Plantworx 2023 shines bright: a ray of sunshine marks the last show at Peterborough Arena

From the first Plantworx event in 2013, rainfall had blighted every show. Plantworx 2023 came with a welcome twist, however. This time around, the event was marked by wall-to-wall sunshine. Attendees were greeted with a scorching hot and sunny spectacle, completely unlike previous shows.

Suneeta Johal, CEO of the Construction Equipment Association, said: “As my first Plantworx event as CEO, I was truly impressed by the innovative technology showcased, the industry recognition through our innovation awards and the significant deals made. I also received really good feedback from exhibitors about the quality of the organisation and ops – which is all down to our excellent operational team, headed up by Simon Frere-Cook and Stuart Favill.

“Peterborough gifted us with great weather and an electrifying atmosphere for my first Plantworx experience. Now, it’s time to set our sights on Plantworx 2025 and our next exciting venue, which we are actively seeking and we are hoping to update our loyal exhibitors and visitors in the coming months.”

Attendees were greeted with a wide array of state-of-the-art machinery and innovative products on display. Footfall over the course of the three-day event was approximately 10,000 unique visitors.

The show was supported by National Highways and Costain, who were on site throughout to talk to exhibitors and operators attending the event. The National Highways and Costain team shared the Partners Lounge with several other organisations, including AMPS – Association of Manufacturers and

Suppliers of Power Systems and ancillary equipment and overseas organisations including, ANMOPYC, bauma 2025, bauma CONEXPO INDIA, BICES 2023 Show, British Embassy Ulaanbaatar, CII EXCON, CONEXPO – CON / AGG, M & T Expo and the UK’s Department for Business and Trade. In addition, a large Mongolian delegation flew in to do business with UK exhibitors – such is the reach of the show.

Progress in making construction machinery run on electricity is happening very fast, as demonstrated by the number of electric machines on display. Along with these new machines, there were also renewable energy solutions on show. Companies like MHM Group demonstrated how they’re using renewable energy in construction, showing that the industry is really starting to think about how it can be more sustainable.

Mecalac had a very good event. Allison Sedgwick, Marketing Manager said: “Plantworx 2023 was a fantastic show for us with a really positive vibe. After a four-year wait we all couldn’t wait to get back to the show that never fails to deliver a platform for our dealers to sell from. The sun shone for us in many ways with us also getting an innovation award for our revolutionary REVOTRUCK site dumper.”

Xerotech made its show debut, in the cool of the inside arena. The company’s Head of Marketing, Jesse Morris, said: “Well what a show Plantworx has been, with live demos, the latest in technology and industry awards. It was a successful event and an incredible experience. We also scooped a Special Recognition Award for Best Use of Technology for our Hibernium battery pack.”

Xwatch Safety Solutions also made its debut, showcasing its XW series of safety solutions, including height, slew, and RCI (rated capacity indicator) systems. The company also used the show to launch its 3D Collision Avoidance System in collaboration with Leica Geosystems, which can also be used for underground utilities. Xwatch Sales and Operations Director, Dan Leaney reported an excellent show with a huge interest in the products – and if the handshakes and verbal agreements come to fruition – the team would have secured orders in excess of £1m.

SANY used the event to showcase its latest range of wheel loaders – the SW305 and SW405 – which were said to have garnered significant attention over the three days. Business Development Director of SANY UK, Leigh Harris said: “We are thrilled with the overwhelming response and success we achieved at Plantworx 2023. The exhibition provided an invaluable opportunity for us to engage with industry leaders, establish new partnerships and demonstrate the innovation and excellence that defines our brand. The positive feedback we received regarding our new range of wheel loaders has further reinforced our commitment to delivering top-quality construction machinery to our customers.”

Mick Dysart, Managing Director EXVAC Equipment Sales Ltd was delighted: “Plantworx 2023 provided the UK launchpad for the EXVAC suction excavator. Having reviewed the significant number of sales and hot leads generated at the show, it is clear that Plantworx 2023 has delivered what we had hoped to achieve, and more. Footfall was good and more importantly, there was a high proportion of decision-makers among the visitors.”

The Liugong machinery stand was a hive of activity and there was a lot of interest in the new 16.5-kW 9027F-E electric excavator. The company sold five of these battery-powered minis at the show on the first day – going on to do deals for a further 17 machines. The silentrunning 856HE wheel loader also made an appearance.

Matt Coleman, of The Toro Company, was at Plantworx for the first time with Toro UK. He said: “This was the first year of Toro UK Ltd choosing to take stand space and showcase our extensive portfolio of compact construction equipment. The show beat all expectations and the quality of visitors over the three days was encouraging, ranging from business owners to plant operators. It’s very rare to sell anything off stand without any followups post-event but we did.”

Peter Beach, Managing Director

Genquip Groundhog, is a great advocate of Plantworx, and his series of witty videos leading up to the show brought a smile to the Plantworx 2023 team. He said: “Genquip Groundhog had a hugely successful time at Plantworx 2023. We were highlighting our innovative carbon reduction welfare units and of course, the amazing weather helped with this.

“The quality of visitors this year was amazing, meaning all three units on our stand did not come back to the factory but straight to customer depots as all were sold at the show. It didn’t stop there, we had a fixed axle office on Team MHM stand and we sold this too, along with five others we had in stock at the factory. Leads taken at the show meant we also sold five more stock mobile units straight from the factory.”

Gaz Evans, GEM Attachments and Scale Models exhibited for the first time at Plantworx in the indoor arena, saying: “Lucinda and I can’t thank the customers enough who have supported us at Plantworx and the current and new OEMs that came to speak with us. Our stand is a little shy of models – we have done some phenomenal business.”

Plantworx also served as the stage for the announcement of the 600,000th machine protected by the CEA’s CESAR Scheme, a leading solution in machinery anti-theft. Suneeta Johal awarded MANITOU with a symbolic CESAR ID plate, numbered 600,000. Mark Ormond, Managing Director of Manitou, said:

“We have been supporters of the CESAR Scheme since its inception and recognise its part in reducing theft. We are delighted to be the manufacturer of the machine which has reached this incredible milestone and will continue to support CESAR.”

Visitors also had a fantastic experience at the show

The Plantworx 2023 event was a big hit among visitors, appreciating strong representation from top brands like

Takeuchi, Bobcat, Liugong, SANY, DEVELON, Mecalac, Hidromek and Caterpillar. A standout moment was

XMCG making its first UK appearance. These big names brought energy and excitement to the showground, showing off the best in plant machinery and construction equipment, with some very impressive demonstrations.

Director of CJ Charlton Group Chris Charlton came to the show armed with his cheque book. He said: “I had a great day at Plantworx and sealed a deal with Mutley Plant Services on some new demolition attachments, which will be added to our equipment fleet later this month.”

Merrill Lynch, Lynch Plant Hire and Haulage also visited the show and stopped by the Takeuchi stand and a deal was agreed with Takeuchi dealer, CBL (Clive Barford Limited) on the first Takeuchi TB395W, to the largest fleet of 10-tonne wheeled excavators in the UK.

Get Connected Zone and Simulation Zone

The Simulation Zone at Plantworx, a state-of-the-art training platform for construction professionals, hosted by Plantforce Rentals, made a triumphant return in 2023 following its phenomenal debut in 2019.

This innovative and interactive zone provided an unmatched opportunity for beginners and seasoned operators alike to enhance their skills and familiarise themselves with machine control systems and gain insights into the realm of construction.

Throughout the show, the zone was teeming with activity as every age group and various levels of experience tried their hands at the simulators.

The companies’ stands in the indoor arena had been buzzing with visitors and offered a cool alternative to the soaring temperatures outside. The newly inaugurated Get Connected Zone had brought together companies that had new and innovative ways of delivering solutions. The focus was on the people-plant interface, telematics, the connected site and safety systems. Indoor companies such as Ongrade MC (Thomas Plant), Unicontrol, Smart Construction Sitech, Sodex, Plinx, MachineMax, GKD, and FTC were present.

Exhibitors, MachineMax and PLINX announced their partnership at the show in the ‘Get Connected Zone’. The two businesses have teamed up to provide a whole new approach to the connected worksite, integrating sensors from machines to people into one datadriven dashboard. Plinx also announced a new in-cab visual alert solution linked to the MachineMax sensors to support reductions in idle time.

The outside ‘Get Connected Zone’ exhibitors included key sponsors, Leica Geosystems, Conquip, Hyundai Construction Equipment Europe, and Ongrade MC (Thomas Plant).

Flannery Plant Hire reported a wonderful three days. “It was an unforgettable experience, which included engaging with many industry professionals and witnessing some exciting innovations that the industry has produced. Thank you to all who made it possible.”

Brand new Operator Challenge

The Operator Challenge Zone was the hub of the show. Hundreds of operators and a whole host of influencers gathered in the Plantorx speedway area, which was a hive of activity. There was a real feeling of camaraderie as operators took to the timed challenges in Hyundai machines.

The Operator Challenge was graced by guest visits from several of the UK’s top social media figures. These include Amy Underwood, widely known as Amy the Digger Girl; Conor Kelly also known as Conor the Digger Driver; Lloyd Peckham recognised as Bearded Excavation; Kurt Mills, known as Lord Muck; Lana Edwards, who goes by Tracklass1; and the rising star Ben ‘the operator’ Wade, who appears to have a promising career ahead. The contest between Conor and Lloyd, which was dubbed ‘rumble in the jungle’, was eagerly anticipated and showcased on Instagram and TikTok. It was a tight competition but Bearded Excavation ultimately claimed victory.

Onsite Awards

There were onsite awards for exhibitors who made a big impact. The awards were presented at the Exhibitor’s Reception, which took place on the evening of the first day of the show.

The Winner of the Best Indoor Static Stand was Radiodetection. The judges, Angela and Simon thought the stand was welcoming and the staff were very attentive and approachable. Visitors to the stand could see the product and were in no doubt about what was on offer.

The second winner of the night for Best Outdoor Static Stand went to Xwatch Safety Solutions. The judges felt that it was welcoming, with an innovative use of materials including flower boxes and aged wood. The upstairs grass mezzanine provided a quiet place to sit relax and see the rest of the show away from the hustle and bustle. Dan Leaney, Xwatch Safety Solutions, Operations Director said: “We were thrilled to win this award – this is our first Plantworx and we really made an effort with our stand.”

The next award was for The Best Use of an Outdoor Demo Area. Judges, Nick Drew and Peter Haddock – were unanimous that this prize should go to DEVELON. There was a lot of thought and preparation that went into the stand –it really had the wow factor. A really nice feel and flow and was not just a ‘Tent in a field’ but a truly impressive stand.

The Outstanding Contractor Award went to Fuchsia Events and its team. Plantworx Event Director, Simon Frere-Cook presented the award to Fuchsia Chairman, Mike Coleman, who dedicated this award to his son Nick Foreman. Simon said, that you couldn’t fault Nick and the Fuchsia team – they are impeccable in every aspect of site etiquette and always excel in everything they do.”

The Best Demonstrator at Plantworx (Operator) Award is a hotly contested award as there are many talented demonstrators at the show. However, there has to be a winner and this year it was Takeuchi demonstrator, Owen Mays.

Judge, Nick Drew said: “Owen Mays on the Takeuchi stand, operating the TB395-W rubber duck excavator, showcased exceptional skill and a profound understanding of the machine’s capabilities. His utilisation of the Engcon Tiltrotator was nothing short of impressive, exemplifying the perfect blend of flexibility and accuracy. Owen demonstrated the full potential of the machine, leaving a lasting impression as an expert operator.”

The end of the road for the Peterborough Showground

Plantworx 2023 marked the final trade show held at the East of England venue, as it is now scheduled for a significant housing development. This transition brings forth exciting prospects for the construction industry. The CEA has already begun exploring various suggestions and approaches from potential venues for its future exhibitions in 2025 and beyond. Watch this space.