PLANT & CIVIL NOVEMBER 2026
CONSTRUCTION, QUARRY & RECYCLING MAGAZINE
www.plantandcivilengineer.com IN ASSOCIATION WITH
£4.95 €6.95
& ISSN 2041-7829
Powerful. Efficient. Versatile.
Call today on +353 1 4587650 Email: info.lir@liebherr.com
www.liebherr.com
Get Involved
Welcome
FIND US ONLINE Visit our website, plantandcivilengineer.com Plant & Civil Engineer the premier publication for the plant, construction, quarrying, agricultural and civil engineering industries in Ireland.
Autumn may be signalling a season of change with shorter days and cooler conditions but the pace of our industries remains unaffected. As the construction and plant workforces forge ahead with fresh projects, forward-thinking technology and fantastic industry achievements, there’s plenty to keep us busy as the final chapter of the year rolls on. In this edition, we explore a range of these exciting developments, from Hudson Brothers’ quarry’s employment of the EDGE Innovate SCREENPRO S16 tracked screening plant as part of its material processing operation, to Merlo UK taking its ‘Courage to Dare’ philosophy into a motocross partnership. We also take a look at JCB’s new online parts ordering platform, how Creagh is helping architects turn ambitious designs into buildings that perform, as well as the Stonecrushers Ball 2026 showcase of industry’s generosity and commitment, plus much more.
Golda Burrows General Sales Manager Sarah Nelson Editor Martin Elliman General Manager Joel Byers Production Manager Brenda Kerr Accounts Administration Helen Beggs Chief Operating Officer Plant & Civil Engineer is Published by: 4 SM (NI) Ltd, The Old Coach House, 12 Main Street, Hillsborough BT26 6AE CONTACT Golda: 07724 192032 or Martin: 07985 887171 Email: golda@4squaremedia.net Email: martin@4squaremedia.net
4SM (NI) Ltd is part of the North West News Group
Our spotlight features focus on excavators and attachments, working at height and auctions and finance, while we delve into preparations for PlantWorx 2027 too. You can also stay updated with our regular net zero and recyclng and waste management sections, in addition to plenty more news and views. This issue’s cover is proud to feature Liebherr’s A911 – an all-rounder wheeled excavator that might be small but packs a punch and can outmanoeuvre any obstacle put in its way. As the year progresses, there’s also an opportunity to look beyond the machinery, projects and day-to-day business to celebrate the people and companies driving the industry forward. With the 20th Plant & Civil Engineer Awards approaching, we’re looking ahead to a landmark occasion that will recognise the achievements, ambition and innovation that shape our sectors. Keep an eye out online and in our next publication for all the latest updates! I do hope you enjoy the read, and remember that you can remain on the pulse of the industry’s news 24/7 by logging on to our website at www.plantandcivilengineer.com. Our free weekly newsletter is also distributed every Tuesday – subscribe on our website now if you haven’t already. See you next issue!
COPYRIGHT NOTICE: © Plant & Civil Engineer 2026. All material in this publication is copyright, including advertisements which have been prepared for advertisers. No part of it may be reproduced in any way whatever or stored in electronic retrieval systems without the written permission of the publishers. We are a completely independent voice and are not connected to any Institutes or Associations within the industry. Our aim is to publish accurate, specific and dedicated information, targeting each sector of the industry, throughout Ireland. The publishers cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies supplied by the contributors. All rights reserved.
2
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
Sarah Nelson Editor Email: pceeditor@4squaremedia.net M: 07789 756 815
Contents
NOV 2026
News
Spotlight On
04 ICE Expo 2028 announces
32 Auctions and Finance
Title Partner
10 PlantWorx 2027: where working machinery meets the future of construction
16 JCB launches new online parts ordering platform
20 Designing for certainty: what offsite manufacturing means for architects
26 The urban regeneration boom: navigating complex inner-centre projects
44 Hudson Brothers strengthens quarry processing with EDGE SCREENPRO S16
Navigating savvy machinery investments through auctions and flexible finance options.
54 Excavators and Attachments New developments driving performance, versatility and productivity across construction sites.
62 Working at Height Latest plant and access equipment solutions for safer, smarter working at height.
From the Desk of 48 Gordon Best, Regional Director, MPANI
52 Karen McShane, Past President, CIHT
Regulars
Sales and Services
28 Waste management and recycling
75 Plant sales
70 Transitioning to net zero
77 Buyers’ guide
Next Issue DEC-JAN
• PCE AWARDS SUPPLEMENT
• FUELS, LUBRICANTS & ON-SITE SUPPORT
• WINTER MAINTENANCE
• TRANSITIONING TO NET ZERO: OPEN TOPICS
• CRUSHING & SCREENING
• RECYCLING: OPEN TOPICS
Copy D/Line: 8th December To Print: 15th December Publication Date: 4th January
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
3
news
CAPITALFLOW ANNOUNCED AS TITLE PARTNER OF ICE EXPO 2028 Capitalflow has been revealed as the Title Partner of ICE Expo 2028, which takes place at Punchestown Racecourse on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 June 2028. The partnership officially commenced on 1 November 2026, with the event becoming ICE Expo 2028 – Powered by Capitalflow. For ICE Expo, finding the right company for the Title Partnership was important. Capitalflow already works closely with businesses across construction, machinery, transport, agriculture and other sectors that make up a huge part of the ICE Expo audience, making the partnership a natural fit. Over the coming months, Capitalflow will become a familiar part of ICE Expo, featuring across the event’s marketing, social media, press and radio activity, show branding and official show guide. At Punchestown, the Capitalflow Hub will also give the team a central base at the show to meet customers, exhibitors and businesses from across the country. Danielle McSorley, Founder of ICE Expo, said: “I’m genuinely delighted to have Capitalflow coming on board with us. When we started discussing a Title Partnership, I didn’t want it to be simply about putting a company’s name on the event. I wanted to find a partner that actually made sense for the people who come to ICE Expo. “Capitalflow works every day with the same types of businesses we have exhibiting and attending – machinery dealers, contractors, transport companies, farmers and SMEs – so there is a real connection there. “The exciting part for me is that we’re starting this partnership now. We have from November 2026 right through to the show in June 2028 to build it together, rather than just turning up with a sponsor logo on the weekend of the event. “ICE Expo has grown much faster than we ever expected. We had 16,000 people through the gates in 2026, and our plans for 2028 are bigger again. It’s great to have Capitalflow joining us for that next stage.” Ronan Kelly, Capitalflow, said: “Coming as we celebrate 10 years in business, this partnership is a great reflection of both how far Capitalflow has come and our ambitions
4
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
An exciting Title Partnership begins for the two teams.
for the years ahead. Since 2016, we’ve grown into Ireland’s leading specialist business lender, advancing more than €2.7 billion to businesses and investors across Ireland. “We have ambitious plans to continue that growth and further strengthen our presence in the Irish market, supporting even more SMEs, entrepreneurs and investors across the country. ICE Expo brings together many of the sectors and businesses we work with every day, particularly construction, machinery, transport and agriculture, so there is a very natural fit between our two organisations. “As we look towards our next decade, partnerships like this are about getting even closer to the businesses driving growth and investment across Ireland. We’re delighted to come on board as Title Partner and look forward to building a strong partnership on the road to ICE Expo 2028.” The announcement comes as planning for ICE Expo 2028 gets underway following a hugely successful 2026 event. More than 16,000 people attended ICE Expo 2026, with 300+ exhibitors and over 450 brands represented at Punchestown. The team is now working on the next stage of the show, with new
features and further announcements planned over the coming months. While Capitalflow will be the Title Partner of ICE Expo 2028, other companies will also have opportunities to become involved in specific parts of the event and its build-up, including individual features, roadshows, competitions and other activities. For Danielle McSorley, this is an important part of building ICE Expo into something that extends beyond the two days at Punchestown. “We have a lot planned between now and June 2028. There will be roadshows, new features and other partnerships announced along the way. Capitalflow will sit at the top of all of that as our Title Partner, and the main event will remain ICE Expo 2028 – Powered by Capitalflow. “We’ve come a long way in a relatively short period of time, but I really feel like we’re only getting started.” ICE Expo 2028 – Powered by Capitalflow takes place at Punchestown Racecourse, Co. Kildare, on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 June 2028. Capitalflow Group DAC trading as Capitalflow Commercial Finance is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland
Achieve the Next New Generation Series 9
Smarter Machines
Safer Sites
Better Results
The new Develon Series 9 is the first excavator range to combine AI-powered human detection with an intelligent automatic E-Stop system — helping prevent accidents before they happen. Together with full electronic hydraulic precision, it creates a safer, sharper and more efficient way to work.
Find out more: eu.develon-ce.com
news
A5 Court of Appeal Judgment Welcomed by Kimmins provide updates on the anticipated next steps and ensure that they continue to receive clear and timely information as the project progresses.
The Court of Appeal judgment on the A5 Western Transport Corridor has been welcomed by Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins, as a significant milestone. Minister Kimmins said: “I am delighted with the Court of Appeal judgment which represents a significant and an important milestone for this vital road safety and infrastructure project. I know this outcome will come as a huge relief to many people particularly the families who tragically lost loved ones on the existing A5 and who have campaigned tirelessly over many years for a safer road. Today is their day, they have campaigned for this through unimaginable grief and loss and they never gave up. My thoughts are primarily with them today as we move into the delivery phase of this life saving project. I am sure as much as they are relieved, it does not take their pain away. “While I will take time to consider the detail of the judgment, it provided important legal clarity and vindicates the Department’s position throughout, that it complied with the requirements of the Climate Change Act. This is a very welcome outcome,
providing the certainty needed not only for the A5 Western Transport Corridor (A5WTC) but for the delivery of major infrastructure projects across the North. I will continue to work with DAERA and Executive colleagues to support infrastructure delivery while maintaining our climate ambitions. “The need for the A5WTC has never been clearer. This scheme is fundamentally about improving road safety, saving lives, supporting economic growth and delivering a modern transport connection for communities across the north west. “My officials will be working at pace to ensure construction on this important strategic route can begin as soon as possible. This will involve completing the remaining checks and approvals as well
as getting agreement on costs with the current contractors. “Any party to the litigation may seek leave to appeal. The Department will respond appropriately to any such application if that occurs and will continue to act in accordance with legal advice and due process. I would appeal to anyone considering further legal action to reflect carefully on the lives at risk on the existing A5 and on the consequences of any further delay to this vital road safety project. “I recognise that this judgment has significant implications for landowners affected by the scheme. Many have experienced years of uncertainty as a result of the prolonged legal process. My officials will engage directly with landowners to explain the implications of the judgment,
“Today’s judgment is a pivotal moment for the project and a significant step towards its successful delivery. As I have consistently said I remain fully committed to progressing the A5WTC as quickly as possible. “Above all, this project is about saving lives. For too long, communities along the A5 have witnessed the devastating consequences of a road that falls short of the standard that people deserve. Too many families have suffered unimaginable loss, and too many have waited far too long to see progress. While important legal and governance processes remain, this judgment brings us a significant step closer to delivering the safer, modern road network that people across the north west need and deserve. I am determined that we will now build on this momentum, continue to progress the project responsibly and lawfully, and do everything possible to bring forward a safer A5 for current and future generations.”
Screencore Announces Death of its Joint Founder and Sales Director, Ciarán Ryan the Swedish company’s sales manager for Australia, New Zealand and South Africa for its mobile crushing and screening business unit, boosting sales by over 200% in the region. This success led to Ciarán becoming OEM business manager in 2011 before being made responsible for sales in northern Europe.
It is with great sadness that Screencore has announced the death of its joint founder and sales director Ciarán Ryan. Ciarán had a long and successful business in the field of mobile screening and crushing, becoming a well-known and respected figure globally. He leaves a loving young family, parents, and siblings. Ciarán Ryan was born on November 1973 in County Kildare. Following graduation, Ciarán joined Extec Screens and Crushers, initially as an area sales manager in Germany, where he was able to put to effective use his business training and language skills. Following relocation to the UK, and then to Ireland, it was at the latter stage that Ciarán’s career in the industry really took off, joining a relatively new entrant in the industry, Erin Systems Ltd. Initially appointed as the company’s sales manager, Erin experienced tremendous growth, introducing the ground-breaking Erin Finger Screen, with Ciarán soon becoming managing director at a relatively early age. Following this business success, Ciarán dramatically changed career, becoming a
6
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
Ciarán Ryan.
commercial helicopter pilot in South Africa. However, mobile crushing and screening was in his blood, and in 2008 Ciarán joined Fintec as a global export sales manager. Following the company’s acquisition by Sandvik Mining and Construction, Ciarán was appointed
The restraints of a large multi-national corporation however proved unsatisfactory. This led to the founding of Screencore Ltd alongside director James McGrath and Martin Maye. Here Ciarán was able to utilise his business acumen and industry experience. Screencore soon found its niche in the global market providing high quality mobile crushing and screening solutions manufactured in Dungannon in Northern Ireland. Despite being diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, Ciarán continued with helping Screencore develop until illness made such work impossible. Ciarán leaves behind his loving wife Bairbre, children Alice, Louis and Iris, as well as his parents Rita and Dermond, siblings Donal, Aiden and Aoife, as well as an extended family and many, many friends.
Panoramic 40.17 PLUS Safety and Precision at 17m Panoramic 40.17 PLUS Safety and Precision at 17m
Part of the stabilised range, Merlo’s P40.17 PLUS delivers 4-ton lifting capacity and 16.6m lift height, with advanced stabilisers, boom side shift, and chassis levelling for precision handling. Merlo’s ASCS is standard on the stabilised range and includes a Part of the stabilised range, Merlo’sattachment P40.17 PLUS delivers 4-ton lifting capacity 16.6mintegrated lift height, weighing with advanced stabilisers, live digital load chart, automatic recognition, a large 10.1” colourand display, system, and operator boom side shift, and chassis levelling for precision handling. Merlo’s ASCS is standard on the stabilised range and includes a profile settings, making it ideal for high-reach lifting tasks in the industrial, infrastructure and construction sectors - ensuring live digital load chart, automatic attachment recognition, a large 10.1” colour display, integrated weighing system, and operator maximum safety! profile settings, making it ideal for high-reach lifting tasks in the industrial, infrastructure and construction sectors - ensuring maximum safety!
4.0 4.0
16.6 16.6
115 115
Dealer Locator Dealer Locator
motocross partnership
MERLO PUTS ITS ‘COURAGE TO DARE’ PHILOSOPHY INTO MOTION
Racing action. Photo credit: TPM
X Media
Merlo bike. Photo credit: TPMX Media
When Merlo joined forces with one of Britain’s fastest-growing motocross championships, few could have predicted just how successful the partnership would become, establishing itself as one of the year’s standout stories. When the first bikes lined up for the opening round of the 2026 NORA92 British Cup, Merlo UK was entering unfamiliar territory. Better known for telehandlers working on farms and construction sites, the company took its ‘Courage to Dare’ philosophy into the motocross paddock as headline sponsor of the championship’s MX1 and MX2 classes, ‘Powered by Merlo’. Four nail-biting rounds later, Merlo UK had become a familiar presence throughout
8
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
the British Cup paddock, welcomed by the community that brings the championship to life while bringing together its dealer partners, customers and team members through the shared thrill of the sport. For the OEM, its first season trackside saw the brand move from the starting gate to pole position of one of Britain’s fastestgrowing motocross championships.
A NATURAL FIT FROM THE START When you think of motocross, it’s impossible to separate the sport from the countryside that shapes it. Vast stretches of farmland provide the backdrop to the British Cup, with working agricultural land forming the foundation of many of
the championship’s most iconic venues – the very landscapes Merlo machinery has supported for decades. That shared connection to the land became the foundation of the partnership. The NORA92 British Cup brings together the farming communities, landowners and rural businesses that have long been part of Merlo UK’s world. For Carl Benjamin, Director of Thornbury MX Events, which runs the championship, the fit was obvious from the outset: “A lot of our venues are on agricultural land, so there was already a natural connection. Merlo is such a strong brand when it comes to agriculture, and motocross is very much part of that rural environment. When we started looking at it, it just made sense.”
motocross partnership
Under starter’s orders. Photo credit: TPMX Media
Carl was equally determined that Merlo UK’s involvement should become part of the championship experience rather than simply appear around it. He explains: “Right from the start we wanted to make sure Merlo UK could really get involved with what we were doing. We looked at how we could bring their dealers and customers into the events and give them a proper experience of motocross, rather than simply having their branding around the track.” It was that thinking that shaped the season. For 2026, the VIP area was expanded to create a dedicated hospitality space where Merlo UK’s guests could watch the racing, explore the paddock and meet the people that make the championship happen. At each round, dealers and customers from the surrounding region were invited trackside, giving the company the opportunity to connect with local communities as the series travelled throughout the UK.
BUILDING MOMENTUM, ROUND BY ROUND The British Cup has built impressive momentum over the past five years, and 2026 marked its strongest season yet. Across four rounds, around 2,800 people attended the championship, with an average of 290 racers and 420 spectators at every event. From Landrake in Cornwall to the season finale at Gossington, the championship continued to grow across a scorching summer while remaining firmly rooted in its grassroots community.
“We’ve always wanted the British Cup to give something back to the people who are investing their time and money into racing. Prize money is a big part of that. We put more than £30,000 back into the championship this year, and we’ve made sure that money reaches right down into the youth classes. When you’ve got parents spending a lot of money to get their children racing, even a relatively small payment can make a real difference. It shows that we appreciate the people who support the series, and that’s always been important to us,” Carl explains.
That spirit was perhaps best reflected at the season finale in Gossington Motor Park. Hosting national racing there for the first time was a bold move, but one that delivered one of the most memorable weekends of the season.
WHERE COURAGE MEETS THE TRACK
A PARTNERSHIP THAT GOES THE DISTANCE
Merlo’s ‘Courage to Dare’ philosophy feels remarkably at home in motocross. Every race demands commitment, and every championship requires organisers willing to take risks. Carl knows both sides of that equation, having raced competitively across Europe before turning his lifelong passion into a career running national events.
For Merlo UK, the success of the partnership has come from becoming part of the championship itself. As Shaun Groom, General Manager of Merlo UK, puts it: “It’s been fantastic to see how the relationship with the NORA92 British Cup has developed throughout 2026. Right from the outset, we wanted our involvement to be rooted in connection and were committed to creating something genuinely valuable for our dealers, customers and for the sport itself.
“To be a good motocross racer, you need to be a little bit daring, but I think it’s the same in business. We’ve taken risks with the British Cup, from investing in prize money to developing new venues, because if you don’t try something different, you’re never going to move forward,” he shares.
“The response has been incredibly positive. Seeing our customers enjoy the events, experience motocross first-hand and become part of such a passionate community has been a real highlight. It’s been a partnership built on shared values, and one we’re extremely proud of.” Meanwhile Carl believes the impact has been just as significant for the championship: “It’s really difficult to attract major sponsors in motocross, so when a company like Merlo comes on board, people take notice. It has definitely lifted the profile of the British Cup. We’re very grateful that Merlo UK believed in what we’re trying to build.”
“The series has grown massively from where we started. It began as a one-off event, then became three rounds, and now we’re into our fifth year. The plan has always been to keep pushing it forward and make it the biggest national series we can. Growth is important, but what matters most is making sure the sport and the people behind it benefit too. That philosophy is one reason the British Cup appealed to Merlo UK. In 2026, more than £30,000 was paid out in prize money, with support extending into the youth classes.
“There were people who doubted whether we could pull Gossington off because it was a new venue. But we knew what we had there. The atmosphere and the racing were equally incredible and we were able to crown our champions there. It was a really special way to finish the season,” Carl adds.
Season finale. Photo credit: TPMX Media
The bikes may now be packed away for the winter, but Merlo UK leaves its first season trackside with something lasting: a partnership built on shared purpose and the courage to dare.
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
9
plantworx
PLANTWORX 2027: WHERE WORKING MACHINERY MEETS THE FUTURE OF CONSTRUCTION As the construction industry faces growing pressure to reduce emissions without compromising productivity, PlantWorx 2027 is bringing together leading machinery manufacturers, emerging technologies and live working demonstrations at its new home, NEC Birmingham, from 22–24 June 2027. The construction equipment industry is undergoing significant change. Electrification, alternative fuels, intelligent machine control and advances in efficiency are reshaping how machinery is designed and operated. Yet one fundamental requirement remains unchanged: construction equipment must deliver in the real-world conditions contractors face every day. The scale of the challenge is considerable. The Construction Leadership Council’s Zero Diesel Sites Route Map sets out an ambition to reduce constructionsite diesel consumption by 78% by 2035, highlighting the
Live attachment demonstrations give visitors the opportunity to see equipment working in practical conditions at PlantWorx.
10
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
importance of developing practical alternatives to traditional diesel-powered equipment. But the transition to net zero cannot be achieved through innovation alone. Contractors and plant hirers need confidence that new technologies can deliver the performance, reliability and commercial viability their operations demand. And that means seeing machinery work.
THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS For PlantWorx, working machinery has always been central to its identity. The move to NEC Birmingham marks an evolution of that heritage, combining outdoor digging and live demonstrations with modern indoor exhibition facilities. With major names including Develon, Hyundai, Wacker Neuson, SANY, CASE CE, Yanmar, Hidromek and Sunward among the brands set to feature, PlantWorx 2027 will bring together an extensive cross-
section of the construction equipment industry. Outside, the focus remains firmly on machinery in action, with dedicated areas for digging and working demonstrations. Inside, visitors can explore the technologies, equipment and services shaping the industry’s future. The combination creates a platform where practical machinery performance and technological innovation can be considered together.
MAKING NET ZERO WORK ON SITE While electric machinery offers opportunities to reduce exhaust emissions at the point of use, questions around charging infrastructure, operating time, power availability and cost remain central to adoption. The industry’s transition will require multiple solutions, from alternative power technologies to improved equipment efficiency, intelligent machine management and better fleet utilisation.
PlantWorx provides an opportunity to bring these conversations out of the boardroom and closer to the equipment itself. With manufacturers, technology providers, contractors and operators coming together, the event offers a setting to explore how emerging solutions could work in practice, rather than simply discussing their potential.
Major construction equipment brands will come together at PlantWorx 2027, combining machinery, technology and practical product demonstrations.
plantworx Working machinery remains at the heart of PlantWorx, with live digging and demonstration areas continuing at the event’s new home at the NEC Birmingham
BUILT ON HERITAGE, FOCUSED ON THE FUTURE
connection between innovation and real-world performance will become increasingly important.
The move to the NEC brings improved national connectivity and exhibition infrastructure, while preserving the outdoor working machinery experience that has defined PlantWorx.
At PlantWorx 2027, the future of construction won’t simply be discussed inside the exhibition halls. It will be demonstrated outside them, too.
As the construction industry navigates the transition towards lower-carbon operations, the
PlantWorx 2027 22–24 June | NEC Birmingham
www.plantworx.co.uk
PlantWorx brings contractors, plant hirers, manufacturers and operators together around the machinery, technologies and solutions shaping the future of construction.
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
11
news
Murphy Wins Engineers Ireland Award for Commitment to Professional Development Murphy has been recognised for its dedication to developing engineering talent, winning Engineers Ireland’s 2026 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Employer of the Year Award. The accolade highlights the company’s approach to nurturing skills, supporting career progression and building long-term workforce capability. It celebrates the company’s Talent Development Pathway initiative which develops talent, strengthens retention and builds capability from within. Presented at a ceremony at Engineers Ireland’s headquarters in Dublin, the award recognises employers who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to investing in their people and fostering a culture of continuous learning. Murphy’s Talent Development Pathway initiative builds capability ahead of demand, supports internal progression and succession, and has resulted in a notably higher than national average employee retention rate in a competitive market. For engineers, from apprentices to those leading highperforming teams, it offers
Susanne Mueller, Talent & Development Business Partner; Gavin McKeown, Senior Contract Manager; Kevin Buckley, Managing Director (Energy & Industry) and Engineering Director (Ireland), Murphy, with Engineers Ireland’s Director General, Áine Myler.
professional recognition, providing clear progression routes, structured development expectations and targeted support at each career stage. The results demonstrate how a strong CPD framework can build a sustainable pipeline of engineering professionals. Congratulating Murphy on its achievement, Engineers Ireland’s Director General, Áine Myler, said: “Behind every successful engineering project are people whose skills and judgement make it possible. Helping those people continue to learn and develop is one of the most important investments an employer can make.
“What stands out about Murphy’s approach is how it connects the development of individual engineers with long-term business growth. At a time when Ireland needs to grow and strengthen its engineering talent, initiatives like this demonstrate what innovative employers can achieve when they put people and professional development at the heart of their business. I warmly congratulate the Murphy team on this welldeserved recognition.” Kevin Buckley, Managing Director (Energy & Industry) and Engineering Director (Ireland), Murphy, expressed the company’s pride in receiving the
award: “Winning the Engineers Ireland CPD Employer of the Year Award is tremendous recognition of our people and of the culture we have built over 75 years. It recognises the work of our People team in building the Murphy Talent Development Pathway, the teams who deliver our programmes, and the mentors and coaches who generously share their experience. Most importantly, it recognises the employees who commit their time and energy to their own development and bring that learning back into the business. It makes us very proud, and it also encourages us to keep listening to our people, investing in their careers and improving the pathway for the next generation.” Murphy is one of the leading private and public sector organisations that holds the Engineers Ireland CPD Employer Standard, which recognises employers committed to excellence in learning, professional development and innovation. Through its CPD Employer of the Year Award, Engineers Ireland celebrates organisations that are setting high standards in developing engineering talent and demonstrating the value of lifelong learning to the profession.
B&W Plant Hire Updates Fleet with Additional Takeuchi Excavators For B&W Plant Hire, sticking with a reliable machine brand like Takeuchi means service support staff become very familiar and technically up to speed across the entire fleet.
B&W Plant Hire’s investment in 54 new Takeuchi excavators over an 18-month period reinforces its commitment to maintaining a modern fleet, with the order incorporating the 9.0-tonne TB290-2, alongside a mix of 5-tonne and 3-tonne excavators. B&W Plant Hire has extensive coverage with large regional depots alongside the main HQ in Blackburn and over 410 excavators from 1 to 95-tonne in the fleet. Andrew Partington, Director at B&W Plant Hire, explained: “At B&W our motto is ‘Keep Digging’. We have always opted for Takeuchi excavators; the brand is a key part of the fleet – our customers ask for a Takeuchi. They meet the toughest demands of a busy hire fleet. Machines can be operated to the max and Takeuchi machines have always stood up to the plant hire test.” They maintain after many years in the business that service back-up and machine condition makes all the difference to B&W’s reputation as a plant hirer.
12
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
Andrew continued: “It is reputable brands like Takeuchi that have shaped B&W’s plant hire fleet. Equipment designed and built for hire with good residual values has allowed B&W to maintain a relatively new hire fleet. The company has made a commitment to invest every year to maintain the fleet.”
(L-R) Jason Periam, Takeuchi; Andrew Partington, B&W Plant Hire; and Will Whitwell, B&W Plant Hire.
“In a very competitive market, good customer relations are vital to repeat business and B&W’s large fleet of Takeuchi excavators, well-maintained plant and technical 24/7 support all make the difference.”
Jason Periam, Head of Sales at Takeuchi UK, commented: “Takeuchi and B&W Plant Hire have shared a long and successful partnership, with B&W investing in the Takeuchi range from 1 to 15 tonnes since the brand first arrived in the UK. It’s fantastic to see B&W once again operating independently, building on its strong reputation and reinforcing its position as one of the UK’s leading plant hirers with one of the largest Takeuchi fleets in the country.”
THE UK'S LIVE CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT EVENT HEAVY PLANT. WORKING MACHINERY. LIVE DEMONSTRATIONS.
A NEW ERA AT THE NEC
BIRMINGHAM / 22–24 JUNE 2027
ENQUIRE ABOUT EXHIBITING
plantworx.co.uk
intermat
WORLD OF CONCRETE EUROPE 2027 TO DRIVE CONCRETE INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY ALONGSIDE INTERMAT From 21 to 24 April 2027, the fourth edition of World of Concrete Europe will bring together, alongside the INTERMAT trade show, concrete sector’s entire value chain, centred around three key components: an exhibition space, an educational forum and a demonstration area. Centred on the theme ‘Concrete Innovation for Sustainability’, the forum’s talks and panel discussions will address three key themes: the material and its decarbonisation, new production and construction methods, and the major transitions affecting the entire sector. The 2027 edition of World of Concrete Europe will scale up significantly, welcoming 200 exhibitors and making the event a leading European showcase for the latest innovations in the concrete sector covering the full range and breadth of its products and services, across the entire supply chain: concrete materials, equipment, solutions and new technologies for the concrete sector, etc. Among the companies already registered for World of Concrete Europe are COMMAND ALKON FRANCE, CONSTRUX PROJECTS, EUROMECC, ELDON, HYDRONIX, HYDROSTOP, IMER, QUADRA, MCT ITALY, PROGRESS GROUP GMBH, SICOMA and 3R SCHNELL.
THREE DAYS OF DISCUSSION AND DEBATE How can we decarbonise concrete without compromising its performance? How can we accelerate industrialisation, develop the circular economy and integrate new technologies? In response to climate challenges, pressure on resources and changes in working practices, the forum will bring together manufacturers, experts, scientists, designers and clients to discuss practical solutions for building better, with less environmental impact and greater resilience. 21 April: Material and Decarbonisation: Squaring the Circle of Reduced Impact And Performance This first day will explore ways of decarbonising concrete: reducing clinker, new binders, carbon capture,
14
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
process electrification and improved formulations. Discussions will also focus on material optimisation, sustainability and the environmental performance of physical assets. An economic debate will examine the conditions for rolling out these solutions, looking at factors such as investment, public procurement, competitiveness and value sharing. 22 April: Producing and Building Differently, for an Industrialised and Circular Sector The second day will focus on new methods of production and construction: prefabrication, off-site construction, automation and additive manufacturing, along with their contribution to quality, lead times and resource efficiency. Recycled aggregates, selective demolition and reuse will illustrate the prospects for the circular economy. The uses of artificial intelligence, data and digital twins will also be discussed, followed by considerations on the design of sustainable, adaptable and reusable constructions. 23 April: Resources, Resilience and Skills: Preparing the Industry of the Future The third day will be devoted to managing water – an essential resource for industry – and to adapting factories, construction projects and infrastructure to cope with heatwaves, floods and extreme weather events. Discussions will also address human resources issues: recruitment, training, career appeal, safety and new skills linked to digital technology and automation. Finally, a forward-looking roundtable discussion will explore developments on the horizon for 2035: new materials, innovative processes, industrialisation, off-site manufacturing, circularity and new economic models. The full programme with details of timetables and speakers is currently being finalised.
THE ROLE OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE Alongside the exhibition’s organising team, a working and steering group has been set up to organise and co-ordinate the various presentations at the forum.
It comprises 10 members, representing manufacturers, contractors, equipment manufacturers and concrete industry bodies. • Caroline Bégué, Secretary General, SNBPE • Julien Beideler, Secretary General, UMGO-FFB • Audrey Forestier, Secretary General, SYNAD • Frédéric Gluzicki, Director, Béton[s] Le Magazine • Jacques Manzoni, CEO, FIB • Fabio Mastroianni, Deputy CEO, AGYRE • François Redron, CEO, CIMbéton • Audrey Nicolas, Deputy Director, Marketing & Communications, CERIB • Christine Raynaud, Editorin-Chief, BTP Béton • Laure Regnaud, Director, École Française du Béton
CONCRETE DEMO: A SPACE GIVEN OVER TO DEMONSTRATIONS World of Concrete Europe will also showcase the demonstration of new applications, solutions and technologies on a vast dedicated outdoor zone.
INTERMAT INNOVATION AWARDS As an international showcase for innovation in the construction sector, the INTERMAT Innovation Awards will recognise equipment, technologies, services, solutions and products that contribute to driving progress in the construction, infrastructure and materials industries, and to the success of the sector’s major transitions, across five categories corresponding to each of the exhibition’s five hubs of expertise, including the category Building, Civil Engineering and Concrete Sector. A special World of Concrete Europe Award, presented by Alessio Rimoldi, Secretary General of BIBM (Federation of the European Precast Concrete Industry) will also be made in recognition of a company offering an innovation specific to the concrete market.
ANYONE CAN LISTEN BUT NOT EVERYONE CAN UNDERSTAND
Across Ireland, our experts are well-versed in businesses like yours, so they won’t just listen to your plans, they’ll understand them. closecommercialfinance.ie
parts online
JCB LAUNCHES NEW ONLINE PARTS ORDERING PLATFORM JCB has launched a new website to help customers order genuine parts quickly and conveniently – keeping machines working optimally and minimising costly downtime.
THE GENUINE ADVANTAGE
JCB Parts and Attachments General Manager – Product and Marketing, Tania Tams, said: “We know how crucial uptime is for our customers. JCB Parts Online has been created to make sourcing genuine parts more convenient. The platform offers components from across the full JCB equipment range, accessed exactly when and where customers need them. Ordered direct they are supplied and supported by the local dealers that our customers know they can depend on.
From construction sites and farms to waste transfer stations and demolition projects, machine uptime is critical
“Choosing JCB is an investment in cuttingedge, innovative technology. Our machines are designed as complete systems and
The new JCB Parts Online platform is now live at www.parts.jcb.com/uk, providing customers across the construction, agriculture, demolition, waste and recycling, industrial and rental sectors with anytime access to genuine JCB components backed by the company’s trusted global dealer network.
16
to productivity. When a part needs replacing, availability and compatibility are essential to keep operations moving.
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
genuine parts ensure every element works together exactly as manufacturer intended. While non-genuine alternatives may appear attractive, they do not meet the same standards of fit, durability or testing. This can affect performance, reduce reliability, increase wear and potentially compromise warranty protection and long-term machine value.”
FLEXIBLE FULFILMENT JCB Parts Online has been designed around convenience and efficiency – placing orders out-of-hours, securing parts quickly and having them delivered wherever customers need. More than 50,000 popular parts and attachments are available.
parts online
https://parts.jcb.com/uk/dealer/dennison
Customers can search using serial numbers or specific part numbers to confirm the correct component for their machine. Parts identification is simple and customers can order anytime, from any device.
(by card or via a dealer credit account) and track orders once placed. Customers can also speak to real people through JCB’s dedicated UK call centre for advice and support.
Orders in Northern Ireland are fulfilled by dealer Dennison JCB, ensuring expert support remains central to the process. Fast, accurate picking and dispatch ensures parts move quickly from order to delivery. Click and collect can be arranged from a local Dennison JCB depot or parts can be delivered direct to the customer’s door. There are same and next-day collection options or standard and next day delivery.
PEAK EFFICIENCY
ACCESS FROM ANYWHERE
To maintain optimum performance JCB machines need genuine parts. Having direct access through a single platform brings welcome simplicity.
The launch of JCB Parts Online reflects the evolving needs of modern businesses, allowing customers to work the way they wish. Genuine JCB parts can now be ordered at a time that suits the customer, from any device, while still benefiting from fulfilment through a trusted local dealer and maintaining access to technical support.
Any customer looking to purchase genuine JCB parts can register for an account and order instantly. Dennison JCB can provide advice and customers can pay securely online
JCB Parts Online covers the key categories that keep machines operating at peak efficiency, including: • Powertrain parts • Electrical and lighting systems • Chassis and undercarriage components • Ground engaging tools
• Cab and body parts • Lubricants and service fluids • Filters
By combining digital convenience, trusted expertise and genuine quality, JCB is playing its part to keep customers working productively throughout the year.
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
17
news
Finlay’s Fundraising Campaign Surpasses £9,000 for Three Charities More than £9,000 has been raised by Finlay for three charities as part of its fundraising initiative. Named ‘The Finlay Charity Challenge 2026’, the campaign involved employees from Northern Ireland, Ireland and America raising funds for Marie Curie, Children’s Heartbeat Trust and The Little Princess Trust through a series of walking, running and hiking challenges. The first stage was the Finlay 595 Charity Challenge, organised to mark the 30th anniversary of the Finlay 595 Heavy Duty Grid, a key model in the brand’s screening range. Participants committed to walking or running 5.95 kilometres each day for five consecutive days, fitting their daily distances around work, family life travel and holidays. Activities took place across multiple countries including France and Belgium, with employees sharing updates and encouraging one another throughout the week. By the end of the challenge, participants had collectively covered more than 1,800 kilometres and raised over £6,000. The fundraising effort culminated in the Knocklayde Challenge, where members of the Finlay team travelled to Ballycastle to take on a demanding 14-kilometre hike to the summit of Knocklayde Mountain and back.
The fundraising effort culminated in the Knocklayde challenge.
Facing steep climbs, challenging terrain and more than 750 metres of elevation gain, participants completed the hike together, helping push the fundraising total beyond £9,000. Matt Dickson, Business Line Director for Finlay, said: “Raising more than £9,000 is a fantastic result, but what made this challenge special was the level of participation and support shown throughout the campaign. “Whether people were walking before work, running after work, completing their distance while travelling or tackling Knocklayde
together, there was a real sense of purpose throughout the fundraising. We are extremely proud of what the team has achieved.” More than £9,000 raised through the campaign will be shared equally between the three charities: Marie Curie, which provides expert care and support for people living with terminal illness and their families; Children’s Heartbeat Trust, which supports children and young people living with heart disease and their families; and The Little Princess Trust, which provides free real-hair wigs for children and young people while also funding childhood cancer research.
Major Milestone Reached for Wastewater Infrastructure Project Needed for up to 185,000 New Homes The decision by the Environmental Protection Agency to grant a Wastewater Discharge Licence for the Greater Dublin Drainage Project has been welcomed by Uisce Éireann, representing a key step in the delivery of one of Ireland’s most important infrastructure projects. It brings closer the provision of the wastewater capacity needed for new homes, economic growth and thriving communities, while protecting public health and the environment. The licence is one of the final statutory approvals required for the project. The Greater Dublin Drainage Project will deliver the wastewater treatment capacity required to support growing communities across the Greater Dublin area. It will help facilitate the delivery of new homes, schools, healthcare facilities, businesses and
18
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
Greater Dublin Area. It will provide the wastewater capacity needed to support up to 185,000 new homes, as well as schools, businesses and community amenities. It will also support economic growth and protect the environment for future generations.
Visual of the Clonshaugh Wastewater Treatment Plant.
community amenities while ensuring wastewater is treated and returned safely to the environment. Once operational, the project will provide wastewater treatment capacity equivalent to half a million people living and working across the region. Commenting on the decision, Uisce Éireann’s Director
of Infrastructure Delivery, Maria O’Dwyer, said: “The EPA’s decision to grant the Wastewater Discharge Licence is an important step forward for the Greater Dublin Drainage Project. It reflects the extensive environmental assessment and planning behind the project. “This is essential infrastructure for communities across the
“Today’s decision completes the project’s primary statutory consenting process. It brings us a significant step closer to delivering infrastructure that will support sustainable housing and growth across the region for decades to come.” The Greater Dublin Drainage Project forms a key part of longterm investment in wastewater services. It will help deliver reliable, resilient infrastructure for Dublin and the wider Greater Dublin Area, supporting communities and sustainable growth into the future.
50,000+ GENUINE PARTS IN SECONDS CORRECT FIT, FIRST TIME
158/30491
4002/2005 334/R8838
FIND THE PART YOU NEED
CLICK FIT GO
offsite manufacturing
DESIGNING FOR CERTAINTY: WHAT OFFSITE MANUFACTURING MEANS FOR ARCHITECTS How Creagh’s investment in precast systems, automation and factory capacity is helping turn design intent into built reality. For architects, the gap between what is designed and what is built has always carried risk. Every interpretation on site, late change or tolerance issue chips away at the original vision. Creagh’s approach is to close that gap by moving more of the build into a controlled factory environment, where components are engineered, manufactured and checked before they reach site.
STRUCTURE AT SCALE For multi-storey residential and student accommodation, Rapidres® delivers a fully precast frame of walls, floors and
Mesh Plant TF5.
20
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
cores, achieving earlier weather tightness and greater programme certainty. Guildford Crescent in Cardiff, known as The Rise, shows what this means in practice. At 31 storeys and 272 build-to-rent apartments, it is Cardiff’s tallest building, with its superstructure delivered in just 36 weeks on a constrained city-centre site. The façade was originally specified with aluminium fluted cladding. Creagh re-engineered it as structural architectural precast, integrating structure, envelope and finish into a single system while preserving the architect’s design intent. Fluted detailing, etched finishes and four bespoke colours, Aspen, Signal, Charcoal and
Mesh Plant TF5.
Copper, were cast directly into the panels. Matching the copper tone took extensive testing of pigment and aggregate blends. The result removed secondary cladding and on-site post-fixing, delivered cost savings and created a more durable envelope with a 100-year design life and a zeromaintenance sandwich panel system.
FROM DRAWING TO MACHINE Creagh’s new M-System BlueMesh® automated reinforcement line at Toomebridge takes precision further. Design intent is increasingly translated directly into machine-ready production data, removing layers of manual interpretation.
offsite manufacturing
Hallsville - Canning Town, London.
A steel cage that once took one to two hours to fabricate by hand is now produced in around five minutes, with improved dimensional accuracy.
ONE PARTNER, FEWER INTERFACES Creagh also supplies ready-mix concrete, including fibre-reinforced and self-compacting mixes, plus in-situ concrete, ground beams, stair cores and mezzanine flooring. Fewer interfaces mean simpler coordination from design to installation.
Hallsville - Canning Town, London.
SUSTAINABLE AND SAFER BY DESIGN Offsite manufacturing reduces material waste, while ongoing work on lower-carbon concrete reflects the environmental demands architects increasingly face. Factory production also reduces many traditional site risks.
CAPACITY FOR WHAT COMES NEXT
for up to 75,000m² of precast walls annually at full run rate, so the designs architects develop today can be delivered with speed, quality and certainty. Creagh is more than a manufacturer. It is an integrated construction partner, helping architects turn ambitious designs into buildings that perform.
A new £3 million, 4,000m² factory at Toomebridge will provide capacity
Guildford Crescent.
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
21
news
Engineers Ireland President Warns that Ireland Can’t Deliver its Ambitions Without a National Engineering Skills Plan demonstrating the breadth and transformative impact of a career in engineering.
Engineers Ireland President, Dave Murphy, has urged immediate, co-ordinated action at a national level to address Ireland’s widening engineering skills gap, highlighting the critical role engineers play in delivering the country’s housing, infrastructure, energy and industrial development goals.
The campaign would place particular emphasis on encouraging girls and young women to enter the profession, with women currently representing only 12% to 15% of Ireland’s engineering workforce. Speaking ahead of the event, Mr Murphy said: “Young people do not fall in love with professions. They fall in love with possibilities. And engineering offers extraordinary possibilities.
Delivering his Presidential Address recently, Who Will Engineer Ireland’s Future? Why Ireland’s Engineering Shortage Matters – and What we Can do About it, Mr Murphy warned that Ireland may require up to 30,000 additional engineers by 2031 to meet growing demand across housing, energy, water, transport, manufacturing and technology. Among his proposals to address this issue are an Irish Engineering Talent Forum and a major national campaign to encourage more young people to pursue engineering careers. An Engineering Talent Forum would bring together a wide range of governmental and industry stakeholders to track Ireland’s engineering pipeline from secondary school through education, graduation, employment, and retirement, allowing for Ireland’s critical skills shortage in engineering to be better addressed. The Engineering Talent Forum would lead the development of a national Engineering
Capacity Plan and coordinate a multi-year Engineering Recruitment Campaign, designed to demonstrate that engineering is for anyone who wants to change things for the better. Building on Engineers Ireland’s STEPS programme, which has reached more than two million children, teachers, and parents over 25 years, the national campaign would target primary and secondary school students, parents, teachers, guidance counsellors and mature learners,
“Almost every major ambition Ireland has eventually becomes an engineering project, but we are not producing enough engineers to realise these ambitions. And without a sufficient supply of engineers, we will have less capacity to build homes, modernise our infrastructure, complete our energy transition, or remain internationally competitive. “The shortage of engineers, however, is not inevitable, but action and leadership are required now to build the engineering talent Ireland needs.”
Kubota Contributes to Murphy’s Continued Growth
service coverage across its operational footprint. The fleet is continuously reviewed to ensure that it meets operational demands, efficiency targets and sustainability objectives.
Murphy Plant plays a vital role in supporting Murphy’s projects, managing a diverse fleet of more than 23,000 assets to meet the demands of its operations. The recent addition to its extensive fleet is 19 Kubota KX0855 compact excavators, supplied by Shellplant, a longstanding equipment partner of more than 30 years.
“We have developed a longstanding relationship with Shellplant over many years, built on consistent service, product knowledge and strong support,” said Mr Collier.
“Kubota machines form an important part of our plant and compact excavator fleet, with a significant number deployed across multiple projects to support excavation and general site works,” said Phillip Collier, Asset Manager at Murphy. “Model selection is driven by operational requirements, including ease of transport, versatility on constrained sites, operator familiarity and lifting performance. Reliability and consistency across the range are also key factors in our specification.
22
Engineers Ireland President, Dave Murphy.
“We must clearly show them the positive impact that engineers have in every corner of this country: designing renewable energy systems, delivering housing and water infrastructure, developing medical devices, and creating new technologies.
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
“This partnership has played an important role in supporting the ongoing development of our fleet. As Murphy marks over 75 years in operation, maintaining strong, trusted supplier relationships remains a key part of our approach.”
demand for machines in this class across our operations.”
“It has been a privilege to be a supplier to Murphy for the last 28 years and to watch their continued growth,” said Julian Payne, Partner at Shellplant.
The company’s equipment is employed on multiple projects across the UK, supporting infrastructure and utility works. Murphy works closely with established partners, like Shellplant, to ensure strong aftersales support, parts availability and
“We have served Murphy under the leadership of John Murphy, the founder and now his grandson, CEO John Murphy. In their 75th year, it’s an incredible company and story. We look forward to continuing to provide the company with consistent, strong product supply and support.”
KX085-5.
“The KX085-5 machines are used across a variety of projects for medium-scale excavation, offering a balance between compact footprint and increased digging capability. This model is proving popular due to its versatility and performance, making it well-suited to a wide range of site conditions and we are seeing increased
compact equipment
CASE CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT UNVEILS EXPANDED COMPACT PORTFOLIO CASE Construction Equipment has strengthened its compact line-up with the introduction of a new 55kW backhoe loader, an electric mini track loader and major upgrades to its compact wheel loaders. The latest additions focus on improving operator comfort and productivity, while introducing a new option for European customers in the sub-80hp backhoe loader market and offering electric power for applications where low noise, zero tailpipe emissions and manoeuvrability are essential.
NEW CASE 550SV OPENS UP EUROPEAN SUB-80HP BACKHOE LOADER SEGMENT CASE is entering the European sub-80hp backhoe loader segment for the first time with the new 550SV. Developed as a straightforward, productive and costeffective machine, the 550SV is designed for construction, municipal and rental applications, with a specification focused on the practical requirements of this segment. “We have entered the sub-80 Hp backhoe loader market for the first time in Europe with the launch of the 550SV. A segment which is particularly significant in regions such as Iberia, the UK and Eastern Europe,” said Umberto Celestini, Backhoe Loaders Product Manager at CASE Construction Equipment.
24
need for Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) or AdBlue®, helping to simplify maintenance.
TL100EV DELIVERS ELECTRIC POWER
Despite its positioning in the lower horsepower segment, the 550SV incorporates features designed to support productivity and versatility. An extendable dipper arm with in-line cylinder design provides enhanced visibility and reach, while the front loader features mechanical parallel lift and can be equipped with a range of attachments.
CASE is also expanding its range of electric utility machines with the all-new TL100EV electric mini track loader.
Ride Control is available to improve operator comfort and bucket material retention during load-and-carry operations. A load-sensing hydraulic system with a variable displacement pump delivers hydraulic flow as required, while the standard Powershuttle transmission provides smooth direction changes. The operator environment includes a digital instrument cluster, with LED working lights, Bluetooth radio and airconditioning fitted as standard. Customers can further configure the machine with options including hydraulic breaker lines, a bi-directional auxiliary hydraulic circuit and standard, 4-in-1 or 6-in-1 loader buckets.
Designed for landscaping, urban and farming applications, the TL100EV combines electric power with a 1.3-tonne tipping load and high manoeuvrability, making it suitable for applications where low noise and zero tailpipe emissions are important. Three independent electric motors – two for ground drive and one for the hydraulics – provide power for demanding multi-function tasks. The machine is compatible with a wide range of attachments through its Common Industry Interface coupling system. The TL100EV is available in wide- and narrow-track configurations. The wide-track version measures 1026mm in overall width, increasing to 1067mm with the bucket, while the narrow-track version measures 890mm, or 914mm with the bucket. This enables the machine to work in confined spaces and applications requiring lower ground pressure. Non-marking rubber tracks are also available for indoor applications. User-adjustable electro-hydraulic joystick controls and a front console monitor allow operators to configure and control the machine to suit the task.
“The 550SV has been engineered with an intentionally lean, focussed and highly practical specification that is perfectly aligned with the expectations of this sector of the market.”
COMPACT WHEEL LOADER RANGE GAINS CAB, VISIBILITY AND PRODUCTIVITY UPGRADES
The 550SV is powered by a 2.8-litre fourcylinder diesel engine producing 74hp (55kW). The EU Stage V engine uses a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) and Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) after-treatment system, without the
CASE has also enhanced its 221G and 321G compact wheel loaders, bringing operator comfort, visibility and ergonomic improvements introduced on the larger 421G to the wider G-Series line-up.
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
550SV at work.
compact equipment Both models are available in standard-speed 20kph and high-speed 40kph versions. The 321G is available with either the standard Z-Bar kinematic or an Extended Reach (XR) loader arm, allowing customers to select the configuration suited to their application. A new Deluxe cab is now standard on both models, providing a more spacious operator environment with relocated controls, improved visibility and enhanced ergonomics. The seat-mounted control console places primary machine functions within easy reach, while the adjustable steering column and integrated joystick, keypad and controls further improve ease of operation. Visibility has also been enhanced, with a redesigned right-hand door and sliding upper window, a 20% increase in front windscreen glazing and a 71% increase in glazed door surface area. Additional side glazing and a lowered front console further improve sightlines around the machine. The updated G-Series models also incorporate CASE smart features designed to improve efficiency and reduce operator fatigue. Operators can customise loader arm and bucket responsiveness, while ECO mode and cruise control can help reduce fuel consumption during transport and repetitive tasks. Automated functions including Returnto-Dig, travel and lift-height detents further streamline repetitive loading cycles.
TL100EV electric mini track loader.
SERVICE AND SUPPORT The new compact machines and the upgraded wheel loaders are supported by CASE Service Solutions and the myCASEConstruction app and online portal, providing access to machine insights, performance reports and fleet management tools to help customers monitor operating costs and machine performance. CASE Construction Equipment sells and supports a full line of construction equipment
around the world, including backhoe loaders, excavators, motor graders, wheel loaders, vibratory compaction rollers, crawler dozers, skid steers, compact track loaders and forklifts. Through CASE dealers, customers have access to a true professional partner with world-class equipment and aftermarket support, industry-leading warranties and flexible financing.
FROM 1 TO 10 TONNES
*Offer available from 1st October to 31st December 2026. Business Users Only in the UK. Terms and Conditions apply.
COWAN BROS N.I. LTD MAYDOWN - 028 71810699 MALLUSK - 028 90844644 OLIVER - 07970 108287 | ANDREW - 07736 164486
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
25
urban regeneration
THE URBAN REGENERATION BOOM: NAVIGATING COMPLEX INNER-CENTRE PROJECTS
Chatham.
Ambitious urban regeneration is pushing UK construction into increasingly complex environments. Rob Powell, Design Manager, Major Projects, at Groundforce Shorco, explores the specialised engineering required to navigate unique urban constraints, prevent costly structural delays and de-risk the ‘unbuildable’ sites. Developers are no longer looking at clear, open sites; instead, the modern frontier centres on the retention, adaptation, and repurposing of existing structures. Driven by both sustainability objectives and the principles of the circular economy, this shift away from demolition fundamentally changes the engineering challenge, turning the ground beneath our cities into one of the most volatile variables on the balance sheet. To navigate unique urban constraints, prevent costly structural delays, and de-risk the complex sites of 2026, the industry must change how it approaches enabling works.
26
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
Managing technical ground hurdles is no longer just a site-level concern – it is a critical commercial risk that can determine the baseline viability of an entire project.
MOVING THE ENGINEERING INTERVENTION UPSTREAM The term “unbuildable” is often used to describe sites that present significant construction challenges during the early stages of project planning. These are highly restricted city centre sites where load requirements are massive, access is microscopic, and excavations fall within the zones of influence of sensitive structures like live underground lines, transport hubs, or Grade II listed buildings. However, very few sites are genuinely unbuildable. More often, that label simply reflects when specialist engineering expertise is introduced to the project. When temporary works and geotechnical assessments are treated as an afterthought
and deferred until the construction phase, a project is forced to inherit fixed design constraints that severely compromise buildability. In contrast, moving this technical intervention upstream into the tender and early design stages fundamentally shifts how risk is managed. In deep city centre basements bordered by sensitive infrastructure, early co-ordination allows excavation sequencing and lateral support systems to be designed around the exact zone of influence of neighbouring assets. Rather than reacting to ground movement during construction, the engineering strategy is designed to mitigate it from the outset. This proactive, integrated approach allows access constraints to be addressed early, ensuring that temporary works design accounts for the weight and installation requirements of support systems. Through early co-ordination, the correct plant and handling methods can be specified, enabling installation in highly
urban regeneration constrained environments without relying on oversized or impractical lifting solutions. Long before logistics can escalate into a site crisis, early technical certainty bridges the gap between a volatile geotechnical estimate and a predictable project delivery.
RISK MANAGEMENT AND MITIGATION Ground conditions have always influenced design, but in constrained urban sites, they increasingly determine whether a project is commercially viable in the first place. With urban land at a premium, developers are looking to maximise every square metre of available space. Rather than expanding outward, many schemes now incorporate double-level basements, while existing buildings are being extended below ground to create additional usable space. In these circumstances, understanding the precise ground conditions and structural interfaces becomes fundamental to controlling project risk. Unforeseen geotechnical shifts can quickly undermine cost assumptions and delay programmes.
DE-RISKING THROUGH DIGITAL INNOVATION Advances in engineering, digital modelling, monitoring technology, and construction
methodologies continue to expand what is achievable. When specialist engineers become involved early enough, constraints that initially appear to make a site unviable instead become manageable engineering challenges. Digital modelling and real-time monitoring are transforming how project teams manage this sub-ground uncertainty. They improve co-ordination during design while providing confidence that engineering assumptions remain valid throughout construction. Building Information Modelling (BIM) does not need to be overly complex to deliver value. With most project information now produced in 3D environments like Revit, temporary works designers can readily integrate their proposals into the wider project model. This improves multidisciplinary co-ordination, reduces structural clashes, and helps identify potential issues long before equipment arrives on a high-pressure live site. Once construction begins, real-time load monitoring on critical struts provides a vital layer of empirical validation. By tracking loads and structural behaviour throughout the construction lifecycle, project teams can validate initial design assumptions and identify unexpected trends at an early stage. Rather than simply reacting to structural movement, monitoring allows engineering decisions to be continuously verified as construction progresses.
THE FUTURE OF URBAN DELIVERY As city centre developments become increasingly constrained, future success will depend less on isolated technical innovations and more on how effectively project teams collaborate from the earliest stages of project planning. Earlier engagement between developers, contractors, designers, and specialist engineers will be critical to improving buildability, reducing uncertainty, and developing more sustainable construction strategies before work begins on site. Alongside this cultural shift, advances in data-driven decision-making will continue to improve project certainty. As developable land becomes scarcer, the projects that succeed won’t necessarily be those with the biggest budgets. They will be the ones where specialist temporary works engineering is integrated early enough to unlock value, manage risk, and transform the most challenging urban footprints into highly viable developments.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rob Powell is the Design Manager for Major Projects at Groundforce Shorco, a leading UK supplier of specialised shoring and trenching systems.
AVAILABLE FROM GROUNDFORCE TRAINING
WORKING AT HEIGHT TRAINING EUSR WORK AT HEIGHT & HARNESS COURSE
WORKING AT HEIGHT ELEARNING COURSE
Theory and practical training in legislation, risk assessment and harness use. EUSR virtual card included, with certication valid for 3 years.
A exible, 105minute online course covering working at height safety and risk reduction. IIRSM, Gatehouse Awards and CPD approved.
BOOK ONLINE TODAY
www.groundforcetraining.co.uk
Call 1800 883 364 Email info@vpgroundforce.ie
Plus excavation, conned space, elearning courses and more available. View our full range online.
Groundforce Training Experts in Excavation Safety
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
27
recycling & waste management
Waste Collection, Recycling and Street Cleansing Services Stepped up by Belfast City Council Committee, Councillor Jenna Maghie, welcomed the ongoing service improvements.
Belfast City Council is rolling out a range of targeted initiatives to improve waste collection, recycling and street cleansing services across the city. To improve reliability on narrow or congested streets, the council is expanding and reorganising its restricted-access bin collection routes. As part of this overhaul, more small, specialised bin lorries are being introduced to the fleet. This includes the deployment of two new 18-tonne refuse collection vehicles specifically designed to navigate tight urban spaces safely and reduce missed collections where standard 26-tonne vehicles routinely face obstruction. Because these narrow-access vehicles are being rerouted across services, some households will experience changes to their scheduled collection days. Smaller collection vehicles operate under tighter weight and space limits, so residents on affected routes are being reminded to adhere strictly to updated presentation guidelines. Among the key projects currently being delivered is a major
Councillor Maghie said: “Keeping Belfast clean and supporting our residents to recycle effectively remains a top priority for the council. We are actively investing in practical solutions across our city, from extending kerbside glass boxes to more front doors, to upgrading our fleet with smaller vehicles and deploying specialist equipment to tackle chewing gum litter.
Gladiator in action.
expansion of the kerbside glass recycling scheme. Part-funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the final phase will extend the service to remaining households without a kerbside glass collection, primarily in north and south Belfast. This expansion allows more residents to recycle glass directly from home using a 44-litre purple recycling box and is expected to divert an extra 650 tonnes of
glass back into the local circular economy each year. The final phase of this roll-out is due to commence in early 2027. Street cleansing teams are also intensifying operations with an extended power-washing programme within the city centre. A specialist ‘Gladiator’ chewing gum removal machine, funded by the UK-wide Chewing Gum Task Force, has also been deployed. Chair of Belfast City Council’s People and Communities
“Alongside these immediate service boosts, we are actively working to tackle the obstruction and eyesore of abandoned and permanently presented bins on our pavements and entryways. By refining our processes, introducing smarter routing for narrow streets, and targeting resources at known hotspots, we want to make our shared spaces safer and more accessible. “I would encourage all residents to support our frontline crews by recycling everything they can, using their designated containers, and presenting their bins responsibly.”
Terex Washing Systems Appoints New Regional Sales Manager David Brismez has joined Terex® Washing Systems as Regional Sales Manager for Western Europe. With a background in the materials processing industry, David has built his career through a range of commercial and customer-focused positions, bringing broad industry knowledge and experience to his new role. In the position, David will work closely with customers and distributors throughout the region, supporting business development, strengthening relationships and helping customers identify the washing solutions best suited to their operations. Commenting on the appointment, Mark Doherty, Business Line Director, Terex
PLANT & CIVIL
28
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
Washing Systems, said: “David brings an excellent combination of industry experience, commercial knowledge and technical expertise to the team. As we continue strengthening our support across key markets, David will play an important role in working closely with our distributors and customers to help them get the most from their operations and identify new opportunities for growth.” David added: “The washing industry is built on understanding each customer’s operation, challenges and objectives. I’m looking forward to working closely with distributors and customers across Western Europe, learning more about their businesses and helping them maximise the value they can achieve from their material through the right washing solution.”
David Brismez.
www.plantandcivilengineer.com
recycling & waste management Canica VSI.
TBG 530T.
CLOSING OUT A BUSY YEAR: QRS FOCUSED ON SERVICE AND KEEPING IRELAND MOVING It’s been a busy year for all of the team at Quarry & Recycling Solutions (QRS), and the summer months in particular flew by with all hands on deck. Between strong numbers in machinery handovers and a constant flow of spare parts leaving the yard, QRS’s main focus has been straightforward: keeping their customers up and running with as little downtime as possible. Whether it’s handing over brand-new kit like the McCloskey crushers, screeners, Terex shredders, trommels, and Cedarapids
crushers, or sourcing reliable, tidy secondhand machinery, the team have been working hard to match operators with the right machines for their site needs and budget. Of course, getting a machine onto site is only half the job. To keep the gears turning right across Ireland, they’ve kept their stores fully stocked with a vast range of genuine spare parts, heavy-duty wear consumables, and everyday maintenance components. Having the right parts ready to go on the shelf and dispatched without delay means less time waiting around and more time earning.
As QRS head into the final stretch of 2026, they’re aiming to finish the year as strongly as they started it. The team’s priority remains firmly on providing topclass service, practical back-up, and honest advice to both their long-standing customers and new faces joining the QRS family. If you need a hand with new or secondhand machinery, engine replacement, or stocking up on spare parts before the year shuts down, give the team a shout at info@ qrs.ie – they’re always glad to help.
Service Sells SALES - SPARES - SERVICE 10 Coolmaghry Road, Donaghmore, Dungannon BT70 3 HJ
info@qrs.ie
+442887767120
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
29
recycling & waste management
PWS ENVIRONMENTAL: SMARTER ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS FOR A GREENER FUTURE As environmental challenges continue to evolve, businesses across the UK and Ireland face increasing pressure to manage waste responsibly and meet ever-changing environmental regulations.
aims to retain remediated subsoils on site, offering the potential for zero disposal costs. In addition, the approach helps reduce project carbon footprint while providing resistance to freeze/thaw cycles.
PWS Environmental is helping organisations meet these challenges head-on, providing innovative, practical and cost-effective solutions that balance industrial progress with environmental responsibility, including invasive plant eradication in which the most common and problematic species are Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed and Himalayan Balsam which are widely spread across the UK and Ireland.
EVOPAVE
The team’s offerings also incorporate soil engineering to encapsulate PFAS, contaminated land investigation and remediation, soil engineering to enhance load-bearing capabilities, soil testing and treatment, brownfield site investigation, interceptor integrity testing, ecology, asbestos surveying and WasteBolt digital tracking. Equipped with over 20 years of experience, PWS Environmental provides a comprehensive range of environmental services to businesses, developers and landowners. At the heart of its work is a commitment to finding smarter ways to manage environmental risks, improve site conditions and reduce unnecessary costs and waste. Some of PWS Environmental’s Innovative Solutions in Focus:
RISE RISE focuses on ground engineering design to increase the strength of subsoils. The process is capable of encapsulating hydrocarbons, metals and PFAS within subsoils, enabling reuse on site. This includes soil engineering to encapsulate PFAS and positively impact subsoil load-bearing capacity, reducing/ avoiding the use of concrete. Through the investigation of contaminated sites, RISE
Japanese knotweed treatment.
30
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
significant penalties, including fines and potential prosecution if a pollution incident occurs. Therefore, businesses must adhere to the relevant guidelines and conduct the necessary testing to ensure the safety and compliance of their interceptor systems.
EvoPave is an essential component of the RISE process and has been specifically developed for coating base courses produced using ground stabilisation with the RISE product range. It is intended to replace conventional wearing courses, such as asphalt. Essentially, EvoPave is a concrete repair product that enables a coating as thin as 5mm to be applied across damaged concrete, avoiding unnecessary breaking out and replacement with costly concrete. EvoPave is ready for use after 48 hours, meaning there are no unnecessary time delays before areas can be reopened to traffic.
WAMITAB CERTIFIED WASTE MANAGEMENT
INTERCEPTOR MAINTENANCE
The CIWM (WAMITAB) certificate is awarded upon successful completion of the Level 4 Primary Competence qualification, tailored to the specific activities of the client’s site, such as transfer, treatment, landfill, end-of-life vehicles, composting, anaerobic digestion (AD), or recycling. This certification is also commonly known as a CoTC (Certificate of Technical Competence).
In the UK, five-yearly integrity testing of interceptors is a critical aspect of environmental compliance. This testing forms part of the broader guidance for pollution prevention (GPP) and is based on the BS EN 858-2:2003 standard. The testing involves a full integrity test at least once every five years, including a thorough inspection of the interceptor system to ensure it is functioning correctly and is not at risk of failure. The testing process is designed to identify faults within the interceptor, such as fractures, displacements, or groundwater ingress, which could compromise the interceptor’s integrity and lead to pollution incidents. It is essential for businesses to maintain up-todate service records and ensure that all inspections and servicing are documented and accessible for regulatory scrutiny. Non-compliance with the five-yearly integrity testing requirement can lead to
PWS Environmental is the only approved centre in Ireland covering operational competence in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Its WAMITAB training and assessment services are also used by clients based in the UK. PWS Environmental offers a unique, client-focused qualification process, supported by a wide range of operational skills within its assessor team and costeffective assessment practices.
WASTEBOLT With Mandatory Digital Waste Tracking beginning for permitted and licensed waste receiving sites in England and Wales on 1st October 2026, and commencing in Scotland and Northern Ireland from 1st January 2027, the PWS Environmental team has been working behind-the-scenes to put the right systems and processes in place that enables them to provide customers with live data using their WasteBolt digital waste tracking platform. WasteBolt is a dedicated platform for digital waste compliance, helping businesses meet their obligations hassle-free.
Hannastown Japanese knotweed removal.
auctions and finance
AUCTIONS, ASSETS AND SMART INVESTMENTS From bidding battles to flexible finance, getting the right deal on plant and machinery takes a sharp eye and sound planning. Buying and selling machinery is a big part of the plant and construction business, and with budgets under pressure and productivity always a priority, making the right investment has never been more important. Whether you’re looking to add another excavator to the fleet, replace an ageing dumper or release funds from surplus equipment, auctions and finance can offer plenty of opportunities to make your money work harder. But with so much choice available, knowing what to buy, when to bid and how to fund the next purchase can make all the difference.
GOING, GOING, GONE! Plant auctions remain a popular route for contractors, dealers and fleet operators looking to buy and sell equipment. From compact machines and telehandlers to heavy-duty excavators, dump trucks and specialist attachments, auction yards can offer an impressive variety of kit to suit different budgets and workloads.
32
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
For buyers, the attraction is clear. Auctions provide access to a wide selection of machinery, often from different manufacturers and in a range of ages and conditions. With the right preparation, it’s possible to find a machine that meets the demands of the job without paying over the odds. For sellers, auctions offer a practical way to move on machinery that is no longer required, freeing up valuable space and potentially releasing capital for newer equipment or other business priorities. Well-presented machines, accurate descriptions and clear maintenance records can help buyers make informed decisions and give sellers the best chance of achieving a strong result.
FINANCE THAT FITS Of course, not every business wants to pay for a machine outright. With plant and equipment representing a significant investment, finance can provide an alternative route to upgrading machinery while helping preserve working capital. There are several options available, depending on the business, the equipment and how it will be used. Hire purchase, leasing and equipment finance agreements
can each offer different advantages, so understanding the terms is essential before signing on the dotted line. Hire purchase can allow a business to spread the cost of equipment over an agreed period, with ownership typically transferring once the required payments and any applicable final amount have been settled. Leasing, meanwhile, may suit businesses that want to use machinery for a set period without necessarily owning it at the end of the agreement. The precise arrangements depend on the contract. The key is finding a finance package that fits the business.
CASH FLOW COUNTS In construction, cash flow can be just as important as the machinery itself. Businesses need funds available for wages, fuel, maintenance, materials and the everyday expenses that keep projects moving. Tying up too much money in a single equipment purchase could leave less room to manage those commitments. This is where careful financial planning comes into its own. Before making a decision, contractors should consider how frequently the machine
will be used, the work it is expected to generate and whether the investment is likely to deliver sufficient value over time. A machine that spends most of its life parked up may struggle to justify its cost, while equipment that helps complete jobs faster or opens the door to new contracts could prove a worthwhile addition. The same thinking applies when deciding whether to buy new or used. New equipment may offer the latest technology, warranties and predictable earlylife maintenance, while used machinery can provide a lower purchase price. The best option depends on the application, the budget and the level of risk a business is comfortable taking.
THE RIGHT DEAL, THE RIGHT DIRECTION Auctions and finance may work in different ways, but both can help construction businesses manage their equipment needs and plan for the future. One offers the chance to find and sell machinery through competitive bidding; the other can provide ways to spread investment costs and manage available capital. Smart bidding, savvy spending and solid financial planning – three essentials for building a fleet that works as hard as you do.
Your next machine is waiting. Looking for a new piece of plant? Find what you need at BPI. Explore a wide range of plant, machinery and equipment through online auctions.
From plant to specialist machinery Equipment to suit your budget Simple online bidding Regular auctions
Get in touch to find out more
01924 245040
auctions Doosan DX 140.
MAKE EVERY MACHINE EARN ITS KEEP Whether your order book is full or thinning, plant sitting in the yard is costing you money. Kevin Gardner at BPI explains why a busy market is a good time to sell.
34
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
BPI’s Kevin Gardner.
auctions
Wacker Neuson DV60 Dual View.
JCB telehandler.
Northern Ireland’s construction sector is busy. NISRA figures show output in early 2026 was 10.1% up on a year earlier and close to a 15-year high, with housing leading the way. Repair and maintenance and infrastructure work have been softer, so plenty of firms are seeing their workload change shape rather than shrink.
and a yard full of buckets and breakers. None of it is earning, but all of it keeps costing you in insurance, storage, servicing and depreciation. It also takes up yard space you could use for the kit you actually need.
Fleet renewal is the other trigger. Older machines sell best while they are still working and well maintained, not after another year standing in the rain.
For bigger disposals, we can phase sales around your programme so machines leave as each site winds down, not all at once.
HOW BPI HANDLES IT
Sold, that same equipment turns into cash for a newer machine, a deposit on the next contract or simply a healthier bank balance. And it keeps working for someone else.
When work changes shape, so does the fleet you need. And a strong market means buyers are out there with money to spend.
WHEN TO SELL
BPI sells plant, machinery and equipment for contractors, plant hire firms and dealers, from a single high-value machine to a whole depot. We catalogue and photograph each lot, market the sale and manage collections, so your team stays on the job.
MAKE ROOM FOR THE NEXT JOB
WHAT IDLE PLANT REALLY COSTS Picture a contractor with three 13-tonne excavators that haven’t moved since a road job finished in the spring, two dumpers
The best time to decide is before a machine becomes a problem. Look at your fleet whenever a contract closes or the work mix shifts, for example from civils to housing. If a machine hasn’t left the yard in months and nothing on the books needs it, it is a candidate for sale.
The machines contractors worry about selling are usually the ones buyers want most. A well-kept excavator or telehandler will find a buyer quickly, and with online bidding the buyer might be in Cork, Cumbria or the continent.
A machine should earn its place in your fleet. When it no longer does, selling it while buyers are active puts the money back to work.
To talk about selling plant and machinery, contact BPI on 01924 245040, email sell@bpiauctions.com or visit www.bpiauctions.com
Terex Ecotec TDS 820 .
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
35
auctions
EURO AUCTIONS – BIG ON REACH, BUILT ON RELATIONSHIPS From its Northern Ireland roots to the international machinery market, Euro Auctions has grown into a global business built on specialist knowledge, trusted relationships and a personal approach to customer service. Beginning in Dromore, Northern Ireland, in 1998, Euro Auctions has developed into one of the world’s leading auction groups for construction and agricultural machinery, industrial plant and commercial vehicles. Today its operations stretch across Europe, North America, the Middle East and Australia, hosting over 300 sales per year and connecting sellers with an increasingly international audience of buyers. Yet despite that scale, Euro Auctions remains family-owned and family-run, and that combination of global strength with a local flavour remains central to the business. Founded by Derek Keys and his brothers, the Keys family remains actively involved. That family culture extends throughout the organisation, where customers are treated as individuals and Territory Managers build longterm relationships with buyers and sellers.
WHERE EXPERTISE MEETS OPPORTUNITY Central to the Euro Auctions model is its network of specialist Territory Managers. They know their customers, understand their industries and importantly, understand the machinery they sell. Within the UK team are specialists with detailed knowledge of construction plant, agricultural machinery, cranes and access equipment, trucks and commercial vehicles, as well as major fleet disposals and off-site auctions.
36
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
70 acres Leeds site.
A Territory Manager can inspect a fleet, understand its specification and condition, assess current market demand and advise how those assets should be presented and marketed. That local expertise is then connected to Euro Auctions’ international buying audience. A machine consigned in Yorkshire is not simply being offered to British buyers. Through international marketing and online bidding, it can be exposed simultaneously to potential purchasers across Europe and around the world.
telehandlers, access equipment, tractors, agricultural machinery, attachments, trucks, vans and trailers can all be offered within the same sale. Importantly, Euro Auctions provides considerably more than a yard in which equipment is auctioned.
A FLAGSHIP SITE IN LEEDS
The Leeds facility incorporates workshops and major preparation and jet-washing facilities. Equipment arriving for sale can be assessed and, where appropriate, prepared before going over the ramp. This can include mechanical work, repairs, cleaning, bodywork and painting.
Nowhere is this combination of scale and specialist expertise more visible than at Euro Auctions’ flagship site in Leeds, which presents between 8,000 and 9,000 lots per sale and has developed into one of Europe’s major machinery auction locations. Excavators, dumpers, loaders,
Presentation matters. Cleaning equipment, addressing obvious defects and presenting machinery professionally can inspire greater buyer confidence and ensure an asset is shown to its best advantage. For vendors, Euro Auctions can therefore manage much of the disposal process, from initial appraisal
auctions and transportation through preparation and refurbishment to marketing and auction.
retirement sales, insolvencies or business disposals, machinery can remain at the vendor’s premises while Euro Auctions manages cataloguing, marketing, bidding, payments and collection. The equipment may remain in a contractor’s yard; the audience bidding for it can be worldwide.
SIGNIFICANT COMMERCIAL VEHICLE PRESENCE Commercial vehicles are becoming an increasingly important part of the Euro Auctions offering. The truck and commercial vehicle catalogue at Leeds has grown significantly, with buyers increasingly recognising its sales as a source of trucks, tractor units, rigids, vans, trailers and specialist vehicles alongside traditional construction equipment. Dedicated commercial vehicle expertise within the Territory Manager team supports this growth. Trucks are a specialist market. Understanding mileage, specification, application, replacement cycles, body configuration and likely export demand requires different expertise from valuing an excavator, crane or telehandler. Euro Auctions combines that specialist knowledge with an established international audience already buying construction, agricultural and industrial equipment. For contractors disposing of both plant and transport assets, trucks, vans, trailers and machinery can consequently be marketed through the same organisation.
EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE This diversity of expertise is one of Euro Auctions strengths. An agricultural specialist understands tractors, implements and
GROWING GLOBALLY, STAYING PERSONAL
A reputation for ‘Lifting & Access’.
seasonal demand. A crane or access specialist understands lifting capacity, working height and specification. A commercial vehicle expert understands mileage, configuration and replacement cycles, while construction specialists understand excavators, loaders and dumpers. This knowledge helps identify not simply what an asset is worth, but who is likely to want it and where demand may be strongest. Euro Auctions also has extensive experience in off-site auctions, spanning 25 years, effectively taking the auction to the customer. For major fleet restructures,
Online bidding has transformed the auction industry, but at Euro Auctions technology has not replaced personal relationships, it has extended their reach. The Territory Manager knows the customer and understands the equipment. Euro Auctions’ digital bidding platform, international marketing and worldwide buyer base then take those assets to the market. It is this combination that continues to differentiate the business. At one end is international scale, with auction locations around the world, multilingual marketing and online bidding. At the other is the telephone call, the site visit and the Territory Manager who understands the customer and their machinery. Euro Auctions has become a global auction business without becoming an anonymous one. Global strength. Global reach. Local knowledge, and at its heart, a family business that still believes the best way to understand its customers is to know them.
WE CAN HELP TURN YOUR EQUIPMENT INTO CASH. WHY CHOOSE US?
Quick Payment
Worldwide Buyers
Competitive Rates
Global Advertising
Expert Experience
Logistics Service
VIEW OUR UPCOMING AUCTIONS ON OUR WEBSITE NOW.
www.euroauctions.com PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
37
finance
UNLOCKING WORKING CAPITAL FROM OWNED ASSETS, WITHOUT SLOWING DELIVERY BY EMMA BLAIR, REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR AT CLOSE BROTHERS COMMERCIAL FINANCE A full project pipeline does not remove the need for ready cash – in fact, the opposite is often true. In construction and civils, mobilisation and everyday operating costs need funding long before valuations, retentions and payment cycles catch up. With costs arriving ahead of receipts, projects can place heavy demands on working capital, notably when prices are high. Ambition is rarely the issue. The challenge is ensuring that the timing of cash arriving in the business bank account does not determine which operational choices a firm makes. According to Close Brothers’ latest survey of 900 SMEs across the UK and Ireland, the cost pressure is clear. Rising costs have impacted profitability for 57% of respondents. Energy costs and inflation, both cited by 42%, remain among their leading concerns, with interest rates cited by 34%. These pressures continue to shape business decisions.
The practical benefit is working capital support without operations coming to a standstill. An unexpected cost increase, a changing project pipeline or an opportunity at short notice can all test a firm’s flexibility. Releasing asset value can reduce the risk that cash timing alone forces it to slow delivery or turn work away.
CREATE ROOM TO ACT, NOT JUST REACT Working capital rarely faces just one pressure at a time. As recent years have shown, fastmoving input costs, tighter supply chains and longer payment cycles can combine, reducing financial room for manoeuvre precisely when a business needs to respond.
There is an opportunity cost too: 34% say a lack of available facilities caused them to miss an opportunity in the past 12 months. At the same time, over half of SMEs see using external finance to protect cash flow as a good business strategy. That changing outlook reflects what we are seeing at Close Brothers Commercial Finance, where flexible facilities are increasingly supporting everyday operational decisions, protecting capacity and keeping delivery on track.
Sale and hire purchase back can help create that room. Value tied up in owned plant becomes usable funding, while essential equipment continues working. This can help a firm avoid parking kit, postponing investment or compromising delivery.
LOOK AT WHAT THE BUSINESS ALREADY OWNS
START WITH THE NEED, THEN THE FACILITY
For any SME that relies on plant and equipment, greater financial flexibility could come from the assets it already owns. Machinery, vehicles and specialist equipment can hold significant value, but that value isn’t always easy to access for everyday business needs. Refinancing offers a way to bring the two together: release cash from assets the business owns, without taking them out of use. The funds can provide headroom for working capital, strengthen resilience or support investment, while the equipment continues to fulfil its operational purpose. The machinery itself acts as security for the finance. By borrowing against existing equipment, refinancing can provide an alternative to more traditional forms of borrowing.
RELEASE THE CASH, RETAIN USE OF THE EQUIPMENT One commonly used structure is sale and hire purchase back. The business sells an
38
item it owns, such as plant, machinery or a vehicle, and immediately hires it back. This releases funds upfront without interrupting normal use of the equipment. Repayments are made over an agreed period, and ownership can typically be regained at the end of the term, subject to the agreement terms.
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
It can also reduce the likelihood of decisions made under pressure: delaying a purchase, pushing supplier terms beyond a comfortable point, or declining work because the timing does not fit.
Releasing value from existing equipment is not the answer to every funding requirement. Sale and hire purchase back can be practical in the right circumstances, but a firm buying new or replacement kit has a different need. Hire purchase or a finance lease can spread that cost, supporting controlled growth while preserving headroom for day-to-day operations. Where cash is tied up in the debtor book rather than equipment, invoice finance can offer a flexible alternative. It releases funds against unpaid invoices, making working capital available while the business waits for payment terms to run their course.
BUILD FLEXIBILITY BEFORE IT IS TESTED Uncertainty leaves less room for error; it should not put opportunity out of reach. Building flexibility ahead of pressure, rather than making decisions at its peak, is often what distinguishes resilient businesses. As more SMEs recognise external finance as a strategic way to protect cash flow, the priority is to create headroom: unlock value in existing assets and shape facilities around the way the business works. At Close Brothers Commercial Finance, our straightforward, asset-aligned solutions support that flexibility. We help SMEs create breathing space while essential equipment keeps working, so they can respond to changes in project demands, costs and timelines.
HVO Renewable Diesel The sustainable option for businesses who want to help the environment. Fuelled by years of early investment and leadership in the field of renewable energy, Texaco HVO Renewable Diesel is lower in carbon and burns cleaner than regular diesel. Its high cetane count enhances engine performance and gives a smoother delivery that performs well in both cold and warm climates. As a drop-in fuel with a chemical makeup that’s the same as regular petroleum-based diesel, no engine or infrastructure changes are needed.
Scan the QR Code for more
Why Texaco HVO Renewable Diesel is the better choice: 100% renewable and sustainable Up to 90% less greenhouse gas emissions compared to regular diesel Chemically the same as petroleum-based diesel Burns cleaner with a lower carbon footprint Provides higher engine performance Performs in cold and warm climates Cost-competitive More reliable than electric vehicles Significantly lower greenhouse gases than hybrid and electric vehicles Guaranteed performance
Talk to WR Kennedy to find out more
T: 028 2565 6616 / www.wrkennedy.com
red dot award
BOBCAT SECURES SECOND RED DOT DESIGN CONCEPT AWARD FOR ROGUEX CONCEPT LOADER PLATFORM Bobcat has received a Red Dot Award: Design Concept for RogueX, with the fully-electric, autonomous and modular RogueX3 loader recognised for its innovative approach to the future of construction equipment. Following the RogueX2’s success in 2024, the latest accolade highlights Bobcat’s continued development of adaptable machine designs focused on sustainability, automation and the evolving demands of modern jobsites. “Receiving this Red Dot Award recognises Bobcat’s continued commitment to exploring the future of equipment through the RogueX platform,” said Jim Breuer, Director of Global Product Identity at Bobcat. “RogueX3 demonstrates what is possible when industrial design and engineering come together – transforming autonomy, electrification and modular architecture into a tangible vision for tomorrow’s jobsites. This recognition reinforces the power of design to give form to emerging technologies, helping customers envision the future potential of equipment.”
PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES FOR TOMORROW’S JOBSITES Central to RogueX3’s award-winning design is its patent-pending, rearmounted linear actuator tilt system. The configuration replaces traditional front hydraulic cylinders, reducing the number of mechanical components by more than 50% compared to a typical compact loader. By reducing hydraulic complexity, the design explores ways future compact equipment could be easier to maintain, more energy efficient and better suited for increasingly automated jobsites.
The design also incorporates a chassis-integrated battery and electric drivetrain for zero-emission operation. By integrating the battery into the chassis, the design lowers the machine’s center of gravity while creating a more streamlined, efficient architecture. Its modular platform further challenges the conventional approach to equipment design. RogueX3 supports tracked or wheeled mobility, cabbed or cabless operation, multiple lift-arm geometries and configurable power systems, allowing one platform to adapt to different terrains, industries and future jobsite needs. RogueX3 uses technology capable of real-time kinematic positioning, GPS navigation, sensors and cameras to support autonomous functionality. It can also be operated via Bobcat MaxControl, a remote operation system designed to control equipment from outside the cab, using an iPhone or any device running the iOS operating system. Future technology advancements using AI-enabled lighting systems explore how equipment could communicate machine activity, such as status and intent, to people on the jobsite. Developed through collaboration between Bobcat’s Global Design Studio, Global Innovation and engineering teams, RogueX3 serves as a research platform for testing technologies and design approaches that
could help shape future generations of Bobcat equipment. Introduced at CES 2026, RogueX3 remains in the research and development stage and is not commercially available. The concept reflects Bobcat’s ongoing exploration of how equipment can evolve to meet the changing needs of customers. “As customer needs evolve and jobsites become more connected, we believe equipment must become more adaptable. RogueX3 explores how a single machine platform could respond to those changing demands,” said Joel Honeyman, Vice President of Global Innovation, Product Insights and Dealer Enablement at Bobcat. “The modular platform is designed to adapt to different jobs, terrains and power systems – something construction equipment hasn’t done before. The result is a simpler, more efficient architecture built around the changing needs of construction crews.” The Red Dot Design Award is among the world’s most respected design competitions, recognising excellence in product design and design concepts. Attracting thousands of entries annually, the competition honours innovations that advance functionality, usability and design excellence. Its Design Concept category includes entries ranging from early concepts and prototypes to market-ready products.
Bobcat has earned a Red Dot Award: Design Concept for RogueX3.
40
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
material handling
HYUNDAI MATERIAL HANDLING ANNOUNCES COMPLETION OF 4-18 TONNE ELECTRIC FORKLIFT RANGE A further step in the ongoing electrification of heavy-duty material handling equipment has been signified with the completion of Hyundai Material Handling’s B-X electric forklift range. With the introduction of the 10-13 tonne and 16-18 tonne models, Hyundai now offers a high-voltage electric counterbalance forklift range covering capacities from 4-18 tonnes, extending electric forklift availability into applications traditionally served by diesel-powered trucks. The B-X programme was introduced in stages, beginning with the 4-9 tonne models launched in 2025. The latest additions, comprising the 100B-X, 120B-X and 130BX LC600 models together with the 160B-X and 180B-X LC600, complete the range and bring high-voltage electric forklifts into applications requiring higher lifting capacities and intensive outdoor operation. While electric forklifts are now wellestablished in lower-capacity warehouse and industrial applications, electrification becomes more complex as lifting capacities, operating hours and environmental demands increase. Higher-capacity trucks require significantly more power and battery capacity, while many of these applications involve continuous outdoor operation in changing weather conditions.
HIGH-VOLTAGE ARCHITECTURE IN FOCUS High-voltage battery architecture is one of the key technologies enabling this transition. Hyundai’s B-X range uses high-voltage systems ranging from approximately 309348V in the 4-9 tonnes models to 618V in the 10-18 tonnes machines. The higher operating voltage enables the forklifts to deliver the power levels required for intensive handling operations, while reducing electrical current, lowering heat generation and improving overall energy efficiency. The heavier B-X models have been developed specifically for sectors where diesel forklifts remain widely used, including ports, shipbuilding, timber processing, metal production, construction materials, manufacturing and logistics operations. In such applications, equipment is expected to operate outdoors throughout the year, often in rain, cold temperatures and dusty environments.
160B-X.
To meet these demanding requirements, Hyundai combines established chassis and mast architectures with dedicated electric drivetrains, battery systems and control technology. Key components are protected to IP67, while selected electronic systems achieve IP69K protection. The battery system combines liquid cooling with dedicated thermal management and integrated heating, to maintain battery operating temperatures across a wide range of conditions. The trucks have also undergone environmental
testing, including water spray, flooding and cold-climate endurance assessments. A further objective has been to deliver performance comparable with dieselpowered equipment. Hyundai reports that the trucks use water-cooled permanent magnet motors and advanced control systems designed to provide travel speeds, lift speeds and gradeability comparable with diesel-powered equivalents. The use of high-voltage architecture also supports fastcharging capability and extended operating times, allowing the trucks to be integrated into intensive multi-shift operations where appropriate charging infrastructure is available. Commenting on the completion of the range, Raymond Galavazi, Senior Product Manager at Hyundai Material Handling Europe, said: “Completing the B-X range means that electrification is no longer limited to the lower-capacity forklift segments. Customers across a wide range of industries can now consider high-voltage electric trucks from 4-18 tonnes, also for demanding outdoor applications where high capacity and intensive operation are required.”
130B-X.
The completion of the B-X range reflects a wider trend within the European material handling sector, as electric powertrains gradually move beyond warehouses and distribution centres into heavierduty industrial applications previously considered difficult to electrify.
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
41
imqs
2026 IMQS ANNUAL REVIEW IS OUT NOW This year’s edition of the Irish Mining and Quarrying Society (IMQS) Annual Review is now available free. Filled with expert insights and articles, this year’s theme, Inspiring the Next Generation, focuses on making the importance of the industry, the breadth of work within it and the routes into it more visible.
Read it now at www. plantandcivilengineer. com/imqs-2026/.
ABOUT IMQS The Irish Mining and Quarrying Society was founded in 1958 to provide a focal point for all those working in the extractive industry in Ireland. Its aim is to promote, safeguard and represent
the natural resources and extractive industries. The membership is drawn from all sectors of the industry, ranging from exploration geologists to equipment suppliers and, as such, is recognised as a significant representational body with over 200 full society members.
It has a unique role in Ireland as a forum and network for contact between the different branches of the industry, enabling it to reflect the industry views in a co-ordinated manner.
IMQS ANNUAL DINNER DANCE 2026
Highlights from last year's event.
The Irish Mining and Quarrying Society is delighted to announce that the IMQS Dinner Dance 2026 will take place on Saturday, 14th November 2026 at the beautiful Hodson Bay Hotel. Set on the shores of Lough Ree, the Hodson Bay Hotel will provide the perfect setting for what promises to be another fantastic evening of celebration, networking, and entertainment
42
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
• Live entertainment and dancing
Whether you are a long-standing member or new to the industry, the IMQS Dinner Dance is always one of the highlights of the social calendar, bringing together professionals from across Ireland in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.
• Great company and industry networking opportunities
To purchase tickets, visit www.paypal. com/ncp/payment/UZG9WPJR3UZDE.
for members, colleagues, and friends from across the quarrying and mining industry. Guests can look forward to: • A drinks reception • A four-course evening meal
Get ahead of the competition with EDGE Innovate. Our products are designed with one goal in mind: to help you lower operational costs and boost productivity. From mobile stockpilers and feeders to powerful trommels, shredders, and more, our reliable, durable, and cost-efficient equipment lets you shred, screen, separate, and stockpile with ease. Whatever your processing or material handling needs, EDGE Innovate gives you the tools to stay ahead. Get your EDGE today!
TALK TO YOUR LOCAL IRISH DISTRIBUTOR
DISCOVER MORE
KM PLANT SALES Midleton, Co. Cork Phone: +353 (0)86 3895470 Web: www.kmplantsales.com
RADIAL STACKER | TRACK STACKERS | TRACK FEED STACKERS | TELESCOPIC STOCKPILERS | TRUCK UNLOADER SCALPING SCREENS | TROMMELS | HIGH TORQUE SHREDDERS | DYE TROMMELS | SORTING STATIONS info@edgeinnovate.com
www.edgeinnovate.com
mobile screening plant
HUDSON BROTHERS STRENGTHENS QUARRY PROCESSING WITH EDGE SCREENPRO S16 Hudson Brothers has built a strong reputation as a supplier of aggregates and construction materials throughout Ireland’s east coast. Operating from its Philipstown Quarry base near Blessington, Co. Wicklow, the familyowned business combines over five decades of quarrying experience with a diverse production capability, supplying everything from crushed rock products, washed aggregates and specialist sands for the construction and civil engineering industries.
positioned ahead of the site’s wash plant to pre-screen incoming gravel and sand before it enters the washing process.
Today, the company is utilising an EDGE Innovate SCREENPRO S16 tracked screening plant as part of its material processing operation, with the machine
A FAMILY BUSINESS BUILT ON DECADES OF QUARRYING EXPERIENCE
The SCREENPRO S16 is designed around the practical requirements of the operator working with it every day.
44
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
Supplied by KM Plant Hire & Sales, EDGE Innovate’s official distribution partner for the Republic of Ireland, the S16 provides a practical example of how a tracked screening plant can be integrated into an established quarry operation to prepare material for downstream processing, while also highlighting the versatility of the machine across a much broader range of screening applications.
The Hudson family’s quarrying activity at the site dates back to the 1950s, with the business formally established in 1971 by Paddy, Peter and Sean Hudson. Now a second-generation family operation, with Tom Hudson serving as Sales and
Aggregates Manager, the company has developed from its quarrying roots into an established independent supplier of certified materials to the construction industry. What is less obvious from the outside is the scale of the operation. Philipstown is not a single quarry face: it is a transcounty operation spanning Wicklow and Kildare, with the pit, processing plant and offices at New Paddocks, Blessington, Co. Wicklow, and a further quarry with processing plant to the rear over Philipstown and Redbog in Co. Kildare.
PROVIDING A DIVERSE PRODUCT RANGE The strength of Hudson Brothers’ operation lies in the breadth of its product range. The company’s product sample board tells the story at a glance: twelve distinct graded products, from coarse classified stone through to fine specialist sands. Crushed rock products include structural fills, capping materials, crushed chips and quarry dust. The classified stone range spans 6F2/T0 sub-base material through to CL804/ T1 and 4/40mm T2 products, materials produced to specific grading envelopes for road construction and structural applications.
mobile screening plant The washed aggregate range includes 10mm, 20mm and 40mm pebble alongside 6mm grit, batch gravel and related products. Then there are the sands: Plastering Sand (0/4mm), Sharp Sand (0/4mm), Mortar Sand (0/2mm) and Paving Sand, alongside white sand, thermal sand and pit sand for specialist applications.
PUTTING THE S16 TO WORK AHEAD OF THE WASH PLANT It is within this processing circuit that the EDGE SCREENPRO S16 is being utilised. Rather than acting as the final screening stage, the tracked screen is positioned ahead of the wash plant, where it prescreens incoming gravel and sand. The role is straightforward but important: control the material entering the downstream plant by providing a more consistent, correctly-sized feed for the washing and grading stages. For Hudson Brothers, that material ultimately goes on to produce the company’s range of washed sand and aggregate products. The consistency of the feed matters because the washing process has to produce sand and aggregate to specification, not simply to visual appearance.
OPERATOR-FRIENDLY DESIGN FOR EVERYDAY QUARRYING For EDGE, machine performance is only part of the equation. The SCREENPRO S16 is also designed around the practical requirements of the operator working with it every day. At Hudson Brothers, operator David Hill describes the machine as straightforward to operate and productive in day-to-day use: “I find it a fabulous machine. It’s very easy to use.” David highlights the importance of the routine checks that take place before production starts, including greasing the
The SCREENPRO S16 was supplied by KM Plant Hire & Sales.
screenbox and checking coolant and oil levels. Once those checks are complete, he says the machine is simple to bring into operation, allowing production to get underway without unnecessary complexity. That emphasis on accessibility continues when it comes to servicing. David points specifically to the ease of access around the engine, with the air filters, fuel filter and oil filters all readily accessible. “They’ve made it nice and handy. Great access, absolutely great access to the engine.”
REMOTE OPERATION BRINGS ADDED CONTROL AND CONVENIENCE Another feature David singles out is the S16’s remote-control system. The remote allows key machine functions
to be operated from a safe position, including functions such as raising the hydraulic jack legs and tracking the machine. This gives the operator greater control during setup and repositioning without having to remain beside the machine. “You can lift your jack legs and track and so all those things from the safety of your cab. So thumbs up for the remote.” The remote is also designed with practical day-to-day use in mind. The system is supplied with two batteries, with a charging point incorporated into the machine so one battery can be charging while the other is in use.
BUILT AROUND THE APPLICATION The EDGE SCREENPRO S16 is the second machine in EDGE Innovate’s SCREENPRO range, developed as a more compact companion to the larger SCREENPRO S18. Its 4.9m x 1.5m (16ft x 5ft) two-deck screen box provides approximately 14m² of screening area, with a maximum feed capacity of up to 600 tonnes per hour.
WATCH NOW
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
45
mobile screening plant EN standards for hydraulically bound materials, SR21 Annex E specifications and NRA requirements for road construction. Its Philipstown Quarry products carry a valid Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) covering rock and gravel aggregate products, independently verified to ISO 14025 and EN 15804 and valid until April 2030.
KM PLANT HIRE & SALES PROVIDES A LOCAL LINK
The EDGE SCREENPRO S16 in action at Hudson Brothers’ quarry.
At Hudson Brothers, the machine is configured around the requirements of prescreening gravel and sand ahead of washing, but the S16 can be set up for considerably different duties depending on the application. The screening angle is adjustable between 14 and 20 degrees, and operators can select from a range of screening media including woven mesh, punch plate, finger screens and Bofor-style grizzly decks. The top deck uses a modular system that allows different media types to be installed side by side on the same deck, while the machine can be configured for either a two-way or three-way split depending on the number of fractions required. Powered by a CAT C3.6 Stage V engine, the S16 is also available with dual-power and electric hybrid options for loweremission operation. Remote operation allows key functions to be controlled from up to 100 metres away, while hydraulic lift-up screenbox access and folding conveyors are designed to keep setup and maintenance times to a minimum.
MEETING DIFFERENT REQUIREMENTS While the current application at Philipstown is focused on pre-screening material for the wash plant, the S16 is
not limited to this role. The machine has also been used in demanding aggregate applications for the primary screening of blasted rock, a significantly different screening requirement to the sand and gravel application at Hudson Brothers. At Wilson Plant’s recycling facility in Hampshire, for instance, the same SCREENPRO S16 platform is being used to process construction and demolition waste, green waste and soils, where the company reported a 40% increase in screening throughput compared with its previous three-way screener while maintaining similar fuel consumption. That is a very different operating environment to a Co. Wicklow quarry, and that is precisely the point. The S16 is now operating across Europe, North America, Australia and Scandinavia in applications ranging from primary aggregate screening to recycling and soil processing.
QUALITY STANDARDS THROUGHOUT The utilisation of the S16 also fits into Hudson Brothers’ wider approach to material quality and certification. The company operates a state-of-the-art on-site laboratory where aggregates are tested through sieve analysis and compaction testing against
The EDGE SCREENPRO S16 at Hudson Brothers was supplied by KM Plant Hire & Sales, based in Midleton, Co. Cork. As EDGE Innovate’s official distribution partner for the Republic of Ireland, KM Plant provides local access to EDGE’s full range of equipment, supported by application expertise, commissioning and aftermarket service.
THE VALUE OF A GENUINELY FLEXIBLE MOBILE SCREENING SOLUTION The application at Hudson Brothers highlights the flexibility of the EDGE SCREENPRO S16. At Philipstown, the machine is being utilised for a specific role within the processing circuit: pre-screening gravel and sand ahead of the wash plant. From there, the material moves through washing and grading to produce a wide range of finished products, from classified stone and washed pebble through to fine plastering sand, mortar sand and specialist thermal and paving sands. For David Hill, however, the value of the machine is also evident in the everyday details of operating it. Easy start-up, accessible service points, practical battery charging for the remote and the ability to control key functions remotely all contribute to a machine designed not only to perform the screening task, but to be straightforward to work with day after day. At Hudson Brothers, that combination of screening capability and operator-focused design makes the S16 a practical part of the quarry’s wider processing circuit. Elsewhere, the same machine can be configured to do something very different. And that is ultimately the value of a genuinely flexible mobile screening solution.
The S16 is integrated into Hudson Brothers’ processing operation.
46
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
news
JCB Accelerates Growth and Investment Following Hydromax World Record Following its new world land speed record of 406.320mph achieved using hydrogenpowered technology, JCB is building further momentum for its future, with major commitments to manufacturing, a new production capacity in America and the announcement that George Bamford is to become Joint Chairman of the family company. The manufacturer is investing heavily in the transformation of its Staffordshire World HQ, while in America, JCB’s new factory in San Antonio, Texas – its largest in the world – is set to create 1,500 jobs over the next five years. As JCB invests for its next chapter, George Bamford is to become Joint Chairman of the family company alongside his father, Lord Bamford. It’s the first change at the top of JCB in more than 50 years, during which the business has grown from its Staffordshire roots into one of Britain’s largest privately-owned manufacturers, with 23 factories and more than 20,000 employees worldwide. The announcement coincides with JCB reporting a resilient performance in 2025, despite mixed market conditions and geopolitical headwinds around the world. Sales turnover totalled £5.7 billion, profit before tax was £642 million and machine sales reached 113,498 units, while the business remained debt-free with no net borrowings. JCB also increased its global market share, despite flat demand in North America and a 12% market contraction in India. JCB has also announced the £100 million transformation of its Staffordshire headquarters – JCB’s home since 1950, when Joseph Cyril Bamford moved production into a former cheese factory in Rocester. A £60 million fully automated powder paint
Lord Bamford and his son, George Bamford.
plant and a comprehensively modernised shop floor are part of the transformation, helping to secure the future of more than 8,000 UK jobs. In America, JCB’s new $1 billion factory in San Antonio, Texas – at one million square feet, JCB’s largest factory in the world – will build Loadall telescopic handlers and access equipment for North America, the world’s biggest construction equipment market. Investment in factories is being matched by investment in innovation. Hydrogen-powered machines are now in production following JCB’s £100 million programme to develop hydrogen combustion technology, making it the first construction equipment company in the world to bring a fully approved hydrogen-fuelled combustion engine to market.
Recently, those engines powered JCB into the record books at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. The JCB Hydromax, driven by Wing Commander Andy Green OBE, recorded 406.320mph (653.909km/h) on the Salt Flats to become the fastest ever hydrogen-powered vehicle – more than doubling the previous hydrogen combustion record and beating JCB’s own Dieselmax diesel record, set 20 years earlier. JCB Hydromax was powered by two production-based hydrogen engines manufactured at JCB’s factory in Foston, Derbyshire, and went from idea to world record in just 18 months. Meanwhile, the JCB Academy, a pioneering project championed by Anthony Bamford to address the UK’s engineering skills shortage, goes from strength-to-strength. This year 708 students applied for 314
?
places available in September, maintaining the Academy’s long-standing reputation for being heavily oversubscribed. Since opening in 2010, it has educated around 3,750 young people and boasts a 100% record of leavers progressing into employment or further education. JCB Chairman Lord Bamford said: “Last year JCB celebrated its 80th birthday and, as we look ahead, we are investing heavily in the future of the business – from the transformation of our Staffordshire headquarters and pioneering hydrogen technology, to our new factory in Texas. As part of that next chapter, I’m delighted that my son George will become Joint Chairman of JCB. We have never been a company that stands still, and these investments will ensure JCB is well-placed to seize the opportunities ahead.”
What if your message didn't have to compete Be the only voice in the inbox with a Solus Email Blast.
Martin@4squaremedia.net
PLANT & CIVIL IRELAND’S CONSTRUCTION, QUARRY & RECYCLING MAGAZINE
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
47
essential materials sustainable solutions
FROM THE DESK OF: GORDON BEST, REGIONAL DIRECTOR, MPANI
CHAMPIONING THE MINERALS INDUSTRY: MPANI’S PRIORITIES AND PARTNERSHIPS
Gordon Best, MPANI
MPANI has published its position paper on what we see as our ‘Priorities for NI Government 2027 – 2032’. The document sets out what we wish the new Executive and Assembly to adopt in the new mandate following the May 2027 Assembly Election as recognising the essential contribution our industry makes in NI. The mineral products industry is an essential, indigenous and major primary material producer that is locked into the DNA of the NI economy and, as such, should be recognised as strategic national infrastructure, not simply another manufacturing sector, by the NI Executive. Without our members, “Nothing Gets Built”. We supply over 70,000 tonnes of materials per day to construction clients and customers across NI, the RoI and GB. Our materials are critical to many other NI industries, such as transport, energy, agriculture, water and housing that all rely upon the supply of mineral products of one type or another. In short, we are fundamental to the economy, the development and maintenance of NI infrastructure, the built and natural environment and the improvement of people’s everyday lives. To download and view the document, visit www.tinyurl.com/mu7b889c.
An insightful Q&A with Kellie Armstrong MLA, Pam Cameron MLA and Pat Cullen MP at the Women in Minerals Group’s event.
without our members and the materials they supply, “Nothing Gets Built”.
excellent Q&A session with Kellie Armstrong MLA, Pam Cameron MLA and Pat Cullen MP.
WOMEN IN MINERALS GROUP VISIT PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
WORKING TOGETHER TO DRIVE DECARBONISATION
Recently our MPANI Women in Minerals Group had a very informative and enjoyable tour of Parliament Buildings. They then enjoyed a buffet lunch in Room 115 followed by an
Our inaugural Toomebridge Decarbonisation Cluster also recently had its first meeting at the Elk. Thank you to InvestNI and Mid Ulster Council for supporting and partnering with local business.
CONNECTING WITH KEY STAKEHOLDERS The association had a stand at the recent NI Local Government Conference at Lisburn Island Centre. The Regional Director took the opportunity to engage with a number of key stakeholders, including John Kelpie, Chief Executive of Derry Strabane Council; Head of Regional Planning, Rosemary Daly, and a number of local councillors about planning, decarbonisation, infrastructure, skills and reinforcing the message about how the minerals sector is fundamental to our economy, providing well-paid rural jobs, and the contribution we make in enhancing biodiversity and reminding everyone that
48
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
MPANI’s stand at the NI Local Government Conference at Lisburn Island Centre.
The development of this cluster, along with nine others across NI, was identified as part of the IDNI Project. It is intended that this cluster will form the template for other future industry clusters, representing mineral product suppliers, to be established in other areas of NI. The cluster will be supported by a simple ‘right-tech’ advisory gateway to support businesses to identify and choose the correct solutions. It is anticipated that the scheme will off-set the risk associated with such capital investments as it is considered that businesses might have insufficient information around the benefits and return on investment that might be achievable.
essential materials sustainable solutions
MPANI’s Women in Minerals Group at Parliament Buildings.
INVESTING IN THE NEXT GENERATION
The visit was hosted by Emma McKenna,
20 of our Young Leaders Group also enjoyed a very informative visit to the new AMIC QUB facility at Global Point Glengormley.
Our group heard about and toured the new
The Toomebridge Decarbonisation Cluster had its first meeting at the Elk.
Head of Sustainable Manufacturing at AMIC. £100 million collaborative facility funded under the new Belfast Region City Deal.
If you’re interested in becoming a full or affiliate member of MPANI and get access to up-to-date industry news and guidance, don’t hesitate to give me a call on 07876 136 929. It would be great to have you on-board. Best wishes and stay safe!
Members of the Young Leaders Group.
www.mpani.org
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
49
annual dinner
STONECRUSHERS BALL 2026: DIGGING DEEP, GIVING BIG Generosity and comraderie were at the heart of the 2026 Stonecrushers Ball, as the industry gathered for a memorable evening of celebration and charity at Belfast’s Europa Hotel. Hosted by the Institute of Quarrying Northern Ireland (NI) Branch, the annual event unites industry colleagues and friends for a night of fine dining, entertainment and fundraising, with Cancer Focus NI taking centre stage as this year’s chosen charity. Setting the scene, the acclaimed Arco String Quartet welcomed guests with a captivating performance, providing the perfect soundtrack to the reception and meal. As dinner drew to a close, the pace picked up and popular band The Untouchables brought the energy, filling the dance floor well into the evening.
RAISING FUNDS, RAISING SPIRITS From the outset, the evening had once again been driven by a meaningful mission: raising support for Cancer Focus NI.
Selected by Chairman Pierce Kirwan as the charity partner for 2026, Cancer Focus NI provides vital prevention, care and support services for individuals and families affected by cancer across Northern Ireland. The choice continued the ball’s strong tradition of charitable giving. Last year’s fundraising events raised an impressive £10,000 for NI Hospice and Lighthouse Charity, underlining the goodwill that runs throughout the quarrying community. A raffle, silent auction and contributions from businesses and individuals added to the fundraising spirit, helping bring people together behind a cause that makes a real difference to local lives. Chairman Pierce Kirwan explained: “The Stonecrushers Ball is the culmination of the institute’s year – bringing the industry together to celebrate everything that is good about us. The charity element of the event is also a great opportunity for us to give back. This year’s charity, Cancer Focus NI, is so important as I don’t think there’s anybody who hasn’t been affected by cancer in some way.
Stephen and Orlaith Ward with Matthew Greer and Pierce Kirwan.
50
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
With Cancer Focus NI, you know that every penny raised stays within Northern Ireland.” Vice-Chair Adrian Alexander added: “It’s all about the charity. Cancer Focus NI needs everyone’s support, and we’re an industry that wants to help.”
COMMUNITY AND COMMITMENT The Stonecrushers Ball was an opportunity to celebrate shared success, strengthen sector connections and show the community spirit that lies at the heart of Northern Ireland’s quarrying industry. Past Chairman Stephen Robinson commented: “The event allows us to appreciate the size of the industry and how much we contribute to the local economy. The amount of money that is raised at this event is absolutely fantastic.” Fellow Past Chairman of the institute’s NI branch, Edward Nethery, added: “The industry is like one big family and the Stonecrushers Ball is always a fantastic opportunity for us to get together.”
Iris Kirwan, Sammy Eccells and Eddie Kirwan.
annual dinner
MPANI.
Pierce Kirwan, Stephen Ward and Darren McMillian, Northstone.
Chairman’s Guests.
. Karen Greer and Rosie Forsthye
Chairman’s speech.
David and Elieen Johnston.
Stephen (vice chair CIHT) and Helen Bradshaw.
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
51
from the desk of
Karen McShane Past President
All views expressed are personal views of Karen McShane and not necessarily those of any organisation in which she is involved
REINFORCING A HIDDEN LIFELINE BENEATH DERRY Many of us walk or drive along Queens Quay in Derry every day without giving a second thought to what lies beneath our feet. Yet hidden underground is one of the city’s most important pieces of infrastructure, carrying wastewater safely across the city and helping to protect public health and the environment. I recently visited the works and learned more about the Culmore Trunk Sewer Rehabilitation Project, a major £3.5 million infrastructure scheme delivered by GRAHAM in partnership with Northern Ireland Water. While most of the work remained unseen by the public, the scale of the engineering involved was remarkable. The project focused on rehabilitating over 1.7 kilometres of trunk sewer along one of the busiest routes in the city. Rather than excavating large sections of road, the team adopted an innovative trenchless technology which allowed them to renew the ageing sewer from within. This approach avoided major disruption to residents, businesses and the more than 30,000 vehicles that use Queens Quay each day.
THE CHALLENGE BENEATH THE SURFACE What struck me most was the challenge of carrying out such significant work while maintaining normal city life above ground. The sewer itself lies deep underground in a highly constrained environment close to the Lough Foyle and surrounded by existing utilities. Traditional open-cut excavation would have caused extensive disruption and environmental impact. Instead, specialist UV-cured liners were installed
52
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
Internal image of the pipe receiving the liner. Image courtesy of GRAHAM
within the existing sewer, creating a new structural pipe and extending the asset’s lifespan by at least fifty years. The works turned out to be the largest scale cured liner ever used on the island of Ireland. It sounds quite simple, deliver more than 20t of liner to site. Lift it off the lorry in one piece and thread it through the pipe. Then cure the liner with UV light to harden and
create a new inner liner to an aging pipe. The concept is similar to getting my nails done, with a gel coat put under a UV lamp until it hardens. What makes this even more impressive is that this section of the 1.7km renewal was surveyed internally using a drone with GPS to record all the faults and inlets along the way. Once this was known the section under Queens Quay was completed in 22 hours in one continuous operation.
from the desk of
Aerial view of pipe relining. Image courtesy of GRAHAM
WORKING TOGETHER TO DELIVER
ensured there were no pollution incidents affecting the River Foyle during construction.
As with many successful infrastructure projects, collaboration proved central to delivery. GRAHAM worked closely with Northern Ireland Water, local businesses, statutory bodies and community representatives throughout the programme. Regular communication helped ensure that the works progressed safely and efficiently while keeping disruption to a minimum.
Today, most people passing through Queens Quay would never know the scale of the work that has taken place beneath them. That’s perhaps the greatest compliment any infrastructure project can receive.
The project’s environmental achievements are equally impressive. By choosing a trenchless construction method, the scheme significantly reduced carbon emissions, eliminated thousands of tonnes of excavated material and removed hundreds of heavy goods vehicle movements from local roads. Careful monitoring and management also
The sewer continues to perform its vital function, businesses and residents experienced minimal disruption, and a critical piece of Northern Ireland Water’s network has been secured for future generations. Projects like the Culmore Trunk Sewer Rehabilitation Scheme remind us that some of the most important improvements to our communities are often the least visible. While it may not have the profile of a new building or public space, this investment demonstrates how engineering innovation,
environmental responsibility and partnership working can come together to deliver lasting benefits for the people who depend on these essential services every day.
CIHT UPDATE Elsewhere in the world of CIHT Colin Magwood has been appointed as the new Chair for the Northern Ireland Region taking over from Stephen Bradshaw. The two have developed the new programme for the next academic year. The November 26th event will take the form of a legal construction update hosted by Carson McDowell. For December 2nd there will be a technical talk on the Creenagh Bridge replacement. Please search for CIHT Northern Ireland to gain access to the CIHT website for further information.
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
53
excavators and attachments
BUILT FOR MORE: THE VERSATILITY OF MODERN EXCAVATORS There’s a lot more to an excavator than horsepower and a hefty bucket. Today’s machines are expected to do more, go further and take on an ever-growing list of tasks, all while keeping projects on schedule and costs under control. Thankfully, with the right machine and the right attachment, contractors have more options than ever to get the job done.
ONE MACHINE, MANY MISSIONS Versatility is the name of the game. With space often at a premium and pressure mounting to make every hour count, contractors are looking for machinery that can earn its keep across multiple applications. Excavators fit the bill, offering the strength, stability and precision needed to handle everything from routine groundworks to demanding demolition duties. Compact excavators are proving particularly useful where space is tight, access is awkward and manoeuvrability matters. Their smaller footprint makes them ideal for residential developments, landscaping, utilities and urban projects, where larger machines might struggle to get into position. At the other end of the scale, larger excavators bring serious strength to major infrastructure, quarrying, earthmoving and demolition projects. With impressive digging forces, generous reach and the ability to handle substantial workloads, these machines are built for jobs
54
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
where productivity is paramount. Between the two sits a broad range of mid-sized machines, offering a balance of power, practicality and flexibility.
ATTACHMENTS: SMALL CHANGE, BIG DIFFERENCE Buckets might be the first attachment that springs to mind, but the options available today stretch far beyond. From hydraulic breakers and grabs to compactors, shears and specialist handling tools, attachments can transform an excavator into a highly capable multi-purpose machine. Need to shift large volumes of material? A suitable bucket can help maximise capacity and cycle efficiency. Working through stubborn concrete or rock? A hydraulic breaker brings the force needed to tackle tough surfaces. Handling timber, waste or demolition debris? A grab can make sorting and loading quicker, safer and more controlled. Then there are tiltrotators, which add another layer of flexibility by allowing attachments to tilt and rotate. This extra movement can make intricate work easier, reduce the need to reposition the machine and help operators achieve greater precision in confined spaces. It’s all about finding the right tool for the task.
SMARTER KIT, STRONGER PERFORMANCE As technology continues to develop, excavators are
becoming more refined, with features designed to improve control, comfort and efficiency. From advanced hydraulic systems to operator assistance technology and improved machine monitoring, manufacturers are giving contractors more ways to get the best out of their equipment. For operators, improved controls and well-designed cabs can make long shifts more comfortable and help reduce fatigue. For fleet managers, monitoring tools can provide useful information about machine utilisation, fuel consumption and maintenance requirements. These developments are particularly valuable for businesses looking to squeeze more productivity from every machine. Rather than simply adding more equipment to the fleet, contractors can look at how smarter combinations of machines and attachments might help them complete more work with the resources they already have.
KEEPING COSTS UNDER CONTROL With investment costs, fuel prices, servicing and wear parts all playing a part in the ownership equation, buying machinery is about much more than the initial price tag. Contractors need to consider the bigger picture, including the type of work a machine will undertake, how frequently it will be used and whether it can
support several applications. A machine that spends most of its time on one specialist task may call for a different setup from one expected to move between jobs throughout the week. Attachments can play an important role in that decision. Investing in the right selection of tools may help a business avoid hiring additional machinery for certain tasks, although the benefits will depend on workload, utilisation and operating costs. Maintenance matters just as much. Regular inspections, correct lubrication, attention to hydraulic connections and timely replacement of worn components can all help keep machines and attachments working as they should.
READY FOR WHATEVER COMES NEXT From foundations and drainage to demolition, landscaping and material handling, excavators continue to prove their worth across the construction industry. Their ability to adapt to different applications has made them an essential part of the modern fleet, while an expanding range of attachments is opening up even more possibilities. For contractors, the challenge is choosing equipment that delivers the right balance of performance, practicality and price. Ultimately, it comes down to matching the machine to the mission, the attachment to the application and the investment to the workload. Get those elements right and the rewards can be significant.
excavators and attachments
TAKEUCHI TB3150 DELIVERS POWER AND PRECISION Providing the performance required across a wide range of demanding applications, Takeuchi’s latest TB3150 combines a unique offset boom system with more than 14% increased hydraulic horsepower over the previous model, powered by a new Yanmar engine rated at 85 kW (114 hp). The TB3150’s offset boom system allows operators to dig offset without repositioning the machine, making it well suited for utility work and applications that require precise positioning. With less track repositioning, the TB3150 is ideal in tight spaces and applications that need 15-tonne power in restricted areas. Takeuchi now offers customers two distinct choices in the 15-tonne excavator class. The fixed-boom TB3150R, which arrived this summer, has already received strong reviews, while the new TB3150, with its unique offset boom, is the model some customers have been waiting for with the first machines about to get to work on HS2. The new 15-tonne machines incorporate Takeuchi’s latest 3-Series enhancements. Inside, operators benefit from a
redesigned cab focused on comfort and ease of use. Features include automatic climate control, heated air-suspension seat and keyless start with pin-code and RFID for improved access management. Its 8-inch touch screen display, 270-degree camera views, intuitive jog dial and multiswitch control panel allow convenient access to common machine functions. Pilotoperated joystick controls combine with electro-hydraulic (EH) controls for functions such as travel, dozer blade and boom offset, offering operators precise hydraulic feedback and responsive control with enhanced flexibility and intuitive machine management. Takeuchi is of course best known for its extensive and popular range of mini excavators but have had larger 12-15 tonne models for over 20 years. Takeuchi have always offered a unique offset boom feature which sets the machine apart from conventional styles.
TB3150 working.
Ryan Page, Takeuchi UK Product Manager, said: “Operators have praised the machine’s performance in demanding applications, commenting that ‘it feels more powerful’. It’s particularly encouraging to hear this feedback directly from those using the machine day to day. A significant amount of engineering effort has gone into redesigning the cooling system architecture, resulting in a 14% increase in hydraulic power. This additional performance is something operators can immediately feel when working with the machine.” The new 15-tonne machines incorporate Takeuchi’s latest 3-Series enhancements.
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
55
excavators and attachments
FIFTH MODEL JOINS DEVELON’S NEW SERIES 9 EXCAVATOR RANGE Develon has unveiled the latest addition to the company’s Series 9 Smart Excavator range – the new DX300LC-9 32 tonne crawler excavator – which provides the same unique and innovative combination of full electronic hydraulic (FEH) technology and integrated artificial intelligence. The DX300LC-9 is the fifth model to join the Series 9 range and sits alongside the existing 23 t DX230LC-9, 26 t DX260LC-9, 37 t DX360LC-9 and 42 t DX400HD-9 models. The DX300LC-9 is powered by the Develon DX08 engine providing a net output of 207 kW (278 HP) @ 1800 rpm (SAE J1349) and a maximum torque of 1230 kgf/m @ 1300 rpm, the best engine performance in its class. The DX300LC-9 has a maximum digging depth (std front) of 7305 mm and a maximum digging reach (std front) of 10,530 mm. There is also a super long reach version of the excavator, the DX300SLR-9, which offers a longer reach, one metre longer than the previous DX300SLR-7 model. As well as its enhanced cab lighting and safety features, the DX300LC-9 utilises effective soundproofing, providing the lowest noise level of only 67 dBA in the 30 tonne segment, an average of 3 dBA less than the other machines on the market. The DX300LC-9 also offers unmatched all round lifting performance
56
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
in this class, as well as the highest hydraulic flow in the 30 tonne market. Stephane Dieu, Product Manager for Develon Excavators in Europe, commented: “With the DX300LC-9, we are continuing to build on the success of our Series 9 lineup with another machine that allows our customers to improve their productivity, precision, safety and uptime protection. The suite of integrated technology, including the standard 360-degree Smart Around View Monitor camera, optional Advanced Lift Assist system, remote smartphone start, factory 2D grading and real-time oil diagnostics, keeps operators working safely and productively.”
BOOSTING PRODUCTIVITY Like all Series 9 excavators, the DX300LC-9 offers increased lifting power and advanced assistance features that streamline demanding tasks while keeping operators comfortable. • Advanced lift assist: Displays realtime lifting capacity and warns operators of potential tipping risks. This feature uses a dynamic liftingforce table to highlight hazard zones on slopes and uneven ground • Breaker assist: Prevents blank firing to protect internal components from
wear, while the auto breaker setting removes continuous button pressing to reduce hand fatigue • Weighing system: Tracks production levels in real time to ensure that dump trucks are loaded quickly, safely and to exact weight limits • Customisable joystick controls: Simplify movement in tight spaces with stick steer and thumbwheel steering. Operators can personalise controls alongside traditional pedals to match their preferred operating style Stephane Dieu said: “With the Series 9 range, Develon is setting a new standard for future products and technologies in construction equipment. Like all Series 9 models, the DX300LC-9 achieves this goal by combining 10 (ten) ground-breaking technologies and will redefine and set new industry levels of productivity, safety, operator convenience and sustainability.”
SAFETY AT WORK The DX300LC-9 surrounds drivers and their colleagues on-site with an active safety shield of AI cameras, radar and automated controls that work together to catch hazards and stop accidents before they happen.
excavators and attachments
It’s the fifth model to join the
Series 9 range.
The DX300LC-9 offers increased lifting power and advanced assistance features.
The DX300LC-9 includes the following safety features: • Smart Around View Monitor (SAVM) Camera System and Human Detection System: Six cameras, radar sensors and AI-powered human detection provide a 360-degree view around the machine • Develon E-Stop: With the addition of a new radar system that detects objects up to 6 m away, the machine can automatically trigger an intelligent E-Stop to halt the excavator’s swing or travel if a person is detected in the danger zone set at 4 m distance • Virtual walls: Used to set digital boundaries to prevent the excavator boom or bucket from striking overhead power lines or underground obstacles
COMFORT MEETS CONTROL The DX300LC-9 excavator takes the guesswork out of complex jobs by wrapping precision guidance, predictive
machine health tracking and seamless cab controls into one connected system. • 12-inch smart touch screen: Highresolution display with customisable split-screen views manages functions like heating and cooling, selectable power modes and hydraulic flow for attachments. It can be upgraded to a dual-monitor setup to manage up to four functions simultaneously • Integrated 2D/3D machine guidance: Optional 2D machine guidance and machine control systems take the guesswork out of grading and digging, with full compatibility for optional 3D systems. The 3D systems are required for complex, multi-dimensional and large-scale projects where the jobsite terrain changes continuously • Advanced prognostics and health management (PHM) technology:
Optional monitoring tracks the engine oil, hydraulic fluid, main pump and swing motor health to help reduce machine downtime. The premium PHM option adds targeted vibration and pressure sensors for real-time diagnostics on the excavator’s swing motor, main pump and reduction gear • Digital key convenience: Managed via the My Develon telematics app, a Bluetooth® digital key allows operators to unlock the cab, start the engine and adjust the air conditioning remotely. No physical key is required Stephane Dieu added: “Thirty tonne class excavators like the DX300LC-9 are typically used for mass earthmoving and site development, utility and underground infrastructure work, civil and transportation projects, demolition, quarrying and material handling. They are powerful enough to handle heavy digging and demolition, yet are easier to transport than machines in the 40-50 tonne range and larger.”
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
57
excavators and attachments
KUBOTA AND LIEBHERR RECOGNISED FOR WHEELED EXCAVATOR DESIGN Kubota Corporation and Liebherr Group have received two design honours for their new series of wheeled excavators. The two machines picked up the iF Design Award and the highest accolade of the Red Dot Design Award, the Red Dot: Best of the Best. For more than 70 years the iF Design Awards has focussed on outstanding global design, celebrating designers who challenge convention, rethink systems and transform design leadership. The awards include numerous categories, including vehicles and machinery, sports and outdoor activities, leisure and lifestyle. The Red Dot Design Award, also celebrating more than 70 years in 2026, seeks
Kubota KW095.
58
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
excellence in the areas of product design, communication design and design concepts. The wheeled excavator series was recognised for bringing together powerful technology in limited space, through a holistic design approach. The result is a range of powerful machines designed for a variety of applications in the construction sector. The two excavators, the 9-tonne KW095 and the 11-tonne KW115, are built in co-operation with Liebherr, at the company’s production site in Kirchdorf an der Iller, in Germany. The facility produces four machines in total, the two Kubotas and Liebherr’s own A909 Compact and 911 Compact wheeled excavators. These are the first Liebherr models to be powered by the latest Kubota diesel engines.
Through this strategic partnership, the two companies are combining their expertise to create forward-looking solutions, that set new standards and offer added value to their customers. As part of this partnership, the two companies benefit from each other’s expertise: the proven quality of Liebherr’s wheeled excavators and the high-performance engine from the Japanese Kubota Corporation. This collaboration is a first for both companies. For the first time, Liebherr is offering two wheeled excavators in the 9- and 11-tonne classes, while Kubota has added wheeled excavators to its range for the first time with these two models.
Hironori Watanabe, Deputy General Manager Construction Equipment Division Kubota Corporation Japan and Keigo Okamoto President Construction Equipment Business Unit Kubota Europe, recently visited the site in Kirchdorf to see the first Kubota machines in production. To mark the occasion, they were provided with a symbolic key and the two design certificates, by two Liebherr Managing Directors, Rudolf Arnold, Sales and Service, and Matthias Zettler, Finance and Admin. Kubota dealers in the UK have been undergoing product training on the new KW095 and KW115 wheeled machines, in readyiness for the first customer machines that are arriving now.
excavators and attachments
DEVELON’S SERIES 9 EXCAVATOR RANGE IS DRIVING SAFETY AND PRODUCTIVITY THROUGH INNOVATION Develon’s Series 9 excavators are showcasing how the latest technology is reshaping construction equipment performance, integrating advanced safety features and intelligent systems to help operators work more efficiently while reducing risks and downtime on site. Today there are increasing levels of jobsite complexity. Pedestrian interaction is among the most serious risks. Excavators and other heavy machines routinely work near ground personnel, other equipment and temporary structures, often with restricted space and changing traffic patterns. The consequences of a collision can be severe, which makes prevention a human priority before it becomes a commercial one. “Collisions with pedestrians are generally the most dangerous accidents,” says Stephane Dieu, Product Manager for Develon Excavators in Europe. “Given the size and weight of these machines, the consequences are often
critical and can be fatal. For me, this is probably the biggest safety issue.” Safety performance is also uneven across the industry. Large contractors commonly operate detailed procedures and exclusion zones, while smaller businesses may have fewer resources and older fleets. Rules reduce exposure, but cannot remove every unpredictable movement.
VISIBILITY CHALLENGES Physical machine design presents some visibility challenges that cannot be avoided. Cab improvements have helped, but it is not possible for direct visibility to cover every angle around a large, moving machine. “The behaviour of people around the machine is a major part of the problem,” says Dieu. “If nobody entered the working area, many accidents would not happen. But the operator cannot see everything on the right-hand side of an excavator, for example. “Cameras help – although rain, winter conditions or dust mean you cannot rely on a camera image alone in every situation.”
The issue is whether one person can operate the machine, monitor several information sources and anticipate everyone nearby throughout a shift. Fatigue, poor weather and distraction is likely to narrow that margin of safety. Additional sensing technology is potentially the answer; a 360-degree view combining several camera feeds, with artificial intelligence able to identify people within them. Together with radar adding distance information, these technologies can provide information that mirrors, windows or a conventional reversing camera simply cannot.
ACTIVE INTERVENTION For years, a lot of construction safety technology has been passive – it presents a picture, sounds an alarm or supplies information, leaving the operator to interpret the risk and respond. While that is valuable, the direction of travel is now towards systems capable of supporting the response itself.
High Level View.
60
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
excavators and attachments
In Cab Intelligent Monitoring.
“There is a strong influence from the automotive industry,” Dieu says. “Cars can detect another vehicle in a blind spot and, in some circumstances, stop automatically. Those technologies are progressively coming to construction equipment. “There is real demand for systems that support the operator, because even the best operator cannot be fully concentrated for eight hours every day.” An alert can be missed or delivered too late. Active intervention adds protection when a hazard reaches a defined threshold. This should not replace operator judgement or site controls, but it does offer a final opportunity to interrupt the chain that could lead to an incident. That principle can be seen in Develon’s E-Stop system, now offered on its Series 9 crawler excavators. Six high-definition cameras create a combined all-round image, with software distinguishing people from other objects. Three radar sensors provide precise distance measurement across 330 degrees around the machine, covering the principal blind-spot areas.
SAFETY IS KEY The credibility of any new safety system will depend on how it behaves in the field. Frequent false alerts and unnecessary stops can disrupt cycles, frustrate operators and encourage workarounds. A technology may be technically capable yet fail in practice if it does not fit the workflow.
“That gives the operator more confidence and allows greater focus on the task, while still remaining responsible for safety.” A useful behavioural effect is also apparent outside the cab, as the external warning sound makes an otherwise invisible boundary very real. Preventing injury is sufficient justification for improving safety. Nevertheless, the operational consequences of an incident explain why safety is increasingly treated as a measure of business performance. A serious accident can stop a project, damage equipment, trigger investigation and increase insurance exposure. On the flip side, a strong safety record can support prequalification and help contractors demonstrate that they can manage complex work responsibly. “Protecting people comes first, but the cost of a severe accident is also enormous,” says Dieu. “If a system prevents even one serious incident, the avoided cost can outweigh the investment across many machines. Safety technology has a real economic value as well as a human one.” The case for adoption will, of course, vary with fleet size, application and pedestrian exposure. Rental companies and large contractors may lead by standardising requirements across fleets.
The move towards intelligent intervention is being shaped as much by contractors as by manufacturers. Major equipment users increasingly participate in trials, set technology requirements and share evidence about how systems perform in real conditions. In France, industry-led testing of anti-collision systems has helped turn an ambition into a very practical discussion about recognition accuracy, stopping behaviour and operator acceptance. And machine specifications are now beginning to reflect that shift. Develon has made its Smart All-Around View Monitoring system, including people recognition, standard on its Series 9 excavators, while E-Stop remains an option requiring additional radar sensors and software. The distinction illustrates a likely path for the wider market: advanced visibility and detection first become expected, followed by broader adoption of intervention as confidence and demand grow. “My own view is that anti-collision systems will become a standard jobsite requirement within the next five to ten years,” says Dieu. “Just as some projects now specify 3D machine control, they may specify an anti-collision system. “The initial interest will come from large contractors and rental companies, but with greater volume the cost will fall and the technology will become integrated into more machines.”
Dieu describes Develon’s testing of E-Stop with contractors and operators in France. The most encouraging feedback, he says, was not that the system dominated the operator’s attention, but that it receded into the background during normal operation. “After a week, the operator told us, ‘I don’t even think about it because it doesn’t disturb the way I work. I can work as usual, but I know the machine is watching and will help me if necessary,” he says.
THE INTEGRATION OF TECHNOLOGY
No technology can credibly promise a zeroaccident site. The realistic goal is to reduce the occasions on which one missed sightline or moment of inattention leads directly to harm.
Reverse View.
That is why smart machines matter. And as prevention becomes more connected and intelligent, serious incidents can be treated less as an unavoidable feature of heavy construction – and more as events the industry has the tools and the duty to prevent.
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
61
working at height
WORKING AT HEIGHT: REACHING NEW LEVELS OF PERFORMANCE Big loads, tight spaces and demanding deadlines are all part of the job. Across Ireland’s construction sites, telehandlers, lifting platforms and access lifts are helping contractors tackle tough tasks, move materials and reach new heights. With productivity, performance and versatility high on the agenda, the right plant is proving its worth at every level. Construction is an industry that never stands still. Materials need moved, structures need built and difficult work areas need reached, often against the clock. Having the right equipment on-site can make all the difference, helping contractors keep projects moving, improve efficiency and get more out of every working day. From material handling to elevated installation work, modern plant and access equipment gives contractors the flexibility to take on a wide range of applications. Choosing machinery that matches the demands of the job can help reduce delays, streamline operations and make better use of valuable time on site.
TELEHANDLERS TAKING THE LOAD Telehandlers remain a familiar sight on construction sites throughout Ireland, combining lifting power, reach and versatility in one machine. Whether shifting pallets, positioning building materials or supporting general site logistics, they play a key role in keeping projects moving. With a range of suitable attachments available, telehandlers can adapt to different materialhandling requirements, making them a valuable asset for contractors looking to get more from their plant fleet. Their ability to move materials across busy sites can help improve workflow and keep trades supplied with what they need, when they need it.
THE RIGHT ACCESS FOR EVERY JOB Working at height brings its own challenges, and platforms and lifts are essential tools for many construction, maintenance and installation tasks. Scissor lifts provide a stable working platform with vertical access, making them well suited to jobs such as electrical installation, finishing work and internal maintenance. Boom lifts offer greater outreach and flexibility, allowing workers to access elevated areas around structures and obstacles. Meanwhile, mast-climbing work platforms and other specialist access systems can provide practical solutions for
62
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
façade work, refurbishment and projects requiring access over extended periods.
SMARTER MACHINES, BETTER PERFORMANCE
The variety of equipment available means contractors can select solutions that suit the working environment, required height, available space and nature of the task. The result can be improved access, smoother working processes and greater flexibility as projects progress.
Technology continues to shape the plant sector, with telematics, improved machine controls and more efficient power systems helping contractors and hire companies manage their fleets. Electric access lifts and platforms are also expanding options for indoor applications and noise-sensitive environments.
PRODUCTIVITY THAT PAYS Time is money on any construction project, and having the right equipment available can make a noticeable difference to productivity. Efficient access platforms can help workers reach their work areas more directly, while telehandlers support the movement of materials and help reduce unnecessary handling. Contractors must also consider whether buying or hiring offers the best value. Hiring provides flexibility for short-term projects and specialist requirements, while owning equipment can suit businesses with regular demand. Transport, maintenance, fuel, charging, utilisation and downtime all contribute to the overall cost of keeping machinery operational. Selecting equipment based on the needs of the project, rather than price alone, can help businesses achieve better value over the life of a job.
Reliability remains central to performance. Regular maintenance, appropriate inspections and competent operators help ensure equipment is ready for work when needed. With tight schedules and multiple trades often operating simultaneously, dependable machinery can play a significant role in keeping projects on track.
MAXIMISING EVERY LIFT As construction projects become increasingly demanding, versatile equipment is more important than ever. Telehandlers, access platforms and lifts each bring different capabilities to the job, helping contractors handle materials, reach elevated work areas and adapt to changing site requirements. More reach. More versatility. More productivity. Choosing the right equipment is about more than getting the job done; it’s about getting it done efficiently, making every lift count and keeping Ireland’s construction industry moving forward.
working at height
LOLEX SUPPLIES NORTHERN IRELAND’S FIRST SINOBOOM TB20JP DIESEL BOOM PLATFORM TO RL SERVICES PLANT HIRE & TRAINING LOLEX has announced that the first Sinoboom Europe TB20JP diesel boom platform in Northern Ireland has been purchased by RL Services Plant Hire & Training. Award-winning RL Services Plant Hire & Training is headed up by Louise Crothers who recently collected her new rough terrain diesel boom from LOLEX Managing Director, Julie Houston Smyth. Having recently opened its brand-new impressive headquarters at 5 Plasketts Close, Kilbegs Business Park – LOLEX has continued to build its reputation around extensive expertise and a comprehensive product selection, being an official dealer for the esteemed Sinoboom, Dinolift, Navigator, Palazzani and Elevah ranges. LOLEX has over 25 years’ experience in the powered access industry and has worked with various types of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms over the years. The team additionally stocks fastmoving OEM parts, provides warranty back-up, technical support, service/maintenance contracts and training. Meanwhile, for over four decades, RL Services Plant Hire & Training has been a cornerstone of the Lisburn business community, providing exceptional expertise in forklifts, telescopics and access equipment. Established as a family-run business, its journey began with a simple mission: to deliver reliable equipment solutions to businesses across Northern Ireland. RL Services Plant Hire & Training Ltd has broad experience hiring forklift trucks, telescopics, scissor lifts, cherry pickers and training
(L-R) Louise Crothers, RL Services Plant Hire & Training, and Julie Houston Smyth, LOLEX.
to large and small businesses throughout Northern Ireland. The company boasts a fleet of various plant to cover a range of different uses. The team also repairs machines and carries out thorough examinations, as well as providing a wide range of machines available to hire. The team further carries out thorough examinations and is AITT accredited to provide forklift training.
HIGH STANDARDS The Sinoboom TB20JP diesel boom is an industry asset – providing a 22m working height with a massive 17.2m horizontal outreach. The machine also has a big 454kgs plus capacity SWL in the cage. It additionally boasts fantastic drive capabilities with 4 wheel drive, an active oscillating axle, foam filled rough terrain tyres fitted as standard, and excellent 45% gradeability.
Also notable is the fact that the Sinoboom TB20JP delivers versatile 360 degree continuous turntable rotation and has a large roomy 2.44m double entry cage, while secondary guarding is fitted as standard. Power is a key element of the Sinoboom – fitted with a big heavy duty Deutz Stage V diesel engine. For more details contact LOLEX Ltd, 028 94335105, sales@lolex.ltd
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
63
working at height
WORKING AT HEIGHT: HOW THE NEW MERLO ROTO 60 RANGE IS RAISING THE BAR Series introduces increased lifting capacities, enhanced machine performance and an array of intelligent electronic functions designed to improve both efficiency and operator confidence. The new generation features a “Set Point” function that automatically returns the boom to a memorised position, helping speed up repetitive work cycles while reducing operator fatigue.
In today’s construction and maintenance sectors, efficiency at height is about far more than reach alone. Contractors are increasingly looking for equipment that can maximise productivity, minimise site disruption and, above all, improve safety. It is a challenge that has driven the continued development of rotating telehandlers, and one that the latest Merlo ROTO range has been specifically designed to address. Combining the functions of a telehandler, crane and mobile elevated work platform in a single machine, the ROTO has become one of the most versatile tools available for working at height. Unlike a conventional telehandler, the ROTO’s rotating turret allows operators to work around the machine without repositioning the chassis. Depending on the model, rotation ranges from 400 degrees through to 600 degrees, while the flagship machines in the upcoming ROTO 60 Series offer continuous rotation. The result is a significantly larger working area from a single setup position, reducing downtime and improving productivity on busy construction sites where space is often at a premium.
BUILT FOR MODERN CONSTRUCTION SITES For contractors involved in steel erection, cladding installation, roofing, glazing, industrial maintenance or infrastructure projects, the benefits become even more apparent when the machine is equipped with a hydraulic personnel basket. Once stabilised, operators can elevate, extend and rotate the platform precisely into position without repeatedly lowering the basket
64
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
Meanwhile, Cartesian movement controls automatically maintain a vertical trajectory when raising or lowering an attachment and a horizontal trajectory during boom extension and retraction, improving precision when positioning personnel or materials at height.
The new ROTO 60 Series introduces increased lifting capacities.
and repositioning the machine. Not only does this save valuable time, it also reduces ground movements, site congestion and potential safety risks. A key advantage of the ROTO concept is its ability to combine access and handling tasks within a single machine. By changing attachments, contractors can move seamlessly between lifting materials, placing loads and carrying out work at height operations, maximising
utilisation and reducing fleet requirements. Compatibility with a wide range of attachments, including forks, winches, hooks and work platforms, gives the ROTO exceptional flexibility across multiple applications.
THE NEW ROTO 60 SERIES The next generation of machines takes this versatility even further. Previewed by Merlo at BAUMA, the new ROTO 60
Another significant development is the introduction of loadchart simulation technology. Before beginning a lift, operators can simulate various operating conditions, including attachment selection, load weight and stabiliser position, to determine whether a task can be completed safely and efficiently. By providing greater visibility of machine capability before work commences, the system helps improve both planning and site safety.
INTELLIGENT CONTROL AT HEIGHT Perhaps the most notable advancement for working at height applications is the new radio remote-control system. Featuring a patented ergonomic design and integrated LCD display, the latest controller provides operators with a far greater level of machine information directly in their hands.
working at height
Roto & handler.
Roto with basket.
Real-time feedback on machine status allows operators to maintain complete control while working remotely from the ground or directly from the attached platform. In the event of a potentially unsafe operating condition, the display background changes colour to alert the operator and facilitate safe corrective movements, a feature unique to the new generation ROTO. The benefits extend beyond control of the boom and attachment functions. The new system also enables remote stabilisation and even machine repositioning at speeds of up to 5km/h. This allows operators to manoeuvre the machine from a safe vantage point or directly from the platform, maintaining
a clear view of the task while minimising interruptions and increasing overall site efficiency.
COMING TO UK IN 2027 Scheduled to arrive in the UK during 2027, the new Merlo ROTO 60 Series (six tonne capacity with lift heights of 22m, 27m, 30m and 35m) represents the next stage in the evolution of working at height equipment. Combining continuous rotation, advanced electronic assistance systems and industry-leading remote-control technology, it promises to deliver even greater productivity, safety and versatility for contractors looking to do more from a single machine setup. For operators working at height, the future of access has never looked more capable.
The new ROTO 60 Series is scheduled to arrive in the UK during 2027.
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
65
working at height
FABREGA & VENDRELL BUILDS PRODUCTIVITY WITH BOBCAT TL25.60 TELEHANDLER Based in Puigcerdà in Catalonia in Spain, Fabrega & Vendrell is once again relying on Bobcat machinery to boost productivity, improve profitability and maximise efficiency across its sites. The family-run construction firm has adopted a new combination of a Bobcat TL25.60 telehandler and a Bobcat E27 mini-excavator to successfully tackle residential projects across the Spanish and French Cerdanya region. In the construction sector, where every minute counts and labour shortages are an increasingly pressing reality, having versatile and reliable machinery has become a decisive factor in maintaining competitiveness. This is the view held by Fabrega & Vendrell, which specialises in developing single-family homes and small housing estates, as well as carrying out landscaping and site development work. At the helm of the company is Pedro Fabrega, the Manager and second generation of a family lineage linked to the construction industry since 1985. “We are a small-to-mediumsized company with ten employees, and it’s a real family affair. Our work focuses primarily on building singlefamily homes typical of the Cerdanya region,” he explains.
A PARTNERSHIP BUILT ON MORE THAN 30 YEARS OF TRUST
Pedro Fabrega and Jesús Marco.
Cerdanya region, and people used to come just to watch it work. Back then, everything was done with backhoe loaders, and that compact loader changed the way we worked. It saved us the cost of three or four operators and multiplied our productivity. It’s been sitting idle for over ten years, but I’m convinced that if I just hooked up some jumper cables to the battery, it would start right up and get back to work.” That experience marked the beginning of a relationship built
Fabrega & Vendrell’s relationship with Bobcat dates back to the early 1990s, when compact loaders were beginning to revolutionise work on construction sites. “Bobcat was the first brand to introduce small loaders like these arriving from the United States. We bought our first Bobcat around 1991, and it was a real game-changer for us,” recalls Pedro Fabrega. It was a Bobcat 753 – a machine they still own today. Pedro added: “For me, it remains the best model Bobcat has ever built. It was the first one in the entire
66
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
The TL25.60 at work.
on trust – one that remains strong more than 30 years later.
brands have simply followed the path Bobcat pioneered.”
After weathering the difficult years of the economic crisis and relaunching business operations in 2018, Pedro Fabrega took another look at the compact machinery market.
His decision resulted in the acquisition of two machines he considers the perfect combination for a construction company: the Bobcat TL25.60 telehandler and the Bobcat E27 mini-excavator, equipped with a Klac quick coupler.
“I’ve visited trade shows like Bauma in Munich and Smopyc in Zaragoza. You can compare all the brands there, but in the end, I always find myself drawn back to Bobcat. I believe it’s a brand that designed its machines with the builder in mind from day one. To me, many other
BOBCAT TL25.60: VERSATILITY IN FOCUS According to Pedro Fabrega, the Bobcat TL25.60 telehandler has become an indispensable tool in his daily operations. “Bobcat has created the perfect machine for the job site. It has just the right height to enter garages; it’s compact and powerful, and it supports all kinds of attachments. You can work with a bucket, grapple, sweeper, concrete mixer, pallet forks or even a debris crusher – which we’re considering adding soon.” Versatility is, in fact, one of the aspects the company values most. It is a machine capable of performing virtually any task required on a construction site. It unloads trucks, moves materials, assists with cleanup, carries out landscaping work, places decorative elements, assembles prefabricated structures and supplies materials at height.
working at height Its telescopic boom, capable of reaching a height of six metres, further expands its capabilities. “When you need to install roofing or lift materials to an upper floor, the TL25.60 becomes an essential asset for the entire crew. You can position slate, lift mortar or place any material exactly where it’s needed. To me, it’s the ultimate all-around worker on the job site.” Its manoeuvrability also stands out. “It runs very smoothly; it’s agile, comfortable to drive, and offers excellent visibility. There are practically no blind spots. Thanks to its compact size, it moves anywhere without issues.” The Bobcat TL25.60 – featuring 56 kW of power, a 2,500 kg lifting capacity and a 6-metre reach – incorporates a robust structure that effectively protects its key components. Its welded box-frame design provides great structural strength, while the hydrostatic transmission ensures smooth, precise movements, helping to maximise both productivity and machine uptime.
SAVING TIME ON-SITE At Fabrega & Vendrell, productivity is measured in time saved. “When you buy a machine, you aren’t just buying iron; you’re buying time. And time is money.” Pedro Fabrega
illustrates this philosophy with everyday examples. “With the sweeper, you can clean an entire street in fifteen minutes. If you did that same job manually with a crew, it could take a whole day. The difference in cost and productivity is huge.” Another recent example involved pouring concrete for a terrace. “Just yesterday, we poured concrete. Without the machine, we would have had to use wheelbarrows, which would have taken much longer. We finished the job in less than half an hour.” The same applies to landscaping and site development tasks. “We install decorative sleepers to create vertical partitions. The mini-excavator digs the trench, while the telehandler transports and positions the pieces. Each sleeper weighs over 100 kg. Doing it manually would be very slow, but with Bobcat compact equipment, we get it done quickly.”
BOBCAT E27: BIG PERFORMANCE IN TIGHT SPACES The second key piece of the fleet is the Bobcat E27 mini-excavator. For Pedro, the two machines make a perfect team. “Nowadays, you can’t have two operators
doing certain jobs by hand; it’s not feasible. The combination of the TL25.60 and the E27 is ideal for any builder. It manoeuvres perfectly in tight spaces. It offers power, stability, and a size that is just right for the type of projects we handle,” he notes. The mini-excavator excels in confined spaces – common in the single-family homes and residential developments where the company works. The company is currently building single-family homes ranging from 150 to 200 square metres in a residential development in Sainte-Léocadie, France. “You don’t need heavy machinery for this kind of work; you need machines that are compact, versatile, and productive.”
ABOVE AND BEYOND In addition to the quality of the machinery, Fabrega & Vendrell highlights the support received from ITT Dynamics, the official Bobcat dealer. “We are very satisfied with the service and the response we get. To me, service is just as important as the machine itself.” Pedro places special emphasis on rapid response times and the availability of spare parts.
“Any machine can break down. The difference lies in how you respond when it happens. If you get the spare part the same day or within 24 hours, the job keeps moving. If the machine sits idle for a week, you likely have several workers unable to make progress. It’s a chain reaction.” He also highlights the expertise of the technical team. “The mechanics know the machines inside out. Toni, in the workshop, has spent his whole career working with Bobcat. He practically builds them himself,” he says with a laugh. For Pedro Fabrega, the conclusion is clear: the investment in Bobcat machinery is justified by the profitability it delivers from day one. “Finding staff is difficult these days, and labour costs are high. Machines help you optimise resources, save time, and make the job easier for operators. As a business owner, I want my workers to have tools that make their lives easier.” He concludes with a reflection that sums up the company’s philosophy: “In the end, the price of the machine is the least important factor. What matters is how much time it helps you save. Because when you save time, you make money.”
TL25.60 telehandler.
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
67
working at height
WAC McCANDLESS AND JLG ARE HELPING IRELAND WORK SMARTER AT HEIGHT in addition to with the articulated range between the 450AJ , 520AJ , 600AJ and 800AJ.
With over 80 years of industry experience, WAC McCandless has built a strong reputation as one of Ireland’s leading distributors of construction and quarry equipment. Through its longstanding expertise, commitment to quality machinery and focus on customer satisfaction, the company has become a trusted partner for businesses across the construction, quarrying and related industries.
CONNECTED FOR SMARTER OPERATIONS To further enhance the efficiency, performance and management of its access equipment, WAC McCandless offers JLG’s Clearsky Smart Fleet Telematics – a robust, constantly evolving platform capable of delivering new functionalities, new insights, and new ways to run efficient, more cost-effective operations. The innovative platform is capable of pulling data, including machine location, machine information, wireless diagnostics and more on the customer’s phone and computer.
In particular, WAC McCandless’ prestigious dealerships enable the company to offer a comprehensive range of reliable, highperformance machinery and equipment, helping customers meet the demands of a wide variety of projects and applications. WAC McCandless combines its decades of industry knowledge with access to leading equipment manufacturers. Alongside its long-time representation of Komatsu, WAC McCandless is aligned with an impressive portfolio of other internationally-recognised brands, including Dynapac, Atlas Copco, Xcentric, JLG, Epiroc, AUSA, ESCO, KVX and Hinowa.
HELPING THE INDUSTRY REACH SUCCESS With JLG, WAC McCandless has been strengthening the access platform sector since being appointed as distributor for all of Ireland of its world-renowned range of access equipment in 2022. JLG’s extensive MEWP product range incorporates boom lift types, including articulating, telescopic, compact crawler, scissor lifts and mast boom lifts. Reflecting the diverse needs of the industry, depending on how the customer wants to use the aerial work platform determines the variant of boom lift; whether it is vertical, horizontal reach, difficult spaces or they need to get up to a maximum of 185ft. Based on their specific preference
EXPERT SUPPORT X17JP Compact Crawler Boom Lift being used for decorating the outside of a building in Ireland.
of application, there are additionally diesel and electric options to choose from. WAC McCandless’ JLG vertical lifts, power towers, nano lifts, peco lifts and stock pickers – classed as low level access lifts – are also popular options primarily utilised for indoor applications which assist with, but are not limited to, warehousing, stock management, retail and manufacturing areas. As well as being designed for compact spaces, customers can choose from no power, electric and diesel options. Further strengthening its line-up, WAC McCandless offers JLG’s HC3 – a highcapacity three-person feature for telescopic and articulated boom lifts which increases the size of the basket on the boom to hold three people. This can be selected on some of the popular models, including 460SJ, 660SJ and 860SJ within the telescopic range,
ScreenPod has received an order of a Ecolift, Pecolift and T10E-L for their manufacturing facility.
68
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
Alongside its supply of JLG access equipment, WAC McCandless remains committed to delivering exceptional customer support and dependable aftersales service. With a dedicated team of factory-trained engineers providing both workshop-based and mobile support, the company helps customers maintain equipment performance, minimise downtime and keep their operations running efficiently. This commitment extends across its equipment range, ensuring customers have access to the technical expertise and ongoing support needed to get the most from their machinery. By combining quality equipment with reliable service and industry knowledge, WAC McCandless continues to build lasting relationships with customers throughout Ireland. Telephone: (+44) 028 9035 1811 Email: sales@wacmccandless.com Head Office: 95-99 Limestone Road, Belfast, BT15 3AB ROI Yard: McIntyre Plant Hire Yard Kilmactalway, Castlebaggot, Co. Dublin
MP Hire received their 660SJ Telescopic Boom Lift For Plant Hire.
RAISING PRODUCTIVITY TO THE POWER OF THREE Get more work done with the new JLG Hi-Capacity HC3 boom lifts. Featuring an expanded work envelope with three capacity zones, these machines can carry up to three occupants and tools to height in every zone.
600AJ HC3
600S HC3
660SJ HC3
460SJ HC3
EXPLORE OUR HI-CAPACITY HC3 BOOM LIFTS When you need to carry more weight to height, you have options with the telescopic boom lifts from JLG. Our lineup currently includes the 400, 600 and 800 series Hi-Capacity booms. Get the specs for each available machine, and don’t forget to check back for information about new models.
WAC MCCANDLESS LTD 95-99 Limestone Rd, Belfast BT15 3AB 028 9035 1811 sales@wacmccandless.com www.wacmccandless.com
transitioning to net zero
IRELAND’S LARGEST PASSIVHAUS STUDENT ACCOMMODATION COMPLETED BY GRAHAM Weavers’ Hall, a 16-storey, 459-bedroom Purpose Built Managed Student Accommodation (PBMSA) development on Dublin Road in Belfast, built to the Passivhaus standard for Queen’s University Belfast, has been handed over by GRAHAM. The building is the first student accommodation in the city built to the Passivhaus standard and the largest Passivhaus student scheme on the island of Ireland. At 16 storeys, it sits above the 35-metre tall-building threshold, making high-rise Passivhaus delivery the project’s central technical challenge.
PASSIVHAUSE STANDARDS SURPASSED Passivhaus certification demands outstanding fabric performance across the whole building. Performance figures are: • Space heating load: 9.5 W/m², comfortably below the Passivhaus threshold of 10 W/m² • Space heating demand: 15.0 kWh/m² per year, meeting the Passivhaus limit of 15 kWh/m² • Primary energy demand: 69 kWh/m² per year, within a project-specific target of 70 kWh/m² set to reflect the building’s high occupancy • Airtightness: an average of 0.49 air changes per hour (ACH) at 50 Pascals across positive and negative pressure tests, beating the Passivhaus requirement of 0.6 ACH Weavers’ Hall surpasses the Passivhaus airtightness requirement by almost a fifth. Delivering that result across 16 storeys and thousands of metres of façade interfaces required extensive thermal bridge modelling, façade reviews
70
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
Pictured outside the new 16-floor student accommodation on Dublin Road from L-R are Paddy Anderson, Queen’s Vice-President and Chief Finance and Resources Officer; GRAHAM Contracts Director, Ciaran Leahy; Queen’s President and Vice Chancellor, Professor Sir Ian Greer; and Queen’s Students’ Union President, Nadine Curtis.
and installation workshops before construction began. The team adopted an external self-adhesive airtight membrane and treated the steel frame system (SFS) as part of a service zone, so the continuous airtightness layer sat beyond the SFS line. A semi-centralised ventilation strategy let individual mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) units serve apartments stacked vertically, reducing supply and extract penetrations through the external façade. The university appointed GRAHAM under the Major Works Framework managed by Pagabo, bringing the contractor in before design development began. Running cost planning, design and planning in parallel let every decision be tested through a Passivhaus lens. The scheme moved from Stage 0 in May 2023 to breaking ground in August 2024, reaching completion and handover on 11th September 2026, just over two years on site.
The building is fully electric with no fossil fuels, using air source heat pumps for heating and hot water. Switching to a CEM II cement with limestone fines cut embodied carbon by 166 tonnes of CO2 equivalent, and the scheme targets a BREEAM Excellent rating. Ciaran Leahy, Contracts Director at GRAHAM, said: “Achieving Passivhaus standards in a 16-storey building is a significant challenge, and Weavers’ Hall is testament to the fact that this can be, and is achievable without compromising cost or programme. “To deliver a scheme of this scale and complexity in just over two years on site, and to this standard, took everyone involved working to a single goal. Because we were in from day one, we could design out risk at the fabric level, from the external airtight membrane to the ventilation strategy, rather than trying to retrofit performance and the Passivhaus principles thereafter. The methodologies
we validated here give the wider industry a route to high-rise Passivhaus, and a blueprint for the next generation of sustainable buildings across the UK and Ireland.” Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice Chancellor at Queen’s University Belfast, said: “Accommodation can add so much to the student experience and Weavers’ Hall is perfectly located for Queen’s students to make the most of this vibrant city. It has transformed the landscape of Belfast’s Dublin Road and acted as a powerful catalyst for economic regeneration in the area through student city-centre living. What we’ve achieved through this partnership with GRAHAM and a wide specialist supply chain is testament to the pooled expertise of construction and University colleagues. I wish to congratulate all colleagues and partners whose hard work, dedication and collaboration have made this milestone opening possible.”
transitioning to net zero
VACANT TO VIBRANT BUILDING ALLIANCE URGES GREATER SUPPORT FOR REGENERATION AND ADAPTIVE REUSE The Vacant to Vibrant Building Alliance (VVBA) is calling on the government to support greater investment in regeneration and adaptive reuse to revitalise communities and help unlock additional housing supply. The VVBA is a cross-sectoral forum bringing together housing and built environment experts and stakeholders to develop practical, evidence-based recommendations to unlock housing supply by supporting the reuse of vacant, derelict and underused buildings. VVBA has developed a package of co-ordinated policy recommendations designed to deliver at large-scale reuse of vacant and derelict properties while strengthening the vitality of communities throughout the country.
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS • Expand and Improve Support for Adaptive Reuse VVBA is calling for an expansion of the Croí Cónaithe initiatives to better support adaptive reuse projects. In particular, it recommends removing the condition in the Vacant Above the Shop Grant which requires ground-floor commercial units to remain in commercial use and it recommends extending the grant eligibility to SMEs.
Launch of VVBA recommendations. (Back Row L-R): Shirley Coulter, CEO of SCSI; Nick Taaffe, Respond Housing Association; Alison Gilliland, European Climate Pact Ambassador, Tom Gilligan, Director of Services Mayo County Council, Kathryn Meghen, CEO RIAI (Front Row L-R) Fiona Craven, Dublin City Council, Philip Lee VVBA Chair, Marion Jammet, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Irish Green Building Council (IGBC). Credit: Kevin Mcfeely – Paul Sherwood Photographer
• Introduce Targeted Timebound Tax Incentives
applications, and help scale up adaptive reuse projects across multiple local authority areas.
The VVBA recommends the introduction of targeted time-bound tax measures to encourage investment in bringing vacant and derelict buildings back into productive use, including a temporary Capital Gains exemption to incentivise the sale of vacant buildings.
Speaking about the recommendations, Philip Lee, Chair of the Vacant to Vibrant Building Alliance, said: “We need a co-ordinated package of measures to unlock the enormous potential of the vacant, derelict and underutilised buildings that already exist in our cities, towns and villages. Recent government decisions to continue, expand and enhance vacant property refurbishment grants are welcome and demonstrate growing recognition of the role adaptive reuse can play in addressing the housing crisis. However, if we are serious about delivering housing at scale, we must go further, immediately. Time is not on our side.
• Establish Regional Adaptive Reuse Directors VVBA, recognising the critical role played by local authorities, is also recommending the establishment of five Regional Adaptive Reuse Directors located in five based local authorities and reporting to the Vacant Homes Unit in the Department of Housing. These dedicated regional roles would support local authorities to establish adaptive reuse programmes bringing together multidisciplinary teams with specialist expertise in areas such as design, conservation, fire safety, viability assessment and regulation. They would also facilitate knowledge sharing, support joint funding
“The recommendations put forward by VVBA will unlock thousands of additional homes in locations already served by infrastructure and public services, while also breathing new life into communities across the country. By investing in adaptive reuse, we can deliver homes more quickly, revitalise town and city centres.”
Pat Barry, CEO of the Irish Green Building Council, added: “The housing crisis and climate change are two of the most pressing challenges facing Ireland. Adaptive reuse offers a unique opportunity to address both. Bringing vacant and underutilised buildings back into use through highquality renovation will deliver much-needed homes while simultaneously reducing the environmental impact of development. “Reusing existing buildings results in far lower embodied carbon emissions, with the carbon footprint of a deep residential retrofit estimated at around a quarter that of a comparable new build. By prioritising homes in existing town and city centres, we can also make better use of infrastructure already in place and reduce the need for car-dependent development.” The VVBA believes that investing in regeneration and adaptive reuse represents one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to increase housing supply while creating healthier, more sustainable and more vibrant communities across Ireland.
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
71
transitioning to net zero
The industry came together to explore how collaboration can drive sustainability in construction.
SISK CONNECTS INDUSTRY VOICES FOR SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION CONVERSATION Members of Sisk’s Sustainability Advisory Council, clients, supply chain partners and other key stakeholders recently came together for a discussion on the future of sustainability in the construction sector. The event provided an opportunity to bring together a diverse range of perspectives from across the industry and explore how work can be carried out collaboratively to address the challenges and opportunities ahead. With sustainability expectations continuing to evolve, the conversation focused on the practical steps needed to
turn ambition into meaningful, measurable outcomes across the construction sector. The event opened with words from Sisk’s Group Sustainability Director, Sinéad Hickey, and CEO, Paul Brown, who welcomed attendees and highlighted the importance of collaboration and shared ambition in progressing sustainability across the industry. Sarah-Jane Davies, Sisk’s Head of Sustainability, then provided an overview of its refreshed Sustainability Roadmap, outlining the company’s priorities and the actions it’s taking to further embed sustainability across its business and projects.
This was followed by an engaging panel discussion, facilitated by Dr Tara Shine, which brought together a range of voices from across the sustainability, construction and infrastructure landscape. The panel included Mary O’Riordan from HaPPE Earth, Matt Voyce from Quintain Limited, Richard Bowen from Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Donal McCarthy, Chief Operating Officer of Sisk, and Linda O’Sullivan from Business in the Community Ireland. The discussion explored how sustainability expectations are changing across the built environment and what is required
?
to scale meaningful outcomes. The panel also considered the role of collaboration, innovation and accountability in helping organisations move from commitments and targets to tangible action. As part of the day, members of Sisk’s Sustainability Advisory Council also had the opportunity to visit one of its sites. The visit provided a practical insight into how sustainability is being embedded across Sisk’s projects, demonstrating how the ambitions outlined in the company’s Sustainability Roadmap are being translated into action on the ground.
What if your message didn't have to compete Be the only voice in the inbox with a Solus Email Blast.
72
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
Martin@4squaremedia.net
PLANT & CIVIL IRELAND’S CONSTRUCTION, QUARRY & RECYCLING MAGAZINE
news
HD Construction Equipment and Manitou Group Announce Compact Equipment Partnership compact construction equipment as a new growth driver, HD Construction Equipment aims to achieve €825m (KRW 1.3tr) in segment sales by 2030.
HD Construction Equipment has revealed that it has signed an agreement on mutual sales partnership for compact construction equipment with a global comprehensive equipment manufacturer, Manitou Group, which will help expand its compact equipment portfolio.
“This partnership is more than just enhancing our product lines; it opens up important new growth opportunities through significant market expansion,” said Moon Jae-young, President & CEO of HD Construction Equipment. “By bringing together our strengths, we will boost the competitiveness of our compact products and enhance our global presence.”
The signing ceremony was held at Manitou Group’s headquarters in Ancenis, France, with key executives in attendance, including Moon Jae-young, President & CEO of HD Construction Equipment, and Sylvain Blaise, President & CEO of Manitou Group. Manitou Group is a worldwide manufacturer that distributes a diverse range of construction, agricultural, and industrial machinery – including telehandlers, forklifts, compact loaders, and aerial work platforms – to 140 countries under its Manitou and Gehl brands. Under this agreement, HD Construction Equipment will
Sylvain Blaise, President and CEO of Manitou Group (left) with Moon Jae-young, President and CEO of HD Construction Equipment.
source compact equipment product lines from Manitou Group and sell them on a global scale. In return, Manitou Group will integrate HD Construction Equipment’s compact solutions into its own line-up, expanding the product offerings for both the Manitou and Gehl brands.
Through this partnership, HD Construction Equipment plans to accelerate its market expansion by enhancing its compact construction equipment lineup. Furthermore, the company aims to scale up compact equipment production and improve both product quality and cost competitiveness. By positioning
Sylvain Blaise, President & CEO of Manitou Group, added: “This agreement fully aligns with our strategic roadmap aimed at accelerating our growth in compact equipment ranges. By combining the industrial excellence and innovative capabilities of two major industry leaders. This alliance allows us not only to reach a new milestone in product line expansion, but also to deliver enhanced value to our dealer network and customers worldwide.”
Peixoto & Peixoto SA Appointed by EvoQuip Manufacturer of compact crushing, screening, conveying and shredding equipment, EvoQuip®, has strengthened its presence in Portugal by appointing Peixoto & Peixoto SA as its authorised distributor. Established in 1991, Peixoto & Peixoto SA supplies equipment and support to customers across the construction, agriculture and industrial sectors. The company will now represent the full EvoQuip portfolio, offering sales, service, parts and technical support to customers throughout the country. The appointment expands EvoQuip’s distribution coverage in Southern Europe and provides customers in Portugal with direct access to the brand’s equipment, parts and technical support. With experience across multiple equipment sectors and an established customer network, Peixoto & Peixoto SA is well-
PLANT & CIVIL
positioned to support compact crushing and screening needs in Portugal. Aaron Ward, EvoQuip Business Development Manager, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Peixoto & Peixoto SA to the EvoQuip distribution network. Their local knowledge and aftersales capabilities will help ensure Portuguese customers have access to the equipment, parts and support they need to keep working productively.” Ricardo Peixoto, Peixoto & Peixoto SA, added: “We are proud to become the authorised EvoQuip distributor for Portugal. This equipment range complements our existing portfolio and will provide our customers with compact solutions for a variety of applications. We are excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to supporting customers across the Portuguese market.” The EvoQuip portfolio of compact crushing, screening, shredding and conveying
Peixoto & Peixoto SA will represent EvoQuip’s portfolio.
equipment serves customers across construction, demolition, recycling, quarrying and agriculture. The range is engineered to be easy to transport and operate, making it suitable for a variety of applications. Customers in Portugal will now have access to local sales support, genuine parts, technical expertise and aftersales service through Peixoto & Peixoto SA.
www.plantandcivilengineer.com PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
73
news
A specially commissioned 60th anniversary sign now greets visitors to Powerscreen’s Dungannon facility.
Gerry Quinn, a former employee with more than four decades of service, revisited the Powerscreen Hall of Fame.
People and Progress Take Centre Stage as Powerscreen Celebrates 60 Years here and went on to influence the wider industry. Many former employees established dealerships, engineering businesses and successful manufacturing companies around the world. Others spent their entire careers with Powerscreen, helping build the foundations of the business we know today.”
Powerscreen® marked another milestone in its 60th anniversary celebrations this year with a special event held at the brand’s manufacturing centre of excellence in Dungannon. Named ‘PowerFest’, the event brought together employees, retirees, distributors, suppliers, customers and members of the local community for a programme of factory tours, school visits, live music, family activities and charitable fundraising initiatives. The celebrations recognised the people and communities whose contributions have helped shape both the business and the wider crushing and screening industry over the past six decades. The anniversary year began earlier this year at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, where Powerscreen showcased the latest developments in its crushing and screening portfolio and continued at Hillhead 2026 with a focus on the brand’s heritage, including the restoration of the original MK1 mobile screening machine and recognition of individuals who have played a significant role in Powerscreen’s development through a special Hall of Fame induction. PowerFest represented a different chapter in the anniversary story, turning the spotlight onto the people who have helped build Powerscreen since its founding as Ulster Plant Ltd in County Tyrone in 1966. Sean Loughran, Business Line Director of Powerscreen, said: “Throughout this anniversary year, we have been reflecting on different aspects of the Powerscreen story. At CONEXPO, we focussed on innovation and the future. At Hillhead, we celebrated
Visitors enjoyed the evening entertainment during Powerscreen’s 60th anniversary celebrations.
74
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
Employees gathered in the shape of a giant ‘60’ alongside two Powerscreen machines (one current model, one original model).
Since becoming part of Terex Corporation in 1999, Powerscreen has continued to invest in manufacturing capability, engineering expertise and workforce development. This commitment has included the opening of the brand’s new global offices in Dungannon, alongside ongoing investment in automation, digital manufacturing systems, training and skills development.
our heritage and some of the key figures who helped shape the brand. PowerFest was about recognising the people, families and communities whose contribution is woven throughout our 60-year history.”
Looking ahead, innovation remains central to the future of Powerscreen, as the industry continues to evolve through digitalisation, automation, sustainability and changing customer requirements.
Over six decades, Powerscreen has introduced products that helped impact the mobile crushing and screening sector, such as the MK1 established mobile screening, and later platforms including Chieftain and Warrior.
“As we enter our seventh decade, we’re proud of the role Powerscreen has played in shaping the modern crushing and screening industry,” said Loughran. “However, anniversaries are not only about reflecting on the past. They are also an opportunity to recognise the people who will shape the future. Innovation, strong partnerships and talented people have defined Powerscreen for 60 years, and they will continue to do so for many years to come.”
The influence of the brand has also extended through its global distribution network. Many distributor businesses were founded or led by individuals whose careers began with Powerscreen, creating a network rooted in practical product knowledge, strong customer relationships and a shared understanding of the applications served by the brand. Loughran continued: “While Powerscreen is known globally for pioneering mobile screening, our greatest contribution may well be the people who developed their skills
Participants gathered at Powerscreen ahead of Pat’s 5 Charity Fun Run as part of the weekend of celebrations.
Anniversary celebrations will continue into early 2027 when Powerscreen brings together its global distribution network, recognising the relationships and shared success that have helped carry the brand from its origins in Northern Ireland to customers around the world.
Local community gathers for an evening celebration.
plant sales Specialist finance for the purchase of new and second hand assets Call us on 028 9517 0414 or visit www.closecommercialfinance.com Close Brothers Commercial Finance is a trading style of Close Brothers Limited. Close Brothers Limited is registered in England and Wales (Company No. 00195626) and it’s registered office is 10 Crown Place, London, United Kingdom EC2A 4FT.
CF Plant & Civil sponsor banners 180x30mm V4 PRESS.indd 1
23/04/2014 12:37
A fully spec’d JCB 140X Pro on it’s way to a valued customer in County Down - Dennison Commercials Ltd.
A JLG 1250AJP articulated boom lift for Athboy Plant Hire, supplied by WAC McCandless.
New Develon Dx35z supplied to S.Mellon by Northern Excavators Ltd.
A new Giant G2500HD Xtra for W Doherty Construction, supplied by Ballyward Plant Services.
NJA Contracts takes delivery of the first Komatsu PC130-11E0 excavator sold in Northern Ireland, supplied by WAC McCandless.
Mactrac Civils Ltd, Galway, takes delivery of a new CX50D from Cowan Bros NI Ltd.
Bermack Contracts takes delivery of a new Develon DX85R-7 from Ballyward Plant Services.
A JLG 460SJ telescopic boom lift for T.J. Garahy, supplied by WAC McCandless.
DMCC Groundworks Ltd, Bellaghy, takes delivery of a new CX245D from Cowan Bros NI Ltd.
Boyle Construction takes delivery of an Atlas Copco PAS150MF pump from WAC McCandless.
Seaforde Digger Hire’s new Cat 309 fitted with an Engcon EC209bs twin hitch system, supplied by Ballyward Plant Services.
Martin King Landscaping’s new Giant G2300HD Xtra, supplied by Ballyward Plant Services.
A new Develon DX63-7 c:w Engcon EC206bs for PF Murphy, supplied by Ballyward Plant Services.
MP Hire adds five JLG ES1932 and two ES2632 scissor lifts to its fleet, supplied by WAC McCandless.
O’Kelly Bros takes delivery of Epiroc MG200R and MG2700R excavator grapples from WAC McCandless.
Gregory Scullion’s new Sunward SWE25UF, supplied by A J Armstrong & Sons Ltd.
Fionnbar from Islandview Plant Hire collects a new Manitou SE1008, adding another machine to his fleet.
A new Develon DX63-7 for KR Annett Handling Solutions, supplied by Ballyward Plant Services.
New CX30D supplied by Cowan Bros NI Ltd to Total Site Worx, Claudy.
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
75
plant sales Unlock the value of your existing assets to support cash flow Call us on 028 9517 0414 or visit www.closecommercialfinance.com Close Brothers Commercial Finance is a trading style of Close Brothers Limited. Close Brothers Limited is registered in England and Wales (Company No. 00195626) and it’s registered office is 10 Crown Place, London, United Kingdom EC2A 4FT.
CF Plant & Civil sponsor banners 180x30mm V4 PRESS.indd 2
Geda Construction, Coalisland, adds another Manitou to its fleet, supplied by Northern Lift Trucks.
A new Engcon EC214s twin hitch system supplied to P O,Donnell’s, from Ballyward Plant Services.
A new MDE Koala 300 tree shear for Ryan McIlmoyle, supplied by A J Armstrong & Sons Ltd.
CP Hire collected x4 new Telehandlers & a hybrid 45ft Boom Lift! - Dennison Commercials Ltd.
A new Engcon EC214s twin hitch system for Lowry Construction, from Ballyward Plant Services.
An Atlas Copco XAS188-14 air compressor for Davy’s Lawnmower and Tool Hire, supplied by WAC McCandless.
Northern Lift Trucks recently delivered this new Manitou MLT625-75 Premium to Co Fermanagh.
New CX130E supplied by Cowan Bros NI Ltd to Black Contracts Ltd, Cookstown.
Edenross Contracts takes delivery of a new Komatsu PC138US-11 E0 excavator from WAC McCandless.
A fully spec’d JCB 140X Pro on it’s way to a valued customer in County Down - Dennison Commercials Ltd.
Maher Plant Hire adds two new Giant loaders to its fleet, supplied by Ballyward Plant Services.
New DX 10z supplied to Ryan McCoy by Northern Excavators Ltd.
A new Giant G2500HD Xtra for W Doherty Construction, supplied by Ballyward Plant Services.
plant
sales
76
23/04/2014 12:37
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
A new CX130E for Myles McGurk, Carrickmore, supplied by Cowan Bros NI Ltd.
A G Wilson’s new Hidromek HMK145LCSR, supplied by A J Armstrong & Sons Ltd.
PLANT & CIVIL
Martin Elliman M: 07985 887171 E: martin@4squaremedia.net www.plantandcivilengineer.com
BUYERS GUIDE
www.plantandcivilengineer.com
BUYERS GUIDE
FIND WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR...
martin@4squaremedia.net 07985 887171 AUTO ELECTRICS
ABRASION RESISTANT STEELS
World’s No 1 Wear Plate
400, 450 500 & 600 Brinell Hardness Under Water Plasma Cutting Heavy Duty Bending Equipment CNC Profiling Service
33 Lindesayville Road, Cookstown BT80 8UH Tel: 028 8676 3684 Fax: 028 8676 6144 E-mail: sales@bruce-eng.co.uk www.bruce-eng.co.uk www.hardoxireland.com
BRISTLES, SEALS & COMPONENTS WE STOCK REPLACEMENT BRISTLES AND COMPONENTS FOR ALL MAJOR MAKES AND MODELS OF SWEEPERS JOHNSTON, SCARAB, SCHMIDT + MORE - AGRI SWEEPERS - NC - MAJOR - BEMA + MORE
Tel: 028 9262 1911
Fax: 028 9262 1912 Mob: 07850 621911 CAB GUARDS
E: stores@plantmecireland.com P: 028 3751 1717
ALSO MANUFACTURING, 6FT, 8FT, 10FT YARDMATES, 5FT-10FT BUCKET BRUSHES & 6’6’’ - 8’6’’ LINK BOX SWEEPERS.
www.plantmecireland.com
HOSES & HYDRAULIC SERVICES
CAB GUARDS BEAT THE VANDALS! We make alloy cab guards for any machine, excavators, handlers etc. and fit them on site.
FARLOW ENGINEERING
39 Ballynameen Road, Garvagh, Coleraine, Co L/derry BT51 5PN Tel: 028 2955 8330 (2 lines) Fax: 028 2955 7081
We offer these services from our Trade Counter in Hillsborough
COMPONENTS
VACUUM
EXCAVATION
Directional Drilling & Vacuum Excavator For Hire
Directional Drilling & Vaccuum Excavator for Hire
Vacuum excavation is the safest method of excavation around multiple utilities in congested city locations eg electric cables, gas and water mains, telecom and sewers.
WE COVER IRELAND & THE UK AT COMPETITIVE RATES
info@gmacutilities.com
Hose Tec are suppliers and distributors of Industrial and Hydraulic Hose, Fittings and we offer a comprehensive range of Hydraulic Components. Full range of hydraulic and industrial hose in stock. We manufacture all types of hydraulic hose assemblies ranging from 3/16” to 6” rubber, P.V.C and stainless-steel hose.
Gerald: (ROI) 00 353 87689 7908 (NI) 07823 526240 Conor: (UK) 07967 445556 Office: (UK) 028 3751 1911
www.gmacutilities.com
• Hydraulic Hose • Industrial Hose • Agricultural Hose • Fittings & Adaptors • Quick release Coupling • Hydraulic Filters • Pumps, Valves • Seals • Oil’s & Lubricants • Hydraulic Motors • Power Wash Hose • Lances & Accessories
For all your hose or hydraulic needs just give us a call 028 92 682573, 07824479387, info@hosetec.co.uk
Hose Tec Hydraulics 39 Old Coach Road Hillsborough PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
77
BUYERS GUIDE
martin@4squaremedia.net M: 07985 887171 PLANT ELECTRICIANS
MACHINERY SALES
KEY SERVICES: u Industrial
electricians covering quarry, recycling and engineering industries u Electrical
installation
Leading Provider of Construction, Agricultural and Ground Care Machinery in Ireland
u Maintenance u Breakdown cover
Rab Ross-07756118569 Email: office@rmelectrics.com
u Province wide
Randalstown Area
PLANT DISTRIBUTORS Kubota Construction
Crumlin Plant Sales Ltd
EvoQuip Screening + Crushing
Merlo Telehandlers
Kubota Agri + Groundcare
T: 045 863542 Naas, Co Kildare W91 N6DX
LiuGong Excavators
E: enquiries@fjsplant.ie Bonnettstown, Kilkenny R95 AY89
DISTRIBUTOR OF: Ammann rollers & compaction equipment, Ausa mini dumpers, Beton concrete vibratory equipment, Radiodetection cable and pipe detection equipment, Hycon hydraulic power packs and tools, Rotair tools and compressors, Yanmar mini excavators. 90a Blackisland Road, Annaghmore, Portadown BT62 1NH
www.fjs.ie
Tel. 028 3885 2540 Fax. 028 3885 2541 E: info@crumlinplantsales.co.uk
Timahoe, Co Kildare W91 A789
PLANT HIRE
PLANT HIRE
LONG-REACH EXCAVATORS BARGES & WORKBOATS
D & S CONTRACTS LIMITED Plant Hire, Civil Engineering, & Building Contractors
• Dozers & Diggers • Dumptrucks • Low Loader Hire • CPCS/CSR Trained Drivers
• Excavators 1 – 45 tonne • 6 – 8 Wheeled Tippers • Mini Digger Hire • Rockhammers • Rollers
UK mobile 07802 586366
22 FORTHILL ROAD • DROMORE • CO. DOWN BT25 1RF
www.raoneillplant.com
Email: info@dandds-contracts.com
ROI mobile 078 2127933
Fax 028 2765 7305
Tel/Fax: (028) 9269 2542 • Mob: 07860 704502 UNDERGROUND SERVICES
PLANT HIRE
Crumlin Plant Sales Ltd DirectionalDirectional Drilling & Vacuum Excavator Drilling & For Hire
Vaccuum Excavator for Hire
We specialises in • Directional Drilling • Hire of Vacuum • Excavators • Pipe Bursting
• Moling • Butt and Electro Fusion Welding • Gas and Water
WE COVER IRELAND & THE UK AT COMPETITIVE RATES
Gerald: (ROI) 00 353 87689 7908 (NI) 07823 526240 Conor: (UK) 07967 445556 Office: (UK) 028 3751 1911
info@gmacutilities.com
78
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
www.gmacutilities.com
NORTHERN IRELAND AGENT FOR RADIODETECTION CABLE AND PIPE LOCATORS AND ACCESSORIES. PEARPOINT DRAIN CAMERA EQUIPMENT. FAST LEAK DETECTION EQUIPMENT. 90a Blackisland Road, Annaghmore, Portadown BT62 1NH
Tel. 028 3885 2540 Fax. 028 3885 2541 E: info@crumlinplantsales.co.uk
BUYERS GUIDE
www.plantandcivilengineer.com UNDERCARRIAGES
TRANSMISSIONS
TRANSMISSION SERVICES
Solving Undercarriage Needs
Allison Transmission SOLE DEALER for N.Ireland ALL-IRELAND DEALER FOR SPICER, CLARK-HURTH & VM ENGINES Also specialising in repair & rebuild of ZF, Clark, Twin Disc, Caterpillar. Transmissions for dump trucks, loading shovels, refuse vehicles etc. Also Detroit Diesel engines, Cummins, Caterpillar. 10 Riada Avenue, Ballymoney, BT53 7LH
Tel: 028 2766 4455 Fax: 028 2766 9444 Mobile: 07710 603000
Steel & Rubber Tracks
TRAILERS
Workshop Services +353(0)90 (0) 90 6629500 Tel:Tel:+353 6629500 Web: Web: www.mcsharrytrack.com www.mcsharrybros.com UNDERCARRIAGES
Undercarriage Ireland Down to Earth Tracks for Down to Earth Customers!
TRENCHLESS INSTALLATIONS
info@jhiltd.com www.rubbertackireland.com
Tel: +44 28 82 249980
•GUIDED AUGER BORING •ROCK DRILLING •PIPE RAMMING •DIRECTIONAL DRILLING CONTACT: Pat Dunne: + 353 87 2445335Office: + 353 41 9826904 Email: pat@dunnesdrilling.com info@dunnesdrilling.com Web: www.dunnesdrilling.com
PLANT & CIVIL ENGINEER
79
SKY’S THE LIMIT 2 500 kg
5.9 m
54.6 kW
NOTICE: ALWAYS FOLLOW WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED BY THE MANUFACTURER. MORE INFORMATION AT BOBCAT.COM