SITE VISIT // VOLVO EC250E
QUALITY COUNTS Nick Drew visits an old-school firm that works with the latest high-tech kit, run by some of the south-west’s top operators
stablished in 1960, BT Jenkins is one of the premier earthmoving contractors in the south west. At the beginning of 2017 the firm was acquired by Bristol-based CJL Construction. Run in the same professional manner as a wholly separate company, the business continues to go from strength to strength. In addition to its earthmoving contracts, Jenkins also runs inert landfill operations, as well as recycling and screening operations at three local waste stations. BT Jenkins is run by operations manager Russell Lowton, who has been with the firm for 25 years, assisted by experienced contracts manager Simon Bray. The business has a long-standing and enviable reputation for directly employing some of the best plant operators in the south west. The formula is simple enough: treat the operators well, including a good wage, a new van and the latest machines, and they will look after the firm. Jenkins is not a massive concern, running around 22
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Right and inset: BT Jenkins’s latest excavator, a high-tech Stage 5 Volvo EC250E, has been entrusted to experienced operator Phil Nicholson
machines, but big enough to cope with a wide variety of projects, delivered by an extremely experienced team with a level of professionalism that is highly sought after. Simon Bray said, “Because the company is not stupidly big, we find it easier to keep control of the operator situation. Some big firms have a need to fill the seats and end up pulling in people who might not be up to the required standard, which as we all know can cause problems. In that respect, we are lucky. We source the very best operators, look after them well and they stay with us.”
25-TONNERS Volvo is Jenkins’ long-term excavator supplier, and the firm – like countless others – traditionally runs 21/22-tonne excavators. Having tried out the larger EC250E model,
Jenkins took the view that it was a relatively small price difference between the two, considering the improvement in lifting and digging performance the EC250E could offer, which would weigh at least 26 tonnes. Associated with this change, instead of being matched to 25t capacity ADTs, they now run larger Volvo A30G haulers. Running higher capacity load and haul machines will bring the business productivity benefits. The same can be said for Jenkins’ latest Cat D6s, which are far more of a dozer than their processors. Regarding preference for Volvo machinery over the years, Simon continued, “In the first instance we have a great relationship with our regional sales manager Richard Shelbourne. In addition to that the back-up we get from Volvo after the sale is fantastic. Dan Thirtle the head engineer for the south west is a great guy, nothing is too much bother.
“WE SOURCE THE VERY BEST OPERATORS, LOOK AFTER THEM WELL AND THEY STAY WITH US” NOVEMBER 2021
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