Keypad management is your secret weapon for total control over on-site operations. By enforcing precise timing and managing access, it not only streamlines your workflows but also enhances your service management. Every action is logged and stored on our platform, giving you real-time insights into your fleet's activities. This means you know exactly who’s doing what, when, and where—empowering you to optimise resources, boost efficiency, and take control of your business like never before.
Upgrade to smarter fleet management with keypad management and immobilisation because in your business, every second counts.
CASE STUDY
Following a break-in on-site, a customer reviewed the security camera footage. Thieves were seen to be deterred away from a Hitachi ZX26U and a Kubota U17 installed with keypad immobilisers. The thieves were seen entering the site and approaching the machines before swiftly leaving upon sight of the keypad system. Had the machines been stolen, the loss would have been over £50,000.
Keypad Immobiliser for Plant – Secure Your Machinery and Workforce with Moving Intelligence
On-site machinery vulnerabilities can lead to costly downtime, resource strains, and safety risks. The keypad immobiliser for plant from Moving Intelligence UK provides a reliable solution to safeguard your assets and maintain business continuity. This cutting-edge system ensures only authorised personnel can operate equipment by requiring a secure access code for activation.
When combined with our VT202 hardwired asset management system, you gain the added benefit of scheduled and remote immobilisation, allowing you to prevent unauthorised use and theft whenever needed. For even greater protection, pair the keypad immobiliser with our Asset+ hybrid solution, which integrates a hardwired system with a battery-powered anti-theft unit for comprehensive security.
Protect your workforce and machinery with the keypad immobiliser from Moving Intelligence.
Celebrating 25 years
It’s spooky season! And you know what the scariest thing of all is? That’s right! It’s poorly managed health and safety. (You might think that’s a tenuous link but this is my editor’s note so what can you do.) So, in this safety themed magazine, we here at Plant Planet have plenty for you to sink your teeth into and further ponder the implications of a well run work site.
Our cover story comes to us from Thomas Plant Hire, who detail us everything there is to know about their OnGrade machine control, to properly aid operators when they’re on the job. We also have two fantastic company profiles; Rouse and Hammerglass. Rouse looks into proper asset management and how it can aid both foreman and operator, whilst Hammerglass shows us all the importance of proper machine accessories and how windows can genuinely be the difference between life and death.
Lovley Lana also talks to us all about mental health and how it should be considered just as important as all the rules and regulations that accompany H&S.
She is also the reason we have such a fascinating Industry Corner, as Lana was kind enough to let me tag along to the Women in Construction Day at KH Plant Training, where head trainer Kieron Honeyman tells us the inspiration behind offering open training days to the general public.
Alongside all this, we have the latest news, feature articles and incredible show reviews and previews!
Distract yourself from the terror of the season with our jampacked mag and learn some important information along the way.
Rebecca Phillips Managing Editor
Plant Planet is published by Kiwi Media and Promotions Ltd 2nd Floor, 41-42 Southgate, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 1ET +44 (0) 1243 345 323
Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited except with permission in writing from the company.
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Safety First! PLANT PLANET
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Double Hydraulic Fork Positioners*
The featured image is a P40.13 Plus, with 12.5m lift and 4t capacity with built in attachment recognition. Merlo’s Adaptive Stability Control System (ASCS) adapts load charts and safety limits to guarantee maximum performance in total safety at all times. To further promote Merlo’s ASCS we are offering a FREE* set of Merlo Double Hydraulic Fork Positioners. *Terms and conditions apply.
DARREN SHELTON BUSINESS MANAGER
REBECCA PHILLIPS MANAGING EDITOR
MARTINA TONELLI MARKETING MANAGER
PHIL EVERY SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVE
LORNA COWLIN CONTENT CREATOR
CHARLOTTE WALSH BRAND MANAGER
STEVE WILSON DESIGN MANAGER
BARRY WALKER BLACK CHILLI
KIERON HONEYMAN KH PLANT TRAINING
LISA COLLINS CPA
KATARINA DANIELSSON HAMMERGLASS
CAITLIN BRENNAN ROUSE SERVICES
FAITH COBINE IPAF Submit your articles: editor@plant-planet.co.uk contributors
BRIAN JONES HEAD OF CONSTRUCTION PLANT-HIRE ASSOCIATION (CPA)
Brian Jones is President of the CPA, the largest trade association for the plant-hire sector in the UK with circa 1,900 members. He has worked in plant-hire for over 50 years. Brian was elected to the CPA Council over 30 years ago and has been CPA President since 2017.
RACHEL LAMBERT @KINGSTON PR
Rachel Lambert is a PR consultant and the founder of Kingston PR, a business she started over 30 years ago. A former magazine editor, she is also a freelance writer covering a range of sectors.
LANA EDWARDS @TRACKLASS1
Working with plant machinery since she was 8 years old, Lana Edwards is one of the most well known and respected inluencers in the construction industry. She is the Number One Woman in Construction for Wales as well as a Top 100 Women in Construction for the UK.
BECKS
THOMAS
BECKS
TWO-PIECE BOOM VERSION SHOWCASES SUNWARD’S MEDIUM-SIZED SWE 155UF EXCAVATOR RANGE
If hydraulics are the heart of a machine, Sunward’s SWE 155UF2PB medium-excavator with twopiece boom has an outsized one. Couple that two-piece boom with a very short-tail swing, and the SWE 155UF-2PB excels in a wide variety of urban tasks, particularly on sites that are restricted, such as housing developments or for utilities and highways contracts, where conventional swing machines find it difficult to operate, and is therefore a welcome extension to Sunward’s range of mid-size excavators.
Sunward sources exclusively from premium OEMs in the market and for both the SWE 155UF-2PB and the original SWE 155UF selected the Hengli brand for the hydraulic pump and swing motor and main control valve.
Other key parts of the SWE 155UF series, such as the boom and the arm, are designed with an increased sheet material thickness. All supporting elements are made of high-strength, high-ductility and structural steel dieforged pieces, providing high wearresistance and structural strength to deliver even greater reliability under heavy-duty work.
The SWE 155UF’s heavy-duty implements are delicately annealed in a cooling process not adopted by manufacturers who want to save time and money. This completely eliminates the residual stress in weld seams and increases the machine’s reliability significantly.
After welding, the natural cooling process (and its risk of uneven cooling] is prevented by heating the metal in an isolated chamber to 600-800°C and then cooled down slowly. This controlled cooling process, which usually takes five to eight hours, permeates the steel with superior uniformity and compactness.
In addition to Hengli’s hydraulics, Sunward selected Cummins’ compact QSF3.B engine for the drive power. Achieving near-zero emission levels, while delivering 122 hp [90 kW] without compromising power performance or fuel economy.
And while the market typically provides one or even two lines as standard, Sunward’s SWE 155UF series features three separate double-acting auxiliary lines, a high flow direct return line, and a smaller drain/leakage line as standard. A double-acting line to the end of the arm
is used primarily for the hydraulic quickhitch, another for greater flow to fulfill the requirements of a flow-demanding attachment, such as a breaker, and a double-acting line with lesser flow as an extra line for attachments that are equipped with two actuators.
The SWE 155UFs, which weigh between 15 and 17 tonnes, also lead the market in digging force - their low 343bar pressure generating a massive 76 kN. Three working modes are available, namely light, standard and heavy duty Machine aside, Sunward has not forgotten the operator and designed a cab crammed with innovative and safety features including advanced air conditioning and right and rear cameras, while mirroring the spacious comfort found in passenger vehicles.
TVH AT VERTIKAL DAYS: YOUR RELIABLE PARTNER FOR MEWP AND TELEHANDLER PARTS
In the rapidly evolving world of construction and industrial equipment, staying current with the latest developments is crucial for maintaining safety, efficiency and productivity. Vertikal Days, the premier trade fair dedicated to lifting, crane and access equipment, serves as a key platform for showcasing these advancements. This year, TVH was once again proud to be an exhibitor, highlighting our extensive range of parts and accessories for mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) and telehandlers.
Held at the Newark Showground, Vertikal Days attracted professionals from the lifting industry, offering a unique opportunity to network, learn, and explore the latest trends. TVH’s stand was busy with visitors keen to discover how our comprehensive selection of high-quality replacement parts and support services could meet their operational needs.
With over 1.5 million references for MEWPs and 500,000 parts for telehandlers, TVH truly stands out as a one-stop shop.
Parts & accessories for MEWPs
Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), including scissor lifts, aerial work platforms, and vertical lifts are essential for safe and efficient high-level work in construction and maintenance. To ensure these machines remain in top condition, TVH provides high-quality replacement parts for all major brands, such as Genie, Haulotte, JLG, and Skyjack. Our extensive range covers everything from hydraulic components to electrical parts, ensuring you always have the right part at your fingertips.
Parts & accessories for telehandlers
In addition to our MEWP offerings, TVH is a trusted supplier of parts for telehandlers. Renowned for their versatility in construction, industrial, and agricultural settings, telehandlers can be equipped with various attachments for tasks such as lifting, moving, and loading goods. Whether the telehandler is fixed or rotating, we offer the parts needed for efficient operation.
With over 500,000 references for telehandler parts, we supply components for leading brands like JCB, Manitou, Bobcat, Caterpillar, and Liebherr. Our inventory includes engine parts, hydraulic systems, brakes, filters, and transmissions, along with accessories such as fork extensions and stabiliser plates.
Why choose TVH?
At TVH, we understand the critical need for quick access to parts, particularly in sectors where equipment downtime can halt operations. Our extensive online shop makes it easy to search, quote, and order parts for MEWPs, telehandlers, and other machinery. Everything you need is available in one place.
What sets TVH apart is our commitment to fast, worldwide delivery, local warehouses and expert support. Whether you require assistance identifying the right part or placing an order, our team is ready to help. With TVH, you can minimise downtime and maximise productivity.
Our platform simplifies equipment management and part searches with tools like MyPartsFinder and MyProductSearch, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. Additionally, our team of in-house experts is always available to provide personalised support and guide you through the process of finding the right part.
Expanding our offer
At Vertikal Days, TVH showcased our expanding range of parts for both MEWPs and telehandlers. We continually update our inventory to stay ahead of industry trends, ensuring our customers have access to the latest parts and accessories.
We also offer remanufactured parts as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to new components. Our remanufactured range includes engines, joysticks, radiators, and more, all backed by the same warranty as new parts, providing quality and peace of mind.
Conclusion
TVH’s successful participation in Vertikal Days underscores our commitment to delivering high-quality parts and exceptional service. Explore our online shop today to access our full range of parts and drive your operations forward: https://www.tvh.com/shop-parts-andaccessories-with-our-online-shop
To learn more about TVH, please visit: www.tvh.com FOR FURTHER
PARTSFORMACHINES.COM: CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AFTERMARKET SALES PLATFORM SET FOR RAPID EXPANSION IN 2025
Q4 2024 is proving to be the most noteworthy since its launch, for aftermarket parts and equipment sales platform, Partsformachines.com.
Embracing AI
PartsForMachines is very proud to have launched the latest evolution of the sales platform. The third generation of its website brings AI into the customer journey for those looking to buy parts for construction equipment.
“AI is going to provide the next leap forward for so many industries and we have been looking at how we can make use of it with PartsForMachines,” explains company Co-founder and CEO, Abhishek Tanwar. “For us it means a major breakthrough in terms of how our customers can search for and buy parts. The customer journey has always been at the heart of everything PartsForMachines stands for and AI will significantly enhance buying parts with us, making it a much simpler and intuitive process.”
Rapid Growth of Supplier-Partner base continues
The arrival of AI on the PartsForMachines platform comes at a very appropriate time, because the scope and range of the platform is increasing rapidly. The number of Supplier Partner Brands has passed the fifty mark and looks set to double again before the end of 2024.
“When we first started out, it was hard work to convince well-known and respected brands to become supplier partners, and it was tough reaching our launch target of half a dozen trusted industry brands,” notes Abhishek Tanwar. “The last three years have shown our supplier-partners the worth of being part of the venture. Now, as networking at expos and industry events has allowed us to demonstrate, we are a proven route to market, and people can see this, so it isn’t a hard sell any more. I’d like to welcome our latest group of partner brands on board.”
Amongst them are some key brands in their various areas of the construction and agricultural markets - companies such as UTV, DyMac, Air-Seal, LAP electrical, Town & Country, and TEK Seating to name but a few.
Gearing Up for European Expansion
PartsForMachines is set for another recordbreaking month. On the strength of steadily increasing UK business, PartsForMachines is proud to announce that it will launch in France, Germany, Italy, and Spain as well as the previously announced entry into the Irish market. Here again, AI will help in making the platform’s transition into Europe a smooth one.
Although based in the UK, the technical hub of PartsForMachines is in Jaipur in India. There the company has opened a bright new office, which is conveniently
located by Jaipur Airport, which has become necessary as the company is continuing to expand its workforce.
“Coming into the business full time has allowed me to see the areas where PartsForMachines will benefit from the input of extra resource and to make that happen,” continues Abhishek Tanwar.
“And, with the recent additional funding we secured for our expansion, the coming year should be the most exciting yet for PartsForMachines.”
To learn more about PartsForMachines, please visit: www.partsformachines.com FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
SAFETY SHIELD’S AI TECHNOLOGY CONTINUES TO DELIVER A SAFER FUTURE FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKFORCE
Safety Shield Global is continuing to break new ground through its innovative life-saving Artificial Intelligence technology after a summer which saw the Cheshirebased business earn Royal approval.
Jonathan Guest, along with members of the Safety Shield team, were honoured to welcome the Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire, Lady Redmond MBE to the company HQ in Winsford, to carry out the formal presentation ceremony of the Kings Award for Innovation. The LordLieutenant, along with her husband, Sir Phil Redmond CBE and the member of parliament for Mid-Cheshire, Andrew Cooper MP enjoyed two hours touring the facility, speaking to members of staff in the various departments and a demonstration of the cutting edge AI Human Form Recognition technology.
Already saving lives on a daily basis, the Safety Shield detection system continues to deliver on a promise that CEO Jonathan made to himself following the death of a close friend while working on a UK construction site.
Vowing to make the industry a safer place for its on-site workforce, the Safety
Shield product has been more than a decade in the making, from the early tag detection systems using Radio Frequency Identification, to the current human-form recognition system developed through technology originally utilised for collision avoidance in the automotive industry.
Today’s Safety Shield has been fitted to more than 10,000 plant and machinery across the UK and Ireland, with interest growing across the US, Canadian and Australian markets.
Its reliability has been confirmed through six ISO certifications and has been awarded an accuracy measure of 99.6% by independent testing bodies.
Acting as a third eye for the operator, visual and audible alerts are activated depending on whether the human form is within the amber (outer) zone or red (inner) zone, at which point a collision is imminent.
A cloud-based monitoring system also ensures that every triggered alert sends information to a data centre which keeps all records, video footage and incident logs available on an online portal.
The statistical impact is clear, with an average 65% reduction in red zone
incursions around plant fitted with the AI collision avoidance system in 2022/23.
Founder, Jonathan Guest, comments: “Any death or life-changing workplace accident is one too many. These deaths are all avoidable and I believe AI technology, coupled with our system enhancements and upgrades, has the potential to completely eliminate all collisions.
“We will not stop developing and innovating until we have achieved that goal.”
With the Safety Shield workforce doubling in size with 16 new appointments over the last six months, the team has also moved into a new headquarters with the capacity to accommodate what has quickly become a global operation.
To learn more about Safety Sheild, please visit: www.safetyshieldglobal.com FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Picture caption: Safety Shield Global founder Jonathan Guest accepts the Kings award for Innovation from the Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire Lady Redmond MBE, along with husband Sir Phil Redmond CBE (right) and Andrew Cooper MP (left)
TWO NEW SINGLE-SPEED LOADER MODELS COMPLETE THE STRONGEST AVANT 800 SERIES
The new Avant 855i and Avant 845 models have entered production. The biggest and strongest Avant loader series is now complete as two highly anticipated loader models have entered production. The Avant 855i is a single-speed version of the most powerful Avant model, the 860i. The new Avant 845 is a single-speed version of the Avant 850. Aimed at different markets, the Avant 855i complies with the world’s strictest emissions standards (Stage V and Tier 4) whereas the Avant 845 is directed to markets with Stage 3a emission standards.
Avant 855i: the power of the 800 series at a more affordable price
The new Avant 855i lifts significantly more than the next largest single-speed model, Avant 755. “The new 855i is Avant’s most powerful loader model. It is the perfect choice for Avant users who demand strong lifting capacity and lifting height but don’t want to pay extra for speed if they don’t need it,” says Tuomas Färlin, Commercial Product & Sales Manager at Avant Tecno Oy.
The new Avant 855i has the same Kohler KDI engine, pump package, and
electrical and mechanical components as the Avant 860i. But the Poclain MSE05 single-speed drive motors (625cc) are new. Thanks to the simpler drive motors, the price of the new Avant 855i is significantly lower compared to the twospeed Avant 860i.
Avant 855i has the same lift capacity and lift height as the strongest Avant model 860i. Also, the auxiliary hydraulics flow, the external dimensions of the loader and the options are the same as in the 860i.
The single-speed Avant 855i has a maximum drive speed of 15 km/h which is exactly right for short transitions, especially when moving with heavy loads. The pulling force of the machine on standard tyres is 1570 kp.
Excellent loader
The Avant 855i is a much-needed loader model for many Avant users who do not need high driving speed for long transitions but require the lift capacity, lift height and strong pulling force of the Avant 800 series.
Stable and sturdy, the Avant 855i is the perfect choice for sites where heavy loads are moved and transitions from one place to another are not long. With the
affordable purchase price of the singlespeed Avant 855i, you can invest more in attachments and accessories that increase work efficiency.
Avant 845: single-speed version of Avant 850
The new Avant 845 is a single-speed version of the Avant 850 model. Like Avant 850, the Avant 845 loader has the same robust Kubota V2403 engine. With this simple single-speed version and its new 625cc Poclain drive motors, you get the strong pulling force and high lifting capacity of the 800 series at a much lower cost. With a maximum drive speed of 12 km/h, the 845 is an ideal workhorse especially for farms and construction sites where heavy loads are handled but the driving distances are short. The electrical and mechanical components are identical with the Avant 850 model, as well as the dimensions and options.
KEEP BUILDING WITH CONFIDENCE
In the construction industry, equipment reliability is crucial. Downtime means delays, increased costs, and missed opportunities. That’s why choosing the right filtration partner is essential. With over 100 years of filtration expertise, Donaldson is your go-to OEM filtration supplier, dedicated to keeping your machinery running smoothly, even in the toughest conditions. As a leader in filtration technology, we provide solutions that meet or exceed original specifications, ensuring optimal performance and extended equipment life.
Why Choose Donaldson?
• Proven Expertise in Construction: With over a century of innovation in filtration technology, Donaldson has the knowledge and experience to address the unique challenges faced by construction equipment. From heavyduty excavators to compact loaders, our solutions are engineered to protect your machinery in the most demanding environments.
• Reliable Performance, Anywhere: Construction sites are unpredictable, with harsh conditions like dust, dirt, and debris constantly threatening your equipment. Donaldson’s advanced filtration systems deliver superior durability and reliability, ensuring your machinery operates at peak efficiency, no matter where the job takes you.
• Extended Warranty for Peace of Mind: We back our filters with an extended warranty, giving you the confidence that our products not only meet but exceed OEM standards. This commitment to quality helps you avoid unexpected maintenance costs and minimizes downtime, keeping your projects on track.
Our Commitment to Construction Excellence At Donaldson Mobile Solutions Aftermarket, we are dedicated to enhancing the performance and longevity of your construction machinery. Our filtration products are specifically designed to withstand the harshest conditions, ensuring your equipment
remains protected and productive. From reducing engine wear to optimizing fuel efficiency, our solutions are crafted to support the unique needs of the construction industry.
Choose Donaldson Aftermarket –the partner that understands your business and is committed to delivering unmatched filtration performance. Partner with us and experience the difference that comes with over 100 years of expertise, innovation, and dedication to keeping your construction equipment moving forward.
Contact us today to learn more about how Donaldson can help you achieve higher productivity and lower operating costs. Visit the website to discover how our filtration solutions can make a difference in your construction projects.
ONSITE ON HIRE – NEW HIRE SHOWCASE ALL SET
After launching at Birmingham’s NEC, alongside UK Construction Week in early October this year the new UK trade show, aimed at attracting hire companies and suppliers to show their latest equipment to construction visitors, is to take place in May it has been announced, at London’s Excel Exhibition Centre (7-9 May 2025).
Where Hire Meets Construction
Onsite On Hire comprises of two annual shows in London and Birmingham colocated with the UK’s Construction Week exhibition. Sam Patel, Divisional Director Construction who runs UK Construction Week says, “It was always our intention to offer two locations for hire companies and suppliers with the option of NEC, Birmingham and London to show latest products to construction industry visitors as the development of new products has been intense.” With the focus on eco, low carbon and net zero the new show, with a sponsored Green Zone area, will offer visitors the opportunity of seeing a comprehensive selection of tools, compact plant and equipment at a hire industry showcase in London.
“Now the transport links to the Excel venue have been bolstered by the Elizabeth Line (formerly Crossrail) we can offer visitors direct and fast access to central London within 20 minutes or so, even Heathrow Airport on a direct service” continues Sam “In addition to London and southern England we will start to reach out to European and Middle Eastern construction visitors.”
SENIOR SALES APPOINTMENT AT MAJOR EARTHMOVING ATTACHMENT SPECIALIST
The UK’s largest manufacturer of earthmoving buckets and quick couplers has bolstered its sales team with a senior appointment to its UK and European sales team.
Miller UK – headquartered in the North East and with manufacturing and support hubs across the globe – has appointed seasoned sales professional Jonathon Cox, to join its team as Sales Manager for UK and Europe.
Possessing over 25 years’ experience in both sales and customer service roles across the construction and automotive sectors – most recently as an Aftermarket Manager to SANY UK – Jonathon brings a wealth of transferable skills and sector knowledge to support Miller’s ambitious growth plans.
Speaking about his new appointment, Jonathon Cox said: “I am delighted to be joining Miller, one of the world’s leading coupler and bucket suppliers. Having worked in the construction industry for many years, Miller has a strong reputation for its innovative designs and superior manufacturing capabilities, and I am
proud to be leading the sales team of a company of such high calibre.
“Known for delivering excellent customer service, I am looking forward to working closely with the team and Miller’s loyal customer base - as well as onboarding new customers - as we continue to drive the very highest standards that the company is recognised for.”
As part of Jonathon’s role, he will be responsible for managing the sales team, which has recently been strengthened with the appointment of two new Key Account Managers, Georgia Ewart and Grant Freeman, who both possess vast experience in the construction industry.
Speaking about Jonathon joining the team, Darren Allsopp, COO at Miller said: “Jonathon is a fantastic addition to a well-established team and will be spearheading Miller’s strategic and ambitious sales plans.
“With extensive industry experience, Jonathon has a clear understanding of our customers’ needs which will help us to continue to improve our service, as we
constantly strive to be the very best in the market, whilst delivering the highest quality and safest attachments.”
Established in 1978, Miller UK stands as a privately owned international company delivering trusted products to leading earthmoving manufacturers globally. Taking pride in its commitment to pushing technological boundaries, ensuring that its earthmoving attachments consistently meet the highest standards of safety and efficiency, Miller offers an extensive range of coupler and buckets suitable for a wealth of applications.
UK POLICE EMBRACE NEW CESAR SCHEME RAPID SEARCH APPLICATION
Over 600 Police Officers across the UK registered for the new RAPID asset search application in its first week of launch (1st7th October 2024).
RAPID, the Registered Assets Police Information Database, is a powerful webbased search tool designed to significantly enhance the speed and efficiency of plant and machinery identification. RAPID enables officers to access the CESAR Database of over 650,000 registered assets directly from their smartphones, allowing for quick identification of stolen property and swift progress in investigations.
Drawing on information from the CESAR Database, the Police National Computer (PNC), and the IFNOL insurers database, RAPID offers the most comprehensive asset check available to the police with officers able to identify an asset using visible identifiers such as the CESAR ID number, Datadot® number, etch or RFID, engine number, or VIN. RAPID even delivers search results based on partial number inputs.
In addition to its fast and straightforward identification capabilities, RAPID includes a library of over 130 plant and machinery orientation videos, guiding officers to locate key identification plates and labels on commonly encountered machines.
National Police Chiefs Council lead for agri and construction machinery thefts, Superintendent Andy Huddleston of NCATT (National Construction and Agricultural Theft Team), said: “RAPID represents a significant leap forward in how law enforcement identify plant and
machinery, which is crucial not just during investigations but more so because its very nearly the equivalent of doing a PNC registration plate check on a car.”
He added, “By offering the power of the CESAR Database to every police officer, it enables teams across the UK to operate with greater confidence, speed and precision when identifying and recovering stolen assets. This is a brilliant step by the industry with their scheme.”
The RAPID web application employs industry-leading encryption protocols to ensure data integrity, with access limited to verified and authorised officers. The system logs every search, tracking details such as the officer’s identity, investigative reason for search, asset details, and geolocation – this ensures all interactions with the database are secure and traceable.
Viki Bell, Director of Operations at the CEA, which owns the CESAR Scheme, commented: “Our goal has always been to make plant identification straightforward, simple, and effective. RAPID makes the CESAR Database even more accessible to law enforcement on the front line, significantly enhancing operational efficiency.”
Kevin Howells, CEO of CESAR technology provider DATATAG ID, added, “We developed RAPID to allow every officer in the country to identify an asset – whether a digger, tractor, ATV, or motorcycle – quickly and easily. RAPID is built on the fundamental concept that any visible identification mark can be used, helping officers in the fight against organised crime.”
About CESAR
The Construction and Agricultural Equipment Security and Registration Scheme (CESAR) Database is the UK’s leading asset registration system. Accessible 24/7 through the RAPID app it’s designed to deter theft and assist in the identification and ultimately recovery of stolen property. Trusted by major brands, police forces and insurers in the construction and agri sectors alike, CESAR provides a centralized registry of assets, playing a crucial role in tackling the ever present issue of equipment theft.
Key features of RAPID:
• Access anywhere, any time: Mobilefriendly design enables verification on the go.
• Enhanced investigative support: RAPID’s video library aids officers unfamiliar with plant machinery in locating key information.
• User-friendly interface: Intuitive design ensures quick familiarisation with minimal training required.
To learn more about CESAR Scheme, please visit: www.ceaserscheme.org
PLANTWORX 2025: ‘ONE YEAR TO GO’ SAVE THE DATE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT INDUSTRY’S KEY EVENT
The countdown to the sixth edition of PlantWorx, hosted by the CEA (Construction Equipment Association), has officially begun. From 23rd to 25th September 2025, the Newark Showground, a new venue for PlantWorx, will be the hub for the latest developments in construction equipment and technology. With an anticipated 400 exhibitors and over 15,000 visitors, this is the must-attend event for professionals looking to stay ahead in the construction industry.
For anyone serious about advancing their business, PlantWorx offers an unparalleled opportunity. Industry veterans and newcomers alike will find the latest machinery, groundbreaking technologies, and live demonstrations designed to transform daily operations. The event goes beyond the traditional trade show, providing a hands-on experience that aims to inspire and equip professionals with the tools and solutions needed to stay competitive.
Major names like Takeuchi, RSP UK Suction Excavators Ltd, SANY Heavy Machinery UK Ltd, Sunward, Avant Tecno, XCMG, Hydrema, Liugong, Mecalac, Kubota, Steelwrist, Hidromek, Rototilt, Worsley Plant, Merlo, Manitou,
National Highways, and many more are already confirmed. These companies will showcase their machinery through live demonstrations, providing an up-close look at how they tackle the industry’s everyday challenges.
Simon Frere-Cook, PlantWorx Event Director, commented, “Technology is advancing faster than ever, and PlantWorx 2025 is where these innovations come to life. We’ve designed this event to ensure that whether you’re a contractor, operator, or business owner, you’ll leave with insights and practical knowledge that can transform your operations. It’s about preparing for the future as much as seeing what’s available today.”
Back by popular demand, the Operator Challenge will once again give attendees a chance to test their skills and compete with the industry’s best. This challenge remains a highlight of the event, offering substantial prizes, including a significant cash award for the overall winner.
For exhibitors, PlantWorx 2025 offers a platform to demonstrate innovations to an engaged audience. New features like the Shared Dig Zone will allow more companies to showcase their equipment without the need for a large demo plot. Whether a market leader or an emerging
brand, exhibitors will have the chance to demonstrate their capabilities to thousands of industry professionals.
Simon added, “PlantWorx continues to be the go-to event for the construction industry because it offers a unique space where companies, large and small, can showcase their technologies in action, and visitors can engage with them directly.”
With one year to go, now is the time to ensure your participation in the event. Whether you’re looking to discover the latest innovations, network with industry leaders, or experience the future of construction equipment firsthand, PlantWorx 2025 promises to deliver.
For exhibitors, spaces are filling fast. For visitors, mark your calendars –PlantWorx 2025 is set to be one of the most anticipated construction events of the year. For more information or to register your interest in attending or exhibiting, please visit: www.plantworx.co.uk
H.E SERVICES PLACE MAJOR ORDER FOR OVER 100 THWAITES MACHINES FROM SHELLPLANT
Kent based national hirer H.E. Services (Plant Hire) Ltd, has placed an order for over 100 Thwaites dumpers, via Thwaites approved Northamptonshire based distributor Shellplant.
The deal will increase H.E. Services (Plant Hire) Ltd Thwaites dumper fleet holding, all to support a growing customer demand.
The deal mix comprises 1-Tonne Hi-Tip and 3-Tonne hydrostatic machines all of which are fitted, for extra protection and value, with immobilisers and trackers, delivering a safe, smoother drive, reducing fuel cost, consumption and risk, with the added protection of data to improve on site performance and uptime.
These new machines are ready to go to work and are available from the company’s network of eleven nationwide locations.
With both H.E. Services (Plant Hire) Ltd and Shellplant being founded in 1972, the two companies continue to enjoy a long and successful heritage of provision and support to the construction and plant hire markets.
Hugh Edeleanu, Chairman, H.E. Services (Plant Hire) Ltd, commented: “Thwaites dumpers are built to last and have a long and successful pedigree. We are proud to be purchasing British manufactured construction equipment from a well-established British business, which has an excellent dealer support network across the UK.”
Hugh continued: “Thwaites dumpers are well received on-site and offer a high level of safety features, which our customers value, meaning we get excellent feedback and satisfied customers.”
Julian Payne, Partner, at Shellplant said: “We are delighted to receive this large and significant order for over 100 hundred Thwaites dumpers. We thank H.E. Services for their business and look forward to supporting the company with their aftersales needs. We also look forward to developing our supply partnership further.”
Thwaites Distributor Manager Paul Rodwell said: “Fleet deals of this size are always most welcome and appreciated. I would like to thank Shellplant in concluding this deal. We know that H.E. Services can trust in our reputation for safety, quality and reliability. We thank Hugh and the team for choosing Thwaites.”
TITHEGROVE LTD CHOOSES THWAITES IN OWN FLEET DEAL
Tithegrove Ltd, a leading Southwest Groundworks & Civil Engineering Contractor, have agreed a deal with Thwaites approved distributor CBL, to acquire 22 x Thwaites dumpers.
The deal is significant as the company has, after a comprehensive 18-month review, decided to purchase and create its own fleet of core range construction equipment. All to support its growing list of projects.
The deal is of further significance as it consists of the first Thwaites 6-tonne hydrostatic, forward tip, cabbed machines to enter the market, delivering a safe drive and reducing fuel cost and consumption.
Tithegrove Procurement Director Michael Lester said, “After reaching the decision to manage certain construction equipment needs of the business in house, the selection process to find
the products that would be the best fit for our clients and business began. The search was detailed and thorough and we considered many options. The final decision was based on quality, robustness and residual value. We are proud to partner with Thwaites and CBL to add quality machinery to the business.”
Thwaites distributor CBL were pivotal in the deal and added additional value with the supply of their propriety management data, CBL Track, delivered via camera systems and keypad operator recognition. Safety Shield trackers were also fitted.
This gives Tithegrove the ultimate package of a market leading machine, with supporting data that reduces risk and improves both physical and financial utilisation.
CBL Regional Director, John Elliott said, “We are delighted to have received this order from one of the region’s most
respected and regarded contractors. We look forward to supporting the business as they look to maximise the power of data, enabling the right decisions to protect their team, business and reputation.”
Thwaites Distributor Manager Paul Rodwell said, “It was a pleasure to welcome Michael and Alison to the Thwaites Factory. We are always pleased to show the latest manufacturing processes and how they blend with the traditional trades that all goes into making Thwaites dumpers what they are today.”
To learn more about Thwaites, please visit: www.thwaitesdumpers.co.uk
OILQUICK AUCTIONS OFF AN EXCLUSIVE PINK GRAB JOHN BUCKET – ALL PROCEEDS GO TO CANCERFONDEN’S PINK RIBBON CAMPAIGN
OilQuick AB once again demonstrates its strong commitment to charity and the fight against breast cancer by auctioning off a unique pink GJ15 Grab John bucket in support of Cancerfonden’s Pink Ribbon campaign.
The bucket, valued at approximately €7,700, stands as a symbol of both strength and hope. The entire sale price will be donated to Cancerfonden’s vital work against breast cancer.
With a long-term and comprehensive charity program, OilQuick annually supports several important organizations, with Cancerfonden being one of the most central. Through this auction, the company aims to raise awareness about breast cancer and support the life-saving research.
Henrik Sonerud, CEO of OilQuick AB: “We are proud to contribute to the Pink Ribbon campaign by auctioning off our specially designed pink Grab John bucket. Almost everyone knows someone
The pink ribbon is an international symbol for the fight against breast cancer.
The funds raised during the Pink Ribbon campaign make up a significant portion of the money Cancerfonden distributes each year to Sweden’s leading cancer research. The funds are allocated to the most promising research, regardless of cancer type.
Since the campaign’s inception in 2003, it has raised over SEK 1.3 billion for cancer research (2003-2023).
affected by cancer, and through this initiative, we hope to make a difference. 100% of the auction proceeds go directly to Cancerfonden and their invaluable work.”
A collaboration for a good cause
To maximize the donation, Klaravik is covering administration and auction fees, ensuring that every single bid on the bucket goes directly to the Pink Ribbon campaign.
“We really appreciate the initiative from OilQuick! We will do our very best to maximize the visibility and bidding for this important auction,” says Karin Malmberg, CMO at Klaravik.
Let’s come together to raise awareness and support those fighting breast cancer. Take the chance to own this unique pink Grab John bucket and be part of making a difference!
The auction will go on from 7th to 16th October. On www.klaravik.se – search for Grab John.
The Grab John bucket GJ15
The Grab John bucket is made complete by its “thumb” grip, which is always in place and on hand. What’s more, when retracted it does not interfere with normal excavator manoeuvring. Its high gripping power allows you to grab, lift, raise, lower and manoeuvre heavy and cumbersome objects directly from the cab. This increases safety as chains are no longer needed. Grab John is the perfect problem solver.
The Grab John method of mechanical pole planting is the modern and effective way to construct overhead lines. All mechanical couplings of tools and poles are done hydraulically from the operator’s cab, increasing productivity by 15-50% compared to conventional methods, as well as increasing safety because manual attachment of slings and chains are no longer required.
The GJ15 comes adapted for the S45standard, making it an optimal fit for a Huddig backhoe loader, as well as other machines, of course. Read more about Grab John buckets on our website: https://www.oilquick.com/en/ products/grab-john/
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XWATCH HITS 5000TH SYSTEM MILESTONE WITH ANGLIAN PLANT INSTALLATION
Xwatch Safety Solutions has reached a landmark moment, installing its 5000th safety system. This milestone reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation and the growing demand for cutting-edge safety solutions. The system, an SS1 (Simple Safe Solution) height restrictor, was installed on a Kobelco SK230 excavator for Anglian Plant, a company that has become a valued partner since switching to Xwatch in 2021.
The news came as a pleasant surprise to Joe Paterson, Managing Director at Anglian Plant, who wasn’t aware his company had received the milestone system. “That’s pretty cool!” was his immediate reaction – a fitting response for a company that has long prioritised safety and efficiency in its fleet.
“Whether it’s a planned installation or last minute, Jemma (Dycer-Hopkins) has always been very accommodating. Nothing is too much trouble. Since then, the company has fitted upward of 20 systems across its fleet, including the SS1 height restriction and XW4, height and slew restriction models. For Anglian Plant, adopting Xwatch technology has been
instrumental in maintaining the high safety standards that have helped it grow into a leading supplier of rental equipment in the East of England.
“Safety is our primary focus; we wouldn’t be without Xwatch,” said Paterson. “Our clients have confidence in Anglian Plant, knowing we are proactive in best safety practices. Coupled with a liking for the very best customer experience possible and a modern fleet of machinery, we have all bases covered.”
Jemma Dycer-Hopkins, Sales and Operations Manager at Xwatch, remarked, “It’s been fantastic to see Anglian Plant embrace Xwatch technology since they came on board with us in 2021. Watching their fleet grow with our systems has been rewarding,
and hitting the 5000th system milestone with them feels particularly special. We’re proud to partner with forwardthinking companies like Anglian Plant, who recognise the value of safety and innovation in every machine they put to work.”
Founded in 2009, Anglian Plant has earned a reputation for providing top-tier machines and equipment to construction projects of all scales. The company’s willingness to invest in advanced safety systems like those offered by Xwatch reflects a broader commitment to ensuring the well-being of operators and the efficient running of worksites. Looking ahead, Paterson shared that Anglian Plant is planning further expansion of its fleet. “Approaching
2025, we have ambitious growth plans. Our core equipment requirements have already been passed to our suppliers, in anticipation of early deliveries next year. The orders comprise of excavators, site dumpers, telehandlers, rollers, and welfare units. Of course, a percentage of our excavators will be equipped with Xwatch systems.”
The SS1 system, which now takes pride of place on Anglian Plant’s Kobelco SK230 excavator, is known for its simplicity and effectiveness. Designed to restrict a machine’s height to prevent it from moving beyond pre-set safety limits, the SS1 is part of Xwatch’s wider effort to make safety intuitive and accessible. For Anglian Plant, this technology represents a crucial part of their ongoing mission to deliver equipment and reliable, safetyfirst solutions to their customers.
Reaching 5000 installations is no small feat. It’s a testament to Xwatch’s continued ability to meet the safety needs of companies large and small, from major contractors to independent operators. Anglian Plant’s experience with Xwatch speaks to the company’s reputation for trust and reliability, qualities that have been key to Xwatch’s success. Joe Paterson and his team have seen firsthand how these systems contribute to a
safer, more productive work environment, and their decision to continue using Xwatch underscores the value of this partnership.
As Xwatch looks to the future, the milestone installation at Anglian Plant is a moment to celebrate and a signal of even greater things to come. With more companies recognising the need for advanced safety solutions, Xwatch is well-positioned to lead the charge in transforming the industry. The simplicity and effectiveness of systems like the SS1 and XW4 ensure that Xwatch will continue to be the name companies turn to when they need to protect their workforce and machinery.
This latest achievement marks a chapter in Xwatch’s ongoing story of success. For Anglian Plant, it’s another example of why investing in safety isn’t just a box to tick – it’s a core part of doing business well.
VACULUG VENTURES INVESTS IN HERU TECHNOLOGIES TO DRIVE SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH
ITS #SUSTAINABLETHINKING CAMPAIGN
Vaculug Ventures is proud to announce its investment in Heru Technologies £1.8million financing round as part of its ongoing #SustainableThinking campaign. This strategic investment highlights Vaculug Ventures’ dedication to advancing sustainability and innovation, in line with its mission to make a lasting environmental impact.
Heru Technologies shares Vaculug’s commitment to sustainability with its groundbreaking approach to reducing waste and emissions. Using advanced pyrolysis, HERU’s technology transforms everyday waste into energy, enabling users to lower their carbon footprint while cutting energy costs. Heru Technologies is currently raising funds to expand
access to this innovative solution, helping households and businesses worldwide transition to greener, more sustainable practices.
Vaculug Ventures’ #Sustainable Thinking campaign focuses on supporting and investing in technologies that promote environmental change. Heru Technologies’ goal of reducing waste and minimising global emissions aligns perfectly with Vaculug’s values, making this partnership a natural fit.
“At Vaculug Ventures, we recognise the importance of supporting innovative solutions that help reduce waste and drive meaningful environmental progress,” said Jeffrey Evans, Head of M&A at Zenises Group. “Our investment in Heru Technologies represents our commitment to championing solutions that tackle
some of the most pressing sustainability challenges. HERU’s technology is a game changer, and we’re excited to support their expansion and positive impact on the environment.”
This partnership between Vaculug Ventures and Heru Technologies seeks to accelerate the adoption of sustainable energy solutions and contribute to a more sustainable future for all.
To learn more about Vaulug Ventures, please visit: www.vaculug.com
VETERANS’ CHARITY HELPS FORMER BRITISH ARMY SOLDIER WITH A NEW LIFE ON THE ROAD
James’ new career as a highway operator sees him laying the roads by day and enjoying van life and hiking expeditions in his free time.
James Meakins, 36, served 14 and a half years in the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) after joining the British Army when he was 17. He had a varied military career and received the Operational Service Medal after active service in Afghanistan.
After a referral from The Royal British Legion, veterans’ charity, Veterans into Logistics facilitated employment for James as an HGV Operator, delivering highway solutions across the UK for EST – Eurovia.
James had a broad career in the British Army with highlights including working as a physical training instructor, working in Army recruitment in Preston which involved visiting schools and colleges and setting up exercises for young people; and as a vehicle mechanic, where he gained his truck licences.
In 2009, at the age of 20, he deployed to Afghanistan with the Light Dragons on Operation Herrick 10, where he served on the front line as part of a reconnaissance team.
He enjoyed travelling whilst in the Army and exploring different countries, including skiing in France, four months in Poland and time spent in Cyprus and Germany. During his busy military career, James also studied for a degree in Psychology.
The transition to civilian life was “an adjustment, for sure!”
James moved around after leaving the military and experienced homelessness. He had been self-employed working as a driver whilst trying to find somewhere to live and it was then he contacted The Royal British Legion who referred him to Veterans into Logistics – a charity that trains and mentors veterans and service leavers into new careers as HGV drivers.
As James had worked as a vehicle mechanic in the Army and already had his truck licences, Veterans into Logistics knew he’d be a perfect fit at ESTEurovia UK - a leading service provider in
the Highway Surface Treatment sector. The company provides hotel accommodation for their staff in the locations where they are working which was ideal for James. The work runs from February to October as it’s too cold to lay treatments on the road in the winter months.
James said: “I’d recommend this career to someone who has left the Forces and is making the transition to civilian life. The shift pattern is 12 days on and 2 days off and you could get sent anywhere with the opportunity to work in different teams.
“Staying in the hotel room is similar to camp accommodation and moving around to different locations across the UK when a job is completed has parallels to military life.”
With the unique shift pattern of two months off over winter, in 2023 James was able to enjoy his passion for travelling and visited friends in America where he spent time in Texas and Disney World.
Alongside his work at EST Eurovia, James has started an Open University health course and has long-term plans to attend University and study Physical Therapy.
VAn life and epic hiking adventures
A month ago, James bought a Ford Transit, high-top, ex-NHS van equipped with comfortable seating, a double bed and a kitchen with integrated oven and living essentials, enabling James to be completely self-sufficient and off-grid, without the need to pay out for rent or Airbnb when he’s not in the work accommodation.
This freedom allows James to enjoy his passion of hiking across the UK where he likes setting himself challenges. He recently completed The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge – a 24-mile circular route, climbing the three highest peaks in the Yorkshire Dales: Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough which he completed in 9 hours, 17 mins and 43 seconds.
He posts his travels, gruelling hikes through idyllic locations, challenges and van life adventures on his Instagram page.
James said: “Coming out of the Army in 2019 after 14 and a half years was an adjustment for sure! I’m now on my second season at EST and I have a good understanding of how things operate.
“I’m enjoying my work as an HGV Operator supporting in the delivery of EST’s entire range of highway solutions such as Surface Dressing, Micro Surfacing, and other innovative treatments as I enjoy being active and keeping busy.”
“I’d recommend this work to veterans and service leavers and would encourage them to contact Veterans into Logistics.”
EST are so impressed with James’ work ethic that they have asked him to come back next year.
Veterans into Logistics General Manager and former British Army Major, John Harker MBE said: “It’s great to hear how well James is doing in his new career at EST and how the job provided him with the financial independence and shift patterns to allow him to enjoy his passion for travelling.
“We’re glad that James was referred to us by the British Legion, as our mission at Veterans into Logistics is to prevent unemployment and homelessness by providing HGV driver training and access to a logistics career. We know how much veterans and service leavers have to offer in new careers with
the skills and experience gained from their time in the military.
“The shift patterns at EST, with accommodation provided at local hotels, are ideal for those wishing to save money for their next steps in civilian life. Thank you to EST for assisting the Armed Forces community with professional options in new careers after leaving the military.”
EST Contracts Manager, James Atherton said: “James has been a fantastic addition to the team at EST and is currently working in his second season after joining us in 2023. James’ military background has equipped him with discipline, attention to detail and a positive safety culture which are essential skills in the highway maintenance sector.
“James Meakins is one of a number of veterans we have employed at EST with the help of Veterans into Logistics and the brilliant work they do equipping veterans with skills to transition into other roles. We are proud of James and our other veterans at EST for their exceptional contribution to our business.”
Rouse Brings Market Intelligence to the UK & Europe
What are some methods hire and construction companies can use to set themselves apart and outpace the competition? In many cases, it’s a multi million-pound question. The most productive start to carving a path toward success is gaining a better understanding of how you are doing business today and how your decisions relate to the broader market. Additionally, tacking on the incredibly fast pace of advancing technology paints a clear picture of what fleet owners are thinking about when it comes to asset lifecycles. How do you keep your fleet modern and pricing strategies responsive to the current market? What is your machine worth?
Gaining insight into your local market and knowing the best time to buy, the best use of your equipment, and the best time to sell is key to the success of your hire or construction business. And you can do this all with equipment data and analytics tools from Rouse Services.
Gone are the days of managing your fleet with a pad and pencil. Gone, too, is the need to cull information from a vast array of sources to move forward with an appraisal – one which most likely wasn’t all that accurate in the first place.
In the late 1990’s, auction data was primarily only available in industry publications, and appraisers would sift through asset registers page by page and cross-reference the data against auction results or make direct calls for sale prices. While these formerly tried-and-true methods are essentially going extinct, the need to gather data remains vital to any decision-making process.
Formerly a machinery auction company, Rouse made headway into the appraisals market in the early 2000’s by becoming an appraisals company. As the demand for technological advances expanded and the need to improve
the efficiency and accuracy of appraisals processes evolved, Rouse developed a database to leverage real metrics from thousands of actual, observed sales transactions and today provides their customers with the latest information on how assets are being used and how they stack up against market pressures and demands.
Does tightening up your fleet management and dispersal process sound like a roadway to a better, more efficient business? We call it Market Intelligence, which is comprised of a wide variety of everyday data that is relevant to your business strategy. Collecting this type of data is at the core of what Rouse is all about: providing customers with a unique opportunity for deeper analysis of market trends, ultimately leading to more informed decisions regarding regional behaviours, equipment demand, and market opportunities.
What is Rouse Services?
Rouse Services sets the gold standard for equipment and fleet appraisals, used machinery sales values, and rental company commercial insights for customers throughout North America, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and Japan. With peerless competence across every facet of the market, Rouse has built a legacy of deep expertise, unrivaled data precision, and unparalleled customer service. Dedicated to delivering timely equipment metrics with accuracy and reliability, Rouse helps companies across the globe manage and efficiently disperse their equipment. With services such as Rouse Fleet Manager, Rouse Equipment Insights, Rouse Rental Insights and more, Rouse redefines the standards and service for appraisals, sales and marketing, and analytics.
The Rouse mission has always been to deliver accurate, actionable industry insights to help equipment owners make informed decisions about pricing strategies and fleet deployment. Rouse Rental Insights (formerly Rouse Analytics) was working with five companies in 2011, and today that has grown to over 400 across the globe. On a nightly basis, Rouse ingests over $100 billion of rental fleet assets and annually
collects over $44 billion in rental invoices. This powerful industry data is then analyzed and transformed to deliver meaningful reports that help support equipment owners and hire companies make decisions on which assets to purchase when, how to deploy them, and how to effectively measure sales performance.
On the strength of their growth, revenue, stability and outlooks, 74 companies that are using Rouse were among the Rental Equipment Register’s Top 100 hire companies in North America for 2023. When you expand this out internationally, you’ll find 39 companies using their services among the International Rental News Top 100 list. The three leading companies on both these top performer lists – United Rentals, Sunbelt/ Ashtead, and Herc – are all customers of Rouse’s innovative products and services.
“We’ve worked with Rouse now for about seven years,” says Greg Strawderman, VP of Sales Analytics at Sunbelt Rentals, Inc. “The most valuable thing Rouse helps us with is understanding where we sit in the marketplace, whether we are over-performing or under-performing to allow us to make adjustments.”
Rouse Equipment Insights
Reliable data for reliable valuations.
Sustaining success in used equipment requires understanding the ebb and flow of your market. But what does that mean for the worth of your machinery? The Rouse Equipment Insights platform gives hire companies, dealers and contractors access to the industry’s largest and most invaluable database of retail market transaction data to appraise and price used equipment with accuracy and precision. Equipment owners across the globe rely on Rouse Equipment Insights to enhance and modernize their used equipment sales programs. Contact us today to learn how Rouse Equipment Insights can help you innovate your valuations process.
How does Rouse gather and use data?
We live in a digital world built on data and analysis. From business and marketing to personal uses such as social media, the world of data is inescapable. One of Rouse’s primary areas of focus is showing customers how to make their own data intelligible and actionable.
Rouse allows companies to measure their own performance against implemented pricing and utilisation strategies. By testing and learning from their own pricing and fleet management efforts, customers can optimise fleet decisions, clearly define the focus and performance of sales representatives, and better understand market supply and demand.
A couple of elements of data gathering and analysis that cannot be overlooked – and which Rouse takes very seriously – is accuracy, and trust. Rouse intakes, cleanses, standardises aggregates and transforms data so that no single participant is identifiable in the reporting, and a minimum number of contributors in a market and asset class are needed before any metrics will be released.
How to connect with Rouse
Getting started with Rouse is easy. If your company uses an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, Rouse’s platforms can easily connect to it and help with the execution of day-to-day operations. ERP systems house critical data aimed at effectively doing business, and the Rouse integration helps these systems work more intelligently to improve the existing flow of data and drive efficiency. Introducing Rouse into your existing ERP system will bring practical and incremental enhancements and drive efficiency.
“It’s simple, actually,” says Phil Mause, SVP of Strategic Accounts and Services at RB Global, Inc., (Rouse is part of the RB Global portfolio of companies). “We have plug-and-play interfaces with over 45 ERPs, and we don’t charge anything to set you up with the product. If you reach out to us, we’ll set you up with trial access for free so you can see if it will be something you can get value out of.” Set up is very straight forward and for equipment owners already on one of Rouse’s partner ERP’s they can get up and running within 24 hours.
If you reach out to us, we’ll set you up with trial access for free
Phil Mause Senior Vice President of Strategic Accounts and Services, RB Global, Inc.
Why do hire companies use Rouse Services?
Rouse provides a powerful suite of solutions to help hire companies make better informed business decisions every day:
• Rouse Rental Insights can help you set and analyze rental KPIs by region.
• Rouse Fleet Manager helps you manage your fleet on-the-go.
• Rouse Equipment Insights provides you with equipment values to help you better understand the market.
“Everybody gets to see all their own data through a set of analytical tools we’ve built specifically to meet the needs of rental companies to help them evaluate their pricing and fleet performance,” Mause says.
“We also realised that a lot of our (hire) company clients could benefit by going direct to end users rather than selling through brokers and auctioneers, so we built Rouse Fleet Manager in 2007 with the goal of helping them get higher recoveries when they went to dispose of their assets,” Mause said.
So how can Market Intelligence around machine pricing and hire rates help hire businesses?
“It’s really about adding value for fleet owners through the entire equipment lifecycle,” says Mause. “We’re helping companies from the very beginning of the lifecycle.”
What is equipment lifecycle management?
The lifecycle for a piece of equipment begins when the asset is first acquired and lasts until its eventual retirement. Equipment lifecycle management covers this end-to-end cycle with processes and tools to help equipment owners maximise the return on investment of their fleet.
Rouse’s digital tools support the equipment lifecycle. From planning and deployment to utilisation and making decisions about disposition, their services can keep fleets in a position for maximising the growth of a business. When hire companies take ownership of new or used machinery, Rouse can provide data to help them make decisions to boost returns from that asset. And when it’s time to part with it, Rouse’s data and analytics will make sure to provide a 360 degree view of the market to support companies in setting the best possible price for a sale through the channel in which they want to sell through. To put it simply, Rouse is specifically designed to play a role in virtually every stage of the equipment lifecycle:
• Planning & Deployment – The Rouse Fleet Manager is a self-serve platform that centralises fleet operations into a single, accessible place. Equipment owners can store photos, upload files and purchase orders, as well see basic equipment insights to help plan or sell machinery when it’s time to dispose.
• Utilisation – Rouse Rental Insights provides equipment hire companies with industry financial data and analytics highlighting metrics on day-to-day sales performance and industry hire data in their local market to help support strategic business decision making.
• Disposition – Rouse Fleet Manager with the Rouse Equipment Insights upgrade gives customers access to precise machine-specific equipment values to help equipment owners buy, sell and plan.
“Fleet Manager is designed to be the hub of where fleet owners make decisions about their assets,” Mause said. “Through our Equipment Insights service we make available all the financial insights into what the asset is worth to a retail buyer, a wholesale buyer, and an auction buyer. We give fleet owners the ability to sell the asset themselves if they want to use our private selling tools. And we’re going to be bringing more capabilities into the platform as well to give fleet owners one place to do everything they might want to do with their assets.”
Rouse’s suite of equipment valuation services give equipment owners the tools to make intelligent business decisions every day. To learn more about Rouse visit www.rouseservices.com
WHO ARE WE?
Our journey began in 2013 when Kieron started as a sole trader, working from his kitchen table. Fast forward to August 2015, and we transitioned into a private limited company. Since then, we've experienced continuous growth, now boasting a team of 13 dedicated professionals. Our team includes 8 fully qualified instructors, testers, and assessors, as well as 5 exceptional office and sales staff. In addition, we operate a purpose-built, 5acre training academy, complete with a fleet of our own machinery, ranging from excavators and 360 telehandlers to cherry pickers.
We take great pride in being a veteran-owned company that actively employs and supports veterans.
WHAT DO WE OFFER?
At KHPT, we don’t just offer NPORS and CPCS accredited training courses. With a deep understanding of our clients' specific nee ds, we frequently design bespoke courses tailored to their unique challenges, utilizing the appropriate machinery to ensure succe ss.
Our instructors are seasoned industry professionals who collaborate to provide customized solutions that address common obstacles our clients face. We recognize that training isn’t a onesize-fits-all approach, so we take pride in offering recommendations that genuinely benefit each learner who comes to us.
To support this, we have an extensive range of equipment, from essential machines like excavators, dumpers, and rollers to specialized machinery such as 360 slew telehandlers, tracked re artipping dumpers, tractor, loading shovel, articulated dump truc ks plus much more.
MEET THE MANAGEMENT TEAM
DO WE DO?
Our training facility in Doncaster is dedicated to delivering topnotch training experiences. We offer the flexibility of on-site training at your premises anywhere in the nation!
Our courses are conducted to the highest standards by seasoned instructors with extensive industry expertise. Whether you opt for in-house or fully accredited training and testing, rest assured that you will receive unparalleled training. Your chosen course will equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to propel your career forward in the industry. Choose excellence with us!
KIERON HONEYMAN OWNER/ DIRECTOR
DAVID COX OPERATIONS MANAGER
MARK HOLROYD BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER WHAT
Life with Lana // Mental Health
When you have a health and safety issue, I’m sure the first thing most people would jump to is ‘so what hotshot new-fangled regulations are you going to ask Lana about, given that she has more experience in this industry in her little finger than you will ever have?’
First of all, ouch! That’s very rude.
Secondly, there is a new wave radical idea I want to talk about, but it’s not physical safety. It’s mental health. I know for a fact that it is something Lana is passionate about. (Well, aiding people with their mental health, not causing it. That wouldn’t be very nice now, would it?) On our many adventures together, Lana and I have always ended up in a good old chinwag about what goes on in the noggin and the toll it takes on the people in construction. After all, plant operation is not just lonely work, it’s tough work too.
‘It’s long hours no matter what job you’re on,” explains Lana on our jaunt to Doncaster back in August. “You’ve got to be made of the right stuff. But if you are, it’s one of the most rewarding jobs there is.” And that was very much the same message she passed along to all the women who attended the KH Plant Training event later that day (read all about that in this month’s Industry Corner!) Though, she herself admitted that her treatment when she started out was a naughty word I’m not allowed to write.
It certainly speaks volumes of Lana’s own mental fortitude to battle against not only the general issues of the industry, but also the ones that accompanied the few women in the business at the time.
“I knew I was better in the machines than half the guys on site and I was happy to prove that. They didn’t like that quite so much.”
“Would they make it difficult for you on site?” I asked.
“Sometimes. Depended site to site, person to person. In my time I’ve met some really fantastic people, but also some really terrible ones. It’s about being ready for anything really. And making sure then when you have the opportunity to be kind, just be kind.”
It’s certainly a good motto to adopt, and something Lana herself puts into action time and time again. It was demonstrated perfectly at the ‘Women in Plant’ training day. No matter who approached her, no matter the question, Lana
was all too happy to chat. And we’re not just talking about quick answers, I mean lengthy discussions. Every woman who attended got the reality from Lana about her life in construction, and more importantly, encouragement. She’s not simply a good example because she’s so dang talented, but also because she has the perfect attitude. A role model through and through.
It was fantastic then, to know she had made it through to the shortlist of women being honoured at the CITB Women in Construction Awards at the end of September.
We got to catch-up about it a couple of days after the event, after we’d had a good gab fest, and it was certainly an interesting juxtaposition to our day at KH Plant Training.
First up, no, Lana didn’t win. A travesty? Me and the fellas who work with her certainly think so. But Lana had a different take.
“I don’t think the category I was entered into was right for me as a plant operator,” she explained. “It was the ‘On The Tools Category’, and to me that means those people working with their hands. Bricklayers, plumbers, electricians, that sort of thing. Had I won, I don’t think that would have been right. I don’t do what they do, and the lady who did win thoroughly deserved it.”
Perhaps the categories weren’t necessarily the best structured. But looking at the rest of them, this wasn’t really the awards ceremony for someone who spends their life operating heavy plant. It leaned far more towards a night for the advocates of women in construction. It begs the question; does working with construction make you a woman in construction? Or is it perhaps something else entirely.
Lana does 12 hour days, 5-6 days a week, living and breathing the industry. Without a doubt, she is the very epitome of a Woman in Construction. But what about the others? The recruiters, the journalists, the office workers. What does that make them?
Apparently, less than 1% of women are plant operators. And in the industry across the board, only 15% are women.
“It’s hard to wrap my head around,” explained Lana. “But then again, I would always say I’m a person of the industry. The fact that I’m a woman shouldn’t come into it. Especially nowadays.”
I totally see what she’s saying. There is certainly a balance to be struck. For a long time, women needed that strong voice to advocate for them. There were so few within the industry that they were often ostracised or not given the right opportunities. Now, don’t get me wrong, there is still a way to go before there is
true equality on worksites, but we’re closer than ever before. And perhaps, instead of just celebrating those that shout the loudest, we should seek to honour those that are living the life they’re shouting about but not actually experiencing.
This in itself must be a mind spin for those female operators, and men for that matter. Lana said her team were outraged she didn’t win, and I theorised that was because they want to see it go to someone who understands the life they lead, to someone they respect and admire. And who can blame them?
Lana shrugged in her usual way, and insisted she wasn’t bothered. “Besides, I didn’t win the award, but I did win on the night.”
The win she’s referring to, is because her entire team went with her to Birmingham to support her that night. They rented a
minibus, an Airbnb, and all turned up with new suits and shoes to honour the splendour of the occasion. They took up an entire table at the awards and were there to cheer on their girl right from the get go. And that most certainly is a win.
Both the KH Plant Training day and the CITB Awards demonstrate that a good team goes a long way. It can be the difference between a roaring high and rock bottom, no matter the circumstance.
So perhaps the best way to advance the industry is to take the time to learn about and respect those around you who share your workspace. And maybe, sometime in the future, to honour those that deserve an award in a proper fashion that befits their service.
Now THAT’S a party!
OnGrade Machine Control
The UK’s Market Leader in ‘Machine Control’ Technologies
In today’s fast-paced construction world, precision, efficiency, and speed are no longer just added advantages – they are essential. OnGrade Machine Control (OnGrade) is at the forefront of this transformation in the UK’s civil engineering, groundworks, and earthmoving industries. Established in August 2019, the company has quickly ascended to become the market leader, offering cuttingedge ‘machine control’ systems designed to enhance the productivity and accuracy of machinery operations.
Today innovative GPS technologies of 2D and 3D ‘machine control’ systems from OnGrade Machine Control, are reshaping the landscape of groundworks, earth-moving, and civil engineering. From reducing project timelines to improving precision, sustainability and safety, ‘machine control’ technology is no longer just a feature – it’s a necessity.
“We have worked extremely hard with the Thomas Group, to make OnGrade Machine Control the leading supply of ‘Machine Control’ systems. And, it’s not just about supplying the technology. It’s about changing the way the construction industry thinks and operates. By embracing ‘machine control’ systems and continually pushing the boundaries with innovative services like GPS drone surveying, OnGrade is setting new standards for efficiency, precision, and sustainability in groundworks, earthmoving, and civil engineering. Today, OnGrade Machine Control prides itself on being the only multi-branded ‘machine control’ hire and support business in the UK, working with toptier manufacturers like Leica, Topcon, and Trimble. In addition to ‘machine control’ systems, OnGrade provides a wide array of surveying equipment such as RTK Base Solutions, and GNSS Rovers.”
Wayne Stevens, Managing Director OnGrade Machine
Control
What is ‘machine control’?
‘Machine control’ is a revolutionary technology that integrates advanced survey positioning equipment, such as GPS systems, with earth-moving machinery like excavators, graders, and dozers. Through real-time data, operators can manage these machines with unprecedented accuracy, enabling them to carry out tasks such as grading, excavation, and paving with enhanced precision.
The integration of ‘machine control’ technology allows for the digital visualisation of site plans. Machines can be positioned based on these digital models, guiding the operation of blades, buckets, or other attachments to ensure that work is executed according to exact specifications, reshaping the landscape. ‘Machine control’ reduces the reliance on traditional methods of manual surveying and measurement, leading to increased productivity, reduced rework, and better use of resources.
2D and 3D Systems: Enhancing Precision and Productivity
‘Machine control’ systems typically come in two forms: 2D and 3D systems. While 2D systems focus on simpler tasks like flat grading using lasers or GPS to manage the height of the blade, 3D systems bring a far more sophisticated approach. In 3D ‘machine control’, a digital terrain model is uploaded into the machine’s control system, enabling the machinery to move with precision in three-dimensional space. This level of detail is crucial for complex projects like road construction, drainage works, and large-scale excavations where accuracy is paramount.
The Rise of ‘OnGrade Machine Control’
Founded as a subsidiary of the Thomas Group, OnGrade Machine Control was created to propel the company’s plant hire division and contracting arm into the digital construction era. Backed by significant investment – over £5 million – from the Thomas Group, OnGrade has grown rapidly since its inception. With over 350 ‘machine control’ kits in its fleet, OnGrade supports machinery like excavators, dozers, graders, skid steers, and even compaction equipment, making it the go-to supplier for contractors and operators across the UK.
In addition to ‘machine control’ systems, OnGrade provides a wide array of surveying equipment such as RTK Base Solutions and GNSS Rovers. The company prides itself on being the only multi-branded ‘machine control’ hire and support business in the UK, working with top-tier manufacturers like Leica, Topcon, and Trimble.
A Complete End-to-End Solution for Contractors
The main key selling point of the OnGrade offering, is the complete range of services it offers its clients. Whether you are looking for ‘machine control’ hire, survey equipment, site setup, or staff training, the company provides comprehensive solutions that can be tailored to each project’s specific needs. The company’s services include:
• GPS ‘machine control’ Hire: OnGrade stocks the latest GPS technology from industry leaders, ensuring that contractors always have access to the best equipment available.
• Survey Equipment Hire: In addition to ‘machine control’ systems, OnGrade offers a variety of supporting survey equipment, including rotating lasers, robotic total stations, and base stations, providing contractors with all the tools necessary for precision work.
• Full Site Setup: From base station installation to machine preparation, On-Grade’s engineering team ensures that all necessary infrastructure is in place for the project to run smoothly.
• Training and Technical Support: With a dedicated support team available 24/7, OnGrade provides technical assistance and training services to ensure operators are fully prepared to use the equipment efficiently.
• Design and Data Services: Accurate site plans and designs are essential to making the most out of ‘machine control’ technology. The OnGrade in-house survey department creates these designs, ensuring that the ‘machine control’ systems work seamlessly with the digital models.
The Impact of ‘machine control’ on the industry
‘Machine control’ technology is not just about improving accuracy— it is fundamentally reshaping the way construction projects are planned and executed, from drawing board to site. Some of the most significant impacts of this technology include:
1. Improved Efficiency and Reduced Rework
Before ‘machine control’ operators relied on physical markers, which could be prone to error and misinterpretation. By using digital 3D models and real-time GPS data, ‘machine control’ drastically reduces the chance for human error, meaning less rework and fewer delays. This ultimately leads to faster project completion and a reduction in material wastage, saving both time and money.
2. Precision and Accuracy
With traditional methods, even the best operators might struggle to achieve consistent accuracy. ‘Machine control’ however, guarantees precision within millimetres, which is particularly crucial for projects like grading or foundation work. The level of control offered by these systems allows for smoother surfaces and finer finishes, improving overall project quality.
3. Cost Savings
Not only does ‘machine control’ reduce the number of rework instances, but it also lowers operating costs by optimising machine usage. By accurately guiding machinery, fuel consumption is reduced, and wear on machinery is minimised. Furthermore, the reduction in labour costs associated with manual surveying and rework results in significant savings for contractors.
4. Sustainability
With more efficient use of resources, ‘machine control’ contributes to more sustainable construction practices. Reduced rework means less waste, and the optimised use of machinery leads to lower emissions. This aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainability within the construction industry, where reducing environmental impact is becoming a priority.
5. Safety
OnGrade Machine Control systems not only enhance operational efficiency but also prioritise the safety of those working around heavy equipment. Key offerings from OnGrade Machine Control systems include:
• Human Form Recognition (HFR) camera system, for which OnGrade is a dealer and installer of Safety Shield HFR systems. These advanced camera systems detect human forms around machinery, significantly reducing the risk of accidents.
• OnGrade are installers of Spillard and FTC (Fork Truck Control) systems, ensuring a comprehensive safety solution for your fleet.
• Installers of X-Watch safety systems, designed to monitor height, slew, and Rated Capacity Indicator (RCI) limits. This ensures that your machinery operates within safe parameters, preventing accidents caused by excessive reach or lifting beyond capacity.
• OnGrade is an official dealer for Leica/X-watch avoidance systems, successfully fitting this system to numerous machines and fleets. These avoidance systems help prevent collisions with nearby structures and underground utilities, offering an added layer of safety on job sites.
• OnGrade iDIG GPS machine control system is a perfect fit, for those looking for an entry-level solution. This system offers precise positioning and guidance, making it easier for operators to perform tasks with accuracy, while also reducing the likelihood of errors and accidents.
OnGrade Machine Control, is committed to providing innovative, reliable, and cost-effective safety solutions to keep operations running smoothly and safely.
Wyn Thomas, Managing Director of the Thomas Group of Companies comments:
“Whilst the use of GPS in construction machinery has become increasingly popular in recent years, we believe it is crucial for operators to embrace this technology as the industry develops. It offers numerous benefits such as increased accuracy, reduced rework, and improved productivity as the GPS ‘machine control’ system uses real-time data from satellites to guide the equipment’s movement and provide real-time feedback to the operator. This allows operators to perform tasks such as grading, excavation and paving with greater precision and speed. That is why the entire Thomas plant fleet uses GPS technology, and why the Thomas Group invested in OnGrade Machine Control.”
Wayne Stevens, Managing Director of OnGrade Machine Control
comments:
“With a strong foundation in customer service, backed by a highly trained team of engineers and support staff, OnGrade Machine Control is poised to remain the driving force in the UK construction sector for years to come. The future of construction is digital, and OnGrade is leading the way.
“With an in-house dedicated installation and support team, OnGrade can offer specialist nationwide coverage for ‘machine control’ and survey equipment. Using the latest equipment, the business is proud to deliver first-class service at competitive rates. OnGrade is the only true multi-branded ‘machine control’ hire and support business in the UK.
“Our team is manufacturer-trained and authorised to supply Leica, Topcon, and Trimble ‘machine control’ systems. With a fleet of dedicated support vehicles operating nationwide, we can offer a one-stop shop for all ‘machine control’ requirements—from installation and calibration to repairs, training, and ongoing support. Additionally, we provide a full engineering and design service, utilising all major software packages, with application and support engineers available for any technical support needs.”
The Future: GPS Drone Surveying and Cutting-Edge Solutions
As technology continues to evolve, OnGrade Machine Control is staying ahead of the curve, recently launching a GPS Drone Survey division, which offers fast, accurate, and cost-effective surveying solutions. Traditional surveying methods, while reliable, can be labour-intensive and time-consuming. With drones, OnGrade can conduct surveys in a fraction of the time, providing clients with faster turnaround times and more detailed, comprehensive data.
Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors can capture imagery from locations that might be difficult or dangerous for humans to access. This data is invaluable for creating detailed site models, which can then be used for better decision-making and project management.
Training the Next Generation of Operators
Recognising the need for skilled operators to take full advantage of GPS ‘machine control’ systems, OnGrade has developed a comprehensive training programme for plant operators. This programme equips both new and experienced operators with the skills necessary to operate GPS-enabled equipment such as dozers, excavators, and graders.
Training topics range from basic design uploads and base station connections to more advanced tasks like creating complex designs. Delivered by experienced engineers, the training ensures that operators are fully competent in using the technology, leading to improved productivity and safer operations on-site.
On-Grade: A Trusted Partner in the UK Construction Industry
As a part of the wider Thomas Group of Companies, OnGrade Machine Control benefits from a wealth of experience and expertise from the parent company. From its plant hire division to its civil engineering and contracting arms, the Thomas Group has been a trusted name in the UK’s construction industry for decades. OnGrade’s rapid rise as a leader in ‘machine control’ technology reflects the group’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence.
OnGrade Machine Control is part of the Thomas Group of Companies, which includes:
Thomas Plant Hire - Established in 2000, this family run business grew out of its own contracting and civil engineering organisations, running its own fleets of plant and machinery.
Thomas Contracting - Since 1998, the family-owned and operated Thomas Contracting is a group specialising in civil engineering and groundworks.
Thomas Plant Sales - A trusted supplier of low mileage, fully maintained plant and machinery for the construction sector, meeting your machinery needs, nationwide.
Thomas Plant & Body Repairs - Widnes based, providing all aspects of bodywork and repairs from commercial, plant and body minor or heavy vehicles.
Thomas Tool Hire – A trusted partner for small tool hire solutions, and go-to destination for top quality tool hire, sales and repairs .
Thomas Cabin Hire & Sales - Providing fully furnished, customisable and portable site accommodation, for storage, welfare options, canteens, COSHH stores, and offices.
Thomas Self Store - Secure and convenient, easily accessible self-storage solutions for businesses downsizing, moving, or just needing extra space.
Manton Forklifts - Doosan Main Dealer, forklift truck and powered access hire and sales specialist, providing a complete end-to-end service nationwide.
SOS Hose Services - Deeside based, providing top of the range products, onsite delivery, and 24/7 call-out services to keep plant operations running smoothly.
Managing Editor, Becks, finds herself in Doncaster for one of the most astounding training days she’s ever had the good fortune to visit.
KH Plant Training
I’ll tell you something guys… The thing I love most about my job is the opportunity to meet some truly amazing people.
Sure, I get to drive cool planet machinery, and jet-set everywhere, and literally fulfil my lifelong dream of being a writer. But, honestly, it’s the people that truly make this the dream job.
This month’s Industry Corner was already off to an amazing start. I was staying with our lovely Lana in North Wales, chinwagging the time away, and excited to go on our first road trip together. Anything Lana puts her hand to has me excited; Lana is nothing if not discerning yet eager. I’m not really sure what I expected as we headed on over to Doncaster at the simply ‘lovely’ time of 4:30AM, but what I can say without a shadow of a doubt, is that it exceeded all expectations…
Our day started off with coffee and chitchat as we waited for everyone to arrive. I’d never been to a training/test day that was completely open to the public in this way. The idea behind it is to encourage women to consider a career in plant operation, and for them to be able to test the equipment properly in a truly safe environment. Highly inspired if you ask me. How many people can say they have had the opportunity to try these hulking great machines out? (Diggerland doesn’t count, so I’m told, no matter how much my husband insists it does.) After the initial introductions, we filed into the meeting room for a safety briefing and presentation, where we got to learn a little more about our hosts.
KH Plant started in 2015 with Kieran Honeyman (Managing Director) at a kitchen table. From a lot of late-night thinking, to 13 employees and a site they have
currently outgrown, KH Plant Training has truly gone from strength to strength. Keiron is still the main trainer, and he was our presenter. Ex-forces, charming and personable though not technologically minded, (his words not mine!), he took us through what the day would entail. As one of only 6 demolition assessors in the country, he seemed the perfect guide to the newbies in the audience.
Inclusivity was the order of the day, with Keiron drumming this ideology in right from the beginning, summed-up even more perfectly by the three guest speakers Kieron had invited. The three ladies were all experts in their field, with an extensive career in construction who could truly tell their captive audience what their future life might be.
First to speak was Sam Jepson from P. Hughes, whose operations lay in groundwork. Her day-to-day sees her on a dumper and a roller, literally laying the foundations for the future. Her insights were certainly valuable, even the minutiae of things like the importance of a sports bra/ proper support as it’s quite bouncy work. Sam even showed us videos of her working on housing, laying foundations ready for brickies to come in. Her biggest piece of advice was to remember that there is ‘no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing’. She loves working outside and it absolutely beats being in the office she used to work in. The variety of the job keeps it interesting as well as being well paid. She was an absolute advocate for a switch into construction, and her enthusiasm was invigorating. My lovely Lana, who had invited me to the day, gets up to speak, and as always is softly spoken and forever humble. Everyone was in awe through her talk, but as always, Lana waves her hands and says: ‘ah it’s nothing really’. Listening to her talk about her lifetime, the passion, the fervour she has for work is infectious, even if it is ‘just what she does’. Though, she did admit that putting the bottle cap back on the bottle with the excavator bucket was ‘quite hard’ so clearly, impossible for a mere layman.
Sam’s biggest piece of advice was to remember that there is ‘no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.’
The questions the audience asked gave us some excellent answers to the inner workings of the life if a plant operator: What would you advise a young lady who is thinking of making the switch to construction?
Absolutely go for it! Come and see KH and the like, and get yourself trained. You’ll have job satisfaction and a good wage.
What’s your treatment been like in the industry?
When I came in a good few years ago it was *super naughty word*. I had to prove myself every single day, but it is getting better. Especially now that things like today are happening. I won’t sugarcoat it, as there’s still dinosaurs out there in the industry. I think it’s jealousy because often we can do it better. There’s often a hierarchy. But I turned up to one job and one guy turns to the other and says: ‘that’s you knocked off top spot then mate’, so it is possible to get to the top of it.
Kieron explained how everyone in the industry had such respect for Lana, and it’s true. I tell you it’s like that anywhere we go, and I love to see it. The asteroid is coming for those dinosaurs Lana, don’t you worry.
Leanne was the last to speak, and works for LEA. Although she doesn’t work on site, she has been in the industry for 20 years, and was there to show other avenues into construction, as there are other jobs that are not on site. Leanne started off in tower cranes, and talked about rising through the ranks from temp to admin to sales, which was about pricing up a job and having an understanding of the site. Her other jobs took her back to health and safety so when she went to lifting equipment, she was the inspection and compliance coordinator. Now, Leanne works for an inspection software company as their Sales Director. The biggest reality she had to disclose was that she found it hard to be taken seriously.
“I’ve genuinely had a guy phone up saying, ‘can’t you get a guy to tell me?’ It’s getting better, but there are still times when it happens. Getting overlooked is another. Feeling that you have to work harder than your male counterparts. And the gender pay gap. I won’t sugar coat it for you, as there are difficulties. But there are so many opportunities, and I want you all to seize them.”
After the talks, everyone was divided into small groups to have a go with all the machines. While all the ladies started their training, I got to catch-up with Kieron and pick his brains about why he wanted to run this Women in Construction Training Day.
What is it that inspired you to set up your own training company?
Well, when I came out of the military in 2007, I went straight into driving heavy plant, as I was an instructor in the military for a lot of years. They used to teach small arms weapons and gun pistols, machine guns, rocket launchers, and I became an instructor for gunnery. I was in a big 27 and a half Armoured Personnel Carrier and I used to teach on other turret and gun systems and battle group thermal image systems too.
So then, when I came out of the army, and I went into driving all this heavy plant after numerous years, gaining experience and time, it just seemed to be the natural progression to go back into what I did in the army for so long, which was teaching. I approached David Cops, who was at the time, the regional manager for a large national trade logistical training company. I became a fork truck instructor. And that company heavily relied on their career funding, and they won a massive funding contract for plant. As I was the only guy there with all the relevant plant experience, I set up two different plant training schools for that company. Eventually, I moved on to another company in Wakefield, where I did NBQ assessments, and I then started doing the health and safety qualifications, NEBOSH and so on, so I could teach that.
It wasn’t until I moved to another company, and I was working long hours, early mornings and only salaried, that I realised I could do much better if I went self-employed. I’d met a few people there who were self-employed and ran training companies, and they talked to me a little bit about it. They basically dangled a carrot and said, ‘you know, with all the skills and qualifications you’ve got, we could keep you working constantly.’ And that was it.
That’s where it all began?
Yeah, my wife had a good job at the time, so I knew I’d be able to take this chance and still provide for our little girl. So, it all started from the kitchen table. And then over a period of time of working for larger training companies, people started to approach me personally for training, rather than going to the bigger training companies. And over years, I started being able to employ people, and then it just grew from there.
OK, so what was it that then made you want to do days like this? Is this the first WIC event?
No, it’s our second.
Fantastic! So, what inspired this sort of open day for you?
Well, obviously I’m an ex-squaddie, so the open days really started with veterans. I was having a drink one night, and for some reason my mind drifted to my time in the army. I gained so much from my time there, and if I hadn’t been there, I’d have been in really big trouble. And it made me want to give back to veterans, especially as I’m in a position to be able to do something that would actually benefit. So, that’s when we did Veterans Day, where vets could come along free of charge and learn to drive machines and perhaps kick-start a new career for them and help them to get qualifications. After we’d done one or two of them, I was talking to one of the girls that worked in the office. She mentioned there was a company that had done some sort of women in construction day that she’d attended, which she really enjoyed but it was all simulators. Now, I’ve worked with quite a few women in the industry, and I’ve got a lot of female friends, and I couldn’t help but think, these days are a great idea, but simply showing a vague outline won’t help. They deserve the opportunity to try it out in a completely structured and safe environment with qualified instructors. Hands-on experience, you know? It turns it into a bit of a fun day, but obviously, at the same time it raises awareness and takes a little bit of that stigma away. Anyone can find these machines intimidating, but I feel it’s even harder for women because they feel cast out from the construction culture.
Oh I completely get that. I’m around these machines all the time and I’m still scared of them!
It’s hard, because they are huge and daunting, but I’m hoping days like this make women feel like they can have a go, free of judgement, and know that they’re safe.
It’s a really good way of tackling the issue. And as you say, it raises awareness for so many different types of women.
Absolutely. All are welcome and we want to encourage attendance, even if it’s just to say they’ve done it.
Removing the fear, making it safe and inclusive, that seems to be what makes such a difference.
What’s been amazing about today is everyone is smiling, everyone’s having a good time. I love seeing everyone supporting one another, it’s fantastic. The greatest thing about the day was how smiley everyone was. Each and every person was having an amazing time; visitors, trainers, guests everyone was ecstatic. It was amazing to learn the reasons everyone had decided to attend. Justine, for example, works in health and safety and her son is an instructor, so she was there for the day. Beth is a landscaper. Jules is a plumber who used to be a teacher and now teaches plumbing, but loves big machinery and loves trying it out. Whatever the reason was, everyone was having fun.
If you ever have a chance to go along to a day like this, particularly the ones at KH Plant Training, you should do it. I promise you, it will be one of the greatest experiences of your life.
Hammerglass
Managing Editor Becks sits down with Hammerglass’ Florian Lauterbach and Katarina Danielsson to talk about the incredible properties their product has to offer.
Every once in a while, a product comes along that truly captures attention. Other times, it’s a company’s ethos and attitude that steals hearts and minds. It’s easy to say, that in this case, Hammerglass does both.
Their plastic windscreens, which might I point out are 300 times stronger than glass, are absolutely revolutionising the construction and demolition industries alike. Fitted with blast proof frames, Hammerglass is not only ridiculously strong, but also scratch and fade resistant in a way other polycarbonates just aren’t. In fact, Hammerglass is one of the few companies in the world that is certified in the ECE R34 class “Rigid Plastic Windscreens.” And it’s not just in the automotive sector that Hammerglass can provide, as they actually started off creating safety glass for structures such as banks.
Safety is absolutely their number one concern, a factor that is drummed in no matter who you speak to in the team. I was lucky enough to interview Florian Lauterbach, The Automotive Business Area Manager, and Katarina Danielsson, PR & Content Creator, who delved deep into the intricacies of this life saving product.
Katarina Danielsson
Florian Lauterbach
So, originally you started off creating safety glass for high-risk buildings. What prompted the move into automotive construction? Is it particularly different?
F: So, the properties of the base material is obviously the same. But with a building, it’s a case of filling a hole in a wall, and they always differ as it’s never a standard product. Whereas in machines, obviously you have a standard product, as a front window for an excavator is the same everywhere in the world. The difference was developing the steel frames. That, and we also have sometimes bent windows in machines, or the door is slightly curved.
The main driving force for you guys is certainly safety. How did it all start?
F: It was around 2009 that we started our mission for better operator safety. The year after, a new regulation was adopted by the Swedish Work Environment Authority, to clarify the directives from the European Parliament regulating drilling and blasting in construction, quarries and mines. The regulation requires that actions shall be taken so that those who work on the manoeuvring area for rock drilling units, and those who operate hydraulic hammers and are machine loading blasted rock, must be protected against explosions, stone throwing and falling stone. Inquiries for a polycarbonate front protection soon appeared from the market, so we contacted The Swedish association of rock blasting contractors (BEF), Sweden’s rock materials industry (SBMI), The Swedish Work Environment Authority, The Swedish test institute SP and the Swedish contractor Skanska to set up a technical specification for the required protection. The conclusion was that the protection should secure the operator from the pressure wave, stones and other sharp objects thrown from the explosion. It should also have optical qualities and the same wear and tear qualities as required for the windscreen of a road driven vehicle. We needed a specific solution to this specific problem, which meant taking care of the blast wave. And that’s how the frame was developed, because the window wouldn’t break, but it could be propelled into the poor guy in the cabin.
Do you find that in other European countries? I hold my hands up and say I know us Brits can be rather behind the times in terms of safety legislation, but are other European countries the same?
F: They have similar rules in some other countries. Currently, there is an effort going on in the industry in the ISO standards to give guidance about rigid plastic safety windows on European and even worldwide level. And many European countries seem to be on board with it. So, we’re glad the conversation is happening, but it’s not where we’d like it to be yet.
Hammerglass give talks on this, right? You were telling me you give presentations to different organisations, Katarina?
K: Yes. We absolutely want to be the voice for safety and open discussions about it. That’s the best way, I think, when people talk to each other, and we create something together. We try to shed light on the issue and share knowledge on our innovations and our products, which then leaves people informed to make their own decisions, so they will have the best results for their both for their operators, but also for their company and economy. So, there are double benefits. We certainly try to be very active and also seek memberships in all these different organisations, such as the European Demolition Association or the German Demolition Association. We want to make sure that everyone looks at the risk analysis for the machines. At the moment, we’re not members in a UK organisation, but we’d like to be.
We’d welcome you with open arms. Especially as you’re so good at giving examples of times when Hammerglass has truly saved someone. Do you have a particular one that stands out to you guys?
F: We do. We had two incidents in Sweden, in a relatively short amount of time, where there were really large rocks that hit screens. One had a weight of about ten tons! And the drivers came out completely unharmed. Obviously, it’s great for us in terms of marketing, because if you can show a picture of that to a customer, it has more impact than a lot of words. It shows what the material can do.
K: We don’t always get a photo or report of an incident, but when we do, red lights start going in the marketing department, and it’s like, can we drive there? Can we get there? Can you leave the machine? Can we take photos? But the main thing is, we’re just happy the operator got home safe.
It certainly shows people why it’s worth investing their money into it.
F: It’s not just that, it’s also the down time issue. It’s cheap enough to replace glass, but if you think about the money lost through downtime on site, is it really worth it? Hammerglass is better economically, environmentally and in terms of safety. Why not make that investment?
K: And for you guys in the UK, vandalism is such a big problem. I don’t know anywhere else that has something like that.
Safety bars or not. That is no longer a question! With Hammerglass Guard you don’t need them.
Hammerglass is 100% weather and fade resistant, which means that the material, even if it’s in the desert for five years and every day in the sun, will not become yellow or milky.
Oh honestly it’s awful here. We are a nation of *word redacted as it’s probably too rude for a respectable publication.* K: The UK is the only country that actually has companies that are making these boxes to put over a machine overnight! But Hammerglass isn’t smashable from the outside, so it would completely negate the problem altogether. We had a customer who had Hammerglass in his cabin, and none of his colleagues did, and when he turned up to site his windows were the only ones not smashed. So it might not have been a complete catastrophe, but still highlights a solution to a problem.
I think I’d feel very smug if I was him! F: He should, it was a smart decision!
So what else can you tell me about the material, other than it’s virtually unbreakable?
K: Well, we do have to dispel a lot of myths about our polycarbonate, but they are basing that on old knowledge on what polycarbonate is. Historically, polycarbonate has been used in construction machines before, but it’s been low grade, as even low quality polycarbonate does not break as easy as glass. But most companies make a very generalised product that can be used for multiple things that all have a different purpose. So it’s nowhere near up to the same standard as ours. Hammerglass is 100% weather and fade resistant, which means that the material, even if it’s in the desert for five years and every day in the sun, will not become yellow or milky. And that’s important to know, because you have really a long lifetime for the product.
F: The optic qualities are also extremely important for us. You’re looking through this window to drive something, you need to be able to see properly. If you take the advertising billboard, where nobody really cares if there’s a distortion in the viewing field, or if there’s a little, maybe black dots from production errors, nobody will see that at a five-metre distance. But if you’re sitting behind a window that you’re looking through, you will see that directly. And if you have distortions, you have a huge problem. And that’s why we have ensured an optic quality on the material that is like glass. It’s why we’re ECE R34 class certified. And I think it would be criminal to do this feature without not talking about why Hammerglass negates the need for safety guards or grids. Grids can protect against larger debris, but it impacts the operators’ sight. And it also doesn’t protect against smaller debris, which with the right force could cause some serious damage.
So, combining the Hammerglass with our steel frames offers complete protection, even for explosions. So, there you really have the full package, and that is the best solution you can put in as you won’t have any issues for the lifetime of the machine.
So, like you say, it’s a complete all-round package, which you have without compromise. You’ve got full visibility, blast protection, big debris, small debris and its economical!
K: Absolutely!
Do you find it’s the bigger companies that take on your product? As they have bigger fleets?
K: Interestingly, I think it’s more often the smaller ones. They have two or three machines, so invest more in their assets from the get-go. Having said that, that can also mean they don’t have the big budget right away, whereas the bigger companies do. So, it honestly varies company to company.
F: I have to admit, I’m sometimes amazed that people are buying a machine that cost £300,000 and then start to ‘save’ for an additional protection that costs a fraction of the price.
Honestly? I’ve always thought the same! It’s like the bus shelter problem you were telling me about, Katarina… K: Definitely! Why continually change the glass of a bus shelter that keeps getting smashed when you could simply replace it once and never have to again! Over time, it will save so much long term cost!
Don’t they say that madness is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result?
F: They do indeed.
Hmm. Something to think about, for sure.
Seriously readers… think about it.
www.hammerglass.com
MAKING HIGH-RISK PLANT ENVIRONMENTS
REMARKABLY
SAFER.
In the demanding fields of demolition, quarrying and construction, machine operators face numerous risks that can lead to serious accidents, such as crashes, explosions, ricochets, and flying debris. Ensuring the safety of these operators is paramount.
This is where Hammerglass OPG-tested OPERATOR GUARD comes into play, offering comprehensive safety solutions tailored to real-world situations. Our top-tier front solution comprises a robust safety window crafted from Hammerglass, accompanied by an easily mountable steel frame that integrates seamlessly with the machine’s existing structure. The absence of a safety grille provides operators with an unobstructed view, enhancing their operational efficiency while maintaining high safety standards. This solution offers substantial benefits to machine owners by eliminating the frequent need to replace damaged panes, significantly reducing maintenance costs.
SCAN ME to learn more about how to have a safer work day with less downtime!
CPA Conference 2024 Set to be the Best Yet
The Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) is hosting its Annual Conference on Thursday 7th November 2024 and it looks set to be the association’s best yet.
The theme of the one-day event is ‘Shaping the Future: Insights for the Plant-hire Sector’ and the conference is being hosted at the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre in Fillongley near Coventry.
The CPA Conference 2024 will be co-hosted by Merryn Myatt and Peter Haddock. Merryn is a former television presenter, newsreader and journalist who previously worked with the BBC, ITV and Channel 4, and Peter Haddock is well known throughout the plant-hire industry as a content, social media and PR specialist, journalist and vlogger.
The event will bring together a number of panel speakers discussing how organisations can shape the future of the plant-hire sector. Merryn and Peter will lead a number of interactive panel debates discussing key topics such as innovation, decarbonisation, digitalisation, skills, business
growth, succession planning and mental health and wellbeing in the construction sector.
Last year’s CPA Conference theme was ‘Facing the Challenges’ and the CPA Conference 2024 has moved on to discussing how attendees can help shape the future of the industry and provide solutions.
As well as attending the Conference, delegates will also have the opportunity to meet exhibitors from many of the UK’s leading construction plant equipment manufacturers, suppliers and construction services providers.
Book Your Conference Tickets
50% off the Standard Delegate Ticket Price for CPA Members
Delegate tickets can now be booked online at https://www.cpa.uk.net/events/cpa-conference-2024
The standard delegate ticket price to attend the conference is £80 plus VAT (£96) and CPA members can take advantage of a 50% discount, paying £40 plus VAT (£48). Please email enquiries@cpa.uk.net for the discount code.
Panel Sessions
There will be a total of five panel debates throughout the day, notably:
• Panel Session 1: The Plant-hire Sector in 2024 - Where the Industry Currently Sits in the Wider Economic and Political Context - An opportunity to hear first-hand on how the sector is currently performing, the wider political and economic context, and what we can expect to see moving forward.
• Panel Session 2: The Innovative Plant-hire Company - Insights into Current and Future Developments and Innovations in the Sector - The plant-hire sector is experiencing a period of huge change and developments as the challenge of decarbonisation and the impact of digitalisation and AI become increasingly a feature of the sector.
• Panel Session 3: Expanding the Skills Base - Where do we Stand in the Battle for Skills,What Progress is Being Made in Attracting New People to the Industry - Especially Women? - The fight for skills remains as
important as ever, with construction competing against a range of other industries. This session will explore what progress is being made in the plant-hire sector, and what more needs to be overcome both in attracting but also retaining talent.
• Panel Session 4: Growing your Business - What Next? The Challenge of Growth and Succession Planning - The plant-hire sector remains an attractive place for growth and investment. This session will explore the growth strategies that firms are deploying, plus how companies can approach the challenge of succession planning.
• Panel Session 5: Focus on Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Construction Sector - From sadness to suicide. Those working in the construction industry are almost four times more likely to die by suicide than the national average. This session will highlight how vulnerable the sector is to ill health, both physical and mental, and will focus on the mental health support available across the industry.
Speakers
CPA Chief Executive Steven Mulholland will welcome attendees and deliver a keynote speech at the event. The conference panel speakers taking part on the day will include:
• Beth Doel, Advanced Technical Trainer, Reaseheath College
• Brian Jones, President, CPA
• Carl Hassell, Group Director of Skills, NOCN Group
• Chris Cassley, Policy Manager, CPA
• Chris Harvey, Co-Founder, Hire Exchange
• Dani Saveker, CEO and Founder, Glas Method
• David Graham, Co-Founder, Hire Exchange
• Deborah Madden, Engagement Director, CITB
• Ian McMillan, Head of Business Development, Thomas Group
• Jamie Charles, Lead Economist, Oxford Economics
• Jamie Morris, Technical and Managing Director, Gaia
• Katie Kelleher, Technical and Development Officer, CPACPA
• Kathryn Adams, Commercial Director, Prolectric
• Gary Higgerson, Charity Advocate, Lighthouse Club
• Steve Kerslake, Trustee and Founder, Construction Sport
Targeted Exhibition
The CPA Conference 2024 will run alongside a small, targeted exhibition. Confirmed exhibitors at the event include headline sponsor MHM Group, plus ACOP Group, Acrow Bridge, CESAR Powered by Datatag, CITB, Capja, Conquip, Explore Plant and Transport Solutions, GGR Group, Genquip Groundhog, NOCN CPCS, Parksafe Group, Plant Parts, Plant Planet, Plantworx, Point of Rental Software, Prolectric Services, Record360, Rouse Services, Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), Spartan Solutions, Supply Chain Sustainability School, Thomas Group, Tranzaura, VUE Group and WOLFF Onsite
RWM September 2024
By Lorna Cowlin
It’s been a big year of firsts for me with being the new girl in the team. And so, I was excited about the Resource and Waste Management Expo (RWM) being my first big event; once again, proving my ‘big girl job’ is pushing me to new horizons!
Heading up to Birmingham, Managing Editor, Rebecca Phillips, and I were ready to become the ‘dream team’.
I had been forewarned by my cousin about the NEC, telling me it was huge. I didn’t quite comprehend what he was telling me; I just smiled and agreed. But it wasn’t until we arrived that I quite realised just how big he meant…
Oh. This place is massive. It may as well have been its own village!
Not only was it a maze to even get into the car park, but Becky and I managed to get lost trying to find our stand on the day of set-up. But, once we found it, we swiftly got into action, making it look super-smart for the next day!
DAY ONE:
Arriving the next morning, the venue looked completely different and was thriving with life. All the stands were set-up, the ladders and forklifts were gone, and all the carpets were bright and colourful. There were hundreds of stands, upon hundreds of people getting ready to start the day. With the colour-coded carpets and big signs and signposts, the venue was very easy to manoeuvre around, albeit vast.
Despite the wet, dreary weather, it didn’t dampen anyone’s mood as crowds of visitors started piling in from 9am. I stood by our stand waiting for the first person to approach us, ready and eager to go. Normally, I would’ve felt nervous at the prospect of doing something new, but this time, I felt nothing but excitement as the halls started filling up, the chatter started rising and a sea of visitors walked around the venue.
It didn’t take me long to get to grips with stand duty as everyone was so lovely to talk to. It was especially great to put some faces to the names I had either emailed or heard back in the office! It was the perfect opportunity to big-up Plant Planet, showcase our passion and get everyone else interested too.
Not only were there stands, but also seminars. One of our friends at UKATA, Wayne Bagnall MBE, popped by our stand to tell us about the seminar he was hosting, and when I was off exploring the venue, I stopped to listen in quickly on his talk. Like all the other seminars, it was immensely insightful, and another perfect way to promote passion and resourcefulness!
DAY TWO:
After smashing stand duty, day two, for me, was all about exploring. It was such a big venue, and I still needed to gain my bearings.
I walked around with my camera attached to the gimbal and went off filming, making sure I had a right ole’ nose at everything whilst doing so. It was so incredible to see how many companies and brands were promoting sustainability, specifically in the waste industry. It gave an overall feeling of hope, showing that we are doing something to help our planet, and together, we can be even stronger and faster in doing so.
Outside was a live demonstration show, and Becky went to get the full experience. A loud, booming voice came over the Tannoy, announcing the show: “It’s a show you don’t want to miss. One day, you can tell your grandkids that you saw the future of machinery back in 2024!”
Machinery and equipment shown in demonstration:
Dustquip: JetMister
JetMister is a dust suppression machine that helps with construction and demolition site dust issues, by using its direct water mist to capture the dust particles. It is available wheeled, skid or trailer mounted with a 35-55m throw. It has a diesel engine pump with a 90° to 120° jet nozzle on a tilting mast.
Inmalo: Moto Fog
A dust suppression spray cannon for demolition, recycling, handling materials in bulk and quarrying. This can be used inside and outside, as this equipment can be tailored to suit any environment. They are fan propelled misting spray cannons, and also have onboard generators and water tank options to suit the right situation in any demolition project.
JCB: 5680 WasteMaster
“Dedicated to waste. Designed to deliver.” The WasteMaster is purpose-built for the waste and recycling industry so it can work in the hardest of conditions in the toughest environments. It has a larger power capacity of 130hp (97kW) and 50% reduction in cab noise, to create a smoother, operator-friendly environment. There is14% increase in visibility, as the glass is a one-piece curved glazing, creating a seamless approach.
JCB: 25-22E Forklift
This electric forklift’s main mission is to reduce harmful emissions by using cleaner technology. Both innovative and resourceful, it creates zero emissions with no sacrifice or compromise on performance. It can be used both inside and outside.
JCB: 437 WasteMaster
This machinery is jam-packed with new features, included for easier operator handling so it can work on any waste site. It has a 6.6% more powerful Stage V Cummins engine, and also includes a fuel saving auto shutdown feature.
Doyle Machinery: RHS900w
This is one of Doyle Machinery’s many shredders, and is a reliable piece of equipment. They also preach versatility and optimal mobility.
Manitou: MLT 850-145
An agricultural telehandler that is designed to be used on large farmland which is used to work well with the recycling and environmental sector.
Sunward: SWE 155UF
This medium-sized excavator is designed to work perfectly in small, confined spaces and along walls. It has a 93kW power output and a maximum digging depth of 5,525mm.
END OF THE SHOW…
Overall, for my first show, we had a busy few days! It was the perfect insight to this brand new world, one that preaches feelings of hope for a more sustainable environment. It was amazing to see, with everyone banding together, how dynamic the atmosphere becomes when everyone wants the same thing: a better future. Everyone is striving for the change that the world needs, and together, with all the different ideas and innovative approaches, not only does the future look brighter, but it also looks more inviting. After all, like the announcer had said during the live demonstration:
“In the words of Russell Crowe; are you not entertained?”
Vertikal Days 2024
The largest lifting equipment event in Europe is back! And this time, it was even more jam-packed than ever before, covering 120 acres with over 150 stands and 300 brands on display.
It was also attended by a larger number of attachment, solutions and service companies than ever before with over 150 stands, filled to the brim with the latest technology and lifting equipment. As always, Vertikal Days “promises to showcase the evolution of the industry”, and they sure did deliver!
Every year, without fail, Vertikal Days stuns with its appearance. It’s not every day you look at a crane and think ‘beautiful!’, but with all the cranes and high-reach equipment together, all pointing towards the sky, it’s certainly a sight to behold! (Even if it does make you feel incredibly small in comparison!). With product launches from major cranes, to aerial lifts, and then telehandler manufacturers, Vertikal Days had so much to offer.
CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY
Manitou:
Their focus this year was scissor lifts! They took Vertikal Days as the opportunity to showcase their new, exciting range, one that included the 19ft SE080 slab electric. Described by Manitou themselves as the “100 percent homemade designed range”, they predict great success, and will keep on pushing it in the market for the best results and happiest clients!
Magni:
Not only did Manitou show off their new products, but Magni took hold of that opportunity as well. They unveiled a new lifting attachment, suitable for the installation of flat panels with a telehandler. Magni says that this product is designed for ease and reaching extreme heights. This attachment has been dubbed the Vacuum ‘ER-Litocran 700, comprising a power pack, a two section telescopic jib mounted on a slew ring with a rotation span of 180 degrees, topped with a vacuum head.
GGR Group:
Vertikal Days was the perfect opportunity for GGR Group to show off their latest specialist lifting equipment. They introduced the world’s first 17m electric telehandler! This new product sits well against their previous ranges of 6m electric telehandlers, and it’s so amazing to see that growth and potential in their products! Their sustainable, electric approach demonstrates their mission to be more eco-friendly, which has only helped the promotion of their great products, as they produce zero emissions whilst still extremely powerful tools that get the job done.
LiuGong:
LiuGong had a display of three of their aerial work platforms (AWP’s); two scissor lifts (LS0608E and LS1216HC) and one boom lift (LA16JE), all of which will be debuting their new green livery design. LiuGong were proud to showcase these great machines, saying how they had been “eagerly anticipating this event” to display their new sustainable, powerful approach.
LA16JE:
- Articulating boom lift
- Maximum working height of 17.8m
- Load capacity of 260kg
- Pure electric power with a 51.2V battery
- 360° rotating turret
- Turning radius of 2.06m
LSC0608E
- Electric scissor lift
- Maximum working height of 7.8m
- Load capacity 230kg
- Powered by a 24V battery
- Turning radius of 0.3m (inside) and 1.78m (outside)
LS1216HC
- Crawler scissors lift
- Maximum working height 14m
- Load capacity of 320kg
- Powered by a 48V battery
- Has a 0.4m ground clearance and low ground pressure
- Works really well in off-road terrains; is very durable as a result
Liebherr GB:
The three axle LTM 1060-3.1 crane was Liebherr’s main focal point of Vertikal Days. It’s an all terrain crane, equipped with a six section 48m boom with a 9.5 to 16m bi-fold swingaway extension which exceeds the maximum height to 67 metres. This crane can also carry 12.8 tonnes! Liebherr’s main focus is always the future, and they’re looking forward to new developments and “more arrivals in the future”, always focusing on the small details to make all of their lifting machinery the best they possibly can.
SANY:
Displaying their SAC600E 60-tonne
3 Axle All Terrain Crane at the show, SANY are proud to be exhibiting another product that fits with their values; reliable, high-performance and innovative. UK Cranes Manager, Andrew Snow, said: “It’s great to have Vertikal Days back on the events calendar for the second year. Since our launch in the UK market in 2023, the SAC600E is proving very successful and this will be another fantastic platform to showcase the machine, highlighting key features and benefits to our stand visitors.”
INNOVATIVE TECH
Capja:
Not only was Vertikal Days filled with the high-end construction machinery, but there was also a lot of innovative tech as well! Capja were at Vertikal Days showing off their new Capja eLead app, designed to make events like this less stressful. With QR codes on everyone’s lanyard, sometimes it’s hard to lose track of those that you’ve scanned, or the signal could be bad so that it doesn’t even connect. Capja made it so it was easier to keep track of everyone you’ve spoken to, and who came to visit your stand by creating the eLead app which can be used offline, and takes a record of each lead instantly. Makes it so much easier to keep track of everything, all in one place!
Every year, without fail, Vertikal Days stuns with its appearance.
MCS Rental Software:
Not only did Capja use this event as a perfect opportunity to showcase their savvy tech, but MSC launched their new app as well. The app, called ‘Resource Mobile’, helps delivery drivers and engineers to provide feedback and information to rental companies, sending immediate messages to inform on arrival time and to track progress. MCS’ Nick Thomas describes the app as the perfect way to give “additional visibility of staff on the road”, and says its a “game changer”.
Spartan Solutions:
Hopping on board with the app bandwagon with their app PHALANX 6, Spartan introduces their new app that helps with rental equipment companies to help deliver and return, designed specifically to make the process smoother for everyone involved!
MEETINGS
Construction Plant Hire (CPA):
Not only were there stands of brands and companies, but there were also seminars and open meetings, one of which hosted by the Construction Plant Hire (CPA), which over 150 people attended. With Peter Gibbs, Rob Squires and Dave Holder behind the organisation and hosting, the meeting presented issues within the crane sector and key topics in which to overcome it. This opening meeting provided an engaging opportunity to discuss these factors and allowed those who came to listen to also get involved. The meeting was concluded by Marcus Gough who provided a final talk that reinforced the earlier points made in the seminar, leaving it on a positive note for the high reach equipment industry, promoting to work collaboratively in order to get the highest safety standards possible.
As always, it was a thoroughly informative meeting from the CPA, and as a result we are even more excited to see them in November for their upcoming CPA Conference 2024 at the Heart of England Conference!
International Powered Access Federation (IPAF):
IPAF were at Vertikal Days to promote one simple message; “Crushing Can Kill”. This was to raise awareness of incidents that occur with high reach equipment and elevating work platforms with their motto being “Stay Alert, Stay Alive”. Safety remains at the forefront of IPAF’s priorities, and their mission is to promote safe and effective usage worldwide.
Likewise with CPA, IPAF will also be hosting the Elevation Day conference in Birmingham also in November, and we’re incredibly excited to be a media partner at this event! This event, like at Vertikal Days, is to promote innovation and sustainability in order for a better, healthier environment.
To sum up…
It was great to see Vertikal Days to come back at a brilliant venue and to see so many fantastic examples of lifting, access and crane equipment. It was also wonderful to see so many faces, both new and familiar. I think it’s safe to say that Vertikal Days was not only a huge success, but also a thoroughly inspiring event that we can’t wait to go back to again next year!
Health and Safety Legislation –What change has it brought to plant?
By Lorna Cowlin
The importance of health and safety surrounds us daily. In the world of construction, it’s even more demanding and is a primary focus. Not only is this to ensure that the construction project can be carried out safely, it’s also to comply with legislation. But why is it drummed into us so much?
Construction sites are incredibly hazardous; numerous risks and accidents are lurking round the corner, waiting to jump out and grab you. Okay… maybe it’s not that dramatic, but the potential for accidents is certainly all around you! It’s all about prevention and protection; the more you protect, the more you prevent! (I feel like I should trademark that…)
Let’s start with the basics, shall we?
What risks are there?
There are many things to be cautious of when working on a construction site, even things that seem very minor. Some of these risks can be:
- Working at heights
- Operating machinery
- Working with electricity (electrocution)
- Lifting heavy materials and objects
- Inhalation of dust
Proper and detailed training must be provided for those working in these environments, including Computer Based Training (CBT) and in person training on site.
Where do we begin?
Before you even enter a construction site, the first step to safety is making sure you’re wearing the right clothes. We all know about protective gear, and what we should be wearing on site, making sure we are highly visible and safeguarded. These include:
- High-visibility clothing
- Hard hats
- Steel toe-cap boots
- Earplugs/ear defenders
- Gloves and other skin protection
- Respiratory protective equipment
- Eye protection, such as goggles, glasses or visors
Adhering to the correct uniform and clothing when on site can prevent accidents and injuries, both minor and major. This all began when the Personal Protective Equipment at Work (PPE) Regulations act was passed in 1992, making sure that those who need protective equipment (PPE) are supplied with it to help prevent associated accidents and health risks. Amendments were made to this act on 6th April 2022, when it was updated for COVID-19. The purpose to ensure everyone had access to proper PPE, such as face masks, extending the need for PPE for the general public, as well as workers. When it was introduced in 1992, the law stated that suitable PPE must be provided to employees who may be exposed to risks at work.
However, PPE shouldn’t be relied on as the sole source of protection. Operational controls, with effective management and training of personnel, should be regarded as the most important when it comes to health and safety. Identifying and isolating issues is imperative, and a simple checklist can make all the difference:
- Elimination – the hazard must be removed.
- Substitution – replace the hazard with something safer.
- Engineering – make sure the hazard is isolated and no one can get to it.
- Administrative – change the routine, improving the way in which people work.
This hierarchy of controls helps promote safety within the workspace.
PPE shouldn’t be relied on as the sole source of protection.
The Public
Not only is it the people on site that need to be safe, but also the general public. Many sites are near public dwellings or other public areas. Hazards that could bring harm to the public are:
- Falling objects
- Delivery and other site vehicles
- Scaffolding and other access equipment
- Storing and stacking materials
- Openings and excavations
These hazards can cause slips, trips and falls, and are especially harmful to those most vulnerable, such as children, the elderly and people with certain disabilities. Dust, noises and vibrations can also cause harm, so simple fixtures such as barriers and covers can help prevent this. Vehicles on site should be isolated and immobilised when not in use, and any ladders with easy access from scaffolds and excavations should be taken down. This is the result of HSWA section 3 to ensure the safety of the public, so they’re not exposed to any risks.
In addition to this, the RR834 law, ‘Preventing Catastrophic Events in Construction’, is an examination of safety hazards that are considered ‘low probability, but high consequence’. All precautions taken are necessary! The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) claims that catastrophic events are to be prevented by controls that avoid damage and accidents.
Let’s cover some of the laws…
There are many laws in the construction industry in regard to health and safety, so it’s definitely hard to keep track of them! Here’s some of the main ones below.
- The Construction Design & Management Regulations: This is to ensure there is effective planning on site during the early stages of a project in construction.
- The Working at Height Regulations 2005: The clue is in the name for this law. This one ensures that safety protocols are taken when working up high!
- L144 – Construction Management (ACOP): HSE approved, this law manages the health and safety in construction, giving practical advice on how to achieve this on site.
- Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005: This focuses on preventing the risk of back injuries from powerful construction tools.
- Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992: This ensures the safety of workers handling heavy materials and objects.
Emergency response plans should be put in place for a time that there is an accident or risk. These include evacuations, first aid and fire emergencies. Fire drills and training sessions for these events are for preparation of real emergencies. As I said earlier, prevention means protection! And that is essential in this situation.
But it’s not all boring!
It’s not all rules, guidelines, big numbers and fancy titles! Sometimes it’s more of a personal touch that shows you how changes in health and safety legislations have helped the plant industry advance. And usually, it’s the personal touches that really drive the point home.
Safety Shield is a company that hit hard when I was researching. Not only do we work closely with them here at Plant Planet, but their backstory makes it that extra bit more wholesome. Jonathan Guest, the creator of Safety
Shield, lost one of his friends in a very unfortunate and fatal accident involving an excavator on a construction site. After that, Guest knew he wanted to improve this, to fix the issue so a fatality like that wouldn’t occur again. He wanted to protect the workers, protect the vulnerable.
Working alongside a dedicated team, Guest developed AI technology that helped prevent collisions, eventually growing to a point where he worked alongside the government and other authorities to help create a safer environment.
It’s important that health and safety on construction sites is urged as the main priority when keeping the workers safe and unharmed. Events like the tragic event that happened in Prilly, Switzerland, can then be avoided. This accident saw a transport platform/hoist from a scaffold collapse, bringing the outer wall of the building down with it too. The cause of this incident was said to have been missing screw and nut assemblies. The investigation afterwards said it should have failed safety inspections. After an accident like this, the Work Environment Authority is then recommended to:
- Investigate the safety measures, making sure the assembly of the hoists can be improved.
- Investigate the risks involved, ensuring that it fits within the framework of the systematic work environment management system.
These tragedies can be avoided, and thanks to companies such as Safety Shield, it’s clear to see that protection is not only being taken seriously, but also being prioritised with a passion!
So, it’s clear that health and safety is important!
In a nutshell, yes! It’s terrifying to think what could happen if we didn’t practise and preach health and safety protocols as much as we do, so it’s absolutely paramount to uphold these standards. Including essentials such as training, identifying hazards, risk assessments and construction site reviews, it’s easy to follow the laws explained above to create a safe working environment. It’s important to be proactive in your approach to this to ensure ultimate protection, preparing for a better and safer tomorrow!
IPAF Elevation 2024: Secure your spot now!
IPAF Elevation 2024, the UK’s standout event for the powered access industry, is fast approaching. Hosted by the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF), the annual event will take place on Thursday, 7 November 2024, at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole.
IPAF Elevation 2024 is a fantastic opportunity to learn, network, and celebrate the latest developments in powered access in a friendly, welcoming environment.
IPAF Elevation Conference
In the afternoon, join a conference that explores the latest insights and trends under the theme ‘Rising Together: Innovation, Education, and Sustainability in Powered Access’. Industry experts will deliver engaging talks, sharing their expertise key topics shaping the future of powered access. The conference is free of charge and open to all IPAF members.
Networking Drinks Reception & Gala Dinner
As we head into the evening, the event continues with an informal drinks reception, offering a relaxed environment to socialise and network. This will be followed by the IPAF Elevation Gala Dinner, featuring a three-course meal and live entertainment, headlined by comedian Scott Bennett.
Scott Bennett is rapidly making a name for himself in the comedy world. He has frequently supported renowned comedians such as Rob Brydon, Jason Manford, and Mickey Flanagan and is also known for his memorable appearances on BBC’s Live at the Apollo.
The Gala Dinner is priced at £140 (excluding VAT) and is open to both IPAF members and non-members. Make sure to book soon, as this exclusive event is expected to sell out quickly!
Accommodation at Hilton Birmingham Metropole
For those attending the event, accommodation is available at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole for £150 (excluding VAT). This includes a comfortable double room, a full Hilton breakfast, and access to the hotel’s LivingWell Gym and Swimming Pool. Accommodation must be booked through IPAF.
Please note that pre-booking is essential for all aspects of IPAF Elevation 2024, and places are filling up fast. With the past two years’ events selling out, early booking is highly recommended to secure your spot.
Women in Powered Access
This year, we’re delighted to introduce a special addition to our lineup: the Women in Powered Access networking session, themed ‘Empower & Elevate’.
Event Details:
• Date: Thursday, 7 November 2024
• Venue: Hilton Birmingham Metropole
• Networking Session: Women in Powered Access – Empower & Elevate
• Conference Theme: Rising Together: Innovation, Education, and Sustainability in Powered Access
• Gala Dinner: £140 (excl VAT), featuring Scott Bennett as entertainment
• Accommodation: £150 (excl VAT)
To secure your individual or group registrations for IPAF Elevation 2024, use this link: www.ipaf.org/elevation
INTRODUCING THE LATEST MEMBER IN LEGUAN’S SPIDER LIFT FAMILY: NEW LEGUAN 195 DELIVERS POWERFUL PERFORMANCE AND AGILITY
Taking advanced features and design cues from their flagship model, the next-generation Leguan 195 is the perfect combination of agility and robust performance.
Key features:
- Premium working height of up to 19.7 meters
- Advanced boom design delivering fast and smooth movements
- Up to 9.9 meters of side reach and 250 kg maximum lift capacity
- Market-leading all-terrain capabilities and sturdy track platform
- Intuitive and user-friendly joystick control
What do you get when you combine the speed and versatility of the Leguan 190 with the smart controls and marketleading performance features of the Leguan 225?
You get the new Leguan 195 – a brandnew model that redefines excellence with its unmatched all-terrain capabilities, robust track platform, and impressive driving speeds.
Designed to conquer even the toughest environments, the 195’s redesigned and shielded boom structure delivers maximum side reach even at greater heights, while the cutting-edge smart control interface guarantees seamless, precise and safe movements.
Compared to the Leguan 190, the all-new 195 features Leguan’s highly praised, user-friendly, joystick controls plus quick one-button access to home and back-to-work positions.
New features also include a shielded boom structure that protects components from external blows, falling branches and sawdust, making the 195 a great choice for arborists and construction professionals alike.
Leguan spider lifts are known for their premium performance in slopes, hard-to-reach areas and uneven work sites thanks to their automatic levelling, advanced track design and low center of gravity, and naturally the new Leguan 195 is no different.
“Our users have been requesting a Leguan model that retains the 190’s agility, compact size and speed but adds the intuitive controls and smart features
of our flagship model. I believe we’ve succeeded in designing a machine that truly meets their needs,” Leguan’s Sales and Marketing Vice President Jori Mylläri says.
Standard features:
• 21 hp Kubota diesel engine + 230 / 110 V electric motor
• 230 / 110 V and USB power outlets on platform
• Automatic engine RPM control and outrigger levelling
• Proportional outreach monitoring system
• Battery powered emergency lowering system
• Lower controls with integrated service display
To learn more information, please visit: www.avant.co.uk
SELLING AT AUCTION PREPARING YOUR MACHINERY FOR SALE
Auctions have become popular places to dispose of used construction plant, agricultural machinery, and commercial vehicles, so as a seller how do you gain the best possible price as your machinery is sold. Euro Auctions will always realise true global market value for a vendors machinery, however the value that a piece of equipment will fetch at auction will depend upon the mood of the market, the choice of
lots available, international demand from overseas projects, and quality or condition of the item on offer!
In the used plant and machinery sector, a current market a trend that we are seeing is that operators are hanging on to equipment just that little bit longer, increasing the time cycle for replenishing their fleet. Where previously a refresh would happen a three-year period, maybe at the end of a finance term, now four and five year
periods are becoming commonplace. As a result, good fresh, late, low hours machines are always in demand and what is selling well at Euro Auction sales, is kit that looks right and is ‘rent ready’.
So, how can you ensure that your machine, or machinery catches the eyes of the buying crowd? Here are ‘Top 10 Tips’ from Chris Osborne, Euro Auctions Territory Manager for the UK, to help you get best price at auction.
1 - Which Sale
Consider where to sell to gain the best possible price, as many markets attract particular types of buyer. Speak to a Euro Auctions Sales Manager to gain a better idea of where to send the equipment and machinery. For example, canopy mini excavators sell extremely well in Spain, whilst ‘zero tail swing’ excavators sell well at Dormagen in Germany. Access and lifting equipment are currently in high demand in both Spain and Germany just now, whereas at the Euro Auctions, Leeds sale, all types of excavators sell well, with over 1,500 diggers for sale at any one auction.
However, these trends do change, there are times that currency and market
demands mean that it’s beneficial to send particular equipment to our Yoder and Frey sales in the USA, but then there’s times that this isn’t so viable. So having a close relationship with your Euro Auctions rep is invaluable.
2 - Think like a Buyer
Presenting your machine for sale as you would wish to buy it is the key. A well-presented machine will always make the best price. There are many simple things that one can do, but the important tip here is “DO IT!.” A couple of simple things can make a whole lot of difference to a buyer, which will generate a better profit for you. There is always a lot of choice on offer at any one Euro Auctions sale so it should be priority to
make your equipment one of the best of its class on offer. When there is a choice of equipment on the ramp, the one that has freshly painted counterweight, good bucket fitted, a valeted cab, might just help it to be the first pick and make that top price.
Euro Auctions is now considered closer than ever to buying equipment from a main dealership. The experience is far from the old days of auctions standing in a wet muddy field all day waiting to bid on your piece of equipment. For onsite buyers, the experience is registering in a nice new lobby area and bidding in a large comfortable arena with refreshments on hand and the ability to inspect and test all of the equipment in large open concrete yard.
3 - Documentation
Providing the service history of a machine will ensure you get best price for it, and if the servicing has been carried out by a main dealer, that information will be on record and can be included in the sale catalogue. Producing the CE documentation will add significant value to the machine. CE documentation for a machine will include the Declaration of Conformity (DoC), a signed document from the manufacturer that confirms the product meets the requirements of the applicable European CE Directives and Regulations. Make sure your machine has proper IDENTIFICATION, ensuring the Serial Plate is visible and true. If selling commercial vehicles, vans, cars and 4x4’s, always ensure the vehicle is sent to auction with the registration document.
4 - Keep It Clean
If a machine looks tidy, it has probably been treated well. Always clean out the cab, wash the floor, jet wash floor mats and clean the windows, as its generally accepted that even by cleaning the cab windows, you can typically add £500 plus to the sale price of a vehicle. Dirt may also be a way of hiding something making buyers suspicious. Clean off the mud and dirt and increase the value you can achieve.
5 - Mirrors, Bulbs & Windscreens
Broken or missing reversing mirrors can be seen as an irritation or a nuisance, as will a broken light casings or lenses. Make sure all light bulbs work and fuses are complete. Missing windscreen wiper blades shows a lack of love for the machine, as does cracked or damaged cab glass and windscreens
6 - Fuel, Filters & Battery
Make sure the battery is fully charged and the fuel tank is half full, enabling prospective buyers to fire up the engine for a pre-auction inspection. Renew fuel filters, as a blocked filter may hamper the starting of the engine, as if the machine starts on the button, first time, the prospective buyer feels good about bidding. Lastly, evidence of regular maintenance gives buyers confidence that this machine has been cared for.
its generally accepted that even by cleaning the cab windows, you can typically add £500 plus to the sale price
7 - Touch Up
Ensuring a machine is tidy will grab the eye of the buyer. Repairing or covering knocks, bumps and scratches is fast, simple and effective and can make a great difference to the overall look of the machine. If a machine looks good and correct, buyers feel compelled to make a bid for it.
8 - Dry & Drip Free
No one likes to see a machine dripping in oil and fluid, meaning that rams and hoses may be damaged, pumps may be broken, and seals may be worn. An inspection and carrying out the necessary repairs before the sale will ensure it doesn’t sit in a puddle of oil spelling TROUBLE in capital letters.
The lack of good attachments to any machine can let it down.
9 - Tyres & Wheels
Make sure tyres on each axle match. Better still, make sure tyres match all round. Don’t be tempted to put a mismatched set on just to make up the numbers. Try to fit a good, branded set, such as Goodyear or Bridgestone.
It’s a false economy removing a set of good tyres and replacing with worn or cheap ones to send to auction. The added work in doing so and perceived saving in keeping the good tyres will be far outweighed in the reduced sale price achieved. Don’t be tempted to fit cheap tyres. Look out for punctures, as a machine will sit badly with a puncture, which will make for a bad photograph in the catalogue and on the internet. Lastly, take care of wheels as heavy work may damage the rims.
Ensure wheels are clean and true. Painting wheels is an option, but a good clean set of wheels and tyres is acceptable and preferable.
10 - Attachments & Tools
The lack of good attachments to any machine can let it down. This could make the difference between one or two last bids, which could amount to hundreds, or thousands of £s for the sake of a little bit of thought. Ensure all excavators have a good set of buckets, in good condition, with sharp teeth where possible. Presenting the machine in this way will draw the eye of the bidder that is looking for a machine for their own use, or for hire and is ‘rent ready’, and can be put to work immediately.
This guide ‘Preparing your Machinery for Sale’ is written by Chris Osborne, Euro Auctions Territory Manager for the UK
Chris Osborne GB – South 0044 7769 204 732 chris.osborne@euroauctions.com
CRUSHING IT!
MB Crusher attachments provide a revolutionary way to enhance return on investment (ROI) for industries such as construction, demolition, and mining. These attachments allow companies to transform their standard excavators, loaders, and other heavy machinery into powerful, multi-functional tools capable of on-site material recycling. By processing materials directly at the job site, businesses can significantly cut down on expenses related to transporting materials to external processing facilities, waste disposal, and purchasing new raw materials.
This reduction in costs is paired with an increase in operational efficiency. With MB Crusher attachments, companies can handle a variety of tasks using the same machinery, eliminating the need for additional specialized equipment. This flexibility not only optimizes the use of existing resources but also reduces downtime, enhancing project timelines and completion speed. In addition, by recycling materials on-site, these attachments contribute to a more sustainable approach to construction and material management, aligning with environmentally conscious business practices.
The ability to reuse crushed materials directly in new projects further amplifies savings and profitability. Whether dealing with large-scale projects or smaller tasks, MB Crusher attachments offer businesses a cost-effective, versatile solution that increases productivity and delivers substantial improvements in overall ROI.
AUTHENTIC TO THE INDUSTRY
Anglian Demolition
Autumn has finally arrived! And with it another issue of Demolition Spotlight. Aren’t you lucky? This issue is just as packed as the last, with Anglian Demolition light(house)ing up our front cover and being the subject for our Demo report. Andy Elvin takes us through his time in demolition and what lead to him becoming a senior contracts manager.
Hughes and Salvidge become the topic of a conscious companies feature, where we look at their incredible work on the Hilsea Eco Bus Station. We also have not one, but two articles from the fantastic Paul Argent, bringing you stories direct from the heart of the industry. On top of all that, we have news stories from R Collard and Genquip!
Awesome Autumn our team
DARREN SHELTON BUSINESS MANAGER
MARTINA TONELLI MARKETING CO-ORDINATOR
REBECCA PHILLIPS MANAGING EDITOR
LORNA COWLIN CONTENT CREATOR
CHARLOTTE WALSH BRAND MANAGER
STEVE WILSON DESIGN MANAGER
PAUL ARGENT RPA MEDIA SERVICES
ANDY ELVIN ANGLIAN DEMOLTION
LUKE GOULD HUGHES AND SALVIDGE LTD
PETER BEACH GENQUIP UK LTD
For all content related queries, please contact editor@demolitionspotlight.co.uk
For all sales related queries, please contact charlotte@demolitionspotlight.co.uk
Happy reading!
Rebecca Phillips Managing Editor
iRange hybrid power revolutionising welfare accommodation.
Owners and end users are impressed by the near-total reduction in carbon emissions, running costs, and noise pollution. No wonder, respected rental industry authorities have honoured the iRANGE with an array of prestigious green awards and nominations.
The iRANGE eliminates the need for fuel throughout the summer months and can achieve up to 100% reduction in carbon emissions - only running when the battery levels require the utilisation of the on-board power unit.*
Scan for more information on the iRANGE
Environmental features give owners and end users savings by way of reduced fuel usage, 90% reduction in onboard power unit servicing, longer running life, fewer breakdowns and massively reduced noise pollution.
* During the winter period and night use the power unit will still be required, with a reduction in running of up to 90% when compared to our Fusion Pulse welfare unit.
Collard Group – The One-Stop-Shop A demolition and enabling deep dive
At Collards, we provide a onestop-shop for all of our clients, contractors and developers alike. Our service spans the breadth of the UK which utilises the group’s expertise, covering the initial consultancy and site investigation through to the asbestos removal, soft strip, full structural demolition, earthworks and land remediation, allowing us to hand back a shovel ready site for the next phase of development!
Last issue we announced our award of the demolition and remediation package in Vastern Road, Reading. This week, we have been putting up our Collard branded monarflex and we look forward to sharing
more of this site with you soon. We are thrilled to announce that we have been awarded a contract at the Mechanical Biological Treatment Facility in Basildon, Essex. We will be demolishing the entire facility to slab while below level structures will be left and voids and pits infilled. Collards are very proud to be undertaking an industrial project of this scale, and we will be sharing more details on this over the coming weeks. Over in Harvest Hill, Maidenhead we have been progressing with a large earthworks cut and fill package. With 80,000m3 of fill being imported, this site will be developed into residential housing. Another project we are pleased to update you on is in Watchmoor Park, Camberly. There are five buildings on this site where
we are working to remove the asbestos, strip-out, demolish and grub-foundations. Collards will be crushing arisings to stockpile on site for the future office and warehousing development. In the north of Scotland, our Volvo EC750 excavator is working to dismantle a decommissioned deep sea oil rig from the 1970s. Over a three-day journey, we transported this machine 650 miles to break down the gigantic 11,200 tonne rig.
We are excited to share that we have had three new apprentices start their journey with us recently. They are currently joining us at operative level, and we look forward to them moving through and up the ranks of the business. Currently, we have a team of evergrowing apprentices at different stages
of their development with us. This is part of our ’30 before 30’ target to support the youth in the industry. We are proud to be investing in the up-and-coming talent and there is more outreach for next gen coming in the future which we are keen to share our thoughts and plans for!
In our contracting department, our demolition and enabling team is staffed with a skilled and varied team to ensure a smooth-running operation. From early tender stage to completion, we have the best people capable of keeping our clients satisfied. In our work winning team we cover business development, bid coordinating and estimators to get the work through the door and on the table for our operations team. In operations we are covered from contacts managers and quantity surveyors to our in house HSQE team to keep the job on track and operating safely at all times. Our HSQE are dedicated to taking care of the health and safety needs for the whole business, specialist team members with backgrounds and 1st hand experience in demolition enables
them to provide proactive and relevant insight into bespoke Health and Safety systems for the group. To learn more about our people, head to our website to ‘meet the team’. At Collards we often implement 3D modelling into our tenders to set us apart from the pack when it comes to winning projects, this allows our clients and stakeholders to get a great visualisation of exactly what we will be carrying out on site. We’ve found that our efforts and care at early tender stage sets a great first impression and a precedent for our working standards. At Collards we understand that a successful project requires meticulous preparation, our demolition and enabling services are designed to pave the way for smooth project execution while addressing critical preparatory tasks that set the stage for your main construction phase. We offer bespoke design and installation of temporary structures, expert façade retention, a range of section 278 works to cover highway improvement and urban regeneration along with stats diversions where we excel in the safe management
of live services and utilities on site. Because Collard Group are able to offer an end-to-end solution to our customers through our circular economy model, we find that the financial stability of the group allows us to leverage opportunities outside the capacity of regular demolition companies. This model also means we are able to be incredibly self sufficient due to little need to subcontract out works as the group can complete a project from start to finish independently. In the next issue, we will be diving into Asbestos and Earthworks in more detail while keeping you up to date with the current headlines at Collards. Give our QR code a scan to have a look at our socials and website to learn more about us and what we have to offer!
To learn more about R Collard Ltd, please visit: www.rcollard.com
GOING GREEN
Everybody wants to reduce carbon emissions and that is what Genquip-Groundhog clients are asking for. However, there are still issues with hire rates versus costs. The challenge for the hire companies is that a lot of their customers want the best unit but don’t want to pay a higher rate for it; that is still a major issue.
Genquip-Groundhog aim to try and use the right language around sustainability. Net Zero is a huge challenge for welfare units, there will still be some emissions, but you can significantly reduce them. We believe it is important because people have grown wise to being greenwashed.
Our ethos at Genquip-Groundhog is to help you achieve realistic carbon reduction.
We are serious about sustainability. We have recently joined the EcoVadis global sustainability platform to continue driving down our emissions and measure our progress against our peers. We also have our own Sustainability plan which we have worked on for over 2 years. https:// www.groundhog.co.uk/sustainability.php
In the same vein, we believe more honest conversations around what is achievable with solar on welfare cabins. A solar-only welfare unit does not work 52 weeks a year in the UK. Our welfare units are often in use 24 hours a day and a welfare unit used in Cornwall in summer is going to perform a lot differently to one used in Glasgow in winter.
Due to market demand, we continue to manufacture a mixture of solar and diesel-powered welfare units.
Another challenge is that people like what they know. We launched the Fusion Pulse about 12 years ago and have probably made around 6,000 of them. It was so successful that people are reticent to move to a new product.
The transition to more sustainable cabins is also requiring wider investment in skills. An experienced fitter used to working with diesel has no idea what they are looking at when it comes to servicing a lithium cabin. It is a whole new ball game that requires investment in technical expertise, both at the factory and out in the field. As an industry we are no longer just manufacturing a metal box and adding a diesel generator, it is much more technical.
It is an interesting market at the moment. There is more competition because the market has really taken off in the past 20 years. There are probably 100,000 units in the UK now and we have produced about 20,000 of them.
SUCCESS IN SAUDI!
The last few years have been significant ones for Hughes and Salvidge and our wider divisions. In 2023 we achieved a record turnover of over £40million and celebrated the 30th anniversary of K&B Crushers, our concrete crushing division. Moving into 2024, we are celebrating Hughes and Salvidge being 60 years old as well as our move to bigger and better offices. During that time, we have also been branching out to new locations and challenges, undertaking our first project abroad in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
To secure this project, we completed an extensive tendering process which included visiting the site in KSA with a strong team of our Managing Director, Cost Engineer, Operations Director, SHEQ Manager, and Structural Engineer, to ensure the project was commercially and logistically feasible. Post-tender, multiple meetings were conducted via Teams with the team in KSA to finalise all aspects, leading to a contract award in 2023.
Following award, our full team tackled the task of organising the logistics of conducting our first project overseas. Our plant, workshop, and equipment were prepped by our in-house fitters, ready to be shipped to Dubai and then loaded onto another ship to Dammam, a port just south of our project located
in Jubail. Our Accounts team worked closely with our external Accountants and trusted advisors to establish PE (Permanent Establishment) status in KSA and understand the tax laws, both for the company and our employees.
Our Project Administrator and Business Development Manager supported each other in gathering the correct information regarding applying for work visas and arranged all paperwork and Embassy appointments with the project team.
Our Health and Safety team arranged for additional training to take place so our specialist team had the correct and appropriate qualifications/cards for conducting their work in KSA. They also arranged for new Hughes and Salvidge PPE specifically designed for working in warmer climates.
Once in KSA, our team on the ground sought out a compound in Jubail, alleviating the need for hotels and reducing the project costs.
The project was the first major demolition project undertaken by our client, and was undertaken whilst the surrounding plant and Industrial City remained operational. Our Senior Management team alleviated any concerns by producing work- and area-specific Method Statements and attending daily meetings with the client’s team.
The scope of works included:
• Separation works from the retained plant.
• Full structural demolition around a live teal plant.
• Installation of protection scaffold screens.
• Checks of service disconnection.
• Removal of a 50-metre styrene column.
• The removal of residual products.
• Three months of manual enabling works.
• Demolition of redundant plant and structures to slab.
• Mechanical demolition of the reactor plant including the removal of 5x 70-tonne reactor vessels.
• Site finishing works to hand over a safe, obstruction-free site to the client.
The project was completed by our top Machine Operators, Cost Engineer, Project Manager and Site team who fully embraced life in KSA during the 8-month project, visiting Riyadh, Jeddah and nearby Bahrain during their time on this project.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
To learn more about Hughes and Salvidge, please visit: www.hughesandsalvidge.co.uk
Conscious Companies // Hughes and Salvidge
Rebecca Phillips travels to Hilsea to check out one of the latest Hughes and Salvidge demolition projects and learns just what an ostensibly conscious company they truly are.
DEMOLITION!
Quite a powerful word, isn’t it? And I must say, not the first one that springs to mind when thinking of an ecominded conscious company. Anything construction or demolition based usually screams unnecessary waste, and the struggle to remain environmentally friendly is certainly very prevalent.
It was a particularly lovely surprise then, to meet the guys at Hughes and Salvidge. I have been to a lot of different worksites in my time, but nothing beats a H&SL site. Not only is there a real buzz of community amongst the workforce, but the site itself is impeccably tidy. It’s a key indicator of just how much they care about everything they set their hand to, something that was further proven when we started our tour of the site.
We were lucky enough to not only have Site Manager, Charlie Cawte and Marketing Manager, Luke Gould to show us around, but the unexpected pleasure of Operations Director, Danny Byng also, who happened to be there at the same time as us. Rather fortuitous if you ask me, as we had the ear and wisdom of three distinct areas of the company.
By the time we were on site with them in early May, they were very near to the end of the project. None of the original structure remained, and there were only a few machines left clearing the last of the rubble. What started as a 7 storey structure was now completely flat and levelled ground; a fantastic showing for 10 months work.
After our amazing tour and mini photoshoot that the boys were kind to indulge me in, we sat down in the tea room for a little catch up about the project.
So, let’s kick things off. When did this project get started?
C: It started in August 2023 and is still ongoing though in the final stages of wrapping up.
Did you have an estimation for how long the project would take?
C: Not so sure about a specific estimation. I mean, the building came down pretty much on time. There was an issue with electrics, and the stat supply of SSE took forever to turn off the power so that slowed things down. And it was always an unknown what was in the ground, especially the area we are now. That made things a bit tricky.
Have you found that weather has played a part in that too?
C: Um, the wind has certainly not been in our favour. It’s definitely a pain when trying to keep the dust down, though the rain actually helped with that a lot.
L: Yeah, sorry to the cricket, but we needed that rain.
Poor cricket! So, you were saying earlier you started on the back end of the site?
C: That’s right. We were soft stripping that end while the asbestos survey was being carried out at the front end. That meant we didn’t have to delay and could work in tandem. We had three machines working at the back to take the canopy down, so it had to be very carefully planned.
demolition spotlight // case study
Sounds like a good way of doing things.
C: We’re a good team. And you know what TEAM stands for? Together, everyone achieves more.
And how much of that waste went to landfill in the end?
L: Under 1% of arisings went to landfill, Blimey! That’s incredible.
L: Thank you. We take sustainability incredibly seriously. Also, around 20,000t of concrete was crushed and recycled and 1000s of tonnes of metal was recycled.
C: We’ve also protected a 5m deep tidal culvert under the site, including a 3m area around it throughout the site as it acts as a passage for waters from the main road as well as being critical for the local floodplain.
Sounds like you really are committed to a greener solution.
L: Absolutely. We have our ‘Green Hands Initiative’ which we are really proud of, and our website details exactly what that means. But it’s small changes we try to make that can end up making a big difference.
Such as?
C: Well, we try our best to avoid disrupting nature. For every tree we take down, we plant a new one. And honestly, I don’t like taking trees down. Trees belong to the earth. They’re its lungs.
I think that might be my new favourite quote of all time.
C: *I have to interject that at this point, Charlie simply gave the coolest most nonchalant shrug* It’s the simple truth.
L: We do also try to use green plant machinery where possible. It can’t always be done, but it’s definitely a conscious effort on our part.
You must be excited to be a part of such an ecofriendly project then?
L: Absolutely. It’s wonderful to know that from start to finish, it’s an eco-project.
A spokesperson from First Bus South had this to say of the project:
“First Bus South have invested £20m in a new depot, which once complete, will create a purpose-built electric bus depot of the future with the capability to run a fully electrified bus fleet of up to 90 vehicles.
The new depot for Hilsea is due to complete by the end of 2025 and will provide First Bus South with the capability to operate a full zero emission bus fleet across Portsmouth by which will save 5000 tonnes of CO2 emissions every year.
More than 300 local people will benefit from temporary employment in construction roles in the project.
Once complete, Hilsea depot’s electric charging infrastructure will also be open to local businesses, following successful B2B models by First Bus in Glasgow and Leicester, where companies such as Open Reach, DPD and Police Scotland benefit from the use of our infrastructure to support their own transition to EV fleets. We are also looking at the potential to provide B2C charging to car users (with a successful trial currently taking place in our Cornwall depot) which will benefit local businesses and the wider community.”
demolition spotlight // case study // Hughes and Salvidge
Here is a closer look at the Green Hands Initiative!
“Our key performance categories for this initiative are COSHH, Waste, Sustainability, Procurement, Environment, Health and Wellbeing, and Community.
Each category covers one of the main targets currently identified through our existing Environmental Management System.
Each performance category is made up of a series action points that allow us to see what we are doing well and provides us with steps for positive reinforcement, improvement and development.
Our Green Hands Initiative includes a scoring matrix that enables our SHEQ team to monitor performance on site. Employees volunteer to be ‘Environmental Champions’ on each of our sites to support and embed the initiative in everything we do.”
Waste
• Reduce the use of single use items, both plastic and paper.
• Recycling bins available with clear and informative signage about what can be recycled.
• Ensure office furniture is relocated at the end of each project.
• Ensure waste is segregated to ensure loads are not contaminated when removed from site. -We aim to recycle 100% of demolition arisings.
• Utilise associated companies to reuse demolition arisings, for example – K&B Crushers.
• Ensure Site Waste Management Plan is readily available and EWC and SIC code crib cards are included.
• Keep accurate records of all removed waste and recycling to ensure 100% traceability.
Sustainability
• Ensure recycled paper and stationery is used in both offices and sites.
• Reduce water usage by targeting areas of demolition.
• Install water tracking (e.g. water meters).
• Recycle water used on site.
• Keep accurate records of water, fuel, gas, and electricity usage.
• Reduce CO2 emissions by minimising traffic movements and not allowing machines or vehicles to idle when not being used.
Environment
• Install noise, vibration and dust monitors.
• Prevent contamination to waterways by using witches hats and pads over drains.
• Ensure Natural England has given confirmation of demolition works.
• Tree and flora protection in place and secure.
• Clear information on invasive plants and protected species displayed on sites.
• Liaise with the Environment Agency and other relevant parties to ensure procedures to protect are in place.
• Clean footwear for working near waterways.
Hughes and Salvidge are a genuinely forward thinking company, who care about every aspect of their work. The extensive track of long-term worker retention, their commitment to sustainability and general welfare of any people in contact with their projects sets a new standard for not only demolition companies, but everyone across the board. It was a true pleasure to visit their site, and I can’t wait for the next visit!
LEADERS IN DEMOLITION AND WASTE MANAGEMENT
Demolition & Enabling Works
Zero-to-landfill
Our unique capability to repurpose virtually all construction and demolition waste from site helps our public sector, local authority, commercial and residential clients achieve zero-to-landfill targets.
Demolition
Structural alterations
Site clearance
Soft strip
Asbestos management
Remediation
Earthworks & civils
Temporary works
Waste Management Aggregates & Concrete
Anglian Demolition
Managing Editor Rebecca sits down with Andy Elvin, Senior Contracts Manager for Anglian Demolition.
The best way to start is always the simplest; When did you get started in demolition?
I’ve been in demolition for around 18 years, and with Anglian for ten years. I actually started off on the ground, then moved to plant operating. I went from supervisor to project manager and now I’m in senior management.
Wow, so you really have done all the steps now get you where you are today. So, what did your first role entail?
Well, for my very first job, I was known as what’s called a chicken picker. It wasn’t long after, I went into plant operation and built up my experience in earthworks. I just loved working on machines and really found my comfort zone there.
And how long have you been working as senior contracts manager for Anglian? How did that career progression come about?
I joined Anglian in 2014 as a plant operator but was quickly given the opportunity to move into a supervisory role. I thoroughly enjoyed the transition and then went on to earn a CCDO demolition gold card before progressing to project manager on-site.
After I’d been at Anglian for five years, I was one of three team members specially selected by Anglian for career development into a senior management role. I felt honoured to be given this opportunity and grabbed it with both hands. I became contracts manager in 2020 and was promoted to senior contracts manager two years later.
Knowledge from the ground up is something that certain contracts managers aren’t going to have, because some people just go straight into a managerial role. Do you find that really helps you with what you’re doing?
Massively! As senior contracts manager, it’s essential to have an understanding across the trades and so my hands-on industry experience stands me in good stead. I’ve spent plenty of time on the ground doing various types of projects, from top-down to standard demolition, so I understand all aspects.
Each project has so many different elements and my experience helps to plan how every aspect of the demolition will be undertaken at each stage. I know what the capabilities of the machines will be, what size machine will be needed and what attachments will best serve. I also understand the day-to-day challenges my guys have on site – I’ve been there and done that too!
At Anglian, we’re really fortunate to have an experienced team on the ground that I can call on as needed. Sometimes it’s good to get another viewpoint or have someone to talk certain elements through with.
Especially if, as you say, you’ve got such a good team as well to back you up.
You’re only ever as good as your team below you. Ours at Anglian is second to none.
In terms of qualifications, did you do yours first? Or was it all work based?
I completed all my qualifications alongside being on site. I’ve done my standard CPCS qualifications, followed by my gold card and NVQ Level 7 black CSCS card. The NDTG gold card training was from a supervisory level and, of course, I’ve done all the training required for my current role.
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Do you think that your practical knowledge helps you more than that? Or do you need both?
In a role like this with so many variables and moving parts, I’d always say that practical knowledge was vital. Qualifications are essential of course, but the hands-on experience of completing projects is something you can’t really study for. During my career, I’ve spent hundreds of hours on-site working on and observing all manner of demo jobs. It’s this experience which means I know how the building is going to come down and enables me to write the method statement for that specific project. With demo, there isn’t a one size fits all approach so it’s skills and knowledge you have to rely on.
That’s something that really sets you apart from other people and something that is a big selling point for Anglian.
Absolutely. We’ve got an experienced demolition side, but Anglian also has divisions for asbestos surveys and removal, scaffolding, earthworks and remediation and waste recycling. We offer this all in-house, meaning that no matter what project a client comes to us with, we can cover the lot. We provide a one-stop-shop, but equally each division are specialists in their own right which clients can call on individually too.
We also work a lot with other contractors – for example, providing skips for their projects and processing their waste, or erecting scaffolding for them to work from.
That must be helpful having all of that in one, so you can offer clients a complete package.
It is brilliant for us, because when we tender for a project, and there’s different elements – from a special scaffold to waste – we can do it all. Anglian can organise and manage the entire project, which also means a clear outlook on costs. I’m not waiting on a subcontractor to come in or to finish up. We have eyes on everything. It’s much neater and tidier that way, for us as well as the client. Our divisions work hand in hand too to deliver the best service – for example, we segregate all the waste from our demo projects on-site and bring it back to our facility for processing and recycling.
Definitely. So, in your career, what’s been your absolute highlight?
For me personally, it was stepping from the site into the contract manager role. At this point I knew Anglian really believed in me. When I was on site, I genuinely thought I had another ten years there, because I was only around about 35 at the time. I always thought I’d move on around 45-50. But then the opportunity arose in the business, and I took it. Not only was it a change in my career, and it also showed me that my directors believed in what I was doing and saw I had what it took to progress to the next level. They valued everything that I’d done so far.
Do many follow a similar career path to yours?
I’m not so sure. Very often, when you have demolition men on site, they’re usually perceived to be these rough, hard, tumbled gentlemen. And it’s rare for these individuals to be given the opportunity to come in from that side of the business to become someone who stands in front of a client and sells them the company and its services. As a business, Anglian is keen to recognise potential and give staff who work hard and are keen to progress their career the opportunity to do so. I’ve been fortunate here and definitely grabbed it with both hands. I’ve not looked back!
So where is your next jump in your career?
It’s an exciting time at Anglian and I’m really enjoying my current role. I have lots that I want to do with my current team. I’m looking forward to continuing my journey here, achieving my goals and helping to drive the business forward.
What would you say has been the biggest challenge that you faced in your career?
The biggest challenge was definitely the transition from site to office. I think a lot of businesses and a lot of industries are the same - when you are working on site, you have such a drive to achieve a specific goal in a specific time to a specific budget. You’re so focused on the job in hand on site that you often don’t realise the other factors going on behind the scenes to make the project run as it needs to. That was the biggest eye opener for me; learning that other side of it and realising all the different things required from a contracts perspective before a site job can even start, but also as it progresses and even after completion.
Is that something you’ve talked to the guys on site?
Absolutely – I’ve been on both sides and now I’m the conduit between! I’m always open and honest with my guys.
That must be really good for camaraderie.
Everyone works together. I genuinely believe Anglian has the strongest demolition team now that the business has ever had. There’s a lot of things that people often don’t understand in demolition. People just think you go in and knock stuff down. There’s so many different types of skills you need, whether it be disconnecting buildings, demolishing buildings, soft stripping buildings. You need such an array of knowledge to be able to undertake the roles people don’t get. Our team at Anglian has this expertise in spades.
Demolition and construction are both really in need of workforce. Do you think the skill set is too daunting for a lot of people?
There’s a lot of factors affecting the number of new people coming into the industry - not just skillset as skills are something you can usually learn. It’s a real shame to see this as it’s such a rewarding career.
Either way, I suppose it’s important to put the information out there so people can make an informed choice.
100%. We are always keen to talk to potential new recruits and enable them to find out more about working at Anglian. This year, we’ve taken on eight younger generation team members. After six months, when they come to you and I go, ‘this is in my blood! I love demolition!’, I know they’ve got the bug just like I did at that age. It is one of those careers that when you’re in, you’re in. You can’t extract yourself from it, because it uses such an array of knowledge and variety of tasks all the time. Every day is different and you’re always learning as construction and demo processes continue to evolve. It’s such a brilliant industry to be part of.
Demolition then, as a general business, seems to drive a thirst for knowledge and a passion for the art of demolition?
Yes, the machine drivers especially. I have so much respect for them. They have to know every aspect of the business, not simply how to operate a machine. Otherwise, how would they be able to separate the different types of waste as they go? What’s the best way to take down each specific building section? What attachment is needed? There is so much to know. These are the guys that usually impart their knowledge to help bring on the next wave of employees and they’re vital to the continuity of the business in future. Learning on the job is the best way to learn, and for anyone to take time out of their busy schedule to teach too is just incredible.
I’ll say! Sounds like you really do have an incredible team! We do. We really do.
DEMOLISH. CRUSH. RECYCLE.
Scoring Goals with O’Connells
By Paul Argent
One of football’s most iconic names, Queens Park Rangers have recently started the upgrading of their training facilities in Hounslow, Middlesex. Whilst their training grounds feature the latest in 4G pitches and perfectly manicured grass fields, the indoor training and welfare facilities didn’t quite match up.
Supporters and retail investors part-funded the £20million build alongside the club’s owners to provide first-class facilities for every team under the QPR banner to train at a single site for the first time. The purpose-built training ground is at the heart of the Board’s strategy to nurture homegrown talent and its long-term commitment to making the club self-sustainable. The facility is named in memory of co-owner Ruben Gnanalingam’s father, Tan Sri Gnanalingam - affectionately known as TSG.
G. Gnanalingam, who sadly passed away in July 2023, was the founder and executive chairman of Westports Holdings Berhad who, for over 30 years, led the major Malaysian port from its humble origins to a major transhipment gateway in South East Asia. He took a keen interest in QPR after Ruben became a shareholder in 2011, supporting the club from his home in Malaysia while attending fixtures when possible. With development a cornerstone of the new training facility, TSG is also an acronym for three key values that have been applied as part of the club’s development strategy - train, succeed, grow.
With the extensive new development completed ready for the 2023-24 season, the owners applied for planning permission to clear the existing structures on the site and level the land.
Following on from the completion of other successful work on the development side of the land, locally based O’Connell Contracting were signed up for the work. O’Connell Contracting was formed in 2013 by Declan O’Connell and began as an independent construction management consultancy based in Stanmore, North London. Delivering a variety of works over the years has seen the company change from offering consultancy solutions to delivering projects in their entirety across the residential and commercial sectors.
The work at TSG has seen O’Connells deploy a small team of men and machinery to carefully demolish the mixture of buildings they found on site. Following a comprehensive soft strip and asbestos removal program, the company was able to commence work on the structural demolition works. Closely surrounded by residential properties and with the TSG now up and running, mitigation works were put into place to ensure noise, dust and vibration issues were kept to a minimum throughout the contract period. One of the most important pieces of equipment was the trailer mounted Dehaco dust suppression system which was used extensively to ensure the adjacent pitches and their respective players were kept free from airborne dust particles.
The company favours Hitachi excavators and runs a fleet of the Japanese made machines up to 35 tonnes in weight. Recent additions to the fleet have been made in the purchase of OilQuick hydraulic couplers allowing the quick and easy changing of attachments. ‘We have invested in three OilQuick hitches for our dedicated demolition machines to allow us to become more productive and efficient.’ Declan O’Connell commented. ‘They have allowed us to reduce the number of machines we have to put on site which means lower overheads for us in terms of transport, fuel costs and operators. There is also the huge benefit of being able to change the attachment to ensure the correct one is being used at all times. This again reduces any damage to the attachment and reduces downtime.’
The project at Hounslow saw Declan use a ZX3007 and a ZX350-6 excavator to demolish a range of structures including the indoor basketball and handball courts, indoor and outdoor shooting ranges, six outdoor tennis courts, the club house, the first team changing rooms, and the sports centre. The mixture of construction methods used on the array of buildings meant the teams
had to contend with a variety of materials to dispose of. Large areas of felted flat roof were dropped safely to the floor where one of the excavators carefully peeled back the bitumen felt to allow it to be segregated and disposed of accordingly. With the roof coverings removed, a quick attachment changeover to one of the Okada shears allowed the lightweight steel trusses to be snipped and dropped before being five-footed for onward recycling. As the buildings were safely demolished the ability to change attachments quickly saw the piles of material for recycling and disposal quickly loaded into bulk skips.
With the buildings demolished and the materials cleared away, O’Connells were tasked with the removal of all below ground obstructions to a depth of 1m to ensure the ground was ready for any potential future development to take place.
‘We are very proud to have been asked to undertake this prestigious project.’ Declan commented. ‘As we had been involved in the development phase of the works, being asked back by the developer and club itself goes a long way in building up the reputation of our company and enhancing our reputation for collaborative working to obtain the best outcome for all parties.’
Steeling the Spotlight
Steel. A common material found in almost every building. Recycling steel has been a common part of any demolition contractors remit for many years.
With a varying price on this commodity, demolition companies have been reaping the rewards for the segregation and separation of ferrous and non-ferrous metals for decades, but as the world moves forward we are now faced with looking at alternatives for the recycling of steel which has traditionally involved coal fired blast furnaces.
By Paul Argent
The recent closure of one of the UK’s largest blast furnaces in Port Talbot has highlighted the issue of carbon heavy steel manufacture and recycling. Yes, we have the more environmentally friendly option of electric arc furnaces, but as an industry, is there another option of dealing with the sometimes-substantial volumes of steel coming from a demolition project?
The Alliance for Sustainable Building Products (ASBP) lead the DISRUPT 1 and DISRUPT 2 projects. Standing for the Delivering Innovative Steel ReUse ProjecTs, DISRUPT 1 and 2 is aimed at exploring the innovative reuse of structural steel in construction and encouraging the adoption of new circular economy business models. Whilst many contractors may look at this as another gimmick, there are several forward thinking demolition contractors and recycling companies putting it into practice and reaping the rewards for being at the forefront of this dynamic change in the industry.
Steel is one of the most widely used and resource intensive materials used in construction. Although commonly recycled at end of life, the reuse of steel is minimal despite the apparent environmental, carbon and circular economy benefits. The high value of steel at end of life can be realised by being reused in a wide range of construction applications.
One of the main barriers identified during the first DISRUPT project which is preventing the significant uptake of steel reuse is the lack of available material generated during refurbishment and demolition projects. There are several reasons for this including a lack of incentives to reuse rather than recycling, and the need for new enabling processes and business models.
DISRUPT II has addressed this key barrier by working with the demolition industry, through one of the key sector bodies, The Institute of Demolition Engineers; one of the largest stockholders of reclaimed steel, Cleveland Steel and Tubes Ltd; and a number of demolition contractors from across the UK, to establish the crucial evidence that is needed to enable more steel to be reclaimed. This will be supported by the larger value chain – clients, designers, engineers and contractors.
One of the UK’s foremost demolition contractors, Leicestershire based AR Demolition, have been at the forefront of DISRUPT 2 on their huge Swindon project where they have been tasked with the demolition of a former car manufacturing plant.
The plant was constructed in 1985 and extended at regular intervals in the intervening years prior to its closure in 2021and consisted of a huge variety of steel framed buildings. Seeing the benefit of reusing steel, AR Demolition’s CEO Richard Dolman took the commercial decision along with his recycling partner Ward, to undertake a substantial volume of steel salvage and reuse across the entire plant. ‘We identified steel which could be reused at an early point in the project clearly marking it for reuse.’ Richard explained. ‘Our operators are used to taking down a building with the view of the steel being five-footed and removed form site. With our Site Managers using toolbox talks and regular site meetings, we planned the works around the
salvage of sections as opposed to scrapping them.’
Whilst the envelope of the buildings was removed in the normal fashion, the pre-identified steel sections were then carefully cut down leaving them in as long a length as possible. As AR Demolition’s excavator fleet use OilQuick couplers it was then a quick change of attachment allowing the selector grabs to carry the steel sections to a dedicated lay-down area adjacent to the building being demolished. In this area a highly skilled burning team would remove any cleats, node points or damaged sections of material to leave a completed I beam of a certain length. ‘We weren’t tied to providing steel of determined length so long as it was over 4m.’ Richard explained. ‘The length and height of the beams
and columns we were dealing with on almost every building made this an easier task to identify the pieces we could reuse.’
Once each section was cleaned and cut to length, it was then stockpiled ready for transport. The resulting damaged ends and node points could then be treated as traditional scrap.
‘We have found the task of separating and processing the steel for reuse to be no more costly than traditional methods.’ Richard points out. ‘We are very lucky that we have sufficient storage space here which allows us to stock a large volume of material at any one point. Smaller projects will need their logistics plans to be robust to allow for
Once each section was cleaned and cut to length, it was then stockpiled ready for transport. The resulting damaged ends and node points could then be treated as traditional scrap.
material to be sipped or stored depending on the available room on site.’ As for the financial difference between reuse and recycling, Richard is rightly very cautious about putting figures on the table. ‘We have looked very closely at the figures involved and the returns we can expect to make.’ He comments. ‘We have to look at the bigger picture of the cost of recycling and the demands it puts on the environment. Being able to reuse steel sections which ultimately may have been cut down, melted and remade into similar sections makes the environmental gains for DISRUPT to be very beneficial.’
a cost effective yet comprehensive 2D solution to machine control
With over 20 years of experience delivering cutting edge technology to the construction industry, Pat Bulcock and Claire Plant’s newest venture, S Type X have added what they believe to be a gamechanger for the market.
With the popularity of machine control systems growing, S Type X have recently been appointed as the UK and Ireland dealer the Novatron Xsite® range of machine control systems. ‘We believe there is a place in the market for the system which can offer users a wide range of machine control solutions.’ Bulcock comments. ‘We have had many years of experience working alongside some of the leading manufacturers and whilst we could compete alongside them with Xsite®, we wanted to offer a simple and accurate solution to small and medium sized operators, many of which don’t require the complex packages supplied by other brands. This is the reason we have decided to launch Xsite®Easy, a cost effective yet comprehensive 2D solution to machine control.’
The Xsite®Easy system offers users a simple and easy to follow menu system in the 5 inch in-cab monitor allowing them
to quickly and accurately set up their machine. The system offers fast and accurate measuring of depth, distance, and slope and with real-time visualization of the bucket and targetlevel orientation, the operator can quickly reduce time and costs on site. The system has been developed to suit a wide range of applications and comes with full tiltrotator integration and waterproof G series sensors allowing it to be used in dredging applications.
‘We are very excited about bringing Xsite®Easy to the UK and Irish markets.’ Bulcock said. ‘The industry has been needing a high quality and robust system like this this for a long time.’
S Type X are the UK’s leading dealer for a range of construction and agricultural equipment aftermarket parts including light bars, buckets and hitches and a range of customisation accessories.
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