Plantworx 2023 A Farewell to Peterborough

Glorious Peterborough

This summer saw the return of the highly anticipated Plantworx! Since 2019, the East of England Showground in Peterborough has been bereft of the UK’s largest construction plant event. But no more! Graced with glorious weather, Plantworx, which took place from 13th to 15th June, in every way lived up to its lofty expectations, showcasing industry-leading companies and innovative products.

Even though the 2023 event was, sadly, the last time Peterborough will host Plantworx, it was the perfect farewell from the East of England Showground. Plans to find a new venue are currently underway, but Peterborough and all that it has offered over the years will live on in the hearts of many.

A lot has changed since Plantworx was last in town, with the industry’s focus on sustainable power being as strong as ever. Considering that four years, a global pandemic, and Brexit have all unfolded since the last show, it makes sense that the construction and machinery industry would have different objectives this time around. Plantworx, if anything, served as proof that our world never sits still, and a post-pandemic world has forced everybody to adapt.

We were thrilled to return to the event after such a long absence and, from the outset, it was clear that the feeling was very much mutual amongst the eager crowd. The excitement was palpable; everyone ready to see the latest game-changing equipment, forward-thinking technologies, plant hire companies, and much more.

This comeback show saw the return of several major players in the industry including: Prolec, SMT, Manitou, TVH, Magni, Robustrack, Merlo, Develon, Avant, Prolectric, Sany, Mecalac, ABAX, CAT, and Hyundai.

In addition to speaking with several Plantworx exhibitors, Plant Planet met with thousands of attendees during the event, gaining knowledge, forging relationships and experiencing the unique take each vendor had for the construction world.

Prolec Celebrates 40 years In The Business

Plant Planet also had the pleasure of speaking to Prolec, whose stand was one of the most impressive. As Europe’s largest manufacturer of safety systems, their attention to detail, care, and passion for their products was a passion shared by their entire team. Enthusiasm was rife, and it had us in its grip.

The last couple of years have been busy for Prolec, who are determined to maintain their status as the premium brand in their industry. With highly competent and engaging staff, their ethos was clear from the get-go, and their brand strong and secure.

It was a pleasure to speak with Nigel Shaw, the managing director of Prolec: “People are glad to be back at a major UK construction show,” he told us, before he spoke about their PME system, proudly described as ‘the company’s bread and butter’. PME (Prolec Machine Engine) is all about machine control. The height limiter guidance system was designed with the user in mind, championing safety and precision at every turn.

Prolec are, as they have always been, dedicated to user safety. “It’s important that people get home safely,” Nigel said, before adding that technology has a responsibility to not overload users. “You can chuck around as much technology as you want, but the challenge is keeping it simple and not letting it get in the way. We see that as our mission.”

Prolec are celebrating their 40th year this year, and their longevity is certainly not something they take for granted. “We’re always involving. Now, we really want to look after our distributors and customers the same way we would want to be looked after.”

It’s clear that Prolec’s passion is as strong now as it was 40 years ago and their showing at Plantworx was a resounding success. “Overall, Plantworx is more safety focused than ever before, making the show ideal for us to make new connections and develop relationships with existing partners.”

The construction industry may change, its trends may evolve, and the highs might become lows, but Prolec are determined and dedicated to safety.