PCE FEBRUARY-MARCH 2024 by 4SMNI

PLANT & CIVIL FEB-MAR 2024

CONSTRUCTION, QUARRY & RECYCLING MAGAZINE

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ISSN 2041-7829

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contents PLANT & CIVIL

FEB-MAR 2024

News

Spotlight On

Drive Danger Out: HSENI's Call for Safe Driving on Construction Sites

Auctions & Finance

Komatsu Europe Unveils the Latest PW168-11 and PW19811 Wheeled Excavators

Compact Equipment

Telehandlers

Circular Economy

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Golda Burrows General Sales Manager David Stokes Group Editor Emma Cowan Editor Martin Elliman Business Development Manager Joel Byers Production Manager Rachel Clarke Accounts Administration Helen Beggs Chief Operating Officer Plant & Civil Engineer is Published by: 4 SM (NI) Ltd, The Old Coach House, 12 Main Street, Hillsborough BT26 6AE CONTACT Golda: 07724 192032 or Martin: 07985 887171 Email: golda@4squaremedia.net Email: martin@4squaremedia.net

4SM (NI) Ltd is part of the North West News Group

New £4.5 Million Investment: MBNI Truck & Van Introduces Mercedes-Benz Dealership in Dungannon RiverRidge's Debut ESG Report: Tracking Environmental, Social, and Governance Progress

In Profile 84

The JCB 245XR Crawler Excavator: Exploring the Impact of Lowry Building and Civil Engineering's Latest Addition HD Hyundai R35Z-9AK: The Compact Excavator of Choice for Vaughan Homes

Dennison JCB: Your Premier Source for JCB's Leading Plant Machinery

Regular Features 22

Gordon Best, Regional Director, MPANI

Karen McShane President, The Chartered Institution

View From The Cab

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INTERMAT 2024: Exploring Innovation Dynamics and Zero-Carbon Solutions

of Highways and Transportation 91

Jim King Chairman WISHNI

Sales & Services 98

Plant Sales

101 Buyers Guide

comment So much for COP28 pledges! My previous edition comment focused on the genuine commitment, not just to talking about change, but to taking tangible actions to make change happen. Since then, in the UK, both Sunak and Starmer have watered down their commitments. The Irish Government has made pledges too, and I’m not aware of any back-down there. Nevertheless, in its most recent report, the Irish EPA says: “Ireland will achieve a reduction of 29 per cent in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 compared to a target of 51 per cent,” adding “The first two carbon budgets (2021-2030) will not be met, and by a significant margin.” Maybe you’re starting to think I’m some sort of eco-warrior. I’m not. I’m a ‘mummy warrior’ and what we do or don’t do could be a matter of life or death for our children and grandchildren. That is why I look to industry to lead the way, and certainly, our circular economy feature highlights local companies delivering exciting innovations in products and processes that confirm the view that positive change will come from within industries acting on their own initiative. As usual, there is a lot inside this issue, with a focus on compact equipment, telehandlers and much more. I’m delighted to introduce our new columnist, Karen McShane, who brings perspectives from the CIHT.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE: © Plant & Civil Engineer 2023. All material in this publication is copyright, including advertisements which have been prepared for advertisers. No part of it may be reproduced in any way whatever or stored in electronic retrieval systems without the written permission of the publishers. We are a completely independent voice and are not connected to any Institutes or Associations within the industry. Our aim is to publish accurate, specific and dedicated information, targeting each sector of the industry, throughout Ireland. The publishers cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies supplied by the contributors. All rights reserved.

Most fun, for me, was our cover story on FKL Plant and it was a whole new level of learning about big, bigger and huge machines behind infrastructure. Pat McKay has been a patient teacher! You can keep up to date every day with all the industry news 24/7 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!

Emma Cowan Editor Email: pceeditor@4squaremedia.net

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news

Intrepid JCB employee takes the plunge to boost NSPCC funds Ten days, ten locations, ten open water swims, each less than a chilling ten degrees. That was the challenge JCB employee Georgina Williams set herself to raise vital funds for the NSPCC. The intrepid open water swimmer has now completed her UK-wide adventure with a ten-minute dip in the stunning JCB World Headquarters’ lake at Rocester, taking her fundraising total to more than £5,400 for the company’s NSPCC Appeal. JCB Backhoe Training and Demonstration Manager Georgina, 32, who works at JCB’s World HQ, set off on the mammoth tour on December 4th. She took to the water each day near key JCB dealers in Dorset, Essex, Norfolk, Manchester, Yorkshire, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Irish Republic before heading home to JCB World HQ. Having initially set a £2,000 fundraising target, Georgina was overwhelmed by the support of JCB’s dealer network, who joined her in the water at each location and helped boost funds – with highlights including plunging into the middle of a five-degree Loch Lomond in Scotland and swimming alongside seals in the North Sea at Norfolk. She said: “I feel incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved. The cold-water swimming has been an amazing experience, I knew it would be very special but also that it would be a

real challenge to get in the water each day. Raising money was always the key focus of this swim challenge but I’m delighted that the experience has also allowed me to build relationships with our dealers by sharing in this absolute madness. I’m grateful to all of our UK and Ireland dealers who have shown up and got involved to support the NSPCC.”

Georgina’s fundraising total will go towards the JCB NSPCC Appeal, which is raising £2 million for the charity over the next two years. Donations in recognition of Georgina’s open water swim challenge are still open at https://www.justgiving.com/page/ georgina-williams-1698234478434

Construction industry fails to tackle smoking: workers three times more likely to smoke More than one in five employees in routine manual and service occupations in construction smoke, according to data from the Office for Health Improvement & Disparities (OHID). That’s three times higher than other industries. Figures reveal the employee smoking inequality gap has grown by 5% over half a decade. Routine and manual professionals are falling behind national trends for smoking cessation.

rate. The data insights, collated by Vape Club, highlight the need for equal smoking cessation support for all in society.

Smoking prevalence in manual roles means these employees are 65% more likely to smoke, when compared to the average smoking

A recent trial by the University of East Anglia (UEA) and the NHS Stop Smoking Service found a vape starter kit helped

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The government has set a target of reducing the number of smokers to 5% of adults in England by 2030. To achieve this, encouraging manual workers to use smoking cessation methods will be key. The UK government launched a world-first ‘swap to stop’ scheme, in which 1 in 5 of all smokers in England will be provided with a free vape starter kit to help them quit.

42% of participants to quit within a month. A further 15% had quit after 12 weeks. Dan Marchant, managing director of Vape Club, says: “We know that people quitting smoking need all the help they can get: it’s far from easy. And we know just how effective smoking cessation tools like vapes can be. It’s vital that everyone has the same access to support and nobody in society is left behind. “Falling rates of smoking are rightly celebrated, but we can’t ignore the kind of inequality this data shows. HR departments in routine and manual sectors have to step up and address the

issue, offering people greater support to quit smoking. “Any success they might have won’t just benefit individuals. After all, ex-smokers are usually healthier people, physically and mentally, than smokers. That means fewer days off and greater focus on their roles, so the business wins as well.” FOLLOW US ON

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news

The CIHT class of 2023 - The ‘Grand Central’ of Ireland’s future civil engineers also carried out at the Ulster University and Queens University Belfast campuses, the results of which will be submitted to the Department for Infrastructure to inform the development of Northern Ireland’s new suite of Transport Plans.

During 2023 Freshers Week, the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) Northern Ireland Region was delighted to work closely with Ulster University, Queens University Belfast and the University of Galway to bring together 180 first-year civil engineering students for the first time. With significant support from Translink and their Delivery Partners (Farrans Sacyr, Arup, Babcock, Arcadis and Graham Group), the students were given a tour of the main works construction site for the new Belfast Transport Hub, as well as an overview of the project. When completed in 2025, the new Belfast Grand Central Station will be largest integrated transport facility on the island of Ireland. The recently opened busway bridge allowed the students to safely undertake a site boundary walkaround offering the budding engineers an eagle-eye view of the live construction site, while the VR visualisation provided the students with the opportunity to

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gain a 3D perspective of what the new station will look like. Duncan McAllister, Head of Weavers Cross and Belfast Grand Central Station Programmes for Translink said “We’re thrilled to be able to host this number of future civil engineers – ‘world changers’, here on site. It’s a great opportunity to showcase the truly transformational project that is Belfast Grand Central Station and the wider Weavers Cross regeneration project. The build is

the largest infrastructure project on the island of Ireland at the moment and to be able to share that with students just starting out on their engineering journey is something very special. An experience they will all remember, and one which will inspire them to take what we have done and do it better in the future.”

Travel by design Design activities concentrating on generating ideas for the future of active travel were

“In the race to achieve net zero ambitions one of the most important things we can teach our future civil engineers is how to collaborate beyond our own teams. This ambitious CIHT event has, for the first time, enabled students to engage in a hands-on learning activity with peers from outside their own University and will undoubtedly be remembered as a highlight of their degree programme,” concluded Dr Myra Lydon, School of Natural and Built Environment, Queens University Belfast. The CIHT Northern Ireland Region would like to extend its sincere thanks to all of those who collaborated to make this unique event happen, including the events sponsor, Northstone Materials Ltd.

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Pushing boundaries Powered by the latest Stage V engines to give class-leading pushing capability combined with low fuel burn, Generation 8 dozers are engineered for efficiency. There’s a wide choice of blades, a unique tilting cab for easy servicing, and a new-look cab providing outstanding comfort and great views to blade and ripper. Operators - need a little help? We offer Free Grade, Definition Grade or optional 3D Grade Assistance systems as well as optional factory fitted, GPS preparation for all popular systems.

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news

Wexford County Council Appoints Ayesa to design the €120m Trinity Wharf Project Wexford County Council has appointed Ayesa as the Design consultant for the Trinity Wharf project in Wexford Town. The project, with an estimated total investment of €120 million, including €24 million of public investment, is slated to commence construction works in the fourth quarter of 2024. The Trinity Wharf project, spanning 10 acres, is a vital element of Wexford County Council’s strategy to attract foreign direct investment and generate high-quality employment opportunities. The initiative is funded under ‘Call 2’ of the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund. This multi-use development includes modern office spaces, hotel accommodations, a multi-story car park, a cultural and events building, residential units, a new marina, and a boardwalk connecting Trinity Wharf to Paul Quay and the Crescent. The project is integral to the long-term regeneration and enhancement of Wexford town and environs. Luke O’Connor, Design & Build Lead for Ayesa, commented on the appointment: “Ayesa, with our delivery partners, is delighted to play a crucial role in the regenerative

The formal appointment at Wexford Couny Council offices are: Back Row L-R: Luke O’Connor, Dana Stepanceva, Steve Gregan (Ayesa), AJ Browne (AtkinsRealis), Eddie Taafe (Wexford County Council), Paul McEvoy (ORHT), Ben Mong (AtkinsRealis), Gary Smyth (ORHT), Michael Malone (Wexford County Council). Front Row: (L-R): Tom Enright (Chief Executive, Wexford County Council), Councillor John Flemming (Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council), Councillor John Hegarty (Major of Borough District of Wexford) and Martin Gohery (Ayesa).

project for Wexford town. Our involvement aims to craft a sustainable legacy for businesses, the town, and its citizens,” Ayesa’s strength lies in its multidisciplinary expertise across waste management, geotechnical engineering, marine and coastal engineering, and civil engineering. These diverse disciplines will aim to collaboratively

contribute to the development’s success by ensuring that the design not only meets regulatory requirements but also aligns with sustainable practices. Ayesa’s holistic and integrated approach demonstrates its commitment to overcoming challenges and crafting a resilient design that respects both the historical significance and ecological sensitivity of the site.

Henry Brothers and VIVO Defence break ground on £6m scheme at Gamecock Barracks VIVO Defence Services and its tier one supply chain partner Henry Brothers Construction has broken ground on a £6m scheme to house an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Troop at Gamecock Barracks near Nuneaton. The troop is relocating from Chetwynd Barracks, Nottingham, to Gamecock Barracks, in Warwickshire, under the Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Army Programme.

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Henry Brothers has been selected by client VIVO Defence Services to deliver the new building for the troop. It will feature space for offices, garages and stores, and will be built at the Southern edge of the base. Joined by representatives from the DEO Army Programme, the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), Gamecock Barracks and construction partners William Gough, VIVO and Midlands-based Henry Brothers

Martin Elliman e. martin@4squaremedia.net m. 07985 887171

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Construction have now broken ground on the scheme.

Henry Brothers Breaks Ground at Gamecock Barracks.

Managing director of Henry Brothers Construction, Ian Taylor, said: “Henry Brothers is very pleased to be continuing the successful relationship with VIVO Defence, which follows delivery of a new dye pod facility recently at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire. “Henry Brothers has significant experience of working within

MOD sites across the UK, helping to improve and upgrade key military resources, and we are delighted to have now broken ground and started work on this latest development.” The scheme for EOD Troop at Gamecock Barracks is due to be completed by the end of the year.

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view from the cab

JCB 245XR FROM DENNISON JCB DOES ‘THE BUSINESS’ FOR LOWRY BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING With the order book for civils and building projects looking healthy and several current and forthcoming jobs requiring heavy work in restricted sites, Lowry Building and Civil Engineering has recently expanded its excavator fleet with the purchase of a new JCB 245XR crawler excavator from JCB’s X-Series, purchased from Dennison JCB. Plant and Civil Engineer caught up with managing

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director, Ian Lowry and experienced plant operator, Cecil Patterson to explore how they are finding the topof-the-line zero-swing workhorse. With a fleet of around 30 excavators alone, Castlederg-based Lowry Building and Civil Engineering undertakes contracts throughout Northern Ireland for a wide range of public sector bodies.

Clients include health trusts, education authorities, Northern Ireland Water, the Housing Executive, Northern Ireland Electricity and Translink, as well as a range of private sector projects in the hospitality, retail and commercial sectors. The excavator fleet encompasses several different makes, including other JCB products, but the new 245XR takes pride of place as the biggest digger in the team.

view from the cab

video STORY JCB 245XR SCAN THE QR CODE TO WATCH THE VIDEO.

“Most of our excavators would be in the 14-tonne range so, at 26 tonnes, the 245XR is significantly bigger and stronger,” said Ian Lowry. “It’s able to cope with heavier lifting, so it will move more earth than the smaller diggers could in the same time. Obviously, that increases productivity and efficiency, which is also a good thing.”

THE RATIONALE FOR MOVING FORWARD WITH JCB Ian continued: “There were a few factors behind our choice of the JCB 245XR. We know we have current and upcoming projects where the ability to do heavy work in a restricted site environment is paramount, for example, the Mountfield Waste Water Treatment Works project where this new excavator is currently working. The heavier lifting and load capacity, combined with the zero tail swing operation of the 245 made it the right excavator for our current and projected needs. “Then there was the fact that this machine is in the JCV X-Series. We have three smaller, 14 tonne JCBs in the X-Series and they are outstanding. Clearly, the company has put a lot of innovation into

the development of the whole series, bringing business benefits in terms of efficiency and operator benefits in terms of comfort, safety and ease of use. We have been very impressed with the smaller X-Series machines, and we are even happier with the 245.” Having been in the construction and civil engineering field for decades, Lowry had invested in a range of brands over the years. However, in the last four years, Ian Lowry has found Dennison JCB excellent to work with and he is gradually loving his fleet to JCB. “We started looking at JCB when we wanted bigger machines, such as the three 14-tonne excavators we already have, explained Ian. “We have been very impressed with the products and we’ve found the service and attention to detail from Dennison is excellent. It is easy to build a strong working relationship with the team – I looked forward to my visits from Stephen Sloan and I am equally impressed with Ian Calderwood, who has taken on my account since Stephen retired. Dennison JCB is a good company to work with – they

have worldclass products and provide excellent customer service and backup.

DECADES OF EXPERIENCE IN THE CAB Behind Lowry Building and Civil Engineering’s healthy order book is a reputation based on a long history a solid, dependable project delivery. Founded over six decades ago in 1961, the company has grown steadily to become one of the leading medium-sized contractors in Northern Ireland, employing over 40 fulltime staff across various trades to deliver complex, multi-disciplinary projects. Cecil Patterson is one of those skilled workers and his particular specialism is excavator work. Back in 1978, Cecil decided to take a CITB training course to learn to drive a digger and that investment has kept him gainfully employed ever since. He has been with Lowry Building and Civil Engineering for the last 35 years.

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view from the cab

As you might imagine, Cecil has driven a wide range of diggers, in terms of make and size and he has witnessed firsthand the evolution of the excavator over the decades. He is a man well qualified to give an expert opinion on the new JCB 245XR crawler excavator, which he is currently working hard at the Mountfield Wastewater Treatment Works replacement site (near Omagh). “The first time I drove a JCB was in 1984,” Cecil Patterson said. “It was a JCB 805B. It was brand new and hot off the factory line and I thought it was great, but really, in terms of how excavators have modernised, it was a bit of a dinosaur, no creature comforts in the cab and the operator did heavy work on the levers and controls to get the machine to do its job.” As an aside, Plant and Civil Engineer looked up the 805B and found that these machines are still both working and in demand today, with a sales tag in the region of £5k. Although slow and clumsy by today’s standards, the JCB 805BT was a modern piece of kit in the 1980s and was one of the earliest adopters of the four-cylinder turbocharged engine concept.

BIG CAB, BIG BENEFITS Having worked in the cab of the JCB 245RX Cecil would have no notion of getting back on board an 805B. As far as he’s concerned, the 245 brings the operator experience and job satisfaction to a new level. “For my job, the best improvements in this model and the X-Series as I’ve experienced it are all inside the cab, in terms of comfort of working a shift and the way the controls have been refined to bring more precision to your work. It’s a super cab and JCB has brought a lot of advancements, in terms of comfort and how easy to use and responsive all the controls are. The seat is so comfortable and has so many options to make your day stress-free. The view from the cab is excellent and that’s another factor that helps you relax and get on with the job safely.”

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The 245XR uses the proven one-metre-wide cab featured throughout X-Series machines – that’s 15% larger than the previous generation machines and the largest cab in the sector, delivering maximum comfort throughout the working day. It’s among the quietest in the sector with an internal noise level of just 69dBa. The seat comes with a range of options: it can be heated or cooled, has and adjustable air-suspension system and has an option for electric lumbar support. JCB’s updated CommandPlus switch packs sit to the right of the seat and there is a large 7” multifunction display mounted forward of that. Standard specification for the JCB 245XR includes climate control, a factoryfit Bluetooth radio, window blinds, a refuelling pump and tool kit.

THE POWER OF NOSE TO TAIL In culinary circles ‘nose to tail’ is about using every part of the animal, with no waste. In excavator terms, the equivalent is ‘zero tailswing’ and this was one of the factors that influenced Ian Lowry to invest in the JCB 245XR, As the machine operator, Cecil Patterson highlights this as a major boon in his working life. “The zero tailswing is a huge advantage and it really makes a difference. I’ve experienced that firsthand on the wastewater treatment works site. It basically swings within its footprint which means you save a lot of time that would otherwise be spent manoeuvring the machine in position to do the work. It does make life a lot easier.” said Cecil. “When you combine that with the power of the 245, the fact that you have a boost button at your fingertips, the size of the bucket and the precision you can achieve, this machine is right at the top of today’s performance standards.” At just 1,720mm, the 245XR has a 40% shorter tailswing than the conventional 220X making it ideal for work in confined urban sites and highways. A reduced front swing makes working in tight spaces easier. The 245XR can work in a radius 1.6m less than the 220X. The 245XR is powered by a highly efficient EU Stage V compliant JCB Dieselmax 448 diesel engine, delivering 129kW (173hp). The 4.8-litre engine uses a Selective Catalytic Reduction Filter (SCR-F) that results in a cleaner burning engine so there is no requirement for Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR). Hydraulics are also sate-of-the-art, thanks to the latest generation Kawasaki pumps, with Kayaba main control valve for fine control. The hydraulic hose diameter has also been increased to deliver improved flow with less resistance, boosting performance and driveline efficiency.

view from the cab THE LAST WORD In conclusion, the JCB 245XR crawler excavator from the X Series is a stellar example of JCB’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art machinery for the construction sector. With a perfect blend of power, precision, and operator-centric design, it stands as a reliable partner for contractors and construction professionals aiming for top-tier performance in their projects. The 245XR is not just an excavator; it’s a testament to JCB’s pursuit of excellence in the realm of heavy machinery.

www.dennisons.co.uk/jcb

STANDARD SPECIFICATION FOR THE JCB 245XR INCLUDES CLIMATE CONTROL, A FACTORY-FIT BLUETOOTH RADIO, WINDOW BLINDS, A REFUELLING PUMP AND TOOL KIT.

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construction equipment

DEVELON EXCAVATOR TRIO AT WORLD OF CONCRETE 2024 An optional dozer blade and the standard counterweight design provide strength and stability. Operators can also activate the tiltrotator mode for enhanced precision when using a tiltrotator accessory. Added comfort features include improved heating and cooling with an optional heated/cooled seat, easyto-use joystick controls, a rearview camera, Smart Touch screen and optional 360-degree around view monitor (AVM) camera system.

DEVELON, formerly Doosan Construction Equipment, showcased three excavators at World of Concrete in Las Vegas in the USA from 23-25 January 2024. The DX42-7 mini-excavator, DX225LC7X crawler excavator and DX140W-7 wheeled excavator were on display at the company stand in the Central Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center, with DEVELON staff on hand to help visitors explore each machine’s features. “DEVELON was excited to exhibit at World of Concrete, especially as the event celebrates 50 years in 2024,” says Jacob Sherman, Product and Dealer Marketing Manager at DEVELON. “This trade show gives us a chance to promote our new brand and innovative products that help customers take on their biggest job site challenges.”

DX42-7 MINI-EXCAVATOR The conventional tail swing Develon DX42-7 mini-excavator is ideally suited for navigating tight, congested job sites and urban areas. Part of the nextgeneration DX-7 Series mini-excavator line-up, the DX42-7 offers such impressive features as fast cycle

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times, efficient torque-limiting piston pumps that respond to load demands, and a larger counterweight for improved balance and durability. The machine comes equipped with a standard thumb-ready arm. Two cab options are available: open canopy and enclosed cab configuration, and, as with all DX-7 Series mini-excavators, the powerful DEVELON Fleet Management telematics system is standard. This monitors the machine’s location, health and productivity from a user-friendly website or mobile app.

DX225LC-7X CRAWLER EXCAVATOR The DX225LC-7X is the first electronically controlled crawler excavator from DEVELON. The system enables advanced machine guidance and machine control systems — including 2D grading for accurate earthmoving and grading work. The DX225LC-7X offers superior hydraulics and a strong workgroup to deliver ample power and durability to the arm and bucket, maximizing lifting capability.

DX140W-7 WHEELED EXCAVATOR Designed for demanding tasks, the DX140W-7 wheeled excavator delivers powerful digging and manoeuvrability when working on bridges and roadways or in urban areas. The machine has a balance of power and fuel efficiency, along with best-in-class comfort features, intelligent controls and smart machine functionality. It can be configured with a front dozer blade and independent rear outriggers or four independent outriggers. Comfort features include automotive-style heating and air conditioning, improved floorspace and excellent visibility from the spacious cab. A rearview camera is standard and an optional heated/cooled seat is available. The standard DEVELON Fleet Management system monitors the excavator’s health and maintenance schedule to help keep it running at peak performance.

The UK’s largest Quarrying, Construction & Recycling Exhibition

25-27 June 2024

Hillhead Quarry Buxton | Derbyshire | UK

Email: hillhead@qmj.co.uk Phone: +44 (0) 115 945 4367

Join the conversation @Hillheadshow #hillhead2024

compact equipment

BOBCAT SHOWS NEW L95 COMPACT WHEEL LOADER AND TL25.60 SUPER COMPACT TELEHANDLER FOR FIRST TIME AT AGRITECHNICA At Agritechnica 2023 in Hanover, Germany from 12-18 November 2023, the world‘s largest trade fair for agricultural machinery and equipment, Bobcat debuted several new products and technological developments.. Visitors to the Bobcat stand at Agritechnica saw the latest innovations and highlights from the company’s wide range of telehandlers, mini-excavators, mini and compact track loaders as well as agricultural attachments and portable power solutions. Bobcat’s brand new L95 compact wheel loader and super compact TL25.60 telehandler both made their debut at the show, alongside several other products, services and solutions from Bobcat for the agricultural market.

BOBCAT‘S TOP-OF-THERANGE MODEL: THE L95 COMPACT WHEEL LOADER The new premium L95 model once again offers the outstanding combination of high performance, intuitive controls, operator comfort, ease of use and flexibility with attachments found in the current L75 and L85 models. In addition, the L95 features the very latest product updates based on customer feedback. Bobcat‘s new compact wheel loader is ideal for a wide range of agricultural applications, such as working with silage forks and forage windrows. Jiri Karmazin, Loaders Product Manager at Bobcat, said: “High performance is assured in the L95 by the combination of the powerful Bobcat 75 HP engine, the hydraulics and the 40 km/h maximum travel speed. As in the L75 and L85, this is complemented by the comfortable and spacious cab, combined with the high stability and lift capacity and impressive breakout, push and pull forces, together with a comprehensive selection of Bobcat attachments. And the enhanced Automatic Ride Control system protects operators from any bumps or rough terrain.” To move faster from one jobsite to another, the L95 operator can shift from first to second gear while stationary. Due to the maximum speed of up to 40 km/h, more

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mobility and considerable savings can be achieved, through increased daily machine utilisation. The L95 can also be equipped with premium 405/70 R20 tyres, which have been specially developed for use in this industry.

THE SUPER-COMPACT TL25.60 AGRI TELEHANDLER The new TL25.60 AGRI telehandler is compact and maneuverable to ensure optimum performance in all situations. In addition, the TL25.60 AGRI also offers numerous other advantages that are of particular interest to customers in the agricultural sector: • Three AGRI versions available • Wide range of tyres • Air suspension seat Comfort is paramount in the TL25.60 AGRI. The spacious cab is easily accessible via a large access door with ergonomic handles. In the cab, the tiltable steering column available in standard and extendable versions can be adapted to individual needs. The TL25.60 offers the same cab as that in some of Bobcat‘s larger models, making

it the most spacious compact telehandler for the operator on the market today. The operating system is intuitive, so operators learn to use the controls and joystick layout quickly and effortlessly - ideal for newcomers as well as experienced users. In addition to the ease of use, the excellent visibility from the cab ensures optimum safety during every operation.

E27Z - TOP PERFORMANCE WITH THE MOST SPACIOUS CAB IN ITS CLASS The Bobcat E27z compact excavator comes with outstanding performance and the industry´s most spacious cab for a machine of its size. A true zero house swing machine, even with the optional heavy counterweight, the E27z offers best-inclass maneuverability when working close to walls, increased all-round stability and a lower weight for easier transportation on a trailer. With the optional long dipper arm and deluxe cab, the E27z delivers digging performance and operator comfort normally only found on much larger excavators.

compact equipment

BOBCAT’S BRAND NEW L95 COMPACT WHEEL LOADER AND SUPER COMPACT TL25.60 TELEHANDLER BOTH MADE THEIR DEBUT AT THE SHOW, ALONGSIDE SEVERAL OTHER PRODUCTS, SERVICES AND SOLUTIONS FROM BOBCAT FOR THE AGRICULTURAL MARKET.

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technology

REVEALED: THE 50 NEW TECHNOLOGIES THAT COULD SHAPE THE FUTURE A real-life invisibility cloak, a London-to-Sydney flight in 3 hours, manufacturing in zerogravity space, and worm-like robotics for disaster recovery: These are just some of the 50 emerging technologies that could shape our future.

Energy and Environmental Technologies: Cross-linked polymer recycling Gridscale wireless energy transmission and charging Hypersonics 20 Novel propulsion or ion-based propulsion Novel hydrogen production and storage technologies Novel negative emissions technologies Nuclear fusion Space-based solar power.

The 50 Emerging Technologies report from Innovate UK – the UK’s innovation agency – brings together the most exciting new technological breakthroughs that could be part of our everyday lives. All of the technologies, from tiny nano-materials, to quantum computing, and brain-machine interfaces that allow you to control machines with your mind, are in development right now. While only in their infancy, they’re described in the report as having major potential to transform our lives. The report is designed to inspire innovative businesses to consider how these technologies, or combinations of them, could become the commercial products of the future. The technologies identified underpin the importance of the Government’s 5 key technology areas, and the potential for these to address global challenges and drive UK economic growth in the process. Indro Mukerjee, Chief Executive Officer of Innovate UK, said “Innovate UK are supporting businesses across the country to be at the forefront of developing and adopting the technologies of tomorrow. These will help solve global challenges, create skilled jobs and economic growth in the coming decades. This report is one way we’re achieving this, by analysing and encouraging some of the most exciting future technologies that could change

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Biotechnology:

our world. We hope it will inspire and encourage you to work even closer with Innovate UK” Head of Horizon Scanning at Innovate UK and report author, Simone Boekelaar, explains: “As we enter an era of unprecedented technological change, our new report offers a glimpse into a future where the impossible becomes possible. From anti-ageing drugs to sustainable energy solutions, these technologies could change everything, and we are excited to see the impact they will have on society in the years to come.” Plant and Civil Engineer has listed these 50 emerging technologies and, to find out more, read the full report at www.ukri.org/publications/ insights-report-innovate-uks50-emerging-technologies/.

THE 50 EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AI, digital and computing: AI emotion and expression recognition

Artificial general intelligence (AGI) Biologically inspired AI Brain machine interface (BMI) technologies Quantum algorithms DNA data storage New computing models Novel immersive interfaces. Advanced Materials and Manufacturing: 4D printing Biomimetic materials Nanoparticle manufacturing Metamaterials. Electronics, Photonics and Quantum Technologies: Alternative and novel semiconductor systems Emerging microscopy techniques Hyperspectral imaging Millimetre wave and terahertz technologies Photon generators Plasmonics Post-quantum cryptography Room temperature superconductors.

Artificial cells and artificial life Bacteria and microbe manufacturing Biocatalytic membranes Bioelectronics and electroceuticals Hybrid microbe biotechnology Programmable cells Biofabrication in tissue engineering. Health and Medical Technology: Adult stem cell generation Fluxomics Anti-ageing drugs Antibiotic replacements Microbiome therapeutics Personalised RNA therapeutics Phased genome assembly tools Sensation detection implants Whole body-on-a-chip device Robotics and Space Technologies: Fully autonomous vehicles Nanoscale robotics Robotic off-world manufacture Soft robotics Space nuclear power and novel space propulsion systems Very low earth orbit (VLEO) satellites.

news

Kubota will celebrate its 50th Anniversary in Europe in 2024 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of Kubota’s arrival in Europe with the opening of the first subsidiary in France in 1974. Since then, the company has showcased its expertise and reliability, following its For Earth, For Life philosophy. Throughout this year, Kubota will celebrate this milestone in Europe. Kubota, founded by Gonshiro Kubota in 1890 in the Japanese city of Osaka, stands out not only for its innovative and advanced products, but also as a solution provider. Moreover, Kubota engines have become a trusted power source for many OEM customers in Europe. Since its arrival in Europe, one of its three strategic regions, along with Asia and North-America, Kubota has strived to establish a commercial network in which mutual trust with its partners and

distributors has been the key to growing in an environment as competitive as the European one. This, together with its offer of highly competitive and reliable products, has made Kubota one of the leading brands in the areas of construction, groundcare and agriculture, where it stands out for its innovative and advanced products.

A continent structure in continuous growth After the establishment of its first European subsidiary in France, Kubota has evolved with the firm will to support and solve the problems of food, water and the environment on the continent, drawing on its experience as a global manufacturer and provider of solutions. In this sense, the company has focused on providing services that increase customer satisfaction, becoming their trusted ally, giving

continuity to the company’s motto: ‘Kubota, On Your Side.’ The creation of Kubota Holding Europe (KHE) in 2017 reinforced the company’s corporate identity in Europe, thanks to the teamwork of employees from all its divisions, who combine synergies to provide the best services and products to both distributors and end users. Kubota’s commitment to a market as demanding as the European one has been firm from the outset. Throughout this half century and since the establishment of its first European subsidiary in France in 1974, Kubota has continued to expand in Europe with numerous subsidiaries in Germany, UK, Spain, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland and Turkey to support the growth of these markets. Today, the company has a workforce of approximately 5,000 employees

and more than 1,300 dealers and distributors in the Europe region. Yasukazu Kamada, President of Kubota Holding Europe, commented: “Celebrating 50 years of Kubota in Europe, I am honoured to acknowledge the resilience and innovation that have defined our journey. As President of Kubota Holding Europe, I extend my deepest gratitude to our dedicated team and loyal customers, dealers, distributors and partners in the region. This milestone marks not only our past achievements but also the exciting chapters we’ll script together in the years ahead. Cheers to 50 years of excellence and anticipation for what lies ahead.” FOLLOW US ON

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health & safety

DRIVE RIGHT WHEN YOU’RE ON-SITE POSITIVE RESPONSE TO THE DRIVE DANGER OUT CAMPAIGN

HSENI calls for safe driving on construction sites as part of the Drive Danger Out campaign Safe driving on construction sites saves lives and reduces workplace injuries - that was the message delivered as the Health & Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) launched its Construction Sector Drive Danger Out Campaign. The HSENI campaign aims to improve driver safety on construction sites in a bid to reduce accidents which can cause serious injury or even death. In the last ten years, there have been eight fatalities in Northern Ireland directly linked to vehicle accidents on construction sites, as well as a range of accidents resulting in injuries.

The HSENI message is that these incidents can be reduced if drivers and construction workers are more attentive when driving and take more care of their vehicles and of the site layout.

SAFE VEHICLE

HSENI has three key messages for construction workers to ensure that they are moving safely on-site:

Have statutory examinations been completed for vehicles used for lifting?

SAFE SITE Are pedestrians and vehicles adequately segregated? Are there suitable designated traffic routes for vehicles to operate safely?

Are measures in place to ensure vehicle all-round visibility? Are procedures in place to carry out pre-use checks and report defects?

SAFE DRIVER Do drivers hold adequate licenses/training certificates for the vehicles they are authorised to drive? Is there a programme of driver refresher training in place?

(L-R) Richard Meredith, HSENI, Rachel Dorovatas, Director of Industry Training & Support at CITB, Louis Burns, HSENI, and Mark Spence, Chief Executive of CEF.

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Speaking at the launch of the campaign, HSENI Deputy Chief Executive, Louis Burns said: “Construction sites have a high volume of vehicles and movement throughout the day. With so much activity there is an increased risk of incidents which can be mitigated against with both driver and site worker vigilance. So, if you are driving a digger, telehandler, or any site vehicle, you have to be aware of potential risks all around you. Similarly, if you are working on the site, you need to be aware of what is moving around you. “The HSENI Drive Danger Out campaign aims to ensure that the Safe Vehicle, Safe Driver, Safe Site

health & safety

Workplace Transport Safety Visit www.hseni.gov.uk/workplacetransport message reaches construction workers, so we can reduce the number of incidents which can cause serious injury or fatalities.” Mark Spence, Chief Executive of the Construction Employers Federation, said “Construction workers have difficult jobs, with early starts and working on busy and active building sites. Site safety is essential, particularly with diggers and other vehicles operating, and we encourage everyone working on a building site to take the

HSENI messaging on board to help Drive Danger Out.”

is in working order and that site safety is a priority.”

Rachel Dorovatas, Director of Industry Training and Support at the Construction Industry Training Board NI, added “Being safety-aware is a vital element of training, and we want to ensure that every person setting foot on a construction site takes all the necessary steps to make sure incidents and accidents are avoided. For those driving machinery on site, it is essential that they make sure everything

Richard Meredith HSENI Principal Inspector said: “Unfortunately workplace transport continues to be an area responsible for fatalities and major injuries in the workplace. Throughout this year our Inspectors will focus on ensuring effective controls are in place to manage the risks associated with workplace transport.” Over the coming weeks HSENI will be engaging with construction

workers and employers to increase awareness of the steps which should be taken to make building sites safer. The campaign includes a new early morning radio campaign on Downtown Radio and Cool FM to Wake Up Workers and get them alert and ready for the day ahead. You can find out more about the Drive Danger Out campaign at www.hseni.gov.uk/topic/ workplace-transport.

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commercial vehicle

IVECO DAILY RANGE CROWNED What Van? Large Van of the Year 2024 The IVECO Daily has been a staple of the commercial vehicle landscape for over 45 years, and throughout its decades of accomplishing the most challenging of missions, it has gained a reputation for durability, usability, and favourable total cost of ownership. The eDaily continues this impressive legacy of class-leading attributes. This mission-focused range of vehicles has been awarded the What Van? Large Van of the Year 2024 award. The hotly contested category saw the Daily go up against strong competition, but the IVECO’s diverse set of applications and multienergy approach impressed judges. A tough truck-based chassis delivers up to 3.5-tonne towing capacity, a class-leading cargo space of up to 19.6m3, and an impressive 4.9tonne payload on 7.2-tonne Daily models. James Dallas, What Van? Editor said, “The extensive IVECO Daily range is renowned for its toughness, being ideal for conversions, and the new electric version, available with a choice of one to four batteries, can stand shoulder to shoulder with its ICE sibling.”

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Operators seeking a zero-emissions vehicle for even the most demanding missions now have a viable solution in the form of eDaily. Available with up to four innovative modular batteries that enable operators to balance payload and range, and GVW from 3.5 to 7.2-tonnes, it offers all the traits Daily is valued for, just electric. An up to 3.5-tonne towing capacity is unrivalled in its class, likewise its extensive range of body styles. Missions requiring impressive on-board power for equipment are also catered for with eDaily’s ePTO, now up to 50kW. A range of Euro 6E diesel engines provides a good balance of power and efficiency with a Natural Gas (CNG) engine supplying a diesel rivalling 136hp while reducing emissions by up to 95% when run on biomethane. The Daily was the first vehicle in its sector to offer a smooth eight-speed Hi-Matic automatic transmission, while a six-speed manual gearbox is available, reducing free play by 50% versus

previous models. Clutch durability has been boosted by 18%, while oil change intervals are 350,000km. Another first for the segment supplied by the Daily is AIR-PRO pneumatic rear suspension that continuously adapts to conditions. By calculating individual shock absorber pressure every 10 milliseconds, a 25% reduction in vibrations and a 30% reduction in roll angle helps contribute to a more relaxed driving experience. Additional comfort is provided by yet another first, Hi-Comfort seats. The Daily features memory foam central cushion pads, backrest and headrest to help reduce pressure peaks by up to 30%. IVECO UK Light Business-line Director, Mike Cutts said “It is fantastic to see the IVECO Daily receiving the recognition it deserves. This diverse vehicle has been the backbone of many demanding missions, and with Daily CNG and eDaily, operators can dramatically reduce their emissions.”

EQUIPMENT FOR EVERY APPLICATION news

£6 Million JCB order includes hirer’s first ever X Series models Explore Plant and Transport Solutions has invested in a fleet of more than 100 JCB machines in a deal worth more than £6 million.

SLOW SPEED SHREDDER

The haulage and plant hire services specialist based in Worksop, Nottinghamshire has taken delivery of the new models which include: JCB Loadall telescopic handlers, site dumpers, generators and for the first time, JCB midi and X Series excavators.

SLOW SPEED SHREDDER

Explore Plant and Transport Solutions has depots across central and eastern England and supplies equipment to a range of highprofile schemes and development projects across the UK where the JCB machines, including 245XR reduced tailswing tracked excavators, have been put to work. Explore Plant and Transport Solutions Operations Director, Warren Wilkinson said: SPEED SHREDDER “Initially built onMEDIUM its world leading telehandlers, our JCB fleet has steadilyMEDIUM grownSPEED through the SHREDDER ongoing acquisition of further equipment, all backed by the high-quality support service offered by Greenshields JCB.

TROMMEL SCREENS TROMMEL SCREENS

confident that JCB’s machinery was robust and well-built to exceed those expectations. “A key priority for construction sites is the The standout features of the X Series model effective management and efficiency of in particular are power and performance. operations, making it important that all “In addition, the initial trialRECYCLING showed SCREENS that equipment supplied hire, meets the CBI GRINDERS WASTEfor HANDLERS WASTE HANDLERS CBIJCB GRINDERS RECYCLING SCREENS machinery offered the operator rigorous needs of our customers. Having increased comfort, which is key when trialled the equipment on site, we were

operating the equipment on site for sustained periods of time. “As we look to update our current range of plant hire assets, and expand into more TWIN SHAFT SHREDDER sustainable alternatives for our customers, TWINexcited SHAFT SHREDDER we are especially for the zero emissions products that JCB is developing.”

SHREDDING | SCREENING | HANDLING | COMPOSTING SHREDDING | SCREENING | HANDLING | COMPOSTING||CONVEYING CONVEYING

10 Coolmaghry Road, Donaghmore, BT7033HJ HJ 10 Coolmaghry Road, Donaghmore,Dungannon Dungannon BT70

info@qrs.ie info@qrs.ie +442887767120 +442887767120

SALES/SERVICE/HIRE SALES/SERVICE/HIRE

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essential materials sustainable solutions

FROM THE DESK OF: GORDON BEST, REGIONAL DIRECTOR, MPANI

A FULL DIARY AND MANY CHALLENGES FOR 2024 As this is the first publication of the year, I would take this opportunity to wish all readers a very happy, healthy and successful 2024.

PRIORITIES FOR THE REFORMED EXECUTIVE AND ASSEMBLY The Association has welcomed the progress that has been made with respect to the post-Brexit trading arrangements between Great Britain and Northern Ireland that have seen the much-needed restoration of our Assembly and Executive. The restoration of the Executive and Assembly will be welcomed by all in the wider Northern Ireland construction and business community. The reality is, however, that given two years without local decision making our public services, our local infrastructure and confidence in the political system here are almost beyond repair. What is required now are urgent decisions, some difficult and that will be unpopular, to fundamentally reform many of our key economic enablers which have been subject to years of drift and delay. We can achieve our goals and overcome these significant challenges if our Executive works collaboratively with NI Business and our community sector to catch up and repair two years of lost opportunity costs and take advantage of the unique trading position that we now enjoy with access to both EU and UK markets. We need a more sustainable mechanism to fund NI public services and infrastructure asset management, a review of planning and an urgent effort to get NI on its path to Net Zero. During the Assembly collapse, MPANI has kept communication open with our political parties and we look forward to engaging further and highlighting our priorities for NI Government. See MPANI publish Priorities for NI Government | MPA NI Mineral products will continue to be essential as we build back better and chart our course to decarbonisation and Net Zero

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by 2050. To maximise the competitiveness of our sector and the wider economy, NI Government and political leaders must prioritise the best access possible to local, national and world markets.

INDUSTRIAL DE-RATING AND DECARBONISATION January began briskly with several consultation deadlines and new consultations issued. A key one for MPANI and our members is the discussions around revenue raising including the possible ending of Industrial De-rating and the 70% rebate for manufacturing sites, which includes quarries and all of our members’ production facilities. Removing Industrial derating would add to the already high business costs in NI. It is vitally important that the Industrial De-rating for manufacturing businesses continues. We base this opinion on the following and we have encouraged MPANI members to respond to the consultations, making the important points listed below. 1. The economic conditions that were present when the NI Assembly voted to introduce industrial derating some 15 years ago still remain. 2. The rating relief has been used to offset other high business costs that stem from Northern Irelands’ peripheral position, such as transport and logistics, energy costs and now because of Brexit higher trade admin costs. 3. Industry does not get access to the apprenticeship levy funds. 4. Industry currently faces non-parity when it comes to electricity grid connection costs as firms in NI are expected to pay significant connection fees when these costs are socialised in other regions of the UK and Ireland. 5. Continued support for our manufacturing sector is essential as the cost of doing business here continues to rise for

Gordon Best, MPANI

example labour costs, energy costs, CT rises, insurance costs etc. 6. Supporting our manufacturing sector has a positive impact on rural economic growth. 7. Since the introduction of industrial de-rating manufacturing businesses have re-invested the savings back into growing their businesses and creating employment. This fact is supported by economic statistics published by the Department for the Economy. MPANI would view the removal of industrial derating as an attack on “wealth creators” and businesses that sustain rural communities. We have assessed the impact of the scheme’s removal on our minerals and construction materials to be in the region of £11 to £12 million. Such a level of additional costs will undoubtedly impact many companies’ ability to maximise investment in further business development, particularly in decarbonisation. It is becoming increasingly clear that a sense of alarm is building that NI will not reach its Net Zero and decarbonisation targets and ambitions due to the delays in planning and the lost opportunities to invest and upgrade the electricity grid. Renewable NI recently highlighted the alarming fact that the Planning Appeals Commission will not hear any new referrals or deal with new applications until 2026. MPANI has submitted a response to the NI Affairs Committee at Westminster which is holding an inquiry into Renewable Energy and the path to Net Zero in Northern Ireland. In our response, we have called for urgent action on planning reform and grid connection policy.

TRANSITION JOURNEY – ARE YOU PREPARED? It is hard to believe that it’s time again when we are preparing another edition of our bi-annual Industry Journal. The title for our next 2024/25 Journal is “Transition Journey – Are You Prepared?” The drive for change, in particular around decarbonisation, automation and diversity, across Business and Industry is

essential materials sustainable solutions

now embedded in all aspects of the economy, in social change and environmental necessity. Members will by now have seen and hopefully studied our MPANI Key Focus Areas and objectives for this coming year and beyond, see MPANI Focus Areas and Objectives 2024. Our attention and efforts can be summarised around the 6 “Ps”, Planning, People, Power (energy grid connections), Procurement, Politics, Pounds and Pence (increasing budgets, saving public money and spending it better). In recent times MPANI has been pleased to have been involved in developing a number of collaborative networks, in which members partner with other organisations in investigating low-carbon solutions for future construction materials. This work will continue and become more focused as the journey to net zero continues. MPANI will strive to assist our member organisations in accelerating a practical, profitable, predictable and people-centric transition to net zero. We are also teaming up with other colleagues in the construction industry and education colleges to address the people and skills challenges many of you are facing. This will undoubtedly include more engagement at the very local level with schools, youth organisations and careers teachers. I intend to cover as many of these issues and real engagement, both by MPANI and individual members, in this year’s Journal.

MPANI 2024/25 JOURNAL I am pleased to inform you that we plan to publish our MPANI 2024/25 Journal in July / August of this year and hopefully, if the political environment allows, to publicly launch the Journal in the Long Gallery Stormont in late summer / early autumn. In line with previous years, our MPANI 2024/25 Journal will be packed with hard-hitting, informative editorials authored by industry leaders, specialists, and high-ranking figures. As in past years, this Journal will be the most comprehensive source of information on how the Northern Ireland mineral products industry is viewed by our stakeholders.

We will have a leading figure from within Northern Ireland writing a Foreword, we will have comment paragraphs written by leading figures from within local Government, comment from other construction industry representative organisations and views from a number of NGOs that MPANI partners with. We will again have comment from the younger generation of managers through our Young Leaders Group and from our Women in Minerals Group, who play such an important role across so many parts of our sector, on how they see the future and what we need to do to attract young people and improve the diversity within our Industry. As always, our target audience will be the construction industry, press, politicians, councillors, professional organisations and other industry sectors. I have no doubt this professionally produced Journal will again indicate to external stakeholders the professional industry we are, our commitment to safety, energy transition, skills and quality service and the essential contribution that our products make to our society.

SUPPORT OUR JOURNAL Over the coming weeks our colleagues and publishers of the Journal, 4 Square Media, will be in touch with you to ask for your support. Can I ask that you do give your support, either through advertising or through an informative article, or both? This will be a great opportunity to showcase, to a very wide range of stakeholders, the contribution your business has and continues to make to our society and economy by supplying essential materials and providing employment. Importantly, the MPANI 2024/25 Journal will again be the opportunity to send out the clear message that our industry is essential and responsible, delivering the products and services Northern Ireland depends on.

OUTLOOK FOR 2024 Feedback from Members recently has indicated a “steady” start to 2024 but those who are more dependent on public sector supply and contracts are facing a much more uncertain immediate future. The recently

published AECOM report, see AECOM_report. pdf (mcusercontent.com), highlights the fact that over the last few years, we have witnessed tremendous industry resilience in the face of major global events. As a positive, we are seeing the construction sector across Ireland enjoying a greater degree of stability and predictability in contrast to the volatile pandemic period, even though the aftershocks of inflation as well as high labour costs continue to be felt. That said, significant domestic pressures persist such as a lack of available labour resources. But there is good cause to be optimistic. In ROI, tender price inflation has stabilised and there is a continued strong capital programme of expenditure included in Budget 2024 while interest rate increases have stalled. In Northern Ireland, the absence of a functioning executive has slowed the pipeline of public projects, but fresh certainty around EU/ UK trade alongside an uptick in foreign direct investment may help fill order books until the political stalemate is unlocked. 2024 looks set to be a year of change and transition with elections taking place at local, national and European levels. Rest assured MPANI and MPA will be at the forefront of representing your views. Core to these efforts will be our “Priorities for Government” paper, see MPANI publish Priorities for NI Government | MPA NI.

AGM AND MEMBER FORUMS We look forward to seeing as many members as possible at our AGM on 7 March, 2024, in the Dunsilly Hotel at 6.30 pm, our May Local Member Forum on Thursday 30 May in the Killyhevlin Hotel Enniskillen, the 19 September in the Elk Toomebridge and the 5 December in the Glenavon House Hotel Cookstown. If you’re interested in becoming a full or affiliate member of MPANI and getting access to up-to-date Industry news and guidance don’t hesitate to give me a call on 07876 136 929. It would be great to have you on board. Take care and stay safe!!

www.mpani.org

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“We treat each asset as if it were our own and pride ourselves of our high level customer service” Ricky Wilson, Director and Auctioneer at Wilsons Auctions The family-owned business, Wilsons Auctions, was formed in 1936 by William J Wilson. The company has evolved into a powerhouse, proudly operating as the largest independent auction company in the UK and Ireland. With 47 auctioneers and valuers in-house, the family own and run auction company specialises in plant and machinery across the UK, Ireland and further afield. Family values are core to the business ethos and objectives at Wilsons Auctions. Noted for their “can do” attitude, the auction company make sure that customers have the very best, personal auction experience. Under the guidance of the Wilson family, the company has cultivated a passion for innovation, delivering top-notch sales and services. The commitment to professionalism, personal service, and technological advancements sets Wilsons Auctions apart as the preferred choice for both buyers and sellers. Plant and Machinery Specialists The Wilsons Auctions Group holds over 450 dedicated specialist plant and commercial vehicle auctions annually, auctioning an array of items such as plant and machinery, construction equipment, commercial assets, agricultural, HGV, LCV, coaches, engineering auctions, and major offsite auctions. Experienced sales managers, leading dedicated teams with a hands-on approach, ensures proactive sales strategies and exemplary customer service. Wilsons Auctions thrive on industry knowledge and maintain a keen grasp of the latest industry trends and advancements.

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Achieving top prices for vendors When selling with Wilsons Auctions you can be rest assured that, unlike many other companies, the auction company does not purchase clients’ assets to resell for profit. Wilsons Auctions has a focus on achieving the best price possible for vendors. As dedicated auctioneers, they offer an unbiased service to both sellers and buyers. This allows the auction company to achieve the best market price available, free from internal pressures from buying departments within the auction business. Working in partnership across various sectors, WIlsons Auctions acts on behalf of many state and semi state bodies, Government agencies, local authorities, alongside hire companies, insolvency practitioners, and many private sector companies. National Coverage Growing organically and by acquisition, Wilsons Auctions now operates from19 sites across Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland, collectively conducting over 3,200 auctions per annum. With national auction centres, re-marketing and storage premises, Wilsons Auctions is the only auction company to offer coverage across the entire UK and the Island of Ireland. Within the Island of Ireland, the auction company showcases over 85 acres of premises with state-of-the-art auction centres located strategically in Belfast, Portadown and Dublin. Whether it is movement for a single asset or a bulk load, the national coverage allows departments to efficiently manage collection and storage of any volume and category of asset.

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EURO AUCTIONS -

The engineers of ‘OFF SITE’ auction sales PR strategy ensures that this global buyer base is aware of all sales.

Euro Auctions is Europe’s leading auctioneer of agricultural, construction and industrial machinery, equipment and plant, as well the largest familyowned auction house in the world. Conducting over 70 major unreserved auctions every year, operating from 11 permanent auction sites, on four continents, Euro Auctions markets equipment to buyers and sellers in over 100 countries. What sets Euro Auctions apart from its peers is the ability to organise ‘off site’ heavy machinery sales, anywhere, away from the infrastructure of the permanent Euro Auctions sale sites. Working with owneroperators retiring their businesses, plant hire companies rotating or selling surplus stock, or liquidators forcing a sale, Euro Auctions is an expert at putting on a world-class, one-off ‘off-site’ sale, at a client depot, or neutral piece of land, whilst attracting an international buying audience. It all comes down to teamwork, a tireless work ethic, and being highly organised. And whilst there is a huge job to do, the Euro Auctions team does it very well. So, what makes that successful ‘off site’ sale? This is the Euro Auctions formula.

INVENTORY, CATALOGUE AND VALUATION Cataloguing and valuing tens of thousands of lots, each year, for every sale, Euro

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LAYOUT

Auctions has an appreciation of the true value of all items to be sold, which is crucial when giving clients an estimate of the sale value. For each sale, a catalogue is produced giving the bidder as much information about each item, including make, model, description, year, hours, service record, features and accessories.

MESSAGING The Euro Auctions PR team will work with the client to ensure the messages and the reason for the auction are communicated, especially when there may be a closure, liquidation or retirement sale.

ATTRACTING THE CROWDS For each sale Euro Auctions markets to its international database of known buyers and sellers in over 100 countries globally. Mail shots, pre-sale electronic marketing, advertising and a strong

The most impressive part of any ‘off-site’ sale is the site layout, with Euro Auctions adopting the same layout as scheduled depot sales, grouping similar makes and models together, laid out with military precision, giving bidders the chance to see multiples of similar lots. The Euro Auctions team may be onsite setting up the sale site many weeks in advance, working with the client and their team.

ONSITE SET-UP The onsite infrastructure set up at each ‘off-site’ sale needs to provide buyers with the means to attend the sale, register and bid in comfort. Many ‘off-site’ sales do have some level of infrastructure in place, but if none exists, marques or temporary buildings may be erected, offering shelter from bad weather, as well as a place to enjoy hot food and refreshment whilst watching the sale live on a big screen.

WI-FI AND COMMUNICATIONS IT and telecommunications are essential to the sale matrix, contributing to the success of the day, and the ability of Euro Auctions to communicate globally with its buying public. Euro Auctions creates Wi-Fi nets around the sales site, setting up communications hubs where IT connects

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to the web for online bidding enabling Euro Auctions to transact global payments.

REGISTRATIONS Bidders need to create an account or have an existing Euro Auctions account, enabling them to bid at the sale. Bidders need to present ID, a letter of authorisation, a company VAT number, a pre-paid bidding deposit equating to 10% of the estimated value of goods that they will be bidding for.

THE AUCTION The most exciting part of any sale is the auction itself. Euro Auctions provides the

auctioneers, many of whom are flown in from the USA, the auction ‘camper van’ as it’s known, containing all the technology to take the bids and monitor the ‘online’ and ‘phone’ bids. And lastly, the ‘bid catchers’ who get the audience excited about the sale, tease bids out of the crowd, creating a spectacle for the crowds as well as knowing many of the bidders personally, such is the auction world.

DESPATCH AND COLLECTION Once the sale has concluded, and with cleared funds having been received, invoice, collection can be arranged by the buyer. Euro Auctions still has responsibility for

this process and works with the client or the client’s representative (in the case of a forced sale or liquidation) to allow bought Lots to be collected from the site. In many cases, Euro Auctions will arrange despatch by a third-party haulier to deliver the consignment to its destination. With an eclectic client base, Euro Auctions has carried out ‘off-site’ sales for many prestigious names in the plant, machinery, hire, and contracting sectors in the past, for example, for Hewden, a stock of 127 mobile cranes, which sold in 5 hours on the runway at the Newark Showground, for €32m (£28m).

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VIEW OUR UPCOMING AUCTIONS ON OUR WEBSITE NOW.

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auctions & finance

CP Hire - Fleet Upgrade 2024 “The management team in Northern Ireland will have an active role to play on the ground, as we build on our England / Wales presence along the M4 corridor, helping to assist our existing and well-established team in those depots. It will take a couple of months to implement the service plan and fine-tune the systems, but we are very confident we can be consistent with our fleet quality and (due to geographical areas) keep to our 2-hour breakdown service goal.”

Northern Ireland-based CP Hire, with seven depots throughout Northern Ireland, and depots in Bristol, Cardiff and Swansea, announces a full fleet upgrade and enhanced support services at all their operating bases commencing early 2024. To facilitate this fleet restructuring, CP Hire will hold a stock rotation sale managed by Euro Auctions, the leading auctioneers of heavy construction machinery and agricultural plant in Europe. This ‘off-site’ sale will take place at Balla Lorry Park, Severn Road, Hallen, BS10 7GD, on 29th February and 1st March and the sale catalogue will include over 400 well-maintained machines that will go under the hammer in this unreserved sale. Following a change of management, with David and Andrew Hutchinson taking full control of the day-to-day running of their GB operation. Director, David Hutchinson, the son of the founder Norman Hutchinson, outlines the plans of the company to completely overhaul all plant stock and service provisions within the business. “Since 1971, we have been providing quality equipment and first-class customer service, which have been the cornerstones of our operation. Buying only quality brands and

keeping our fleet fresh and well-maintained, alongside our ‘on-site’ service provision, has seen us develop and maintain a very strong and loyal customer base.” “The next stage in the development of our business and our new management structure in England and Wales, reinforces our service provision to our customers which focuses on our on-site back-up service and quality equipment. Our vision is to emulate what we do in Northern Ireland, where we strive to be on-site within 1-hour of a breakdown. Our plans for 2024 include investing in a new plant across all depots in Northern Ireland, Bristol, Swansea and Cardiff, plus a new fleet of service vehicles.”

David Betts of Euro Auctions, comments on this upcoming sale, “This is a very tidy inventory of fresh, well-maintained machines. CP Hire does take very good care of their fleet, and a regular rotation is commonplace. Whilst this sale will draw a good crowd in the local area, the Euro Auctions strength is reaching out to an international audience. We expect good bidding on multiple machines, such is the quality.” The CP Hire fleet restructuring sale will take place on 29th February and 1st March at: Balla Lorry Park, Severn Road, Hallen, BS10 7GD Tel: 0044 2882 898 262 Euro Auctions HQ – Northern Ireland, UK: Tel: +44 (0) 2882 898262 Email: info@euroauctions.com Web: www.euroauctions.com

CULLION PLANT SERVICE Excavator attachment specialist

140 Killycolpy Road, Stewartstown, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone BT71 5NS Office: (028) 7772 5193 Mobile: 0776 2626 325 EMAIL: info@cullionplant.co.uk

www.cullionplant.co.uk 30

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We supply a full range of excavator and loader attachments IDIG 2D machine control systems. Improved productivity, Reduced labour and improve health and safety.

conference & awards

REGIONAL RECOGNITION AWARD FOR JOEL Eakin Bros Ltd have demonstrated its expertise in the automotive industry, having celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023. It is also a longstanding partner of Isuzu UK, being part of the PickUp Professionals since 2003. The proud heritage of the dealership is underpinned by their reputation as one of Northern Ireland’s most trusted dealers, consistently working with customers to offer the best service possible.

Joel Eakin, Marketing Executive for Eakin Bros Ltd, has won the Regional Recognition Award at the Isuzu UK Dealer Conference and Awards 2024 in Glasgow. The prestigious award was given to Joel because of his unwavering commitment to the Isuzu UK brand, producing excellent marketing material and playing a pivotal role in organising multiple successful events for Eakin Bros Ltd. As Isuzu UK celebrated its most successful year since the launch of the D-Max, it was time to celebrate the biggest achievers at the Dealer Awards. Joel Eakin is a leading example of how Isuzu UK has been able to push to new heights with a shrewd perspective to digital marketing and events, which has helped Eakin Bros Ltd and Isuzu UK to success in 2023. Rejoicing in his recent award win, Joel Eakin stated: “It has been a great year for us at Eakin Bros Ltd and to receive this recognition

Neil Scot, National Sales Manager, Isuzu UK with Joel Eakin receiving his regional recognition award from TV sports presenter Edith Barbour.

award is an absolute honour. It would have not been possible to win this award if it wasn’t for the amazing work that the team do across all areas of this historic dealership, which has allowed me to organise successful events and raise awareness of the incredible work we do for our customers.” The exemplary standard of marketing from Joel Eakin has not gone unnoticed, with Eakin

Bros LTD receiving Marketing & Social Media Dealer of the Year at the 2021 Isuzu Dealer Conference and Awards. Regional Sales Manager for Isuzu UK, Alan Coyle, said: “It is totally to Joel’s credit that he has been presented with this award. His continued focus on the Isuzu brand is greatly appreciated and this award highlights this sentiment.”

Out on the road, Izuzu’s D-Max pick-up is leading the charge. Equipped with a punchy turbo diesel engine delivering 164PS and 360Nm of torque each new model comes with a 125,000 mile/5-year warranty and 5 years UK and European roadside assistance. With towing capabilities of 3.5 tonnes, a maximum payload of 1,205kg and a 4x4 drive, the Isuzu D-Max works for customers day and night achieving up to 39.4mpg, meeting Euro 6D emissions standards.

STOCK NOW AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY

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wheeled excavators

KOMATSU EUROPE ANNOUNCES NEW PW168-11 AND PW198-11 WHEELED EXCAVATORS With the PW168-11 and PW198- 11 wheeled excavators Komatsu expands its product range of short-tail models, rounding up the operating weights of these popular machines up to 20 tonnes. The new machines are compact and easy to transport, powerful, comfortable, versatile, reliable and durable, as per the most frequently expressed customer requests, which led to their development. Precisely tailored to these requests, the two newly developed machines are now rolling out into operation.

TRANSPORTABLE, COMPACT AND POWERFUL You can quickly transport your new Komatsu wheel excavators to the next construction site without needing a special low-bed trailer, and work with them in narrow, limited spaces. With a low transportation height of just 3.1m, transport on standard low-bed trailers with a loading height of up to 4m is possible. The short

rear overhang of 1.85m (PW168-11) or 1.9m (PW19811) is ideal for narrow construction sites. Equipped with 4-cylinder Komatsu diesel engines (110kW or 129kW), the new shorttail wheeled excavators dig, lift and pull away almost anything on your job site. These engines meet the current EU Stage V emissions standards and are factorysupplied with environmentally friendly HVO Diesel fuel as standard. The unique machine design with an optimised boom and rear engine enables enormous lifting performance to move heavy loads easily.

COMFORTABLE, VERSATILE AND RELIABLE The active driving performance of the new models is also impressive. Thanks to a low centre of gravity, the machines feel stable on any road. The new premium seat with multi-stage ventilation and seat heating is particularly comfortable. All the important functions can be operated via the joysticks, and the excellent all-round

visibility is supported by four cameras with a bird’s eye view as standard. As a key machine, the mobile excavator is increasingly being used with a tiltrotator and 3D guidance system. The new models are open to any kind of system and are prepared for use with a tiltrotator as well as for 3D guidance systems. With useful extras such as joystick steering, tool control management or trailer coupling, the PW168 and PW198 can be optimally prepared for tough construction sites. The new Komatsu diesel particle filters, which are replaced only after 8,000 hours, enable long, uninterrupted work. Exhaust gas treatment is carried out fully automatically, without disrupting the workflow. Stable and robustly built, all maintenance points are centralized and easily accessible from ground level behind steel flaps. All important functions are displayed as standard via the machine monitor and the Komtrax fleet management system.

Innovations at a glance • Two new, additional Komatsu wheeled excavator models (PW168 & PW198) • Easy to transport: Compact dimensions and low transport height • Powerful Komatsu engines with 110kW (PW168) and 129kW (PW198) • Clean and environmentally friendly: Komatsu diesel particulate filter with 8000h replacement interval • Versatile use: Preparation for tiltrotator use and mounting points for machine control sensors • Many useful options available from factory

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AC T I V E LY, P R AC T I CA LLY, W E ’ LL H E LP YO U T H R I V E AG A I N Close Brothers Commercial Finance provide asset based lending, invoice finance and asset finance solutions to businesses across Ireland. We can help you access the working capital you need. Contact us today on (0)28 9099 5701 / +353(1) 901 5224 or visit closecommercialfinance.ie

CBCF THRIVE AGAIN Plant-Civil A4+ 06-2022.indd 1

25/05/2022 09:50:29

from the desk of

Karen McShane

President, The Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation

BRIDGING PEOPLE AND PLACES Perspectives from the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation

POSTAGE, PROCUREMENT AND WHOLE-LIFE COSTS

As this magazine lands on our shelves and coffee tables I will be reflecting on a busy six months with the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation visiting the Regions and Nations of my Professional institution talking about professionalism, climate action and equality, diversity and inclusion. Throughout each of these subjects, we must learn from what others are doing and look at the best way forward. In December I visited the Menai Bridge in Wales which was a groundbreaking early suspension

Greenwich Cable Car.

bridge constructed over a difficult waterway connecting two communities. I was honoured

New York High Line Railway Park.

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

The Peace Bridge.

to see some work taking place on the refurbishment of the suspension cables.

But do you know the Irish Connection with the Bridge? I have been researching the early Mail routes between Ireland and London as there was a requirement to carry mail across the Irish Sea to Parliament in London. There were four principal routes, and the first, from as far back as 1635, operated between Holyhead and Dublin and this carried mail to the midland areas of Ireland. To carry the mail in the early 1800s involved crossing the Menai Straits which was a body of water between Anglesey

Bandar, Kuala Lumpur.

from the desk of

Silom, Bangkok.

and Bangor and work started in 1819 on the construction of both the Menai and Conway Bridges. As a means of defraying the construction costs of these bridges, an extra 1d, per sheet of letter, was added to the costs of letters to or from Ireland that crossed the Bridge’s on their way to or from Holyhead. These costs continued until the railway link was introduced in 1848. This wasn’t the only route to Ireland; there was a second route between Donaghadee and Portpatrick in Scotland and one between Milford and Waterford from 1787 to 1839. This route also had a 1/2d charge from 1836 to cover the costs of road improvements near Milford and again it only applied to mail to and from Ireland. These charges were not made against local mail but only for the cross-Irish Sea mail. This is an old story, but it shows in the past how we thought differently about how we funded our essential infrastructure and how, after centuries, it still serves its purpose. We need to think about whole-life costs for our future projects and really must think differently about procurement and future maintenance.

SEVERANCE OR CONNECTION IN COMMUNITIES AND TRANSPORT? In recent months we have witnessed issues locally regarding low-density foam concrete which was a new technology after WW2 to reduce weight and costs. In parallel, we have been looking at how we foresee a sustainable future. New technologies are emerging, and at COP28 we saw pledges to improve our energy use and how we can be more sustainable with food production. This is the 28th such conference and yet it is only now that we

Shanghai.

see organisations like Petronas advertising their wish to become a sustainable provider. Now is the time to make those changes to ensure we save our planet. 2024 represents 60 years since transport consultancy Colin Buchanan and Partners launched its publication on “Traffic in Towns” which looked at segregating pedestrians from major roads. Amongst its recommendations it outlined the role of “bypasses’’ and ‘’it encouraged the use of multistorey car parks’’. It is easy to be critical in hindsight, but the report was a turning point in design as it demanded minimum environmental standards. As we look ahead what is the right plan of action for our communities? On my travels over the years, I have seen the impact of similar standards and to cite a few examples many parts of the major cities in Asia such as Kuala Lumpa, Beijing, and Bangkok all have segregated walkways in the city centres separating pedestrians from the major traffic flows cutting through the city centres. Of note, in Bangkok the Sky train is on an elevated platform and acts like the London Docklands Light railway as a mass rapid transit solution to moving people. But would we build such a structure today?

Dargan Bridge, Belfast.

Menai Suspension Bridge, Wales.

Northern Ireland was not immune to this publication, and it led to the development in 1964 of the Belfast Urban Motorway which was published by Travers Morgan in 1967 to outline the future proposals. This resulted in proposals for the Westlink the development of the M1, M2 and M3. Thankfully the proposal for the M4 along the Ormeau Embankment was never constructed while part of the M7 became the Sydenham Bypass. Each of these provided a potential line of severance for moving people across our cities but following the troubles in the 1970’s and, in particular, the 1973 Oil Crisis, the works were abandoned on several occasions, although they did progress with the routes being completed. Such proposals were not unique to Belfast and In the North West the Foyle Bridge was built in 1980 as a vehicular link across the estuary despite an unhospitable footway.

TIME TO RECONNECT THROUGH PLANNING AND DESIGN As we reflect on the past, we need to look to the recent innovations that have taken place in design. In New York, the High Line railway tracks have been converted into a

high-level walkway and locally, the Connswater Greenway has created a walking and cycling route to connect communities rather than severing them. This route has again made accessible the Con O’Neill bridge near Elmgrove School in East Belfast, which was described by Charles Brett as “a hoop of ancient stonework” and by Roy Greer as “to have been built in Con O’Neill’s time, which, if correct, would make it the oldest stone structure in Belfast”. As we move forward with the development of the emerging Area Plans, we need to be giving consideration to the future modes of travel and to start thinking about moving people and goods rather than cars. We need to be integrating land use with planning and transportation to ensure we all address our climate change goals. In London, a cable car is now operational across the Thames. What can we achieve in Northern Ireland as more sustainable ways to travel for the future? In the 1990s I had the pleasure of working with Laganside to develop the modelling and justification for schemes like the Waterfront Hall and Custom House Square. These were achieved by redefining spaces and closing roads, while maintaining the vehicular capacity. The team developed proposals for new walkways adjacent to the railway line and a much-enhanced bridge over the Weir connecting the SSE to the City. As we develop our towns and cities, let’s put forward more proposals like the Noah Donoghue bridge at the Brick Works land across the Lagan and the proposed Ormeau and Titanic bridges to reconnect our communities and to allow our towns and cities to grow. It is time for change.

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

in profile

FKL PLANT’S £6.2 MILLION PLANT FLEET EXPANSION SEEKS TO FUTURE-PROOF THE LAGAN SPECIALIST CONTRACTING GROUP SUPPLY CHAIN

Having just completed a £6.2 million investment in new plant, FKL Plant Ltd, part of Lagan Specialist Contracting Group, is geared up to support its customers with the quantity and quality of plant equipment needed to complete large-scale, complex infrastructure projects. Plant and Civil Engineer’s editor, Emma Cowan, talks to Pat McKay, General Manager of FKL Plant to drill into the nitty gritty of this substantial upgrade to the company’s plant fleet.

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

in profile This is an expansion that has been in the pipeline for some time. For the past year or more, Pat has been planning the investment, deciding on what equipment will best fit the needs of FKL Plant’s internal and external customers and will enhance capabilities to deliver projects on time, most efficiently and contribute to environmental protection considerations. And, of course, making the best use of his budget was paramount. Most of FKL Plant’s business is supplying plant and on-site support to other companies in the Lagan Specialist Contracting Group, including Lagan Aviation and Infrastructure, FK Lowry Piling, Lagan MEICA, Charles Brand, H&J Martin and Lagan Operations and Maintenance. For Pat, a major factor in the decision-making process was looking at the pipeline of projects within the Group. “Almost all of our turnover is generated from within the Group,” says Pat. “Last year our turnover was just over £7.2 million and only around eighteen per cent of that was sourced from outside the group. That’s our business model, although there are exceptions, but the companies in the Lagan Specialist Contracting Group are all major players in construction and infrastructure in the UK and Ireland and to take on external business at scale would require a much greater investment in plant.”

ADDING TO AN EXTENSIVE FLEET FKL Plant already has an impressive plant equipment fleet, comprising 194 ‘big ticket’ stock items. To give a flavour of the current fleet, the company already owns eight piling rigs, four of which are dual purpose piling rigs, 18 road rollers, crawler cranes ranging from 40tons to 100tons, three asphalt plants and three concrete batching plants. There is a healthy stock of excavators, telehandlers and dump trucks, in addition to construction site essentials such as tractors, lighting towers and auxiliary equipment. There are no new cranes in the current tranche of investment, but Pat is very happy with the cranes he already has. As an example, “The Hitachi Sumitomo SCX400T telescopic crawler crane offers many advantages for shorter-term contracts,” he says. “It’s fully self-contained for transport by a single truck, fast to get to work and delivers unparalleled rough terrain capability and stability. Reading through the FKL Plant ‘fitters stocklist’ in full,’ the overall stock of plant and equipment reveals leading brand names in each product category and also indicates that FKL Plant builds ongoing business relationships with trusted suppliers. For example, the entire stock of CFA and rotary piling rigs is comprised of the Soilmec brand, and that Italian company and its UK distributor also feature in the recent investment programme. Other sector-leading brands in the FKL Plant stable include Husqvarna saws and Vogele Super pavers. Genie dominates the MEWPS boom lifts, DAF and Volvo are favourites in dump trucks, Hamm and Bomag make up the rollers fleet, and JCB, Volvo, Hitachi and Komatsu share the excavator lineup. Although there isn’t an additional Husqvarna road/floor saw in Pat McKay’s shopping trolly this time, his excitement describing these behemoths indicates his genuine passion for heavy-duty plant. “Our road saws are monsters, “he says. “They have 1200mm blades that can cut 600mm deep and they are particularly important for Lagan Aviation’s runway repairs and upgrades. We have to saw across existing material and then put in new material matched to ensure a completely level surface. Our window of opportunity to do this is usually between five and six hours. We have to lay 600-700 tons in that window and half an hour later a plane lands on it. Lagan Aviation does all the asphalt works, which is mainly airports.

In terms of large items, there are 25 ‘big ticket’ items covering asphalt, concrete, road/runway equipment and piling equipment, plus the ancillary items needed for work on site and for transportation. Those items include breakers, excavators, telehandlers, tractors and trailers, fuel and water tanks, lorries, trucks, trailers and a dump trailer. In addition, the motor fleet has been expanded with vans, four-by-fours and cars. “I’m a great advocate for buying local where I can” says Pat and the list of purchases certainly confirms that. Pat’s supplier list includes at least nine local (as in Northern Ireland) companies, covering larger plant items such as a Rapid Easybatch 120 from Rapid International based in Tandragee, County Armagh, a new road saw from Robert Craig, a Duetz tractor from GA Allen (a ‘newbie’ to the fleet of John Deere’s!) and multiple items from GG Plant Sales, TBF Thompson, WAC McCandless, Dennison, Finning JCB, Pat O’Donnell and JKC Coleraine. Pat continues, “If it’s not possible to get what I want from local companies, of course, I work with suppliers I already know and trust and have already done business with because they are the best at what they do”. Examples featuring in FKL Plants capex programme include Wirtgen asphalt pavers), Intrame (asphalt plant) and Soilmec (piling rigs and concrete pumps), although these international manufacturers work through distributor networks. Bomag is supplied locally through TBF Thompson.

NEW RECRUITS AND BUYING LOCAL The £6.2 million investment in plant over the last year has given FKL Plant’s stock a very significant uplift, focused firmly on acquiring the plant items that the Lagan Specialist Contracting Group companies need to win contacts and deliver seamlessly. At the time of writing, not all of the new plant has been delivered but, as Pat says, “If all the plant was delivered and in stock, we would need more than ten acres to accommodate it. Our concrete batching plants would, alone, require a one-acre space.”

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

in profile

PAVING AND ROLLING ASSETS This year FKL Plant has purchased two new pavers and an additional roller. “We have a stock of 17 rollers already, but demand suggested there was a need for two more,” Pat explains. “We have 15 Hamm rollers, exceedingly reliable and bought from Wirtgen, which is an excellent company to work with. We also have two Bomag rollers, and now two more Bomag UBW 28 RH, bought from TBF Thompson in Garvagh.” At an operating weight of 28.6 tonnes, this pneumatic-tyred roller delivers maximum productivity as well as a comfortable cab with a great view. The best compaction quality can only be achieved if the operator has an optimum view of the roller’s operating areas, which is why the BW 28 RH comes with outstanding 360° unobstructed views. The roller can be adapted to any compaction task and excels, not only in terms of power and efficiency but also in safety and easy operation. The two new VÖGELE pavers added to the fleet represent an investment of £630,000, a sound move in Pat’s view. He says, “Both machines, the 1900 and the 1803, come complete with an AB 600 Screed. The 1900 is a highway-class paver that paver impresses with its flexible, modular system which, in addition to user-friendliness and process automation, also contributes to economy and sustainability.

“The 1803-3i is VÖGELE’s most powerful wheeled paver. It combines sturdiness and reliable material handling, large pave widths up to 8 metres, excellent mobility and easy transfer under its own power. The statically defined undercarriage ensures its powered wheels maintain constant ground contact.” Both pavers were purchased from Wirtgen and added to four other VÖGEL pavers in the fleet.

ULTRA MOBILE ASPHALT BATCHING PLANT

Intrame ultramobile batch plants are designed to produce on the job site and, increasingly, that is what Lagan Specialist Contracting Group of companies require. It follows that FKL Plant needs to supply such machines and the £1.9 million purchase of an Intrame 120 T Ultra Mobile puts asphalt production where and when it’s needed on the Group’s job sites. “Intrame is a Spanish brand, and this was a large investment,” says Pat. “However, we think it will be well worth it in terms of the Group’s Lagan Aviation and Infrastructure work. When it comes to that side of the business, FKL Plant’s objective is to break even. Despite that, calculating on our normal straight-line depreciation formula, we estimate a ten-year payback on this investment. When you consider that FKL Pant’s capex programme was tailored around forward-order books, it made sense to have this machine on board. “The Intrame 120 T is partly wheeled but mobile, in this context, means it can be trailered in sections, built together for use and then dismantled and removed.”

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

in profile

RAPID ROAD TO MOBILE CONCRETE

FKL Plant already has a Rapid Trakmix 250T per hour continuous batching (Ideal for mixing CBGM), as well as a Voyager 90m concrete plant, but this is an area where demand is high, so Pat invested £600k in the purchase of a new Rapid Easy Batch 120 Ultra from County Armagh-based Rapid International. 3

This machine produces 120 cubic metres per hour of PQ concrete and CBGM concrete-based Granular Material. “The concept behind this machine is how quickly and cost-effectively it can be set up. It’s suitable for a project where you have to mobilise and demobilise fast and it’s very good for areas with limited access. These are constraints we have to accommodate all the time, on airport runways and in urban areas, so I believe it is a very sound investment for the Lagan Specialist Contracting Group,” says Pat. The Rapid Easy Batch features a heavy-duty twin-shaft mixer for short mixing times and fast outputs. The high-capacity mobile batching plant can deliver outputs of up to 120m per hour, and its four bins offer a total capacity of 84m . This plant is particularly suited to large construction, infrastructure and civil engineering projects, yet its set-up is fast, with just a single crane lift and, with a compact footprint, its positioning on site is not an issue. Without a doubt, it will be featuring on an aviation project soon. 3

FROM FARM FIELD TO CIVILS SITE One of the more unexpected items on FKL Plant’s acquisition is a Hi Spec 2600 rain gun. Much more commonly associated with agriculture and, to be specific, spreading slurry, the rain gun is also useful on construction sites. FKL Plant bought the tanker, complete with rain gun water tanks, from GG Plant in Dromore in a £24k investment. “It will be a real asset in preparing the ground (dust suppression) and washing down (stockpiles) and, given the tight timeframes Lagan Specialist Contracting Group companies have to operate within, having the tanker on site and ready to wash will be an advantage., says Pat. “In tandem with this, we purchased a 24-ton low-load bed trailer from GG Plant Sales in to facilitate the movement of asphalt laying equipment.” More conventionally, the investment programme features wheels for the road (rather than the field) including 160 vans, 30 4x4's and 33 electric vehicles. Suppliers included JKC Coleraine (BMW). Pat O’Donnell (Volvo), CCC Commercials, Trust Ford, Charles Hurst Toyota and Agnew Leasing. CONTINUES ON PAGE 44

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

in profile

RIVERRIDGE - MEETING TOMORROW’S SUSTAINABILITY REQUIREMENTS TODAY Leading waste and resource management provider, RiverRidge is the waste partner of choice for almost 5,000 commercial and municipal customers, particularly those within the region’s construction and manufacturing sectors.

RiverRidge works closely with its customers to provide a bespoke waste management service that is solely based on their needs, offering cost-efficient waste management solutions, whilst also delivering expertise, local know-how and a personal customer service.

Working in partnership with customers to meet their sustainability targets, RiverRidge provides innovative and environmentallyfriendly solutions to waste management requirements, and offers real-time reporting and traceability, instilling confidence that all waste is being treated using world-class recycling and energy recovery processes.

The company has a dedicated and growing customer care team, which provides an immediate and efficient point of contact for customers, and with stringent processes in place to ensure the highest levels of performance against the most demanding service level agreements, the team maximises first touch resolutions where possible.

Reinforcing its commitment to sustainability, RiverRidge became the first waste management company to publish an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report earlier this year, following the launch of its ESG strategy. With this topic becoming an increasing focus for many businesses, RiverRidge is utilising its expertise to allow its customers to better understand the carbon impact of their operations by investing in state-of-the-art reporting software and enabling advanced carbon reporting for its growing customer base.

The company was recently recognised for its dedication to sustainability and innovation in waste management at the 2023 Plant and Civil Engineer Awards, where it won the coveted ‘Waste Management and Environmental Excellence’ award for the second consecutive year. The judging panel also commended RiverRidge for its innovation in developing Northern Ireland’s first large-scale wasteto-energy facility, Full Circle Generation; its use of biomethane as a renewable energy; environmental protection and green energy practices, as well as its transparency in waste management processes.

Rethinking Resources Northern Ireland’s Leading Waste and Resource Management Company RiverRidge is proud to support FKL Plant

Belfast | Coleraine | Derry/Londonderry | Portadown | Mallusk +44 (0) 28 95 313 313 info@riverridge.co.uk / www.riverridge.co.uk

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

As part of its vision ‘to treat waste as a valuable resource, ensuring a positive outcome for our planet and communities’, RiverRidge continues to be proactive and seek ways to help customers, and the region, meet their green targets, with some exciting developments in the pipeline including the development of an alternative vehicle fuel project and anaerobic digestion (AD) plant. RiverRidge’s customers can be assured that when they choose RiverRidge as their waste management provider, they are choosing reliability, traceability and sustainability.

in profile

GG PLANT SALES GIVE YOUR MACHINERY STOCK A GEE-GEE! As Plant and Civil Engineer goes to press, the following items are available new. @

GG Plant Sales is a specialist supplier of new and used trailers and used plant machinery for the agricultural and construction industry. The company is located in County Down between Belfast and Newry, close to A1 dual carriageway. GG Plant Sales is a leading supplier and stockist of Kane trailers including low loaders, dumper trailers, silage trailers and bale trailers, SpreadPoint stone carts and spreaders. The company has available Woods trailers, NC equipment, BFWS attachments, such as bucket brushes, to suit telehandlers, skid steer and front loaders. At the recent Spring Farm Machinery show at Balmoral, GG Plant Sales showcased the new Kane Halfpipe+ Silage trailer, which was launched in 2024.

Contact details: Mobile +447801643173, website www.ggplantsales.co.uk

AVAILABLE NEW: • Kane trailers (low loaders, dump trailers, silage trailers, bale trailers) • Woods trailers • SpreadPoint stone carts and spreaders • NC equipment GG Plant Sales also stocks a variety of second-hand trailers and plant machinery which are fully serviced and ready for use. These include diggers from 1ton to 14ton, telehandlers including Merlo, JCB and Manitou, and dumpers of various sizes.

Check out the GG Plant Sales website for current stock. Finance and delivery can be arranged and tradeins are welcome. Equipment can be sourced to suit the customer’s needs.

• BFWS attachments

AVAILABLE USED: • Trailers • Diggers • Telehandlers • Dumpers

www.ggplantsales.co.uk We Specialise in Supply of Trailers for Agriculture and Plant Applications including Low-Loaders, Dump Trailers, Tipping Trailers and Bale Trailers.

info@ggplantsales.co.uk Tel: +44 (0)2892693825 Mob: +44 (0)7801643173

AVAILABLE NEW: • Kane trailers (low loaders, dump trailers, silage trailers, bale trailers) • Woods trailers • SpreadPoint stone carts and spreaders • NC equipment • BFWS attachments AVAILABLE USED: • Trailers • Diggers • Telehandlers • Dumpers

50 Greenogue Road, Dromore, Co. Down, N. Ireland BT25 1RG

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

in profile

Vögele Dash 5 road pavers:

TWO STEPS AHEAD Road construction companies are equipped for the future with Vögele’s latest-generation SUPER 1900-5(i) and SUPER 2100-5(i) Road Pavers and AB 500 and AB 600 Extending Screeds. These highway-class pavers are at home whether on highways or handling other demanding large-scale projects. The SUPER 1900-5(i) manages pave widths between 2.55 m and 11.5 m, the SUPER 21005(i) up to 14 m. Both Dash 5 pavers are convincing products featuring a flexible, modular system which takes account of economy and sustainability as well as ease of use and process automation.

MORE CONVENIENCE AND SAFETY Vögele make user requirements a key focus of development, resulting in further optimisation of the ErgoPlus operating concept which, with its touchscreen and smartphone shelf, delivers improved convenience for digital road construction. The new Paver Access Control (PAC) function enables Dash 5-generation pavers to be equipped for work on the job site quickly, conveniently and safely. The control unit positioned on the screed allows all the initiation steps to be performed from ground level, promoting safety and saving time, as the paver operator cannot forget to lock the hardtop in position and can start heating the screed as soon as he has arrived on the paver operator‘s platform. The combination of PAC and Light Package Plus provides additional convenience and safety. The integrated lighting provides even illumination of the whole working area, eliminating the need to transport separate lights to the job site.

INTO THE FUTURE WITH AUTOMATION Process automation has been intensified in the SUPER 1900-5(i) and SUPER 21005(i) road pavers using assistance and control systems to prevent paving errors and considerably increase efficiency and paving quality. For example, the AutoSet Plus feature simplifies handling and adds new functions. Niveltronic Plus Assist helps the paver operator pave the road accurately in predefined cross-sectional profiles. Paving parameters can be entered on the display and the progress of construction monitored accordingly. Edge Control now also makes it possible to control screed width, as well as to steer along a tensioned wire. Measurement of screed width in the hydraulic cylinders delivers a precise position signal

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

for what in future will be fully automatic screed width control using 3D data.

QUICK, PROFITABLE AND ECONOMICAL Given the rise in raw material prices, economy is becoming more important in road construction success, which is why, with its Dash 5 pavers, Vögele has ensured reduced setup times, improved logistics and increased machine availability. In addition to the new Paver Access Control (PAC) function, the intuitive and further optimised ErgoPlus 5 operating concept and the AutoSet Plus automatic function, optimise material handling and improve profitability. The new material handling control prevents load peaks and facilitates an optimum head of mix in front of the screed throughout the entire paving process. The benefits at relatively large pave widths are obvious. The optional Power Tunnel feature demonstrates its strengths primarily in paving jobs involving extending screed without bolt-on extensions. The hydraulically extending limiting plates for the auger tunnel ensure an optimum level of material in front of the screed, even with hydraulic extensions fully extended. Retraction and extension of the Power Tunnel can be controlled together with screed width adjustment, delivering an optimum flow of material that saves time and money and secures a high level of paving quality.

OPTIMISED VÖGELE ECOPLUS LOW-EMISSIONS Both pavers are equipped with a powerful, liquid-cooled 6-cylinder diesel engine from

John Deere. The SUPER 1900-5(i) has an output of 149 kW at 2,000 rpm, whereas the engine of the SUPER 2100-5(i) delivers 187 kW at 2,000 rpm. ECO mode, which is adequate for many jobs, reduces costs and facilitates low-noise operation. The new Dash 5 pavers are also equipped with a further optimised Vögele EcoPlus low-emissions package. The tried and tested functions of the Dash 3 generation, such as the splitter gearbox, the energyoptimised tamper drive and the controlled hydraulic oil temperature circuit, can still be found in the Dash 5 machines. Overhauling the speed-controlled fan, additional noise insulation measures and optimised material handling have made the new machines much more efficient, powerful and quiet - all with increased performance.

THE LATEST-GENERATION SCREEDS Vögele has the right screed for every application, all with outstanding reputations. The new AB 500 and AB 600 Extending Screeds of the Dash 5 generation deliver simplified handling on the job site, reducing setup times. More powerful heating rods lead to quicker screed heating. The Dual Power Shift function and hydraulic tamper stroke adjustment ensure even greater time savings and process optimisation. There is now no need at all for mechanical adjustment of tamper stroke, enabling operators to set the ideal tamper stroke for the paving task in question at the touch of a button. Design optimisations have also helped generate a significant reduction in noise and vibration.

A JOHN DEERE COMPANY

All bases covered! www.wirtgen-group.com/technologies

CLOSE TO OUR CUSTOMERS ROAD AND MINERAL TECHNOLOGIES. With leading technologies from the WIRTGEN GROUP, you can handle all jobs in the road construction cycle optimally and economically: processing, mixing, paving, compacting and then rehabilitation. Put your trust in the WIRTGEN GROUP team with the strong product brands WIRTGEN, VÖGELE, HAMM, KLEEMANN and BENNINGHOVEN. WIRTGEN LIMITED - Wirtgen Group House - Overfield Park - Godfrey Drive - Newark - NG24 2UA Tel: 03452 412770 - Email: sales.gb@wirtgen-group.com

www.wirtgen-group.com

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29.01.24 10:54

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FKL PLANT FACILITATES ABERDEEN HOSPITAL BUILD

When Graham was appointed as the main contractor for the largest scheme procured through the Health Facilities Scotland Framework, it looked to FK Lowry for piling and to FKL Plant for specialist equipment hire. The Baird and Anchor Hospital was built on the site formerly occupied by the Foresterhill Health Centre and Breast Screening Centre on the Foresterhill Health Campus. It unites all maternity, neonatal, reproductive medicine, breast and gynaecology services, as well as providing a patient hotel and dedicated teaching and research facilities. The ANCHOR Centre is attached to the existing Radiotherapy Centre and brings all haematology, oncology and radiotherapy day and outpatient services under one roof. The new facilities are designed to modernise patient care and facilities at the Foresterhill Health Campus, Europe’s biggest healthcare site, and is part of NHS Grampian’s continued investment in new and improved facilities across the North East of Scotland. Piling was required for the 392 linear metre, two-storey basement construction. The project required. • 900mm primary CFA female piles • 1000/900mm secondary Rotary male piles • Up to 4m long rock sockets in <100Mpa granite bedrock • 577 rotary bored bearing piles • 266 450mm diameter. CFA piles (for the Anchor Hospital) FKL Plant supplied four dual-purpose rotary bored piling rigs for the project. Bill Williamson, Project Director with the main contractor, Graham, was fulsome in his appreciation of the job completed by FK Lowry and FKL Plant. He said: “FK Lowry Piling delivered the £4.5M Piling Package for Graham at the Baird & Anchor Hospitals in Aberdeen. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, the Scottish Winter and tough ground conditions, FK Lowry Piling delivered the sub-contract on time and to budget. The Piling element of this project was a particular success and I have no doubt that FK Lowry’s Professional approach and can-do attitude was a major element in this.”

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CONTINUES ON PAGE 50

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

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ONE STOP SHOP FOR VANS WHEN AND WHERE YOU NEED THEM FROM COMBER COMMERCIAL CENTRE fleets in the UK. The fleet is updated on a monthly basis with all current and new models being made available to hire.

Comber Commercial Centre (CCC) was founded in 1977 by Mr Raymond Stanex Snr and recently, in June 2023, the company celebrated 47 years’ trading in commercial vehicle sales and rentals within Ireland and further afield to Great Britain and mainland Europe. Raymond Snr sadly passed away in October 2017. However, in honour of the legacy that he created, his two sons Raymond Jnr and Robin now own and manage the family business. Comber Commercial Centre has grown from humble beginnings to be recognised as a market leader in supplying highquality products and services to the commercial vehicle industry from both a sales and rental perspective. Post Covid, the company has created a high-quality van supermarket maintaining extremely high levels of stock availability, mainly preregistered vans, for instant purchase from

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

a variety of manufacturers by our varied range of clients throughout Northern Ireland, Southern Ireland and Great Britain. Comber Commercial Centre’s hire division has grown over many years and is now widely recognised as one of the largest, most modern, independently owned rental

All at CCC consider it their aim to continue the legacy created by Raymond Snr with attention to detail being high on the agenda regarding all sales and services. Raymond Jnr said: “We care about our clients and fully appreciate modern business, which helps keep CCC ahead of the field in today’s fast-moving and time-driven world. We pride ourselves on being able to deliver when others can’t. Our motto is ‘if we don’t have it in physical stock, we will find it!’” Having worked in the industry for 35 and 31 years respectively, Raymond and Robin are hugely experienced and respected within the industry and are proud to be part of a continually growing business which still constantly maintains a high level of service with that all-important personal touch.

www.ccchire.co.uk

ALWAYS GOING THE EXTRA MILE

Comber Commercial Centre 3c Killinchy Street, Comber BT23 5AP

T: 028 9187 3245 M: 07980 637915 E: info@ccchire.co.uk

HIRE VANS • BOX VANS • 8 & 9 SEATERS WE SELL ALL TYPES OF COMMERCIAL VEHICLES FROM VARIOUS LEADING MANUFACTURERS.

in profile The INTRAME Ultra Mobile unit UM280.

INTRAME also offers static modular plants with integrated hot storage. The RAPMaster 240.

INTRAME FROM ASPHALT PLANT SOLUTIONS ON THE RUNWAY WITH FKL PLANT Asphalt Plant Solutions is the UK and Ireland sales and marketing arm for asphalt batching equipment manufactured by INTRAME. The company works with customers to provide leading technology in the supply of asphalt plants, with INTRAME equipment designed to meet and exceed the needs of the projects and facilitate future growth. Given the focus on airport work within the Lagan Group, the INTRAME Ultra Mobile 120TPH plant purchased by FKL Plant will be used predominantly for runway construction on projects such as the RAF Marham in Norfolk.

MOBILISING ASPHALT PRODUCTION “Asphalt is the primary material used in the construction and maintenance of airport runways. It provides a durable and smooth surface that can withstand heavy aircraft loads and adverse weather conditions,” says Kevin Ward, Commercial Director at Asphalt Plant Solutions. “Traditionally, asphalt plants were large, stationary facilities located near the construction site. However, with the advent of mobile asphalt plants, like the INTRAME Ultra Mobile

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

120TPH plant the process of runway construction has been revolutionised.” INTRAME ultra-mobile asphalt plants are compact, selfcontained units that can be easily transported and set up at any location. They are equipped with all the necessary components for asphalt production, including a drying drum, a mixer, and a control system. These plants can produce high-quality asphalt mixes that meet the stringent specifications required for airport runways.

MOBILITY, EFFICIENCY, VERSATILITY AND CONTROL One of the key advantages of mobile asphalt plants is their mobility. They can be quickly transported to the airport site, allowing for on-site production of asphalt. This eliminates the need for long-distance transportation of asphalt from a stationary plant, reducing costs and environmental impact. Additionally, the ability to produce asphalt on-site ensures a constant supply of fresh material, minimising the risk of delays and ensuring timely completion of runway construction projects.

INTRAME Ultra Mobile asphalt plants are also highly efficient. They utilise advanced technologies to optimise fuel consumption and reduce emissions, making them environmentally friendly. The drying drum and mixer are designed to achieve maximum heat transfer and asphalt mixing efficiency, resulting in high-quality asphalt mixes with excellent durability and performance. Another significant advantage of mobile asphalt plants is their versatility. They can produce different types of asphalt mixes, depending on the specific requirements of the airport runway project. This flexibility allows for customised asphalt mixes that can meet the unique needs of each runway construction project. In addition to their mobility and versatility, mobile asphalt plants offer enhanced control and monitoring capabilities. They are equipped with advanced control systems that allow operators to adjust and fine-tune the asphalt production process in real time. This ensures consistent quality control and enables the production of asphalt mixes that meet the desired specifications.

RUNWAY REVOLUTION In conclusion, mobile asphalt plants have revolutionised the construction of airport runways. Their mobility, efficiency, versatility, and advanced control capabilities make them the ideal choice for runway construction projects. Kevin Ward continues: “Asphalt Plant Solutions’ combined experience with INTRAME’s global network ensures firstclass technical service and support. We are a professional and experienced company with a personal touch, and we’re excited about our products. We believe we have the technology to provide incredible equipment that copes with the demands of the marketplace. “Having worked closely with FKL Plant and LAGANS in terms of the final design specification we are very excited to see the on-site asphalt production, reduced transportation costs, and improved environmental performance. As the demand for efficient and sustainable runway construction methods continues to grow, INTRAME Ultra mobile asphalt plants will play a crucial role in shaping the future of airport infrastructure development.”

WHO WE ARE Asphalt Plant Solutions is the UK & Ireland sales and marketing arm for asphalt batching equipment manufactured by INTRAME. We supply Asphalt Plants with a keen focus on service and support.

WHAT WE DO We work with you to provide leading technology in the supply of Asphalt plants. The equipment is designed to meet and exceed the needs of the projects providing room for future growth in your company. Our combined experience with INTRAME’s global network ensure first class technical service and support.

WORK WITH US We are a professional and experienced company with a personal touch. We are excited about our products and we believe we have the technology to provide incredible equipment the copes with the demands of the marketplace.

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FKL PLANT IN ACTION AT LONDON CITY AIRPORT FLK Plant was a crucial supply partner to its sister company, Lagan Aviation on a one-year runway refurbishment project. The £21 million contract involved strengthening and overlaying the existing 1.5km runway with a new Asphalt surface, a fulldepth reconstruction of four existing taxiways and upgrades to lighting and drainage (14km ducting and 150 new pits). FLK Plant supplied all the plant equipment for this, including rollers, excavators, telehandlers and attachments, an asphalt plant, loaders, dump trucks and lighting towers. All of the equipment supplied was less than five years old and, given the prevalence of housing and local communities in the vicinity of the airport. The equipment was fitted with the best available built-in noise suppression. One team of workers was on the site during the day and, given ongoing airport operations, a second, dedicated team worked on limited possessions of runway space from 9:00 pm to 5:00 am. These nighttime possessions required close liaison with London City Airport operations to complete and hand over each section ready for air traffic use the next day. FKL Plant equipment was also used for recycling, indeed, over 90% of waste was recycled through careful segregation and by screening spoil for re-use on site. Nevertheless, over 30,000 tonnes of aggregate were delivered to the site by barge, with on-site transport handled using FKL Plant equipment.

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ROBERT CRAIG & SONS INNOVATING FOR OVER 140 YEARS Robert Craig and Sons, or simply Craigs, is a supplier of specialist equipment to the civil engineering, construction, power generating and environmental sectors. It is a company with a long pedigree and the reputation of being the ‘go to’ destination for specialist products and the latest innovations, thanks to its experience in sourcing, the supply partnerships it has developed and the reliable, expert service it offers its many customers. The company was founded in 1882 and current managing director, David Craig, is the fifthgeneration custodian of what remains a family business. It is safe to say that, while the traditional values of a family firm hold true, the founding fathers of Robert Craig and Sons might not recognise many of the products carried, nor, indeed, the industrial sectors, that the 21st century Craigs embraces. “We are a traditional family business in our approach to our team and people tend to stay with us,” says David, “However, as a team, we actively welcome

the changes in business and technology and the opportunities these bring and, with the support of our partners we are prepared and ready for new and exciting times. Change is the only constant in business.”

HUSQVARNA EQUIPMENT’S CUTTING EDGE David continues: “Our business operates in specialist markets and sources innovative equipment for particular needs for FKL Plant, we were delighted to supplied a number a of DS7000 DL saws to FKL. Husqvarna equipment has been a key part of our product range for almost 40 years now and they have been an important element in our progress. We welcome their ‘Expect More’ philosophy which applies to the product range and their associates.” Swedish headquartered HUSQVARNA CONSTRUCTION, part of Husqvarna Group, is a leading manufacturer of innovative equipment and diamond tools within the light construction industry. Its portfolio includes machines, solutions, services and diamond tools made for professionals who work with hard materials

like concrete and stone to shape urban environments of tomorrow. The most recent development in the Robotic demolition equipment from Husqvarna is beginning to make significant inroads in that sector. The environmental and safety advantages of remotecontrol demolition are obvious, but there can be significant cost advantages for the client too. Craigs has already undertaken training at Husqvarna to support this exciting development which is a natural fit with the large diamond-cutting equipment already working in the market.

INNOVATIONS IN RECYCLING, QUARRYING AND DATA CENTRES Craigs also supplies equipment manufacturers in recycling products, a sector which has been a mainstay of Northern Ireland Exporting for many years. Recycling equipment manufacturers rely on specialist suppliers to ensure the industrial pumps provided support the industry-leading environmental equipment they supply worldwide. The quarrying sector also uses large industrial pumps to

support their operations locally and abroad. Again, Craigs has longstanding, established partnerships with the leading names, including Grindex, Lowara, Grundfos, Jabsco and Apex pumps. All companies perform best when they innovate. Combining specialist knowledge in Craigs in partnership with WASP, is just one example of innovation in action, which began with the supply of high-quality Separ Filter elements, to the development of a product range with WASP, which Craigs now exports to more than 10 countries in Europe and further afield. It has become an Industry standard product in the standby power sector of the data centre industry. David Craig concludes: “Environmental drivers on emissions, efficiency and recycling should be seen as opportunities rather than restrictions. It Is therefore critical that Craigs only partners with key specialist suppliers such as Husqvarna, Xylem, Euroflo, WASP, among others to continue innovating for the future.”

HUSQVARNA FS 7000 DL The Husqvarna FS 7000 DL is a powerful diesel 1,200mm walk-behind floor saw with options for EPA Stage 4 or EU Stage V compliant engines. The product’s size, weight and balance is optimised for deep cutting in asphalt and concrete at a high production rate. With an impressive level of sustainable torque, it maximises production rates in the toughest conditions and contributes to a healthier working environment. The modern, service-friendly design, ergonomic controls and electronic support systems are highly intuitive, with a focus on operator efficiency and convenience.

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www.craigs-products.co.uk Craigs are pleased to work with FKL as a supplier of the range of specialist construction equipment over many years. We appreciate their business and hope we can continue to work with them on innovative projects requiring high quality state of the art equipment.

We pride ourselves on going the extra mile to help you choose the right equipment for the job. A happy customer is a loyal customer.

Unit C10, Knockmore Hill Industrial Estate, Ferguson Drive, Lisburn BT28 2EX

T: 028 9266 8500 F: 028 9266 8550

Sales@craigs-products.co.uk

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PIRTEK - LEADING HYDRAULIC SPECIALIST FOR PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEERING Hydraulic failure in a construction or civil engineering project can lead to costly delays and reputational damage. Therefore, the need for efficient and reliable hose replacement is critical to minimise unplanned downtime and keep operations moving smoothly. With a commitment to excellence and a proven track record, Pirtek consistently stands out as the leader in its field. Earning its reputation as the number one choice for onsite hydraulic replacement throughout the UK and Ireland, its success can be attributed to using a combination of cutting-edge technology, a highly skilled workforce, and a customer-centric approach. The Pirtek fleet of fully equipped mobile service units is strategically positioned to enable a 24/7 emergency breakdown response, providing prompt and efficient solutions directly to its customers’ doorsteps. Rain or shine, this ensures minimal downtime and maximises productivity for businesses across a wide variety of sectors.

coverage, meaning customers in both urban and remote locations can access the same high-quality onsite hydraulic hose replacement services. Each service centre is stocked with an extensive range of component parts and products for both hydraulic and pneumatic machinery. To support the diverse needs of its customers, if a hydraulic solution isn’t stocked, the Pirtek team will go above and beyond to develop a custom solution. This helps keep its customers – and their customers – moving.

Its extensive network of service centres supports its offering of unparalleled

Setting the company apart from its competitors is the expertise of its highly

trained and certified technicians. Trained at its National Training Centre in Birmingham, all technicians are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to carry our hydraulic hose replacement with precision and adherence to the highest industry standards. However, Pirtek’s dedication to customer satisfaction goes beyond just providing reliable services. The company understands the urgency associated with hydraulic failures and operates a 24/7 emergency service, ready to respond quickly to any critical situation. It also recognises its environmental responsibilities, placing strong emphasis on responsible waste disposal in its efforts to reduce the amount of harmful chemicals contaminating the environment. Pirtek is proud to support FK Lowry throughout the UK and Ireland for all their onsite hydraulic hose replacement needs. Contact your local Pirtek centre today for a fast onsite service or to learn more about how the hydraulic hose specialist can keep your business moving! https://pirtek.ie/ or https:// www.pirtek.co.uk/

The difference is night and day

Pirtek are No.1 for on site, hydraulic hose replacement across the UK and Ireland. Technicians are on call 24/7, 365 days a year, to fix hydraulic failures and keep your business moving. All technicians complete City & Guilds assured training programs, ensuring they are leaders in health and safety and best practice.

PIR_FKL Plant_Advert_070224_v4.indd 1

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Call your local centre, they will be happy to help. pirtek.co.uk | pirtek.ie Belfast 028 9036 9522 | Cork 021 421 0990 Dublin 01 456 4822 | Galway 091 730 530 Limerick 061 305 569 | Waterford 051 374 000

08/02/2024 10:15

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ORCHARD FENCING LTD UPGRADES PRECAST PRODUCTION County Armagh-based Rapid International Ltd has recently supplied Orchard Fencing Ltd with a new bespoke static concrete batching plant, located in Erith, South-East London. The £2 million project also involved concreting the entire facility, new warehousing, reconditioning of the existing precast machines, two new forklifts and new Coote Engineering machines and moulds. Serving London, Kent, and the wider southeast area, Orchard Fencing Ltd specialises in retailing and wholesaling fencing products and aggregates. In 2012, Orchard Fencing supplied security perimeter fencing for the London Olympics.

Fencing needed to invest in new production facilities and discovered Rapid International and its GB sales partner Concrete Technology, while buying a dry cast machine from Coote Engineering. Orchard Fencing’s managing director, George Hubble remarked, “Victor Pickering at Concrete Technology was very helpful and knowledgeable. He conducted a site visit, enquired about our requirements, and advised us on what specification of plant would best meet these. He then passed this information to Rapid’s in-house design team, who produced initial layouts, followed by 3D renders.”

THE RAPID SOLUTION

Orchard Fencing’s new bespoke Rapid concrete batching plant offers outputs of up to 22m UPGRADE FOR per hour. The new plant has OUTDATED PLANT three 12.5 tonne aggregate With an outdated plant hoppers, with integral 600mm over 30 years old, Orchard weighed belt conveyor, which Rapidbatch Advert Half Page PCE 2024.pdf 1 06/02/2024 3

discharges into a mixer loading skip. This skip subsequently feeds a 0.75m output Rapid RP750 planetary mixer, which is housed on a mixer platform, allowing for maximum access for maintenance and cleaning. Two discharge chutes under the mixer doors direct the material into the receiving hoppers on the Coote Engineering dry-cast machines. 3

Cement is stored in an 80-tonne silo, with a screw conveyor from the silo to the weigh hopper. A 500kg cement/powder weigh hopper is included, which is mounted on loadcells with aeration pads and a vibrator to aid in discharging. The plant also features a singlecompartment additive weigh system, which offers flexibility in additive batching. The plant includes a Rapid Jetwash mixer washout system, fitted with 3 spray heads. The system operates at 2000 psi, 15:45

offering high-pressure cleaning and maintenance of the mixer. The plant is fitted with a Pneutrol Dynamix batching control system, which enables the operator to oversee the entire batching process and offers unlimited recipe storage, manual control via the PC and remote operation.

ENHANCED CONTROL AND PRODUCTIVITY George Hubble commented: “Keith from Rapid International guided us through the whole installation process and we are really pleased with the plant. We are now self-reliant and have improved quality and service for our customers and stockists. “The new semi-dry machine requires a very accurate mix which would be very difficult to achieve without the Rapid static batching plant, the moisture probe inside the mixer calculates exactly how much water to add which gives us a fast, consistent and accurate batch every time. The steelwork is heavy-duty; the automation is very clever and user-friendly and the Rapid mixer much easier to clean and maintain.”

READY SET

BATCH

ROBUST | FAST | POWERFUL RAPIDBATCH IS THE ULTIMATE MOBILE BATCHING SOLUTION

CMY

SCAN TO LEARN MORE

www.rapidinternational.com

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G10 ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE AND EXPERTISE G10 Engineering, specialists in manual machining and line boring, are the perfect partner for maintenance and repair, providing a one-stop shop for all small and heavy plant requirements. Having a top-of-the-range line boring/bore welding machine, G10 can work on bores from 22mm to 400mm. (crushing jaws, diggers, buckets, piling rigs). Facilitating pins, bosses, bushes, threading, internal/ external bearing bits, face milling, boring, hydraulic ram repairs/modifications etc with manual lathe work. G10 can provide an all-around MIG/TIG fabrication and welding

service if required, with all manufacturing/ works completed in our purpose-built 4,500 square foot workshop outside Crossgar. Having extensive experience working with piling, quarry, heavy plant and agricultural companies, we ensure our clients have minimal downtime, whilst producing only quality repairs. G10 Engineering can reverse engineer components that have failed production lines, have lengthy delivery times or are no longer available, facilitating general machining repairs from mm to m(s) or bespoke prototypes and one-off requirements.

G10 Engineering’s mission is to provide excellence and expertise in manual machining and line boring, delivering complex engineering projects to tight tolerances, high standards and stiff deadlines, to minimise clientele downtime and operations. G10 Engineering provides innovative and strategic solutions, allowing customers’ needs to be met in a stress-free experience, and establishing long-term trusting relationships. If passing our workshop, we invite you to call in, have a look around and discuss any requirements you may have.

Manual Machining &

Line Boring Specialists

Services

Manual Lathe & Milling

Industries

Piling

Quarry

info@g10engineeringltd.com

Line Boring Heavy Plant

+447740 362310

43-45 Ballynahinch Road, Crossgar, Co.Down, BT309HS

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MIG/TIG Welding Agricultural

Bespoke Fabrication

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ELECTRIFYING YOUR FLEET For many fleet managers and businesses, the thought is how rather than when to transition their internal combustion engine fleet to an electric vehicle fleet. There are many reasons to convert to EVs, most notably saving money, decreasing your carbon footprint, and attracting and retaining employees.

• New model EV battery ranges are improving, meaning they may now become more suitable for your fleet compared to previous models. • How your employees are reimbursed for business mileage can have a significant impact on your true costs. • Offering a properly costed EV car scheme can be more cost-effective for both company and employee compared to a cash allowance solution in some cases.

Whether you are planning to electrify some of or all of your fleet, Agnew Leasing has the tools and experience to help you find EVs that suit your business and create a model that shows accurate Whole Life Costs to support your business in managing this process and helping to achieve your sustainability objectives.

• Introducing EVs can assist with your company’s overall carbon reduction and sustainability agenda.

Some key factors to consider are: • While EVs may have increased monthly costs they can have significantly lower wholelife costs when corporation

lower with EVs, so including these can be a recruitment, retention, and reward tool for your business.

tax offset and Class 1A NIC savings are accounted for.

EV 4X4 LCV MPV SWB MWB LWB

• Clearly, Driver Benefit in Kind (BIK) costs are significantly

For more information on how Agnew Leasing can help your business please contact David McEwen our Head of Business Development on 028 9038 6600 or email david.mcewen@agnews.co.uk

YOU NAME IT, WE LEASE IT.

HIGH ROOF

e do (It’s what w

best.)

Leasing for Everyone 028 9038 6600 | agnewleasing.com

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PROJECT ANVIL: FKL PLANT IN ACTION AT RAF MARHAM

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has been and continues to be a regular, important and valued client of the Lagan Group of companies, including FKL Plant, which is heavily involved in each MOD project to supply and manage the plant on-site.

the most challenging. It involved the negotiations with RAF Marham of a halt to flying for the period needed to complete the works and the construction team was given a threeweek ‘no-fly’ zone, setting a tight deadline for the work.

Project Anvil was the name given to the MOD’s major infrastructure investment project to improve existing facilities at RAF Marham station for the arrival of the F35 Lightning fleet, an advanced, fifth-generation stealth aircraft and a major boost to the UK’s defence capability.

This phase included removing more than 13,000 tonnes of existing asphalt and installing 23 pits and 1.2km of ducting for aeronautical ground lighting. To resurface the runway, more than 18,000 tonnes of asphalt was laid over an area of nearly 38,000 square metres, equivalent to more than five rugby pitches.

The £135 million contract was awarded to the Galliford Try/Lagan Construction Joint Venture. The project involved the design and build of a new aircraft hangar with associated support buildings, known as an operational conversion unit, as well as the reconstruction of the two runways. Three new vertical take-off and landing pads for the F35Bs were also included in the scope of works. The refurbishment of the airfield element of the project included the reinstatement of a disused runway, the refurbishment of an active main runway, and eleven taxiways, the construction of new aircraft servicing platforms, the construction of new build vertical landing pads, as well as aeronautical ground lighting (AGL).

MULTI-FACETED PLANT EQUIPMENT FKL Plants supplied the entirety of the plant equipment for the duration of the project, which involved so much plant and plant management that FKL Plant general manager, Pat McKay was on-site for much of the project’s duration. “Resurfacing the 1,855m long runway required setting up two batching plants to prepare the specific asphalt and concrete needed for the new surface,” said Pat. “The core of each vertical landing pad was constructed with HighTemperature Resistant Concrete which can withstand extremely high temperatures and pressure from the jets and had never previously been produced in the UK. It was a great project to be involved in and it showcased the breadth of plant equipment FLK Plant has and the depth of plant management and maintenance in the company.”

MEETING THE ‘NO FLY’ TIMETABLE The overall project was broken into nine phases, and the third phase, the refurbishing of the two runways, was potentially

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To achieve this within the required timescale the contractors worked in multiple shifts, 7 days a week. Thanks to everyone’s hard work, including FKL Plants plant machines and equipment, the deadline was met. Wing Commander Phil Marr, Officer Commanding Operations Wing, RAF Marham, was highly appreciative of the achievement. He commented: “This was an immense task to complete in three weeks. With both runways out of action, any failure to deliver within the prescribed timeframe would have directly impacted flying operations at RAF Marham. This added significant pressure to an already taught construction task. In light of this, it was highly impressive to have been handed back such an immaculate new runway intersection, allowing the Station to recommence flying activities ahead of schedule. An excellent achievement all round.”

THE F-35B AIRCRAFT IN ACTION The first aircraft arrived at Marham on 6 June 2018, when four F-35Bs of No. 617 (Dambusters) Squadron, supported by three Voyagers and an Atlas, made an eight-hour transit flight across the Atlantic from Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in South Carolina. In late January 2020, F-35Bs from No. 207 Squadron departed for HMS Queen Elizabeth, becoming the first British squadron in a decade to operate jet aircraft from a British aircraft carrier in home waters. On 3 February 2020, Queen Elizabeth II visited personnel at the base and inspected the F-35B aircraft, her first official royal engagement of the new decade.

in profile

PLANT IS A PEOPLE BUSINESS Browsing through just some elements of a £6.2 million shopping spree may lead the reader to conclude that Pat McKay, ‘the man who went shopping’, has been living the dream. In reality, spending the money wisely was a challenging task and it has been an intense year for Pat and his team. Pat says, “Such a large capex programme requires huge amounts of research, forecasting, analysing and justifying your choices. And there’s a lot of time spent on the phone, in meetings and visiting suppliers and manufacturers. It has been a demanding but very rewarding year. “On the other hand, I think it was John D. Rockefeller who said, ‘A friendship founded on business is better than a business founded on friendship’. I’ve made many good friends throughout my long career in FKL Plant, and I’ve found that the support from my colleagues in FKL Plant and throughout the Lagan Specialist Contracting Group, and having strong relationships with trusted suppliers and established brands has been of great benefit in delivering this fleet expansion for the Group as a whole.”

FKL PLANT’S PAT McKAY - A HIGH ACHIEVER ON AN INTERNATIONAL STAGE The 2023 Plant and Civil Engineer Awards honoured Pat McKay for a working lifetime’s achievement in the business of plant for construction and civil engineering. Pat started as an apprentice plant fitter with Charles Brand some 45 years ago and he has remained in the same organisation as it changed and evolved to become Lagan Specialist Contracting Group. Pat progressed quickly within the organisation and became the ‘go-to’ person for plant and equipment for heavy engineering as Plant Manager. In the mid-1990s Charles Brand was acquired by the Lagan Family and Pat found himself catapulted into the international arena. He was tasked with the job of organising the movement of plant from UK, Ireland and Europe to Hong Kong for the construction of the new International Airport at Chep Lap Kok. Following this, Pat relocated to Australia to work for the Group, where one of the more challenging plant procurement, logistics and management projects was for the construction of seven jetties on separate islands within the western section of the Solomon Islands. This project required not only plant purchase but also procuring a barge, coastal ship and a tugboat! Next, Pat moved, working with Lagan International on road and highway projects in the Caribbean islands and, from there to the US, where he was instrumental in the purchasing of asphalt equipment to assist in the successfulness of the Ronald Reagan International Airport Resurfacing Project in Washington DC. Pat also worked for a time in Western Africa, successfully transporting and suppling asphalt plant and equipment from Northern Ireland to Sierra Leone.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 65

In the UK, the international experience that Pat and his colleagues in the Group had acquired came to the fore in complex civil engineering projects such as the €350 million Limerick Port Tunnel Scheme and Ministry of Defence work, such as RAF Marham. The rich tapestry of experience and skills that Pat and his colleagues throughout Lagan Specialist Contracting Group bring to the job-site are tangible factors in the Group’s continued and ongoing success.

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

in profile

TBF THOMPSON CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY Experts in Construction Machinery, TBF Thompson Construction Machinery supplies premium machines including Hitachi, Thwaites, Bell, Montabert, and McCloskey, throughout the island of Ireland. This, coupled with our knowledgeable parts sales department, and second-to-none machine servicing, diagnostic and repair services, makes TBF Construction Machinery the brand to choose first for all your construction machinery requirements and needs. #TBF Connected Technology is a further top-of-the-range service we offer, providing marketleading 3D machine control and special attachment solutions,

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

including state-of-the-art IT systems to increase efficiency and provide customers with the best back-up in the business.

installed to factory standards by manufacturer-trained engineers. We offer 3D machine control from Leica, Topcon and Trimble, tilt rotators from Steelwrist, Engcon and Rototilt, and height, slew and RCI monitors from XWatch Safety Solutions. These technologies can also be retrofitted to existing machines in your fleet, giving you enhanced versatility, safety and performance on-site.

TBF Thompson has been involved in the automotive and plant industries throughout the island of Ireland for over 50 years. During that time, the company has acquired franchises for many well-known names such as DAF, Hitachi, Bomag, Thwaites, Palfinger and many more. TBF Thompson’s aftersales service is the envy of its competitors and the company is always investing in the future,

But, regardless of new technology, TBF Thompson will never lose sight of the strong service values that have driven its success. The company continues to invest in its greatest asset, people, and will remain with an open ear to customers to ensure that it responds to their needs and requirements. For more information, or to speak to our sales team, contact TBF Thompson on 028 2955 8353 (Garvagh) or 01 401 9300 (Dublin). www.tbfthompson.com

in profile

GET TO KNOW THE POCKET ROCKET THAT IS KNOWN AS PITBULL G. A. Allen proudly serves as Ireland’s importer of Pitbull Compact Loaders, offering an unmatched solution for agricultural and industrial needs. The Pitbull Compact Loader stands as a testament to power packed in a compact frame, delivering unparalleled performance within a small footprint. This pocket rocket is a game-changer, blending impressive power with its modest size. Its compact design doesn’t compromise on strength, boasting robust capabilities suitable for diverse tasks. The loader’s agility and versatility make it an invaluable asset across various farming operations and industrial settings. The benefits of the Pitbull Compact Loader are manifold. Its nimble build allows access to tight spaces while offering exceptional lifting capacity, enabling efficient handling of heavy loads. Moreover, its ease of operation

and manoeuvrability make it an ideal choice for tasks requiring precision and speed. The Pitbull Compact Loader is a unique product with extra attention to safety, quality and power. It’s a compact and very versatile machine - perfect for big jobs in small areas. • P-Z boom: Due to the unique construction of the boom with a combination of P- and Z-kinematics the boom has a high breakout force and optimum parallel guidance. • Rocking axle: The rigid pivoting point in combination with the swivelling rear axle makes the Pitbull very stable and suitable for working on uneven surfaces. • Axles: The very strong 12.000 kg Dana Spicer axles can carry over 3 times the weight of the Pitbull. This provides maximum capacity and an extended lifetime of the axles.

• Motor: The 4-cylinder Kubota motor is the heart of the Pitbull. • Only A-components from known brands are used, Kubota, Dana Spicer and Lind - this guarantees A quality G. A. Allen is excited for you to experience the Pitbull Compact Loaders. Visit us to experience firsthand the remarkable capabilities of these loaders, witnessing their efficiency, power, and adaptability in action.

131GROVEHILL RD, BANBRIDGE TEL: 028 40651303 WWW.GAALLEN.COM

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

in profile

THE PERFECT PARTNERSHIP FOR SUCCESS: BMW AND JKC, YOUR LOCAL FAMILY-RUN BMW RETAILER Together in business partnership, BMW and Coleraine-based JKC bring customers an unparalleled experience that combines the best of both worlds – the excellence of BMW and the personalised service of a family-owned business. When you choose to partner with BMW, you’re not just investing in a vehicle; you’re investing in a legacy of quality, innovation, and reliability that spans generations. And, by teaming up with your local family-run BMW

retailer, you’ll receive an extra touch of warmth and care that only a family-owned business can provide.

WHAT CAN THIS PARTNERSHIP DO FOR YOUR BUSINESS? Imagine driving to your next important meeting or client event in a brand-new BMW that reflects your professionalism and success. With our wide range of models, from sleek sedans to versatile SUVs, you’ll find the perfect vehicle to make a lasting impression wherever you go.

But it doesn’t stop there. As part of this partnership, your local family-run BMW retailer is committed to offering exceptional customer service tailored to your unique needs. From dedicated sales executives who understand your business requirements to flexible financing options that fit your budget, we will go above and beyond to ensure your complete satisfaction. Let’s not forget about the cutting-edge technology and luxurious features that come

BMW Business Partnership JKC BMW. Ensuring everything is taken care of so you can focus on your business. Contact us today to find out more. www.jkcbmw.co.uk 1-9 Millburn Road, Coleraine

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

standard with every BMW. With advanced safety systems, state-of-the-art entertainment options, and intuitive navigation tools, you’ll stay connected and in control, no matter where your business takes you. This is why FKL Plant has chosen JKC as its local vehicle partner. Contact us today to find out how we can take your business to the next level. Search JKC BMW or give us a call 028 7035 5222.

T: (028) 90 622034 E: maconbolts@btinternet.com

Stockists and distributors of industrial tools and fastenings and so much more... Macon Bolts & Nuts Ltd is a small family run business based in Dunmurry, Belfast. We have been growing from strength to strength over 37 years, since October 1987, and have been based in Dunmurry Industrial Estate from the start. Many companies have remained loyal customers from the beginning. Our owner Garry has a wealth of knowledge and enjoys a challenge.

Macon Bolts & Nuts have had the pleasure of working with for over 30 years.

We supply goods to companies of all sizes throughout Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. We also sell direct to the public. We stock nuts, bolts, fastenings, power tools, chain and so much more (a needle to an anchor!) A phone call or email is all that’s needed to get your order sourced. Our main focus is the supply of fasteners and tools. We keep a wide range of stock in our premises, and bring in goods to order. We deal with manufacturing companies and can source speciality fasteners made to your specifications.

Unit 41A Dunmurry Industrial Estate, The Cutts, Dunmurry Belfast BT17 9HU

in profile

SOILMEC SR75 BLUE TECH BOOSTS DRILLING AND PILING EQUIPMENT AT FKL PLANT Italian company Soilmec is recognised as an international leader in geotechnical equipment. Founded in 1969 it has always pioneered new technologies and technological breakthroughs, evident from the fact that, to date, the company has filed 97 patents. This is a company with innovation and design excellence embedded in its DNA.

tests effectively confirm up to 23% reduction in pressure losses corresponding to approximately 10.4 l/h of fuel saved, based on a standardised drilling cycle. Driven by a 345 kW (462 hp) turbocharged and air-cooled Volvo D13 engine. The SR-75 delivers impressive torque and performance that is unique in its class.

Naturally, Soilmec was the destination of choice for FKL Plant when they were planning to invest in plant and the Soilmec SR75 Blue Tech large-diameter drilling rig is an impressive addition to the piling fleet.

This is combined with a cutting-edge electrical system and technology (including ‘plugand-play’ connections) delivers more power directly to the tool and means the SR-75 can easily be converted in different technologies.

The SR-75 sets a new benchmark on every marker; power, precision, flexibility, controls and ‘Blue Tech’ environmental credentials, all combined to deliver better, faster work, increase output, improving efficiencies and keep costs down. Site

It also allows for quick and accurate returning to the centre hole, which is useful in segmental casing technology. The SR-75 features a newly designed winch crowd delivering a longer stroke and increased depth.

Blue Tech Line... ...dressed to impress. 64

The Soilmec Drilling Mate System (DMS) for drilling equipment control optimises the use of machinery and increases efficiency on job sites. It also delivers unique insights into ground engineering and piling business by collecting, analysing, and managing data.

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

In addition to the abundance of standard features and menu of options, the Soilmec SR-75 Blue Tech purchased by FKL Plant also features • Quick and easy conversion from LDP into CFA. • CFA Autodrilling: An automatic device for CFA mode to control and optimize the drilling parameters. • CFA Autorotary: The operator can activate this function by a dedicated pedal or through joystick.

www.soilmec.co.uk

in profile

FLK PLANT: MEET THE TEAM

Niall McGill, Managing Director, FKL Plant.

Pat McKay, General Manager, FKL Plant.

Alan McCulla, Service Manager, FKL Plant.

FKL Plant is not just rich in plant assets, but also in people. Whilst the plant assets go to many millions of pounds, the core staff members at FLK Plant are priceless. Niall McGill is Managing Director of Charles Brand and of FKL Plant. As managing director, Niall leads the Charles Brand team, encouraging collaboration with an emphasis on values, behaviours and teamwork. A graduate of the Queen’s University of Belfast, Niall is a Chartered Civil Engineer and a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers, specialising in infrastructure and marine engineering. Niall McGill took up the helm at FKL Plant and FK Lowry after many years working for Lagan. He is a civil engineer by training. Pat McKay is the General Manager of FKL Plant and is responsible for all aspects of the business within the Lagan Specialist Contracting Group. Pat works closely with plant and equipment suppliers, with FKL Plant’s sister companies, external customers and with project main contractors on sites both locally and internationally. Pat began his career as an apprentice fitter with Charles Brand and moved steadily up the ranks to foreman, plant manager and, for many years now, general manager of FKL Plant, heading up its operations.

David Ramsey, Financial Director, FKL Plant.

John Daly, Accounts Controller, FKL Plant.

Tiffany Welsh, Vehicle Operational Controller and General Admin, FKL Plant.

PJ Conway, Yard Supervisor, FKL Plant.

David Ramsey serves as the Financial Director at FKL Plant, playing a pivotal role within the organisation's operations. The in-house team comprises Alan McCulla, who is the Service Manager, John Daly, the Accounts Manager and Tiffany Welsh who works on Fleet and Business Administration. PJ Conway is the Yard Manager. There are four Engineers, Norman Scott, Reece Armstrong, Aiden Tyrell, Brendan McGuire and Kaide Mullholland who is completing his Apprenticeship within the team of Engineers.

Aidan Tyrell, Plant Engineer, FKL Plant.

Reece Armstrong, Plant Engineer, FKL Plant.

Brendan Maguire, Plant Engineer, FKL Plant.

Norman Scott, Plant Engineer, FKL Plant.

Kaide Mulholland, Apprentice Fitter, FKL Plant.

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

intermat preview

INTERMAT 2024: SHOWCASING THE INNOVATION DYNAMIC #low carbon OF ZERO-CARBON SOLUTIONS AND TECHNOLOGIES The entire construction industry mobilised to build tomorrow better

CO-LOCATED WITH

INTERMAT, the sustainable construction solutions and technology exhibition, will take place from 24 to 27 April 2024 at Paris Nord Villepinte exhibition centre.

these challenges as part of France’s National Low Carbon Strategy for 2050.

Or with code UKPARPRI24 gas energies, autonomous vehicles, on paris.intermatconstruction.com virtual technology engineering, etc.).

The exhibitor range at INTERMAT 2024 will #intermatparis revolve around five hubs of expertise: contact@intermatconstruction.com

The biggest international manufacturers have already chosen the event to showcase their innovation dynamic which, since the last show in 2018, has significantly accelerated to tackle the challenges of the transition to net zero. The 2024 event will be their platform, and that of the entire construction industry, united and mobilised to address

FOUR CHALLENGES FOR CONSTRUCTION

Earthmoving, Demolition and Transportation

INTERMAT 2024 will gather the entire construction industry around a shared vision of the future, harnessing its collective excellence to address the sector’s major issues in terms of decarbonisation and energy, digitalisation, CSR commitment, training and employment, and organise a platform for dialogue with the public authorities.

ORGANISED BY

Roads, Materials and Foundations Lifting and Handling

INTERMAT Paris, the company SE INTERMAT, with share capital of €80,000, registered in the Nanterre Trade and Companies register under the number 339 486 623, registered office 70 Avenue du Général de Gaulle – 92058 Paris La Défense Cedex – France

Building, Civil Engineering INTERMAT_AP_215X303_UK_PE.indd 1

Concrete Sector, including the event WOCE which will present the full value chain of the concrete industry from upstream to downstream. Throughout INTERMAT 2024, there will be an accent on new technologies and energies (electric, hydrogen, natural

Ask for your FREE BADGE

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

02/11/2023 12:51

To do so, it will draw on four main pillars that will offer highlights and developments featuring in the four main challenges for construction.

intermat preview

THE 2024 EVENT WILL BE THEIR PLATFORM, AND THAT OF THE ENTIRE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, UNITED AND MOBILISED TO ADDRESS THESE CHALLENGES AS PART OF FRANCE’S NATIONAL LOW CARBON STRATEGY FOR 2050.

#1 INNOVATIONS

and training to showcase occupational promotion initiatives, workshops and talks, job dating sessions, etc.

Several elements of the event are focused on finding to solutions to the major challenges faced by construction. Industry Forum (new in 2024) will bring together the five main construction federations (DLR, EVOLIS, UMGO-FFB, FNTP and SEIMAT) in a series of talks and round tables with top-level speakers, construction professionals, official authorities, French and international special guests, and perspectives from other sectors to address zero carbon issues from all angles and in a forward-looking dimension. World Of Concrete Europe Forum will present series of talks dedicated to the concrete industry, the material and its various applications. INTERMAT Innovation Awards competition will reflect the sector’s new challenges, and unique visibility before and during the show with a dedicated display area.

This theme will also include the INTERMAT Rental Day: a special day devoted to equipment rental with contributions from international experts.

#4 COMMITMENTS

speaking platform and a demonstration zone dedicated to equipment, in particular electric, for a plunge into the worksite of the future.

#3 NEW EQUATIONS New equations will focus on professions and financial and human resources, with a space dedicated to jobs

We all share a commitment to net zero to contribute to protecting the planet and this theme with showcase an exhibition model redesigned in terms of its offering and format (4 days instead of 6).The show will be redesigned in an approach of resource sobriety and circular economy, with responsible products and services and will offer physical and social access to the widest possible audience.

INTERMAT Press Days (which have already taken place) offered two days of workshops and discussions between exhibitors and journalists.

#2 ENERGY This theme will incorporate highperformance energy sources to support the economy in the New Technologies and Energies Hub (new in 2024): an area dedicated to exhibitors and start-ups, and a

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

intermat preview

2024 INTERMAT INNOVATION AWARDS The ninth edition of the international INTERMAT Innovation Awards competition pays tribute to equipment, technology, services or products that contribute to driving progress in the construction, infrastructure and materials industries, and to achieving the major transitions in the sector. A springboard and global showcase for innovation in the construction sector, winners will be selected from exhibitor entries across five categories: 1. Earthmoving, Demolition and Transportation 2. Lifting and Handling 3. Roads, Materials and Foundations 4. Building, Civil Engineering and Concrete Sector 5. New Technologies and Energies (new category) Four special awards recognising initiatives by companies offering a specific innovation will also be presented: 1. World of Concrete Europe Award 2. Low carbon Initiative and Solution Award 3. Start-up Award 4. Safety Award

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

The entire construction industry mobilised to build tomorrow better

#low carbon CO-LOCATED WITH

Ask for your FREE BADGE

Or with code UKPARPRI24 on paris.intermatconstruction.com #intermatparis contact@intermatconstruction.com

ORGANISED BY INTERMAT Paris, the company SE INTERMAT, with share capital of €80,000, registered in the Nanterre Trade and Companies register under the number 339 486 623, registered office 70 Avenue du Général de Gaulle – 92058 Paris La Défense Cedex – France

investment

£4.5 MILLION INVESTMENT WILL BRING A NEW MERCEDES-BENZ DEALERSHIP TO DUNGANNON car customers. The site will also include an extensive parts store, space for vehicle sales, new electric vehicle infrastructure, and a new office for MBNI’s rental division, RentaMerc.

MBNI Truck & Van, Northern Ireland’s only MercedesBenz commercial dealer, has announced a £4.5 million investment into a new state-of-the-art dealership in Dungannon, creating an additional 20 jobs in the local area. Group CEO Pauline McKeating recently made the announcement following continued growth and having taken majority ownership of the business in 2023 from well-known Northern Irish entrepreneur Neil McKibbin, who will continue in his role as Chairman. Pauline held the Finance Director position for many years at the MBNI Group before progressing to CEO and is now the majority shareholder in the group, which includes MBNI Truck & Van, RentaMerc, and Rossetts Commercials, based in the south of England. 2023 saw MBNI Holdings named one of the top 100 businesses in Northern Ireland for the first

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Pauline stated, “I’m delighted to officially announce the development of a brand-new state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz dealership in Dungannon. This multi-million-pound investment is a testament to cementing our place in the Dungannon area and expanding our reach throughout Northern Ireland.”.

time, with a turnover of £90.6 million as well as employing over 300 people across the group. MBNI’s investment in the Dungannon area will see the Mercedes-Benz Truck & Van dealer relocate from their current premises in The Bush to a multi-acre site located just

off the M1 Motorway behind the current M1 service area in Dungannon. The dealership will expand its current offering to include three drive-through truck maintenance bays and eight light vehicle maintenance bays, and for the first time, MBNI will offer an after-sales service for Mercedes-Benz passenger

Construction began early in January, and MBNI will be recruiting for several positions throughout 2024 in anticipation of the grand opening of the new site in the second half of 2024. This will include commercial vehicle technicians, service advisors, parts advisors, and administrative staff. Recruitment has already begun, and you can find out more information about these roles by visiting mbtvni.co.uk/careers

compact equipment

CRUMLIN PLANT SALES AND YANMAR CE DEBUT NEW DUBLIN DEPOT “Whether our customers choose to visit us in Portadown to explore our range, or need us to bring units to Dublin, the synergy between our two depots ensures prompt and efficient fulfilment of their needs,” Keith elaborates. This is particularly advantageous for CPS’ plant hire clients – who constitute roughly 80% of its customer-base – and frequently require immediate equipment delivery.

Southern Ireland officially welcomes Crumlin Plant Sales! Yanmar CE. EMEA's longest-serving UK dealer is celebrating the grand opening of its new Dublin depot, bringing advanced compact equipment and award-winning service straight to the heart of Ireland’s capital city. Yanmar Compact Equipment EMEA (Yanmar CE) is celebrating three decades of partnership with Crumlin Plant Sales (CPS), its longest serving dealer in the UK. Marking the historic milestone, CPS recently announced the opening of its new depot in Dublin, Ireland – reinforcing its commitment to unparalleled service in the industrial equipment space. The Dublin depot complements CPS’ existing facility in Portadown, from where the dealership is exclusively selling Yanmar CE units to customers across Northern Ireland and border counties, including Donegal, Cavan, Monaghan, Louth, and Leitrim. The strategic expansion to also set up shop in the South reflects CPS’ commitment to provide boots-on-the-ground support to all customers across Northern and Central Southern Ireland (Ulster, Connaught and Leinster provinces); while being ideally positioned to cater to growing demand in the heart of Ireland’s compact machinery market. The extended area now officially includes Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Meath, West Meath, Offaly and Wicklow. “We’ve noticed an increasing number of customers in Southern Ireland seeking our sales support over the years.” Explains Keith Willis, owner of CPS. “The Dublin depot is our way of acknowledging and responding

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

YANMAR CE’S 1-2 TONNE RANGE HITS DUBLIN

to the needs of our customers, improving accessibility by bringing our services right to their doorstep. Having also nearly reached our market capacity in Northern Ireland with a 16-18% market share, expanding into Dublin is a natural next frontier.”

IN THE ROOM WHERE IT HAPPENS Being in Dublin, Keith explains, will vastly improve service response times. “Even from our Portadown base we’re only an hour and fifty minutes from Dublin, but now, we’re virtually in our customers’ backyard,” he laughs. CPS’ Portadown depot holds over 70 machines in stock, providing customers with flexible and comprehensive options – all of which will be seamlessly transported over to the Dublin depot as and when needed.

CPS has already strategically equipped its Dublin facility with a selection of its most sought-after Yanmar CE units, particularly its 1-2 tonne equipment. The dealership anticipates that this range will be highly favoured among plant hire, landscaping, and civil engineering contractors – clientele which form the core of the compact equipment market in Southern Ireland. The new facility boasts a standout collection, including Yanmar CE’s ViO17, a compact Zero Tail excavator that excels in urban projects, with its combination of agility and power in confined spaces. Additionally, the ViO27 is featured, renowned for its precision and strength, making it an ideal choice for landscaping and utility work; as well as the SV26, a Conventional Tail excavator that is perfectly suited for both urban construction and landscaping projects, known for its versatility and efficiency. With CPS’ latest leap, it’s clear they’re not just playing in the big leagues – they’re setting the pace. Be part of the excitement as Keith and the CPS team embark on their new chapter in Dublin, with the doors now officially open at their depot.

YANMAR COMPACT RANGE Whatever you build, we build it with you.

www.yanmar.com

in f

view from the cab

HD HYUNDAI R35Z-9AK THE IDEAL COMPACT EXCAVATOR FOR VAUGHAN HOMES Plant and Civil Engineer visited a Vaughan Homes housing development to find out how the company’s new HD Hyundai R35Z-9AK Compact Excavator is performing on-site. Vaughan Homes runs a tight operation with around 12 full-time staff, supported by a pool of subcontractors. Ricky Morrow is the company’s Engineer, Site Manager and Head of Plant. The R35Z-9AK is the second HD Hyundai to join the nine-strong excavator fleet. “We replaced an older digger with a HD Hyundai HX140 crawler excavator a few years ago,” says Ricky. “We were so pleased with that, so when we needed to replace a mini digger, we decided to go back to HD Hyundai from Northern Lift Trucks for a new compact machine.”

‘You could comb your hair with it’. The R35Z-9AK digs better, gets into tight spaces with no problem and is easy on the fuel.”

THE IDEAL DIGGER FOR A HOME BUILDING PROJECT Vaughan Homes bought the HD Hyundai R35Z-9AK to do all the jobs on a housing development site that require getting into confined spaces, such are close to the house, near the walls, around patios, around pipework, manhole covers and power fitting to do a precision job. This type of machine has to be clean, neat and tidy and very accurate. In this regard, Ricky took the good advice given by Northern Lift Trucks.

Ricky. “I was persuaded not to do that and the Northern Lift Trucks folk were quite right. She’s really smooth and causes near to no mess or damage over reasonable ground conditions. That’s important in terms of the amount of cleaning up that needs to be done, and to keep the site looking as well as possible.” This attribute of working neatly and cleanly is important to Vaughan Homes, which positions itself in the upper segment of the private housing market in Northern Ireland, with the strapline “The first name in homes and the last word in luxury”.

As the manager on-site and head of plant, Ricky drives all the excavators in the Vaughan fleet. Although he is the dedicated driver of the larger HD Hyundai HX140, he is very familiar with the pros and cons of every machine in the company and, where both HD Hyundai machines are concerned, there haven’t been any cons at all.

At the moment, the HD Hyundai R35Z-9AK is working at Vaughan Homes’ ‘Spinners Mill’ development on Carnmoney Road North and Doagh Road at Ballyearl. Described as ‘tailored family homes cut from a different cloth’, the finished development will consist of 44 homes in a mix of configurations. Given that some residents have already moved into their homes on the development the fact that the HD Hyundai R35Z-9AK works quietly and neatly is a bonus.

Talking about operating the R35Z-9AK, Ricky says: “I’m a big fan of the Yanmar engine, it’s smooth and powerful and the hydraulics are so responsive and accurate. As they say in the digger-driving world,

Ricky is certainly happy with the R35Z9AK and with the service from Northern Lift Trucks. He says: “The compact digger is performing superbly and is an asset to our fleet. So far, she has

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

“The HD Hyundai R35Z-9AK came with rubber tracks as standard and I wanted to replace them with metal tracks,” says

view from the cab

1,400 hours on her and hasn’t needed anything other than routine servicing. “With two HD Hyundai excavators from Northern Lift Trucks in the fleet, I can definitely say they are great to work with, they come with excellent attachments and also very comfortable cabs. They make the job in hand fast, and more efficient in both time and money. They are satisfying machines to operate. What’s more, the service and backup

support from from Northern Lift Trucks is is excellent. I’m thinking seriously about gradually moving the whole plant fleet to HD Hyundai with Northern Lift Trucks.”

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE HD HYUNDAI R35Z-9AK The HD Hyundai R35Z-9AK has been designed to excel on job sites where space is confined, such as next to buildings, walls and other obstacles. Its compact design provides easy and efficient operation in

any limited space work environment, while the zero-tail swing gives the operator unrestricted rotation, greater flexibility and reduced potential for damage to the machine and surrounding property. The R35Z-9AK’s tail swing radius of 870 mm provides easy and efficient operation in any limited space work environment. The compact excavator is powered by a Yanmar 3TNV88F engine, which represents the most compact multi-cylinder liquid-

PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

view from the cab HD Hyundai Effect. The R35Z-9AK is designed for fast, easy maintenance and repairs with convenient access to important servicing points. The engine hood opens wide to provide easy access for cleaning and routine tasks.

cooled industrial diesel engine providing smooth, powerful operation while ensuring compliance with the strict European Stage V emission regulations without additional after-treatment tools. This high-performing engine provides enhanced reliability and simplified maintenance. The half-float valve cover and Mo52 coated piston are in addition reducing the noise levels and vibration.

All components and materials have been optimised to ensure a long, trouble-free life. With some components, this can extend service intervals, minimise operating costs and reduce machine downtime. These include bushings designed for extended lube intervals (250 hours), polymer shims for enhanced wear resistance and reduced noise, extended-life hydraulic filters (1000 hours), long-life hydraulic oil (5000 hours), more efficient cooling systems and integrated preheating systems.

The excavator's advanced hydraulic system is a standout feature. Designed to achieve optimum precision, it provides the operator with a super fine touch and easy smooth and precise controllability. The responsiveness of the hydraulics enhances operational efficiency, allowing operators to tackle intricate tasks with accuracy and speed. The hydraulic system comes with an auto-idle function as standard and improves fuel efficiency by reducing engine speed automatically when the operator is not using the control levers.

A TESTAMENT TO HD HYUNDAI EXCELLENCE

OPERATOR-CENTRIC CAB The R35Z-9AK cabin has been designed to offer every operator a productive and stress-free working environment. Its ergonomic design will improve performance and lower fatigue. The control levers are easily accessible, and an instrument display keeps the operator informed of relevant machine information. The monitoring system of the R35Z-9AK provides the operator with a wealth of machine status information, including engine oil pressure lamp, battery charge lamp, engine coolant temperature and a fuel gauge. All pedals are foldable for additional floor space. The footrest, attachment pedal, left and right travel pedals and boom swing pedal are arranged for convenient access.

In a 9A series cabin, drivers can easily adjust the seat and wrist-rest settings to best suit their preferred operating position. The left and right control levers are ergonomically located for convenient access. The tiltable left-side control console provides easier entrance and exit from the cab. Storage compartments and cup holders are integrated into the right console and there is an additional storage box with a key lock under the operator’s seat.

LONG LIFE COMPONENTS REDUCE SERVICING The peace of mind that comes with quick, low-effort servicing is also part of the

The R35Z-9AK has garnered positive feedback within the industry, with users praising its performance, reliability, and the overall value it brings to construction projects. This positive reception adds weight to the machine's reputation in the compact excavator market. The HD Hyundai R35Z-9AK Compact Excavator combines power, precision, and operator comfort in a compact package. Its versatility, durability, and advanced features make it a standout choice for contractors and construction professionals seeking a reliable and efficient excavator for a wide range of applications. The R35Z-9AK stands as a testament to HD Hyundai's commitment to delivering quality construction equipment tailored to the evolving needs of the industry. For more information on the HD Hyundai Excavator Range, contact Northern Lift Trucks. T: 028 9267 3111

www.northernlifttrucks.co.uk

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compact equipment

BOBCAT E10E ELECTRIC EXCAVATOR UNCOVERS TREASURES IN NAPLES Built between the 16th and 17th centuries as a friary, the Complesso Monumentale dei Girolamini (the St. Jerome Monumental Complex) has great historical value, including one of the most important libraries in Italy, with a book collection of 159,700 volumes. The site has been closed to the public for many years due to enduring conservation difficulties, and is currently the subject of an articulated safety and recovery intervention by Lucci Salvatore Srl, a construction company which has acquired specific skills in the archaeological sector and the restoration and conservation of heritage.

BOBCAT E27 & THE BRONZE AGE IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC Bobcat machines are known for their robustness and long life. For example, loaders that have been doing hard work for 30 or more years are no exception. But the Bronze Age? The main material of the machines is steel, yet there is a connection here, albeit a somewhat curious one. The main representative of the Early Bronze Age is the Únetic culture, known thanks to the discoveries of the archaeologist and physician, Dr Čeňek Rýzner. This

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year is the 100th anniversary of the death of this important researcher. In the village of Únětice, where the remains of an extensive burial ground containing up to 67 graves with the preserved skeletons of so-called crouchers (the people of the Únětice culture buried their dead in a crouched form) were discovered about 150 years ago. The inhabitants of this village on the borders of Prague are rightly proud of the Únětice culture, the so-called Únětice pot from that time is even on the village’s

coat of arms. Therefore, local patriots, in cooperation with the municipal authority, decided to build a monument to Čeňko Rýzner. There was a lively discussion about the design and finally, an inverted monument was chosen to be reminiscent of the graves that Dr Rýzner discovered. The project required earthmoving equipment, namely a Bobcat E27 miniexcavator owned by a local company. Experienced operator, Adam Šíma, excavated the ‘grave’ for the monument

compact equipment

Lucci Salvatore is also working on the archaeological excavation beneath the structure. This delicate intervention is uncovering a new fragment of underground Naples with passages, arches and rooms that predate the construction of the building above. Currently, an ancient floor has been reached and excavation is underway to find the staircase leading to the room below. This meticulous work has been carried out completely using a Bobcat E10e electric excavator, which has uncovered unimaginable environments of one of the oldest cities in the world, providing evidence of how Naples has evolved through history.

Salvatore Lucci, owner of Lucci Salvatore Srl, says: “The intervention at the Girolamini Monumental Complex and its subsoil conveys to us as much pride as it does fascination. The results achieved are possible thanks to the careful and constant work of the Bobcat E10e electric excavator without which this important intervention could not have been carried out as it is too deep to be performed manually or with less effective tools. Lucci has always relied on Bobcat, and Esposito Srl, the exclusive Bobcat distributor for Campania, with full satisfaction and awareness of being able to count on innovative, reliable and technologically advanced

means, allowing us to operate in the very delicate contexts of our core business.” Site manager Ugolino Dottorini comments, “The E10e proved perfect for working in the underground excavations of the Monumental Complex, which is completely indoors. Its performance proved to be the same as a motorised vehicle but in the absence of noise and especially vibration, which are essential in an archaeological context. The mini-excavator, equipped with a toothless bucket so as not to risk scratching any artifacts, has been digging continuously for 2 months, guaranteeing

work continuity thanks to rapid battery recharging. The zero-tail swing profile has facilitated the most complex operations of the project.” Bobcat’s E10e is the world’s first 1-tonne battery-powered mini-excavator, combining zero emissions, low noise and a width of just 71 cm; this allows it to easily pass through narrow spaces making it ideal not only for indoor excavations, but also in many other sites where this type of machine is needed, such as inner-city operations, night work and construction sites in lownoise areas such as hospitals, cemeteries, schools, etc.

exactly according to the specifications in preparation for the installation itself. The creative lead for the original work of art, Magdalena Kracík Štorkánová said: “The mosaic is composed of tens of thousands of ceramic pieces, including authentic archaeological fragments. The skeleton in the monument is complemented by artefacts, such as the well-known Únětsk pot, jewelry and currency.” The used Bobcat E27 excavator is not made of bronze, but mainly of hardened steel and is suitable for all small-scale earthworks, where its compact dimensions and easy transportability are an advantage. It is a machine completely developed in the Czech Republic by Bobcat engineers from Dobříš in Central Bohemia, and then manufactured in the local factory for the Czech Republic and the rest of the world. The E27 is a fully equipped machine with a standard overhang and maximum performance - this model in the popular 2-3 tonne category is complemented by the E27z with zero overhang for working in cramped conditions and the E26 intended primarily for the rental market and for less experienced operators.

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compact equipment

BOBCAT UPGRADES COMPACT WHEEL LOADER PORTFOLIO Bobcat has announced annual updates for the L75 and L85 for the model year 2024, allowing owners of the latest versions of these machines to benefit from some of the advanced features that were introduced last year on the L95.

fork is not as important as connectivity to multiple Bob-Tach compliant attachments shared on the same job site with Bobcat skid-steer and compact track loaders.

With the award-winning designs of the compact models, Bobcat has ensured that they share the same high level of standard features, providing high operator comfort and ease-of-operation, including: heated cab designed around the operator; joystick integrated with the suspension seat; steering wheel adjustable in two directions; key ignition with quick start-stop; automatic parking brake and; 5-inch digital screen with vital information managed via the jog shuttle control

The L75 and L85 cab seat now offers a higher backrest with a headrest, together with an air suspension set-up, lockable floating and left-hand adjustable armrest, providing a new level of operator comfort.

New features on the L75 and L85 (2024 model year) include:

POWER BOB-TACH (NEW) This factory option for L85 provides a highperforming Bobcat attachment connection for applications in which maximum capacity for load and carry by bucket and pallet

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HEATED AIR SUSPENSION CLOTH SEAT (NEW)

ADVANCED ATTACHMENT CONTROL (IMPROVED) Bobcat’s new flex-drive feature allows the operator to change the engine’s RPM by manual throttle, independently from the foot throttle, at any time during operation. This is standard configuration in L85 and a factory option in L75

AUTOMATIC RIDE CONTROL (IMPROVED) This factory option further enhances driving comfort at higher speeds as well as with higher loads, Bobcat has

improved this feature to meet customer expectations based on their feedback.

HIGH FLOW (IMPROVED) This industry-unique feature adapted from other Bobcat loaders brings a factory option of a 100 l/min flow to run highflow attachments, such as snow blowers and planers. To further improve high flow attachment performance, Bobcat has increased the pressure from 200 to 225 bar.

JOYSTICK CONTROL (IMPROVED) Bobcat has improved the forward-reverse response time, together with improved lift and tilt multi-functionality. Machines already in the field can be updated simply by downloading new software.

LEFT-HAND ARM REST UPGRADE FOR SUSPENSION SEAT (NEW) Providing greater seating comfort and left-hand support, the updated suspension seat is offered via the aftermarket services from Bobcat.

compact equipment

KUBOTA EXPANDS INTO MATERIALS HANDLING SECTOR WITH NEW COMPACT TELEHANDER Kubota (UK) Ltd has launched its first telehandler, as it seeks to provide a wider range of machinery solutions for construction and associated industries. Called the KTH4815-2, the compact machine boasts an overall width of 1.6m and an overall height of below 2m. Model numbering is indicative of the telehandler’s lifting capability, with the KTH4815-2 capable of achieving a maximum lift height of 4.8m and a maximum lift capacity of 1.5 tonnes, depending on the variant. Hose burst check-valves and a load-moment sensor with forward over-turn protection meeting EN15000 certification, is also part of the standard specification. Hydraulic performance extends to up to 81 litres/ min, with 51 litres available through an auxiliary circuit for powered attachments carried on the handler’s Eurohitch headstock. In addition to a hydraulically locking headstock, the telehandler features a proportional joystick, with adjustable flow rate and memory function. An EU Stage V emissions-compliant Kubota D1803 three-cylinder engine powers the KTH4815-2 with a peak output of 50hp/37kW. Mounted on the righthand side between the front and rear wheels, the transverse engine position affords generous service access to all filters and the battery isolator, in addition to providing easy access to the handler’s cooling pack. The driveline, while equipped with Carraro axles connected by mechanical driveshafts, is hydrostatic, with a Bosch Rexroth hydrostatic transmission delivering propulsion in two speed ranges: 0-7 and 0-25kph. The powertrain affords multidisc brakes and, with permanent four-wheel drive, there is an option for front axle differential lock to further boost traction.

FOUR VERSIONS ON OFFER Four versions of the KTH4815-2 telehandler are available; two are canopy-equipped models with a curved front screen, and two use fully glazed cabs with a two-piece door - the glazed upper section can be secured in the open position. The entrylevel KTH4815-2 is supplied without a 170kg rear counterweight and is shod on 10/75x15.3 narrow tyres, reducing both its cost and performance. A wider, 31/15.515 skid steer tyre option is available. While canopy machines forfeit the left-hand door and work lights, the specification of fully glazed cab models includes three work lights, side-view mirrors, cab heating and a radio. Air conditioning is available as an option, and all models benefit from a reach and rake adjustable steering column. In typical rigid frame telehandler fashion, the highest specification KTH4815-2 also includes three-mode steering, adding twowheel and crab steering modes to the standard four-wheel steering function. Using four-wheel steering, a tight turning radius of 1.2m inner 2.7m outer can be achieved. Engine service intervals are every 500 hours, and all four variants are offered with a two-year, 2,000-hour warranty.

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in profile

For just 20% of the purchasing price the RotoTop can be refurbished for a second life.

WHOLE LIFE QUALITY MAKES THE HOLP ROTOTOP A VALUABLE INVESTMENT in combination with the kinematics of the excavator and can be compared to the possibilities of a human wrist. It yields a proven increase in performance of a minimum of 10 % rising to 50%. The excavator has to be moved much less, saving time and fuel. Moreover, the Rototop renders the excavator so much more flexible that it can take on multiple tasks that would otherwise require more excavators on site.

Higher profitability and a better internal workflow are always the main aims of an investment. The RotoTop produced by Holp GmbH in Germany not only delivers a proven, considerable increase in performance but also offers enhanced amortisation, long product life and, therefore, a secure return on investment. “It’s not a secret at all, that money is made at the front of an excavator - with the help of the attachments. This is where the “wrist” of an excavator plays a special role in making work on site much more profitable”, says managing director Günter Holp. For 15 years Holp GmbH has offered this profitable “wrist” with the rotary drive RotoTop excavator. Holp considers himself a pioneer of pure rotation on an excavator and is continually improving the rotary drive. Now there is a Holp rotary drive for each excavator with a working weight between 600 kg and 45 tons. RotoTop has gradually improved since the 2015 introduction of the RT.031 made with an aluminium housing. The choice of aluminium casing over steel is based on the fact that, whilst both materials share the necessary characteristics, aluminium has a higher tensile strength than steel.

GREAT PERFORMANCE AT THE ATTACHMENT Due to its flat, light construction, the RotoTop ensures that all the power provided by the excavator reaches the attachment without

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INTRINSIC VALUE CONVINCES ENTREPRENEURS Holp has 44 years of experience in earth movement and 25 years in construction. “We have the DNA of an excavator machinist combined with the way mindset of an entrepreneur,” says Günter Holp.

Long hard operation even with milling machines cannot do any harm to the RotoTop.

any noticeable loss. Thus, all tasks on a standard building site can be done with it, because of the freedom of movement that is enabled by the rotary drive. This ability to move freely is achieved by the RotoTop

“This impacts on our design process. The machinist knows what daily work with pressure and deadlines is like and what he needs to fulfil his tasks the best way. For the entrepreneur it is not only important to know if the machine is doing its job properly on site, but also, if the investment pays off quickly. This requirement is met by the RotoTop because of the increase in performance and the savings, combined with product quality that allows Holp to give 3 years‘ warranty. In fact, once the life of an excavator comes to an end, it need not be the end for the RotoTop. In most cases it can be refurbished for a second excavator life with only 20 % of the price of a new rotary drive.“

ULTIMATE PRODUCTIVITY ULTIMATE STRENGTH ULTIMATE EFFICIENCY

The JCB 514-40 provides powerful performance and versatility with excellent manoeuvrability, whilst making the most of every drop of fuel. JCB have combined innovative, state-of-the-art design and manufacturing processes to ensure that strength, durability and reliability are built in. The range offers extremely low operational costs in the short term, whilst holding their value in the long term. For more information, call 028 9344 2222 or visit our website.

www.dennisons.co.uk/jcb

in profile

DENNISON JCB: YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER FOR JCB’S WORLD-LEADING PLANT MACHINERY Dennison JCB, was established in 2018 as the official JCB dealership across Northern Ireland and County Donegal, offering new and used plant machinery, genuine JCB parts and attachments as well as a range of JCB aftermarket services. Dennison JCB’s total business offering includes new and used plant machinery sales, aftermarket genuine JCB parts and

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attachments, plant maintenance and service and 24/7 breakdown cover.

of four highly trained and exceptionally

The Dennison JCB team based at Ballyhartfield in Templepatrick, Ballyclare employs 37 people including 10 mobile engineers working throughout the province, providing customer support 24/7, 365 days a year.

includes dedicated industry specialists who

Under the leadership of Ian Calderwood, the sales team at Dennison JCB consists

but also deliver precisely tailored machinery

knowledgeable staff members. Our team excel in generators, access platforms, boom lifts, and our industrial forklifts, including the versatile Teletruk. This expertise guarantees that we not only provide excellent advice to meet the unique needs of your business.

in profile plant hire services to the construction industry, specialising in all types of heavy plant and machinery hire including JCB Telehandlers. In recent weeks Demenex has taken delivery of two new 540-200’s.

PIONEERING THE TELEHANDLER CONCEPT JCB has been pioneering the telehandler concept since 1977. Since then, the brand has remained the world’s first choice, and the JCB telescopic loader has come to epitomise the very highest levels of performance and productivity.

(L-R): Dennison JCB Sales Team - Jeff Haslett, Sophie Davison, Christopher Stewart, and Ian Calderwood.

Our Used Equipment department provides a totally inclusive service to both UK and overseas markets. Whether you are looking to buy or sell used equipment, our sales team is here to assist with your specific needs.

Dennison JCB maintains partnerships with several of the main plant hire businesses across Northern Ireland such as KDM Hire, CP Hire, Balloo Hire, and Demenex Plant Hire, all of whom are renowned for their expertise and experience in

The primary use for the JCB Telehandler is carrying heavy loads from one place to another. Designed for ultimate manoeuvrability, they are widely used across numerous applications in both construction and agriculture. JCB Telehandlers have the benefit of three machines in one, designed to carry out the role of a Skid Steer Loader, a Wheel Loaders, and a Forklift. The compact frame and impressive manoeuvrability make it possible to access tight areas large forklifts are not able to reach. Telehandlers are used on

THE DENNISON JCB TEAM BASED AT BALLYHARTFIELD IN TEMPLEPATRICK, BALLYCLARE EMPLOYS 37 PEOPLE INCLUDING 10 MOBILE ENGINEERS WORKING THROUGHOUT THE PROVINCE, PROVIDING CUSTOMER SUPPORT 24/7, 365 DAYS A YEAR.

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in profile farms, warehouses, distribution centres and a variety of other job sites. “JCB Telehandlers have become the preferred choice in our customers’ rental portfolios, thanks to their unmatched versatility throughout the entire construction process, from foundations to completion. At Dennison JCB, we have a deep understanding of the rental business, with JCB being the first manufacturer honoured with a special recognition award by the European Rental Association for designing products specifically tailored for the rental industry. JCB do recognise the complexities of the rental world and are committed to making things simple,” commented Ian Calderwood Sales Manager at Dennison JCB.

CULTIVATING PARTNERSHIPS JCB aims to cultivate trusted partnerships with their customers doing this through: 1: Enhanced efficiency and profitability with LiveLink Telematics: JCB’s LiveLink telematics system is a gamechanger, elevating the efficiency, security, and profitability of your machinery, regardless of brand. With LiveLink, you gain real-time insights into machine utilisation during rentals, enabling precise customer billing. Additionally, it facilitates accurate service predictions, allowing you to plan maintenance according to your end users’ needs. 2: Serviceability Tailored for Productivity: Ensure your Telehandler remains on the job with minimal downtime. For safety and operator convenience, all serviceable components are strategically placed on

your industry, whether it’s construction, rubber processing, or ready-mixed concrete batching. The JCB Quick hitch system further streamlines attachment changes, making the process quick and hassle-free. 5: Optimised Utilisation for Maximum Returns: The JCB Telehandler is not only an efficient asset to own and operate but is meticulously designed to maximize your return on investment. With stellar fuel efficiency, industry-leading resale value, and low running costs, these machines deliver unparalleled utilization benefits, ensuring a wise and lucrative investment. Ian Calderwood, Dennison JCB Sales Manager.

the engine’s cold side. Daily checks are easily accessible at the operator’s height, eliminating the need for climbing and contributing to a seamless workflow. 3: User Friendly Operations: JCB Telehandlers prioritise simplicity, both in service and operation. Featuring a robust yet comfortable cab with ergonomic controls and standard air conditioning, these machines guarantee operator satisfaction and vitality. The user-friendly design ensures that your operators remain delighted and refreshed throughout their tasks.

From New and Used Plant machinery sales to genuine JCB parts, attachments and 24/7 breakdown cover Dennison JCB is committed to providing unparalleled support. The team ensures personalised recommendations for precise machinery selection and with our commitment to customer satisfaction Dennison JCB stands out as a trusted partner in the construction industry, delivering excellence and maximising returns for its valued customers. Give our team a call and book a Telehandler demo today.

4: Versatility for Varied Applications: Unleash the full potential of JCB Telehandlers with a versatile single boom auxiliary feature. This capability empowers the machinery to operate a wide array of attachments tailored to

www.dennisons.co.uk/jcb

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Panoramic 40.17 Don’t settle for second best

ENGINE

115

LIFT HEIGHT

16.6

LIFT CAPACITY

4.0

Developed to meet the specific needs of customers operating in the industrial, construction and infrastructure sector, our Panoramic range guarantees exceptional performance and economic efficiency. This model portrays great versatility and can be offered in two versions that differ in their technical and configuration characteristics. Find your local Merlo dealer on our website today.

merlo.co.uk

telehandlers

MERLO IS UNMATCHED! So says Dorset-based training instructor. 88

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telehandlers

James Parker.

Located close to the historic Beacon Hill in Corfe Mullen, Dorset, All Plant Training Ltd was established by James Parker in 1995. A CPCS Accredited test centre, All Plant trains a high percentage of novice trainees across intensive week-long courses, with the balance of tests being completed over 1 – 2 days for those renewing certification. All Plant Training currently owns and operates a Merlo Panoramic P40.13 Plus, a telescopic handler purchased from Kellands Plant Sales Ltd in late 2022. His third Merlo handler, James feels the machine benefits the training centre due to its ease of use. “A Merlo is incredibly easy to train somebody on from scratch,” James states, “particularly for novices who have never driven a telehandler before. The boom mounted side-shift in particular is unlike any other brand. It just makes it that little bit easier for trainees to practice precision movements when placing heavy loads. Combined with the great visibility, the Merlo Panoramic range really is unparalleled.”

SURGE IN TELEHANDLER USE In terms of continued training business, James doesn’t foresee slowdown in the demand for Allplants services: “There’s been a massive uptick in usage of telehandlers across the construction sector over the last few years. What makes Merlo stand out me from the competition for is its manoeuvrability on smaller sites. Its compact dimensions for its capability are just unmatched.

patented ASCS attachment recognition system, which automatically detects which attachment is connected to the machine. The in-cab large LED display screen displays the correct load chart, amends the safe working zone and adjusts for different potential loads accordingly. All this ensures the operator has the ability to handle loads with maximum precision and minimal confusion whatever the level of experience.

UNMATCHED FOR OPERATOR CONVENIENCE “The Merlo really is unmatched, as far as operator convenience goes,” James comments,“It certainly makes our telehandler training more comprehensive and visual when we can demonstrate the differing load charts after attachments have been factored in.” James looks forward to a successful season of training and tests ahead in the Merlo P40.13 through 2024 and beyond. He says: “Merlo telehandlers allow us to train operators of all skill levels, using what I believe is the easiest telehandler to understand and master.” Part of an international group with its UK base in Ringwood Hampshire, Merlo leads the market in telehandler innovations. With 60 years’ of experience in agricultural and construction machinery, Merlo continues to be an innovative and well-respected presence within the field. Today Merlo is the market leader in rotating telehandlers, patented cab suspension and hydrostatic transmissions.

“When you consider that the wheelbase of this Merlo, a 13-metre reach machine is equal in size to that of a 7-metre reach machine from other manufacturers, you start to see the benefits of the compact and efficient Merlo design”.

ATTACHED TO MERLO James’s Merlo is complemented by his wide array of genuine Merlo attachments, including a fork carriage, crane hook and fly jib. James praises Merlo’s

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telehandlers

SANY ANNOUNCES TELEHANDLER ROADSHOWS SANY is thrilled to announce a series of telehandler roadshows aimed at showcasing its brand-new range of telehandlers to the UK market. The roadshows will run throughout February and March, with 6 events planned across the country. The roadshows will feature live demonstrations of SANY’s telehandlers, highlighting their capabilities, safety features, and applications. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet with SANY product experts, ask questions, and learn about the latest technological advancements incorporated into the telehandler lineup. The STH1440 (14m) and STH1840 (18m) are the first machines to feature in the new telehandler series, designed to offer the ultimate in safety, comfort and performance. Thanks to their compact and innovative design, SANY telehandlers are the ideal solution for demanding jobs and precision work, whether that’s easy loading, moving or stacking and their versatility is increased further due to their ability to use a wide variety of attachments.

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“We are excited to bring our telehandler roadshows to the UK,” said Phil Boddy, Telehandler Product Manager at SANY Europe GMBH. “These events will provide a unique opportunity for professionals in the construction and material handling sectors to experience firsthand the superior performance and innovation that define our telehandlers.” The roadshows will also serve as a platform for SANY to showcase a range of excavators to visitors as well.

The schedule for the telehandler roadshows is as follows: 15th February 2024, County Durham 20th February 2024, Worcester 22nd February 2024, Bury St Edmunds 26th February 2024, Farnham 29th February 2024, Wigan 14th March 2024, Glasgow If you are interested in attending please visit the SANY UK website www.sanyuk.com to register your interest and secure your place or contact your local SANY dealer.

from the desk of

Jim King Chairman, WISHNI

MATCH BEGINNING TO END FOR A CIRCULAR ECONOMY A circular economy challenges us to consider waste and pollution as design flaws. Companies are already exploring ways to ‘design out’ waste when products are still at the concept stage.

Christmas is over. In the quiet after the celebration, how many of us looked in amazement at the amount of material that filled our rubbish bins or we took to the household recycling centre? I’m sure some of us made multiple trips there. Perhaps we felt good about the amount we recycled, but did we ask ourselves, is this the best way to spend our time?

While recycling is undoubtedly a necessary component, we need to ensure that products and materials are designed, from the outset, to be reused, repaired, and remanufactured. It’s the consequences of decisions made at the design stage that determine around 80% of environmental impacts.

Recycling is the action or process of converting waste into reusable material. Recycling begins at the end - the ‘get rid’ stage of a product’s lifecycle. In Northern Ireland, we have a very efficient waste collection and recycling system. However, we all need to take a few steps backwards and ask our manufacturing or importing sectors what they are doing about the waste materials that are building up in HRCs all over the country. We also need to ask manufacturers, not only in NI, but in the global supply chain, what are they doing to stem the flow of multiple packaging items and non-repairable products entering the market. We need to apply consumer power to encourage product designers and manufacturers to go right

back to the beginning to prevent waste and pollution from being created in the first place. In the face of our current environmental challenges, recycling won’t be enough to overcome the sheer amount of waste we produce. That’s right, we’re back to talking about the circular economy. The World Economic Forum, yes, the

environmentally unfriendly one in Davos, Switzerland has stated: “In a properly built circular economy, one should rather focus on avoiding the recycling stage at all costs. It may sound straightforward, but preventing waste from being created in the first place is the only realistic strategy.”

One example, which can also be installed during the life cycle of a facility, is the use of anaerobic digesters to process animal and food waste in the dairy industry. The biogas generated can be used to power the facility or to fuel HGVs for road haulage, eliminating the use of non-replaceable fossil fuels. So, whether you are part of a business or a householder, we all face a question. Every journey starts with a single step. In 2024, what will our small step be?

IT’S THE CONSEQUENCES OF DECISIONS MADE AT THE DESIGN STAGE THAT DETERMINE AROUND 80% OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

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waste management solutions

3R MACHINERY AND SCREENPOD JOIN FORCES IN STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP TO REVOLUTIONISE WASTE MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS solutions for efficient waste handling, recycling, and material processing.

In a groundbreaking collaboration, North Carolina-based 3r Machinery, a provider of innovative waste management equipment, and Screenpod Design & Manufacturing, a pioneer in material processing solutions, have announces an exclusive partnership set to elevate the 3R-Machinery product offering. Screenpod and 3R-Machinery by ShredTech have come together in an exclusive partnership for for product distribution in North America. 3R-Machinery will be distributing the Screenpod range of density separation, dust control, and recycling machines, many of which will compliment the current 3R machinery lineup. Developing an enriched green initiative through their joint venture. Established in 2013, Screenpod produces a comprehensive portfolio of unique and innovative products for the global recycling industry. Tailored to enhance existing machine operations, specialty items such as the dust cannon, PortaVac, and Airvac are meticulously crafted to elevate cleanliness, safety, and efficiency.

Key highlights of the partnership include:

COMPREHENSIVE WASTE SOLUTIONS This partnership enables the integration of 3R-Machinery’s robust waste management equipment with Screenpod’s advanced material separation technologies. Clients will benefit from a comprehensive suite of solutions that streamline waste handling and reduction processes, improve recycling efficiency, and minimise environmental impact. The collaboration between 3R-Machinery and Screenpod brings together two dedicated recycling industry entities, each known for their commitment to service, quality, innovation, and customer success. This strategic alliance aims to leverage the unique strengths of both companies, providing clients with state-of-the-art

NORTH AMERICAN MARKET ACCESS The combined presence grants 3R-Machinery a larger product assortment and Screenpod expanded market access for their innovative solutions. Clients throughout North America can now access a broader range of highquality products and services to meet their waste management needs.

Trailer Mounted Dust Cannons.

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waste management solutions

Diesel Hybrid Portavac.

SHARED COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY Both companies share a commitment to environmental stewardship. The partnership will focus on distributing eco-friendly solutions that contribute to the reduction of waste and promote a circular economy. Allen Hyman, 3R-Machinery Business Manager, commented: “We are thrilled about

this partnership and the potential it holds for revolutionising waste management. By combining our expertise with Screenpod’s cutting-edge solutions, we aim to set new industry standards, build new and lasting relationships, and contribute significantly to a more sustainable future.” Leon Connolly, Screenpod Sales Manager, added: “This collaboration is a testament to our shared vision of advancing material

processing solutions globally. We are excited about the impact our joint efforts will have on the industry, promoting efficiency, innovation, and responsible waste management practices.” Both companies are excited about the possibilities this collaboration brings and look forward to substantial growth in the near future.

DUST CONTROL & DENSITY SEPARATION SPECIALISTS

Unrelenting Innovation. Unparalleled Quality. Unstoppable Performance. T: +44 (0)28 8775 8944 E: sales@screenpod.co.uk Head Office: 30 Tullyodonnell Road, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland BT70 3JE

www.screenpod.co.uk PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER

recycling & waste management

RIVERRIDGE PUBLISHES INAUGURAL ESG REPORT RiverRidge has announced the publication of its first annual Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report. Detailing its environmental, governance and social impacts it is an important milestone in demonstrating its commitment to transparent reporting while providing an annual update on the progress it has made towards its ESG goals and ambitions. The leading waste and resource management organisation is the first Northern Irish waste management company to publish such a report, which has allowed it to streamline and prioritise all existing and future sustainability initiatives. RiverRidge, which started some 13 years ago as a small skip hire company, now employs almost 300 people over five locations across Northern Ireland and is renowned for being an innovator, adaptor and disruptor in its field.

MILESTONE ON AN INVESTMENT JOURNEY The publication of RiverRidge’s first ESG report also follows the launch of its ESG Strategy, entitled Rethinking Our Future in 2022. Based on three core principles, the company has heavily invested in taking a long-term view of its business, its place within the community and the planet, as well as looking after its people.

ENGAGING WITH EMPLOYEES AND CUSTOMERS

Brett Ross, CEO of RiverRidge said, “RiverRidge is a company that has been at the forefront of change and innovation over the last 13 years. As a company, we have significantly advanced the concept of resource efficiency not only within our operations, but also in our customers, including local authorities, large public sector bodies and large and small commercial entities.

RiverRidge has also adopted several working practices for employees including an investment into the development of a digital health and safety platform, substantially increasing training hours per employee, developing a comprehensive health and wellbeing policy, launching a bespoke employee communication digital application, along with numerous other employee engagement programmes.

“The publication of our first ESG report is a major milestone for the company and among our many important goals and ambitions is our ambition to reduce our overall carbon footprint over the coming 15 years. We have a clear roadmap to achieving this by transitioning our collection fleet to renewable fuels, investing over £50 million in new waste treatment technologies, as well as converting our sites to over 70% renewable power.

Brett Ross added, “We are proud to work with almost 5,000 of Northern Ireland’s businesses, public bodies and local authorities, which consistently rate their satisfaction with the service we provide as high. We know from speaking to our customers that they value RiverRidge’s commitment to sustainability as it allows them to better understand the carbon impact of their own operation.

“Not all of our emission saving projects are large scale. At RiverRidge, we are continuously implementing small-scale interventions to address all aspects of our carbon footprint, as well as trying to improve the biodiversity of the areas within which we operate. This includes the likes of installing photovoltaic panels to run onsite pumps, deploying beehives across our disused landfills, constructing biodiversity reed beds, and planting over 1000 trees at our Craigmore site. All of this has been a great success and attracted an array of flora and fauna.”

RiverRidge has announced the publication of its inaugural ESG report, which allows the waste and resource management company to streamline and prioritise all existing and future sustainability initiatives. Pictured (L-R) are, Lauren Doherty, Interim Director of Commercial and Brand Development, NI Hospice; Brett Ross, CEO, RiverRidge; Dr Lisa Mcllvenna, Deputy Managing Director of Business in the Community (BITC) Northern Ireland.

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“Our inaugural ESG report not only holds RiverRidge to account but gives our stakeholders clear visibility of our sustainable work practices and our vision – to treat waste as a valuable resource, and in doing so, ensure a positive outcome for both our planet and communities.”

INVESTING IN COMMUNITIES RiverRidge’s ESG report also outlines how the company invests in the local communities that it serves and highlights its extensive fundraising campaign for flagship charity partner, Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.

Since the partnership began in 2015, RiverRidge has raised an incredible £90k for the charity. Lauren Doherty, Interim Director of Commercial and Brand Development said, “On behalf of NI Children’s Hospice, I wish to congratulate RiverRidge on the launch of its first ESG report. The Hospice has experienced first-hand the impact of the company’s dedication and support to local communities, with an incredible £90k of charitable donations, which has made a huge difference to the charity and enabled us to continue providing specialist care to children and young people with complex needs throughout Northern Ireland. We look forward to continuing our partnership with RiverRidge and following the company’s ESG journey in the years ahead.” Welcoming RiverRidge’s first ESG report Dr Lisa Mcllvenna, Deputy Managing Director of Business in the Community (BITC) Northern Ireland said, “We commend RiverRidge for the publication of its first ESG report. This is a clear act of public accountability and proves to the organisation’s stakeholders, including its customers and employees, that the company is taking positive and decisive action with ambitious environment, social and governance targets.” For further information regarding RiverRidge’s ESG report, see https:// riverridge.co.uk/about-us/esg-report-2023/.

circular economy

THE TTS-620SE STATIC ELECTRIC TROMMEL SCREEN FROM QRS SCORES ON COST REVOLUTIONARY MOBILEAND PERFORMANCE EQUIPMENT FOR EVERY APPLICATION

Quarry and Recycling Solutions (QRS) continues to bring the latest equipment and technology to Ireland with the Terex® Recycling Systems’ new TTS620SE Static Electric Trommel Screen.

operating costs. Additionally, the electric drive systems offer minimal noise levels, promoting quieter operation and increased uptime due to a reduced maintenance schedule compared to a conventional diesel-driven machine.

Officially launched on 25 January 2024, the TTS-620SE has been designed primarily for screening compost and organics, it is also suitable for biomass, soil, gravel and waste applications. The TTS-620SE presents a compact, selfcontained solution for waste processing, prioritising cost savings, throughput efficiencies and environmental impact.

This innovative blend of financial efficiency and environmental responsibility positions the TTS-620SE as the perfect fit for waste processing operations seeking a greener and more cost-effective solution.

Kevin Kelly from QRS commented: “The TTS620SE provides operators with proven feeding and screening technology from Terex’s existing mobile portfolio, coupled with low energy consumption, service and maintenance costs.”

THE ELECTRIC ADVANTAGE By opting for electric over traditional diesel power, the TTS-620SE significantly reduces

ADAPTABLE AND EFFICIENT Kevin points out the flexibility benefits of the TTS-620SE, which allows for various applications and diverse recycling requirements of their customers. “The unit comes with both basic and intelligent feed options to cater for various user requirements and material streams. It’s easy to customise by using the trommel screen as a standalone unit or by integrating it into either a new or pre-existing recycling plant” he explained.

The TTS-620SE benefits from an electric head-driven feed conveyor to prevent the slippage associated with a tail drive configuration whilst under load. This provides a consistent material feed onto the screening drum, enhancing screening efficiency and throughput, yielding operational efficiency, improved screening quality, and reduced maintenance needs.

EASY MAINTENANCE AND COST SAVINGS Kevin continued: “Maintenance is easy with exceptional service access, although QRS can offer a full maintenance programme as part of the purchase. Even though the TTS620SE has been on the market for less than a month, we already have one very happy customer, who is delighted with the move to electric and the cost savings of around 60% over conventional diesel power.” The TTS-620SE Static Electric Trommel Screen is is stock at QRS and available immediately.

SLOW SPEED SHREDDER

TTS-620SE Static Electric Trommel Screen MEDIUM SPEED SHREDDER

WASTE HANDLERS

TROMMEL SCREENS

CBI GRINDERS

RECYCLING SCREENS

TWIN SHAFT SHREDDER

SHREDDING | SCREENING | HANDLING | COMPOSTING | CONVEYING 10 Coolmaghry Road, Donaghmore, Dungannon BT70 3 HJ

info@qrs.ie +442887767120

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circular economy

INTRODUCING RECON RESOURCES ReCon is an award-winning company that has evolved from a farm diversification programme to become one of the most progressive waste recycling companies in Ireland. ReCon was established in 2012 primarily processing difficult to treat road sweepings and gully waste. Having achieved End of Waste Protocols on Street Sweeping wastes in 2014, 2016 and 2021 the company has continued to identify problematic waste streams in a bid to divert from land fill and produce high performance recycled products of consistent quality. These initial, exciting developments increased ReCon’s commitment to deliver

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optimum service to its clients across the UK and Ireland whilst providing wide ranging sustainable solutions. ReCon Resources was established in 2023 to achieve the goal of a 100% recycling rate and a 100% diversion of waste from landfill. ReCon is committed to continuously reduce the environmental impact of its operations and products through the adoption of sustainable practices and circular economy principles and seeks to promote the beneficial re-utilisation and repurposing of high quality and sustainable waste derived resources. ReCon's highly specialised processing solutions enable it to produce a range of high quality products for use across various market sectors. This is combined

with low environmental impacts, which are achieved through product innovation and the optimisation of processes and material handling efficiencies and the use of renewable energy. This ensures that all activities on site are sustainable and in compliance with our ISO 14001 Environmental Management System. Managing Director Daniel Connolly said “Reducing the environmental impact of our own business and that of our customers is the cornerstone on which we hope we will improve the sustainability of our business practices.”

We provide cost effective service to local business sectors ECO Soils range for Agri Improvement or for Multi-Purpose Use ECO Soil Improvers ECO Ready mix concrete ECO Lego Blocks Sustainable Aggregates in various size ranges and grades

9 Derrinraw Road, Portadown BT62 1UX

028 3885 2513

Committed to a sustainable future. The award winning Recon Waste Management has diversified into a model of sustainability and beneficial re use of resources. We aim to provide a perfect example of the circular economy in operation, looking for innovative ways to increase recycling targets for our customers.

info@reconresourcesni.com

plant sales Leasing agreements designed to suit the cash flow of your business Call us on 028 9517 0414 or visit www.closecommercialfinance.com Close Brothers Commercial Finance is a trading style of Close Brothers Limited. Close Brothers Limited is registered in England and Wales (Company No. 00195626) and it’s registered office is 10 Crown Place, London, United Kingdom EC2A 4FT.

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23/04/2014 12:37

2x Thwaites AD9 FT Cab - Boyle Construction, Letterkenny sold by TBF Construction Machinery.

Deane Public Works based in Co. Fermanagh collected a new JCB 8026 CTS to replace the one they bought back in 1996 - Dennison JCB.

SK28SR-6 double going to MGD Civil Engineering, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath from McSharry TRACK.

A new Giant G2300HD Xtra away out to C Ryan From Ballyward Plant Services.

A new Komatsu PC490LC-11 sold to Gibson Bros by WAC McCandless.

Brackley Comtracts taking delivery of new Yanmar VIO80 from Crumlin Plant Sales.

Finmac Construction LTD adding another new Manitou MT1840 to the already strong fleet of Manitou Telehandlers - Northern Lift Trucks.

SK30SR-6 delivered to S&A Construction, Co. Cavan from McSharry TRACK.

ZX55U-6 - Mulligan Fencing, Navan sold by TBF Construction Machinery.

New Hidromek 230LC sold by Kelly’s to Conor Butler - KOB.

Richard of KMR Dickson collecting his new Yanmar VIO17 from Crumlin Plant Sales.

A new Giant G3500tele and Adler sweeper for Pinetree farm, from Ballyward Plant Services.

SK350LC-10 in Kobelco yellow going to Hanly Quarries, Co. Roscommon from McSharry TRACK.

A new Adler K600/135 sweeper for Leo Matheson ltd, from Ballyward Plant Services.

ZX135US-7 with Engcon S60 tilt hitch and GRD60 gripper - McCusker Contracts Ltd, Dromore sold by TBF Construction Machinery.

SK230SRLC-7 going to Rowland Civils, Co. Meath; the sale was completed by Conor McSharry, Sales Agent for McSharry TRACK.

New Arden selector grab sold to R Heatrick Skipway by QRS.

A new Komatsu PC26MR-5 sold to PPO Hire by WAC McCandles.

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A new Engcon EC02b twin hitch tilt rotator for D Laverty, from Ballyward Plant Services.

plant sales Specialist finance for the purchase of new and second hand assets Call us on 028 9517 0414 or visit www.closecommercialfinance.com Close Brothers Commercial Finance is a trading style of Close Brothers Limited. Close Brothers Limited is registered in England and Wales (Company No. 00195626) and it’s registered office is 10 Crown Place, London, United Kingdom EC2A 4FT.

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3no. New Yanmar C30 track dumpers supplied to CP Hire by Crumlin Plant Sales.

New Yanmar SV26 delivered to Cannings Plant hire from Crumlin Plant Sales.

Re-Gen Waste collecting their new Komatsu PC170LC-11 from WAC McCandless.

ZX26U-6 - PJL Plant Hire and Groundworks, Castledillon sold by TBF Construction Machinery.

A new Atlas Copco XAS58-7 sold to Source Civils by WAC McCandless.

Cranfield Caravan Park Kilkeel take delivery of a New Sunward 60UF AJ Armstrong & Sons.

A new JLG 600AJ sold to Boles Hire by WAC McCandless.

SK270SRLC-7 sold to DM Groundworks, Co. Meath; sold by Conor McSharry, Sales Agent for McSharry TRACK.

New Yanmar VIO17 for Camila supplied by Crumlin Plant Sales.

A new Adler KS600/180 sweeper for KPM Surfacing, from Ballyward Plant Services.

Colin Bradley Contracts has taken delivery of this new JCB 140X Black Edition, the first of it’s kind in Northern Ireland - Dennison JCB.

ZX135US-7 - Padraig Kinsella, Roscrea sold by TBF Construction Machinery.

Roy Graham was delighted to handover the super Manitou MI30 to Hannon Transport recently - Northern Lift Trucks.

A new Komatsu WA475-10EO sold to Breedon Group by WAC McCandless.

New Yanmar VIO33 for Modern Maintenance supplied by Crumlin Plant Sales.

A new Komatsu PC138US-11 and Epiroc MB1000 sold to Gibson Bros.

New Yanmar VIO80 joins the fleet at KC Hire supplied by Crumlin Plant Sales.

A new Engcon EC206bs twin hitch tilt rotator for W Doherty Construction, from Ballyward Plant Services.

Dorman Bros collecting a new Sunward 35UF - AJ Armstrong & Sons.

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plant sales Unlock the value of your existing assets to support cash flow Call us on 028 9517 0414 or visit www.closecommercialfinance.com Close Brothers Commercial Finance is a trading style of Close Brothers Limited. Close Brothers Limited is registered in England and Wales (Company No. 00195626) and it’s registered office is 10 Crown Place, London, United Kingdom EC2A 4FT.

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Meadowveiw Utilities take delivery of new Yanmar VIO27 from Crumlin Plant Sales.

SK75SR-7 double going to Ward & Burke, Co. Galway from McSharry TRACK.

ZX65USB-6 - Marty Haulage Ltd, Moneymore sold by TBF Construction Machinery.

Joe sweeney taking delivery of son Patrick Sweeneys New Sunward 25UF in letterkenny Co Donegal - AJ Armstrong & Sons.

SK230SRLC-7 cw Steelwrist UK X26 going to B&M O’Brien, Co. Cork from McSharryTRACK.

KQ Contracts receives New Yanmar VIO23 from Crumlin Plant Sales.

David Campton from Cookstown taking delivery of a New Sunward 60UF AJ Armstrong & Sons.

Glenn Robinson getting delivery of his new Yanmar VIO57 from Crumlin Plant Sales.

Darren Commins taking delivery of new Yanmar VIO57 from Crumlin Plant Sales.

Thank you to McKinstry Skip Hire who recently took delivery of 2 new JCB 560-80 Wastemasters - Dennison JCB.

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McCormick Contracts collecting a new Komatsu PC26MR-5 from WAC McCandless.

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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. We offer these services from our Trade Counter in Hillsborough

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Crumlin Plant Sales Ltd 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

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Hiring equipment? Look for the SafeHire logo! SafeHire Certification sets the benchmark for hire businesses to reach the highest quality standards, reduce risk and improve customer service. The bright orange logo assures customers they are hiring equipment from a competent and safe company.

SafeHire Certification proves competence in: • Health, Safety and Welfare • Quality • Training and Competence Assurance • And many more! Hire fleet is also inspected by an independent industry expert to ensure all kit is maintained to the highest standard. To find your nearest SafeHire Certified company contact Hire Association Europe or see the ‘Find a Member Section’ on www.hae.org.uk

Developed in partnership with:

Tel: 0121 380 4600 Website: www.hae.org.uk Email: safehire@hae.org.uk Hire Association Europe 2450 Regents Court, The Crescent Birmingham Business Park, Solihull, B37 7YE