17 minute read
Cole Groundwork Contracts Scores
COLE GROUNDWORK CONTRACTS SCORES ANOTHER FIRST IN GOING ‘GREEN’
The past year has probably been one of the most challenging for the construction industry as a whole, but it has also been one of the busiest for some contractors, not least Cole Groundwork Contracts who has become the first Irish based company to switch to using low emission HVO fuel to power its machinery.
The award-winning Newry headquartered company has recently been involved in a major project at Brighton University, as a subcontractor for Bouygues UK. This major contract win comes on the back of multiple high profile contracts all across the UK and Europe. Indeed, Cole Groundworks Contracts has significantly increased the general awareness of its name as a brand that can be relied on to deliver projects on time and within budget, which is why the company has been winning a string on contracts, especially around the London area. The Brighton University project is for five new towers, ranging in height from 8 to 18 floors, to provide over 800 affordable student bedrooms and space at ground level for new Students’ Union and fitness facilities. The entire campus development is being built to the highest environmental standards with an emphasis on sustainability, and being aware of Brighton University’s environmental consciousness pledge, Cole Groundwork Contracts opted to switch to low emission HVO fuel to play their part in lowering emissions. The university and Bouygues UK were delighted with both Cole Groundwork Contracts commitment to the project and also the results so much so that they recommended that other contractors should take this route. Cole Groundwork Contracts selected Green D+, a high-performance low emission HVO fuel supplied by Green Biofuels Ltd, in order to achieve those goals, without incurring any additional capital expenditure. “We have a large fleet of Hitachi diggers ranging from six tonnes to 13 tonnes, as well as dumpers, rollers, telehandlers and other machines, and we are using this
alternative, environmentally-friendly fuel in all of them,” says Managing Director Conor Cole. “Not just on the university contract, but on all our sites across the UK; we also plan to introduce the HVO fuel on our equipment in Ireland when supplies become available within the next few months.
Clean & Efficient
“The HVO fuel has no effect on the machine’s performance; if anything, it is more efficient than diesel – we are getting more hours per tank, and its low emissions makes it ideal for working in built up areas, such as in London, where air quality can be an issue,” says Conor. He adds: “As a company, we are passionate about being the ‘best’ in our field, and we know that Green D+ is allowing us to help our customers hit their sustainability goals, and more importantly, as I mentioned, all our staff have noticed improved efficiency with plant, better air quality on site, and no heavy diesel plumes from cold plant. This is what
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we believe is a true revolution for air quality in our area of expertise, and an innovation that will help the entire construction industry.” Indeed, it seems other contractors on the Brighton site and across the country in general will soon be following suit as they quickly realise the environmental benefits of using the HVO fuel which can be used in any existing diesel engine powered machines without any preparatory mechanical enhancements. Having monitored the fuel’s use on the Brighton University site, the company reported a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, a NOx reduction of approximately 30% and a particulates reduction of 70%. In total, Cole Groundwork Contracts reckons it has saved 3,614 kg of CO2 over the course of the construction project. The company estimates it will use nearly two million litres of Green D+ in the next five years, saving an equivalent 5,640,000 kg of CO2 in the process. Commenting on the use of Green D+, Clayton Parsons, Site Manager, Bouygues UK, said: “Bouygues UK is conscious of our environmental impact as a result of our core activities in construction and are constantly adapting in an effort to reduce this impact. “We are proud to partner with Cole Groundworks to advance initiatives which will reduce our carbon footprint. We welcome the use of Green D+ fuels on our project here in Brighton and congratulate our supply chain partners for their efforts in this regard and encourage any others which are willing to take part too.”
Growing Business
Meanwhile, Cole Groundwork Contracts continues to grow its business, employing a large workforce across Ireland and the UK and has also undertaken projects across Europe, delivering services to some of the biggest named construction companies in the world including Bouygues UK, Grahams, Farrans, Gilbert Ash and Government bodies to name a few. Cole Groundwork Contracts Ltd offer a wide range of cutting-edge construction services with an emphasis on providing outstanding quality of service, total reliability and first-class value for money, being involved in housing developments, commercial developments, Schools and Universities, electrical generation sites, telecommunications, and within the Water industry. The company has taken on extra staff and increased its fleet of plant and machinery over the past year to cope with its current workload throughout Ireland and the UK. It is also planning to bolster its management team further, to enable it to grow effectively, and to grow the workforce completely. However, says Conor, a past winner of Plant & Civil Engineer’s ‘High Achiever of the Year’ award and named ‘Young Entrepreneur of the Year’, “the current skills shortages could have an impact on those plans. “So far, we have managed to stop this shortage impacting us - despite the difficulties; we have a great team of people around us, all pulling their weight. We are always striving to develop a highly skilled workforce, constantly headhunting for management and new people to add to and benefit our organisation. We also show great interest in training our staff to offer our clients a reputable, reliable and efficient service within the construction industry. “We think nothing of working late into the night or the early morning to ensure the completion of a contract, and I think that approach and level of commitment definitely raises our profile and our prospects.”
www.colegwc.co.uk
The team at Setanta Construction. Apprentice of the Year Luke Emery.
Setanta Construction Ltd, a second-generation family business based in Northern Ireland, has been dubbed a “company to watch” by the independent judges of this year’s Federation of Master Builders’ National Master Builder Awards, after courage to innovate and grow during the pandemic paid off.
TV presenter and all-round building enthusiast Nick Knowles announced the winner of the Building Company of the Year award to the delight of the Setanta team, during the awards ceremony held online recently. The awards recognise building excellence, quality craftsmanship, and exceptional customer service, and are run by the Federation of Master Builders, the largest trade association in the UK construction sector which is this year celebrating its 80th anniversary. Specialising in timber frame builds and off-site manufacture, Setanta Construction are now at the forefront of building low-carbon, energy efficient homes. Just before the pandemic hit, they expanded their workshop and factory space, while still delivering for clients during a very busy period. The company succeeded in securing £138,000 of support from Invest Northern Ireland for R&D and job creation, enabling them to develop unique offsite solutions and enter new markets, for example in providing dormer windows to the Claridges Hotel in London. With this, the company is projected to create jobs for 12 more people. The judges applauded Setanta’s attitude to employee training and wellbeing, supporting apprentices, hosting regular “toolbox talks” to address any areas of concern in the industry or amongst staff, and places a focus on the mental health of their team. With staff members who have been with the company for 16 years, Setanta Construction are certainly doing a lot right. Mark Gribbin, Director of Setanta Construction Ltd, said: “It’s great to be recognised. I know lots of other companies will be doing what they can, for their staff, to be supportive. Everyone’s finding it tough, but we’re finding a way through it. It’s interesting, challenging, but rewarding work.”
Apprentice of the Year
Meanwhile, Luke Emery, an apprentice at County Tyrone based Lowry Building & Civil Engineering Ltd, has been named Apprentice of the Year , being recognised for “going the extra mile” for his team and customers. A joinery apprentice, Luke’s successful nomination and victory in this hotly contested category has been attributed to his eagerness to learn new skills and his commitment to his employer, as well as his natural aptitude and growing skill level in his chosen trade. Luke’s commitment to the role shone through during the COVID-19 pandemic, with him joining the firm’s essential workforce to contribute to vital maintenance for clients, such as Northern Ireland Water. “I’m delighted; it’s crazy! I have loved the variety of an apprenticeship, getting out and about on site. I would like to thank everyone at the team at Lowry Building and Civil Engineering who has welcomed me; and continues to accommodate me. It’s a good environment to work in. I’d like to thank my mentor, Tommy, in particular.”
Hutchinson Engineering celebrates 50 years in business with corporate golf day
Hutchinson Engineering are marking 50 years in business and as part of those celebtaions had a great day out with customers and suppliers at the beautiful Riverside Course at Portstewart Golf Club.
Over 40 golfers made the trip to the North Coast course to try to win top prizes, including a Mini car for the hole-in-one prize, which was kindly sponsored by Agnew Leasing. It was the first corporate event in over 18 months for the company, so, it was great that it received such an excellent turnout, with some golfers travelling from far afield as Mayo. Hutchinson Engineering is a second-generation family-run business that is a subcontract manufacturer for some of the world’s best-known companies in the materials handling, coachbuilding, and agricultural sectors. These include Caterpillar, Terex, and McLaren. Their main services include laser cutting, folding, and fabrication. CEO of Hutchinson Engineering Mark Hutchinson tells us: “As we celebrate our 50th year in business we now boast over 100,000sq. ft state of the art facilities in Kilrea with 120 staff, and we are planning our largest investment to date early 2022. “The golf day was a great success, and we were delighted that our customers and suppliers came along to support us and help us celebrate our 50 years in business and we would like to thank them for the past 50 years, and here’s to the next 50!”
Lady Captain of Portstewart GC Doreen Fleming with Mark Hutchinson and Richard Hutchinson of Hutchinson Engineering.
ROKBAK IS THE NEW NAME FOR TEREX TRUCKS
Paul Douglas - Managing Director Rokbak. Articulated hauler specialist Terex Trucks has rebranded as Rokbak. The Scottish manufacturer unveiled the new brand at a digital launch event attended by dealers, customers, media, and Volvo Group colleagues from around the world.
Throughout the last four decades, the company has delivered powerful and reliable articulated haulers – and the manufacturer says that legacy remains front and centre within the new brand. At the same time, the Rokbak name represents an exciting new future and reflects the significant advances the organisation has made in recent years as well as its new strategic priorities. “Our company has an incredible history and a proud heritage,” said Paul Douglas, Managing Director. “Seven years ago, we became a member of the Volvo Group, which allowed us to make major improvements in every part of our business. “Millions of pounds have been invested in improving our products, modernising our facilities, expanding our network, and developing our people. It has been a process of continual evolution. That’s why we feel it’s right to recognise this evolution with a new brand name to launch an exciting new chapter in our history. And we’ll keep investing to further improve our machines for our customers.” The significant investments and improvements in the company’s articulated haulers in recent times have ensured they remain among the most robust and reliable machines around. Now, with their foundation in the predecessor models from Terex Trucks, the 28-tonne payload RA30 and 38-tonne payload RA40 from Rokbak are the most productive and efficient articulated haulers the company has ever made. As part of the new brand launch, the machines now come in Rokbak colours and livery. While maintaining the experienced design, craft and precision that are synonymous with the company’s
SOLID AS A ROKBAK
CARVED BY A LIFETIME OF HARD WORK, ROKBAK ARTICULATED HAULERS ARE BUILT TO PERFORM.
haulers, the RA30 and RA40 deliver better fuel economy, lower emissions, improved safety, and greater durability. With a tough design that’s built to last, the haulers power through hard work with ease, boosting customers’ productivity no matter how tough the conditions. “We’re very excited to reveal our new brand, and of course our haulers are the shop window,” continued Paul Douglas. “Rokbak stands for power, performance and reliability. We already have a very healthy order book for the new brand, and we want to further expand our reputation, dealer network and market share. We’re still the same skilled, experienced, and passionate team, committed to making rock-solid haulers every day. But we also have a clear vision for where we want to go and who we want to be.” As part of the Volvo Group, Rokbak has experienced steady evolution over the past seven years. While this has taken place across the board, it is particularly prominent in four key areas: product design, sustainability, safety, and people. In product design, the company has introduced Stage V engines for better fuel efficiency and operation for customers. Other improvements include a new transmission on the 28-tonne (30.9ton) machine, the introduction of the Haul Track telematics, and a stronger focus on operator wellbeing and safety.
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In terms of sustainability, the company’s manufacturing plant has shifted to 100% renewable energy as well as operating within Science-Based Targets and ISO standards, plus targeting CO2 emission reductions. The focus on safety has been emphasised in all areas, but particularly on its employees. Changes in processes at the factory have seen a stronger concentration on maintaining employee safety while simultaneously delivering high standards and low downtime. For the company’s people at the heart of Rokbak, there is a continual focus on professional development, keeping the team at the forefront of skill and expertise. Similarly, Dealer Operating Standards and training ensures the expanded dealer network continues to deliver the highest levels of service. “We are proud and excited to have the modernised Rokbak brand continue as a fundamental part of our organization,” said Melker Jernberg, President Volvo CE and Executive Vice President Volvo Group. “We believe in a sustainable future, innovation and the power of our people and we see that all encapsulated in Rokbak. At the same time, the company has its own personality, heritage and loyal customer base and it will be exciting to see the brand evolve further as it sets out on this new stage of its journey.”
Melker Jernberg - President Volvo CE and Executive Vice President Volvo Group.
AS PART OF THE NEW BRAND LAUNCH, THE MACHINES NOW COME IN ROKBAK COLOURS AND LIVERY. WHILE MAINTAINING THE EXPERIENCED DESIGN, CRAFT AND PRECISION THAT ARE SYNONYMOUS WITH THE COMPANY’S HAULERS, THE RA30 AND RA40 DELIVER BETTER FUEL ECONOMY, LOWER EMISSIONS, IMPROVED SAFETY, AND GREATER DURABILITY.
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Belfast Launch for Digital Construction Project
Belfast Metropolitan College recently launched their new £1.12 million European digital construction project, ‘ARISE’ which aims to revolutionise the learning process by changing the face of delivery and recognition of sustainable energy skills in the construction sector.
ARISE’s mission is to support the twin transition of the construction sector and to contribute thereby to the European Recovery and Resilience Plans 2021 -2027, by providing the construction sector workforce with digital and sustainable energy skills of the future, along with demand side guidelines for marketable appreciation of skills and exploitation of benefits thereof. The nine partners in the project consortium are: Belfast Metropolitan College, Northern Ireland, Technological University Dublin, Ireland, Institute for Research in Environment, Civil Engineering and Energy, North Macedonia, ISSO, Netherlands, Conseil des Architectes D Europe, Brussels, IBIMI Institute for BIM, Italy, Building Changes, BV, Netherlands, Copenhagen School of Design and Technology, Denmark and Instituto Superior Technico, Portugal On the opening launch day, Belfast Met Innovation Manager and ARISE Programme Manager, Paul McCormack gave an introduction and outlined the challenges and objectives for the 30 month programme. Louise Warde Hunter, Principal and Chief Executive of Belfast Met also addressed the opening day audience, saying: “Today’s ARISE launch reinforces Belfast Met’s commitment to engage in international partnerships and applied R &D, working in innovative ways with industry to meet the emerging skills needs of the economy at home and abroad.” The funding for the project was gained through the EU Horizon 2020 Work Programme. Ms Amadine De CosterLacourt, Project Advisor, (CINEA), European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency, said: “ARISE will contribute to the Green Deal and the Renovation Wave objectives by facilitating recognition of sustainable energy skills in the built environment and increasing demand for those skills.”
Belfast Met Principal and Chief Executive Louise Warde Hunter.
New Jobs See Kilwaughter Minerals Staff Numbers Reach 200
Sixteen new jobs have been created by Kilwaughter Minerals Limited as part of a £450,000 investment in its production operations.
The investment in skills connects to the company’s strategic focus on employees and organisation capability, and brings the overall number employed by the leading mineral processor based outside Larne, County Antrim to 200. The new roles in production follow unprecedented demand for Kilwaughter products including its K Rend commercial and residential renders. The company serves a number of sectors including construction and agriculture, with products including through-colour renders, external wall insulation systems, soil health conditioning minerals and livestock bedding lime solutions to control bacteria. Gary Wilmot, Chief Executive, Kilwaughter Minerals said: “With the economy emerging from the coronavirus pandemic, we are working hard to respond to what has been a sustained surge in demand, particularly in our construction sectors. “Moves towards a net zero economy is driving the agenda for more heat efficient homes and this will fuel demand for years to come for our external wall insulation systems.” While the new positions see Kilwaughter reach the 200-employee milestone, the company supports hundreds more in the supply chain. Gary added: “As a key employer in the Mid and East Antrim borough and a catalyst for growth in the wider Northern Ireland economy, we are committed to continued investment to enhance our market leading position. “These new jobs allow us to satisfy the demand for our existing suite of products while we also remain focused on developing new and innovative solutions to drive further growth.”
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