some way left to go, the industry is working tirelessly to recruit more home-grown talent, especially those who may yet be undecided on what their professional future holds. Nevertheless, there’s still room to ramp up our efforts, particularly during this tough economic climate.
A quick, and effective way to accelerate activity and achieve successful results, is to start being more vocally supportive of skills-based education. Comparable to NVQs and A-Levels. This includes initiatives like Youth Training Schemes. Additionally, apprenticeships, which provide the necessary educational preparation and crucial real-world experience, ought to be maintained, enhanced and encouraged. This can go a long way to safeguarding the future of the civils community, and the wider construction sector overall. All this only scratches the surface. Ultimately, if we step up the process now, we can guarantee that the majority of these available roles, especially in civil engineering, are filled as soon as possible. We have a tremendous opportunity to preserve the legacy of construction and civil engineering, from the highest level of governance to specific businesses and practices. So while there is increasing interest from Britain’s youth, let’s capitalise on it.
Against a backdrop of economic challenge, rising materials and labour costs, new figures from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) reveal that almost 225,000 extra workers will be required to meet UK construction demand by 2027. The report highlights that construction is expected to remain a sector where there is demand for workers despite the current economic uncertainty. As a result, recruitment, training, development and upskilling remain major priorities for the industry for 2023 and beyond.
CITB’s annual Construction Skills Network (CSN) report shows that: 224,900 extra workers (44,980 a year) will be needed to meet UK construction demand between now and 2027; Construction output is set to grow for all nations and regions, however, recession is expected in 2023 with slow growth returning in 2024; with major sectors for demand being private housing, infrastructure, and repair and maintenance.
CITB is responding by investing in apprenticeships, launching a range of targeted initiatives and working collaboratively with industry, to help the construction sector have a skilled, competent, and inclusive workforce.
Tim Balcon, CITB Chief Executive said: “The latest CSN report clearly shows that despite current economic uncertainty, recruiting and developing the workforce remains vital to ensure the industry can contribute to economic growth.
“We know the next 18 months won’t be easy, however, I remain inspired by the construction industry’s resilience shown in the pandemic and throughout 2022. In short, it makes clear that the need to recruit and retain talent in the sector has never been greater.
“Whether that’s for building the homes the country needs, constructing energy and transport infrastructure or retrofitting the built environment to help drive down energy bills and meet net zero targets.
“To bolster industry’s resilience, CITB will strive to attract and train a diverse range of
recruits for industry, equipping them with modern skills for rewarding construction careers. I look forward to working with and supporting industry and stakeholders in the challenging times ahead and to emerging stronger when the recession ends.”
To help directly address these challenges and maximise the opportunities which will arise, CITB has invested almost £50m of Levy to support over 22,000 apprentices to help them join the industry; while grants have helped support over 16,000 learners to complete their qualifications.
Direct funding has provided grants over 269,000 training courses and in total £97m has been invested in grant funding by CITB, to make it as easy as possible for employers to recruit and retain their skilled workforce. CITB continues to provide targeted support to SMEs through grant and funding and through support in accessing training and funding. Since April 2022, CITB’s engagement team has supported SMEs on 26,976 occasions, supporting them to continue to train during the current economic uncertainty. CITB also offers funding aimed specifically at smaller companies such as the Skills and Training Fund. Companies with fewer than 250 PAYE employees can access up to £25,000 annually (depending on their size). By the end of quarter two 2022, £3.9m had been invested in companies via this fund.
On the back of 2022, which their managing director, Tim Shanahan says “was a very good year for crusher sales in Ireland”, McHale Plant Sales has started 2023 on a high note with confirmation of their
appointment as distributors in Ireland for the Jonsson Crushers range of mobile crushing equipment.
Now owned by Metso:Outotec – whose products have been distributed in Ireland by
McHale Plant Sales since 2015 – Jonsson Crushers describes itself as ‘one of the market’s largest manufacturers of mobile products in stone crushing’.
With a range comprising six tracked jaw and six tracked
cone crushers, and an electricpowered tracked double crusher, Jonsson Crushers are at home in heavy-duty applications, Kilsaran being one prominent and noteworthy user. Welcoming their appointment, the Birdhill and Rathcoolebased distributor views Jonsson crushers as ‘bespoke’ units that will ‘add immeasurably’ to its position within the aggregates and crushing markets.
NI Water’s Head of Corporate Governance and Chief Risk Officer has been awarded a lifetime achievement award from a leading industry body.
George Ong was recognised by Airmic (The Association of Insurance and Risk Managers in Industry and Commerce), a UK and Ireland-based association representing the community of risk and insurance professionals, for his outstanding and industry leading practices and commitment to risk management. His risks and resilience initiatives have successfully directed NI Water through challenging risk management situations at corporate and directorate level. He has also ensured that NI Water is one of the first water companies in the world to
have put in place a parametric insurance programme for freezing conditions and a drought cover for lack of rainfall and high temperatures. The ‘Freeze/ Thaw’ and ‘Drought’ policies are extremely effective in response to increasing weather events with prompt payment to help with emergency response and customers’ needs.
Speaking after receiving the award, George said: “I am delighted to be recognised by Airmic, an organisation that represents so many talented risk professionals from the UK and Europe. This award is testament to the work that NI Water has undertaken not just on risk and resilience management, but on partnership solutions, emerging
climate risks as well as research, development and innovation.”
Recognising the importance of Airmic, George said: “Risk and resilience managers are called upon more than ever to provide ‘solutions’ and ‘assurances’ that the combination of risk factors in the connected world we live in today are well managed. We can’t do this alone. We need our business partners and the insurance industry to work with us to put in place preventative measures to reduce the impact of adverse incidents and have clear response and recovery solutions in place to respond to new risks as well as have effective controls to reassess improvement plans for further improvement on our resilience. My desire is that our association
with risk managers in Airmic will help identify unique threats and develop opportunistic solutions to bring benefits to the people and society we all care for.”
George is a guest lecturer at Queens Management School and Ulster University Business School for the Masters programme in ‘Governance, Risk and Resilience Management’. He won the UK ‘Insurance Risk Management’ award and the FERMA ‘Risk Initiative of the Year’ award in 2018 and was a ‘finalist’ in the FERMA ‘Risk Manager of the Year’ award for 2020.
Provisional data from the HSA shows that 26 people lost their lives in workrelated incidents in 2022 compared to 38 in 2021, representing the lowest figure recorded since the Authority was established over thirty years ago. While the confirmed number of work-related fatalities in 2022 is the lowest recorded, it is important to point out that there are ongoing investigations that may see the reported/ recorded number of fatalities increase.
Commenting on the HSA’s provisional data on fatalities in Irish workplaces, Mark Cullen, Interim Chief Executive at the Health and Safety Authority said, “It is positive to see such a substantial decline in work-related fatalities in 2022. However, our view is that every work-related death is preventable and vigilance around health and safety in Irish workplaces is still imperative.”
The HSA reports show that falling from height (9 fatalities) and loss of control of a vehicle or its attachments (7 fatalities) were the leading causes of work-related fatalities in 2022.
Mark Cullen commented: “We see a large number of fatalities relating to working at height and vehicle handling. We also know from the data that the age groups 55 and over represent 69% of all fatalities in 2022, with these age groups representing 19% of employees in Ireland. As Ireland’s labour force is aging, we must all look to our work place practices, and ensure that health and safety is being prioritised across all workforce age groups.”
Farming continues to be one of the most dangerous sectors in which to work, and sees an increase with 12 fatalities recorded in 2022 compared to 10 in 2021.
Mark Cullen added: “We are urging employers and their workers to think about the task you’re asking others to carry out, or that you are about to undertake. Complete a risk assessment and make sure the right precautions are in place and nobody is putting themselves or others in danger. As evident in our records for 2022, if working with heavy machinery or at a height, be particularly vigilant and take the appropriate care”.
In relation to the construction sector which saw a decline in fatalities in 2022, he said: “The construction sector saw a decline of 30% with 7 fatalities in 2022 compared to ten in 2021. We welcome this lower number, but are all too aware of this industry being one of the most dangerous. We would ask that smaller sites and contractors in particular continue to ensure that their own and their workers’ safety is a priority every day.”
• Fatal incidents happened to victims from all age groups, the highest number involved people between 55-64 years with 10 fatalities
• The age groups 55-64 and 65 years and over represents 69% of all fatalities in 2022, with these age groups representing 19% of employees in Ireland (CSO figures up to end of Q3 2022)
• Falling from height (9 fatalities) and loss of control of a vehicle or its attachments (7 fatalities) were the leading causes of work-related fatalities in 2022
• Farming saw 12 fatalities recorded in 2022 compared to 10 in 2021, with it remaining the sector with the highest number of fatalities
• Dublin, Galway and Wexford recorded the highest level of fatalities with three in each county
• No fatalities were recorded in 2022 in counties Carlow, Clare, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Leitrim, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Sligo and Wicklow
• Of the 26 fatalities in 2022, 10 were employees, 13 were self-employed and 3 were non-workers
• Of the 26 fatalities in 2022, 25 were Male and 1 was Female
• The transport and storage sector recorded a decline of 83% with one fatality in 2022, compared to six in 2021
• Manufacturing recorded no fatalities in 2022, compared to five in 2021
The Health and Safety Authority has guidance and supports available across industry sectors in Ireland and the www.BeSMART.ie tool is freely available to employers and employees. Information across industry sectors is also available at www.HSA.ie
Hyundai Construction Equipment Europe (HCEE) has announced its official partnership with Amy Underwood, “The Digger Girl” who will act as a brand ambassador for Hyundai CEE in 2023. As one of the industry’s most popular social media content creators, Amy has been brought on board by HCEE to raise the profile of the Hyundai brand amongst fans and fellow industry professionals, producing exclusive content and giving her followers a unique, behind the scenes insight into Hyundai’s European operations and its latest range of A-series machines. Amy will continue to have full editorial control of her content but through her partnership with HCEE she will receive exclusive opportunities to access Hyundai’s full range of machines and will be able to create content at Hyundai’s European construction headquarters in Tessenderlo, Belgium.
Dr Hubertus Muenster, Director Sales & Marketing at Hyundai Construction Equipment Europe, said: “Hyundai’s mantra this year is ‘Think Further, Think Future’ – a holistic commitment to becoming more innovative and future-focused across our entire operation. As part of this, we recognised the importance of developing new ways for our brand to connect with new audiences, and
working with social media content creators like Amy to strengthen our online presence is a fantastic opportunity to achieve this.”
Emma Dutton, Senior Marketing Manager at Hyundai Construction Equipment Europe, continued: “We have long been a supporter of Amy’s fantastic work, raising the profile of women in construction. She is a wellrespected, high-profile figure in our industry
and we believe the work we can do together will be really exciting. Amy has always been extremely positive about her experiences of working with Hyundai machines and her recent trip out to our stand at Bauma was a great opportunity for her to get under the skin of Hyundai and to really experience our Think Further, Think Future ethos. We are delighted to welcome Amy on board as our 2023 brand ambassador and look forward to creating great content with her this year.”
Amy Underwood, The Digger Girl, added: “I’m excited and proud to partner with Hyundai – a brand I have loved to use and advocated for over the years. This relationship will give me access to unique opportunities and brand new, top-of-the-line machines to try out. I can’t wait to share the photos and videos of this with those who have been following my journey. Our deal also helps me encourage more girls to get into construction and show that a successful career in this industry can also go alongside being a mum – though it’s not easy!”
Amy is also starting a YouTube channel which will feature regular videos to document her 2023 journey – you can subscribe here: https:// www.youtube.com/@the_digger_girl
Iarnród Éireann has awarded leading Irish builder and contractor John Sisk and Son the €65 million contract for the first phase of works to reinstate the Limerick to Foynes rail line for freight services, with mobilisation and physical works set to commence in early February. The project for phase 1 of the works has been funded by the Department of Transport, and will focus on track and track bed works, vegetation clearance, fencing and works at bridges, level crossings and public road crossings.
The 42km railway line between Limerick and Foynes originally opened in 1858 but closed to passenger traffic in 1963. Freight services continued until 2001.
The line’s reinstatement is a key element of Iarnród Éireann’s Rail Freight 2040 Strategy to dramatically increase the levels of freight on Ireland’s rail network. With vegetation clearance already underway, the major physical
works will begin next month and will be complete by late 2024. Phase two of the project will include provision of a signalling system for the route, CCTV level crossings, train communications system and track connections and upgrades at Limerick and in Foynes Yard. Subject to funding allocation for phase 2, it is anticipated that the route will open for freight services in 2025.
Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive Jim Meade said: “There is real momentum behind the Foynes line reinstatement project. With Exchequer funding having been confirmed in November, we are delighted to be able to announce the contract award to Sisk just weeks later. In partnership, we look forward to bringing this critical, sustainable infrastructure to fruition, as we contribute to the decarbonisation goals for transport in Ireland.
Commenting on the project Paul Brown, CEO of John Sisk & Son said:“We are delighted to be delivering more vital rail infrastructure as part of the ongoing investment by Iarnród Éireann in the network, reconnecting the 42km stretch of railway between Limerick and Foynes which has been out of use since freight service stopped in 2001.
“At Sisk we are active across our business in delivering sustainable infrastructure and this line, initially being brought back into service for freight, is part of Iarnród Éireann’s Rail Freight 2040 Strategy, and the recently launched strategic review of the Shannon Foynes Port Company Masterplan, Vision 2041. “It will bring back the connection between rail and ship services and promote sustainable transport by strengthening freight transport via rail and sea. We look forward to delivering this project in partnership with Iarnród Éireann and our supply chain partners.”
COMPONENTS
Vacuum excavation is the safest method of excavation around multiple utilities in congested city locations eg electric cables, gas and water mains, telecom and sewers.
WE COVER IRELAND & THE UK AT COMPETITIVE RATES
HOSES & HYDRAULIC SERVICES
Gerald: (ROI)
00 353 87689 7908
(NI) 07823 526240
Conor: (UK) 07967 445556
Office: (UK)
028 3751 1911
info@gmacutilities.com www.gmacutilities.com
HIRE
We offer these services from our Trade Counter in Hillsborough
•
•
• Quick release Coupling • Hydraulic Filters
• Pumps, Valves
• Oil’s & Lubricants
• Power Wash Hose
Hose Tec are suppliers and distributors of Industrial and Hydraulic Hose, Fittings and we offer a comprehensive range of Hydraulic Components. Full range of hydraulic and industrial hose in stock. We manufacture all types of hydraulic hose assemblies ranging from 3/16” to 6” rubber, P.V.C and stainless-steel hose. For
• Seals
• Hydraulic Motors
• Lances & Accessories
DISTRIBUTOR OF: Ammann rollers & compaction equipment, Ausa mini dumpers, Beton concrete vibratory equipment, Radiodetection cable and pipe detection equipment, Hycon hydraulic power packs and tools, Rotair tools and compressors, Yanmar mini excavators. 90a Blackisland Road, Annaghmore, Portadown BT62 1NH
028 3885 2540 Fax. 028 3885 2541
info@crumlinplantsales.co.uk
Material handlers Portadown Seagoe Industrial Area Portadown, Co. Armagh t: +44 28 38 337 222 D20 YH76 T45 H778 H91 FWF6 BT63 5QE
VOLVO CE Articulated Haulers Excavators Wheel Loaders Pavers VOLVO PENTA Engines Cork Sallybrook, Glanmire Co.Cork t:+353 21 482 1288
SENNEBOGEN Galway Carnmore West Oranmore, Co.Galway t:+353 91 790 722
