ALL
DeMOLITION HUB MAGAZINE
DEMOLITION DISCUSSION
With Jim Tagg, Redhammer
UK, European & worldwide demolition matters
DESTINATION DEMOLITION
Hub joins the NDA in Phoenix
It’s been a great show season so far.
For the second year, the NDA treated us to a right royal exhibition of demolition, both static and in live motion at its Demolition Phoenix event in February.
Phoenix also allowed me to socialise with the great and good of North American contractors and service providers, as well as time well spent with the EDA’s President Stefano Panseri and Secretary General Jose Blanco.
Our demolition associations run didn’t end there. We have recently become the official media partner to the Indian Demolition Association (IDA), with a duty to promote their Dem Tech event in September, as well as receiving a very kind invitation to the NFDC Awards, which was a well-run event marking out some deserved winners and nominees as well as the changing of the guard at the Federation’s top table.
Summed up, we are ever more recognised as a positive voice for the demolition industry and a true route to promoting it and those working in it.
Having said that, we can’t control the news narrative and it was with unfortunate timing the day before the NFDC’s AGM that the Competition and Markets Authority issued 10 contractors with fines following its long running investigation.
Having been with most of those named last week, it would be wrong of us to pass any judgemental comment. What’s done is done. Things must change and I am a strong believer in positives coming from a negative and that lessons will be learned.
I mentioned in a recent newsletter that we had pulled the plug on a live weekly demolition show. Frankly, there is no market for it and tying me down to commit to a particular time once a week isn’t the easiest thing. This and self-indulgent waffle just isn’t for us. We try things and if they work then great, but we also recognise what works and are able to identify if something is going great guns or is pretty lame.
You can of course watch my previous efforts, but there is much more good stuff on Demolition Hub TV, from our recent appearances in Las Vegas at both the World of Concrete and CONEXPO. Just search Demolition Hub TV on YouTube.
PUBLISHER
Ben Chambers ben@globalnews.media 01903 952 648
EDITOR
Toby Wilsdon toby@globalnews.media 01903 952 645
DEMOLITION EDITOR
Paul Argent paul@globalnews.media 07813 064 590
COLUMNISTS
Richard Dolman Jaqueline O’Donovan
Terry Lloyd
SALES
Luke Chaplin luke@globalnews.media 01903 952 643
DESIGN
Nicki Chambers nic@globalnews.media
Joe Bers joe@globalnews.media
Alex Jarrett
PRODUCED & PUBLISHED BY Global News Media Ltd
Suites 5 & 6, Chapel House, 1-6 Chapel Road, Worthing, West Sussex BN11 1EX ben@chambers.media 01903 952 640
Demolition Hub are proud supporters of the National Demolition Association
Demolition Hub are the media partners for the European Demolition Association & the Indian Demolition Association
Demolition Hub is published six times a year. The subscription rate is £60 per year. Subscription records are maintained at Global News Media Ltd, Suite 5 & 6, Chapel House, 1-6 Chapel Road, Worthing, West Sussex BN11 1EX.
Ben Chambers Publisher, Demolition Hub ben@chambers.mediaArticles and information contained in this publication are the copyright of Global News Media Ltd and may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publishers. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss of, or damage to, uncommissioned photographs or manuscripts.
6 NEWS
Demolition Hub announces media partnership with Indian trade body
Agg-Pro launches new website
Jacqueline O’Donovan named Business Leader of the Year at Global Irish Diaspora Award
Construction firms fined nearly £60m for bid rigging
NFDC announces change in officers
NFDC winners
Construction plant bodies respond to budget
16
EUROPEAN DEMOLITION ASSOCIATION NEWS
European Demolition Industry Report 2023 on its way
EDA Annual Convention 2023 hosts nuclear decommissioning workshop
Decontamination and demolition and industries reunited in Berlin
RILEM releases 2022 Annual Report
European Commission presents Green Deal Industrial Plan
22 NATIONAL DEMOLITION ASSOCIATION NEWS
Demolishing step by step
Back in the day...
OSHA Citation Liability 2023 – don’t miss the forest for the trees
30 DEMOLITION DISCUSSION
With Jim Tagg of Redhammer
34 FEATURE
AP Air Europe introduces Hebonilube grease pumps
36 CASE STUDY
Space in the city, by Paul Argent
38 HI-REACH EXCAVATORS FEATURE
• SANY SY500HRD
• SANY SY390H
• Cat® 340 UHD
• Sennebogen 830 Demolition
• Develon DX-7 demolition excavators
48 CASE STUDY
Brutal work, by Paul Argent
50 SUPPLIER TALK
With Rebecca Munson of Air Spectrum Environmental
54 CAREERS
Jamie Dial speaks to Demolition Hub for Careers Week
Cawarden hosts employment event with a difference
Supporting the next generation of civil engineers
60 CASE STUDY
The Plough Inn: A tale of heritage, demolition and recycling captured by Drone 21
64 DUST CONTROL FEATURE
MOTOFOG range from INMALO
BossTek’s duty of care
70
EVENTS
CONEXPO-CON/AGG
• Exhibitors take industry to the next level
• DEVELON debuts at CONEXPO
• engcon products turn heads in Las Vegas
• Holcim’s ECOPact Low-Carbon Concrete selected as Next Level Awards Contractors’ Choice
• Brokk
Demolition Hub at Demolition Phoenix by Ben Chambers
86 CASE STUDY
Down with school, by Paul Argent
88
INDUSTRY
Worsley Plant couples up with OilQuick Liebherr rebrands fully automatic quick coupling system Solidlink
Tele Radio PrimaTEQ: a new name for the T12 compact waist transmitter
10,000th ‘Doosan’ ADT in Norway is Europe’s first in DEVELON colours
MDiG launches online training for Machine Control
Doosan Bobcat announces global brand strategy
SANY launches new range of demolition spec machines
102 OPINION
Fuel for thought by Richard Dolman
BIM by Jacqueline O’Donovan
Reasons to be cheerful by Terry Lloyd
Demolition Hub announces media partnership with Indian trade body
Demolition Hub is delighted to announce that it is to become media partner to both the Indian Demolition Association and its DEM TECH event to be held on 28-29 September this year in Bengaluru (Bangalore), India.
Founder of Demolition Hub, Ben Chambers says: “The IDA has agreed an advertising and promotional programme with Demolition Hub recognising our positive stance on demolition, our bimonthly publication that reaches the four corners of the world and our history promoting industry associations.
“I am a big fan of working with associations and being able to spread their good news and that of their members. The Dem Tech event is set to be one of the biggest demolition expos in Asia and we cannot wait to be a part of it and work with the IDA.”
You will be able to read all about the event in the December issue of Demolition Hub magazine.
For more details on Dem Tech 2023 and the IDA please go to: IndianDemolition.org or DemTech.in.
Agg-Pro launches new website
Agg-Pro, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of crushing, screening, washing and recycling equipment, is excited to announce the launch of its new website, www.agg-pro.com.
The new website has been designed with the customer in mind and features include a bespoke product filtering system, WhatsApp integration for easy communication with the team, and a mobile friendly design.
The highly visual website helps to showcase the company’s wide range of superior equipment and has been designed to grow with the business as they continue to add to their product portfolio.
Steve Peterson, Commercial Director at Agg-Pro said: “We are currently experiencing an exciting period of growth and we wanted to develop a new website which showcases our product offering and allows our customers old and new to better understand who we are.
“We are proud of our reputation for excellent customer service and our highly experienced team offer innovative solutions and create
long-standing and collaborative partnerships with our customers, and we wanted our new website to help reflect this.”
Agg-Pro was established in 1996 to provide a personal, customer focussed approach to the supply of equipment for the quarrying and recycling industries. Its head office in Tamworth includes a 3,700 m3 premises incorporating a factory for refurbishments and employs 34 people.
named Business Leader of the Year at Global Irish Diaspora Awards
hotel in central London.
Jacqueline, who has strong West Cork roots, is a passionate, driven and successful businesswoman who has not only made the family business a resounding success but has worked hard over the years as a visionary leader and innovator, influencing and improving the industry as a whole.
Jacqueline is also a dedicated supporter of the Irish community in the UK and is involved in a number of projects, most recently funding the launch of an Irish archive at the London Irish Centre. The archive will preserve the history of the stories, letters, tapes and recordings of Irish emigrants who travelled to the UK, known as the men who built Britain, for generations to come.
Jacqueline O’Donovan, the
Managing Director of
has done it again, being honoured at the inaugural Business Post Global Irish Diaspora Awards in London.
Known for being a disrupter and innovator in the construction and waste sector, not only in the UK but in Ireland and the USA, Jacqueline was awarded the Business Leader of the Year title at the glittering event.
With more than 70 million people across the globe having Irish ancestral links, the awards have been established to recognise and celebrate the vast contribution to the world of business that Ireland and its people have made. The first ever Global Diaspora Awards ceremony celebrated the achievements and accomplishments of the Irish diaspora worldwide across 12 nominated categories and was held at the acclaimed Waldorf Hilton
Jacqueline said: “It is a massive privilege to win this esteemed award and it is an honour to be recognised for my skills, commitment and passion to business and doing what I love.”
Jacqueline O’Donovan“It is a massive privilege to win this esteemed award and it is an honour to be recognised for my skills, commitment and passion to business and doing what I love”Demolition Hub columnist trailblazing O’Donovan Waste
Construction firms fined nearly £60m for bid rigging
of these contracts and not every contractor who submitted a bid for these contracts was involved in the illegal collusion.
Following an investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), 10 UK-based construction firms have been fined a total of £59,334,957 for colluding on prices through illegal cartel agreements when submitting bids in competitive tenders for contracts. These bids were rigged, deceiving the customer that they were competitive when that was not the case. Each of the 10 firms was involved in at least one instance of bid rigging between January 2013 and June 2018.
The fines for each are: Brown and Mason (£2,400,000), Cantillon (£1,920,000), Clifford Devlin (£423,615), DSM (£1,400,000), Erith (£17,568,800), JF Hunt (£5,600,000), Keltbray (£16,000,000), McGee (£3,766,278), Scudder (£8,256,264) and Squibb (£2,000,000).
Brown and Mason, Cantillon, Clifford Devlin, DSM, John F Hunt, Keltbray, McGee and Scudder were handed reduced fines as settling parties who had, as announced in June last year, admitted their involvement in the cartel activity.
The CMA has secured the disqualification of three directors of companies involved in the unlawful conduct. These are David Darsey (formerly a director of Erith) for a period of five years and ten months from 2 February 2023, Michael Cantillon (formerly a director of Cantillon) for seven years and six months and Paul Cluskey
(current director of Cantillon) for four years and six months. Each of these directors has benefited from reduced disqualification periods, having voluntarily agreed to the disqualification by way of undertakings to the CMA.
The bids were rigged by one or more of the construction firms agreeing to submit bids that were deliberately priced to lose the tender. This practice, known as cover bidding, can result in customers paying higher prices or receiving lower quality services.
In addition, the CMA found that five of the firms, on at least one occasion each, were involved in arrangements by which the designated “losers” of the contracts were set to be compensated by the winner. The value of this compensation varied but was higher than £500,000 in one instance. Some firms produced false invoices to hide this part of the illegal behaviour.
The CMA found that the instances of illegal collusion took place over a five-year period and affected 19 contracts for demolition work in London, the south-east, and the Midlands.
Public and private sector contracts impacted included the development of Bow Street Magistrates Court and Police station, the Metropolitan Police training centre in Hendon, Selfridges (London), properties belonging to Oxford and Coventry Universities, shopping centres in Reading and Taplow, a large office block on London’s Southbank and other sites in central London. Not all the firms were involved in colluding in each
Michael Grenfell, the CMA’s Executive Director for Enforcement, said: “The construction sector is key to our country’s prosperity, so we want to see a competitive marketplace delivering value, innovation, and quality.
“Today’s significant fines show that the CMA continues to crack down on illegal cartel behaviour. It should serve as a clear warning: the CMA will not tolerate unlawful conduct which weakens competition and keeps prices up at the expense of businesses and taxpayers.
“We have also secured the disqualification of certain company directors involved. Company directors must understand that they have personal responsibility for ensuring that their companies comply with competition law, and that disqualification may follow if they fail to do so.”
The CMA’s decision follows a complex and large-scale investigation, opened in 2019. The CMA conducted unannounced inspections of 15 business premises, interviewed 35 people, served over 120 notices requiring the provision of information or documents and undertook a detailed review of emails, mobile phone communications and financial records relating to the parties.
The CMA’s Cheating or Competing campaign has advice for businesses to help them spot, report and deter illegal anti-competitive practices such as market sharing, fixing prices and bid-rigging. The CMA has also issued a range of guidance to help businesses and directors understand more about how to comply with competition law.
NFDC announces change in officers
The National Federation of Demolition Contractors [NFDC] announced a change in officers at its AGM on Friday 24 March, having appointed a new CEO, President, and 2nd Vice President.
Having led the Federation for nearly 20 years, Howard Button will be officially stepping down as CEO from June 2023. During his impressive tenure, Howard has played an integral role for the progression of the NFDC, where he has leveraged his own extensive onsite demolition career to spearhead multiple initiatives for the benefit of the entire industry. Howard will be continuing to support the Federation as National Secretary.
Taking over Howard’s role as CEO is Duncan Rudall, previous London and Southern Counties Regional Chairman of the NFDC and President of the Institute of Demolition Engineers (IDE). Boasting extensive experience within the demolition sector, Duncan has made significant contributions to building the image of demolition as a highly skilled, specialist trade, which he will continue to build on as new CEO while driving the Federation forwards.
Joining Duncan in leading the NFDC will be John Lynch, newly appointed President,
with Gary Bishop, remaining Vice President, and Simon Barlow appointed as 2nd Vice President.
With nearly 50 years’ experience in the sector, John Lynch has seen the industry evolve significantly. Having already been integral in a number of important projects for the Federation during his time as 2nd Vice-President, John’s key priority for his presidency is to continue to raise the profile of the NFDC and see its membership grow.
A proven and trusted business leader with extensive experience in the demolition sector, Simon is the Managing Director of Rye Group, a leading provider of demolition, remediation and ground and enabling works. Previously Chair of the London and Southern Counties region for NFDC, Simon now plans to champion the importance of sustainability in his new position as 2nd Vice President of the organisation, while also bringing to the forefront the talent and skills crisis and other key issues that sit across both the demolition and construction industries.
Discussing the new change in officers, incoming President, John Lynch said: “I am honoured to have been appointed President of the NFDC. Having been part of the industry for 50 years, I have seen the Federation
evolve significantly during this timeframe and play a vital role in shaping industry standards and ensuring maximum safety on sites throughout the UK. As the sector continues to evolve, respond to new challenges, and move into a new era, I look forward to working closely with Duncan, Gary, Simon and the rest of the leadership team and in ensuring continued and positive progression for the Federation.
“Finally, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Howard. His dedication to both the NFDC and demolition industry as a whole is nothing short of impressive and I am grateful that he will continue to support us as National Secretary in the coming years.”
The NFDC’s AGM concluded with several important announcements including the donation of £100,000 to charitable causes over the last 12 months, together with an update of activity from the NDTG, which included a record intake of Trailblazer Demolition Apprentices.
Held at the Royal Lancaster, the NFDC AGM was extremely well attended by both contractor members and industry service provider [ISP] members and was followed by its annual NFDC awards ceremony.
NFDC winners
On Friday 24 March the NFDC announced the winners and highly commended nominees for the 2023 NFDC awards at its annual ceremony – held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London
Apprentice, Labourer, or DRO of the Year
Sponsored by CITB
Winner: Jamie Dial – Cawarden
Highly Commended: Tommy Rawlinson – Erith Contractors
Highly Commended: Kamal Radji – Clifford Devlin
Manager of the Year
Sponsored by NDTG
Winner: Rikki Isgar – Brown and Mason Group
Highly Commended: Paul Turbitt – Thompsons of Prudhoe
Highly Commended: Alex Deysell – Clifford Devlin
Highly Commended: Peter Edgerton – Tilley & Barrett
Supplier of the Year
Winner: New Era Fuels
ADO, Chargehand, or Supervisor of the Year
Sponsored by NDTG Scotland
Winner: Mark Davison – MGL Demolition
Highly Commended: Kevin Slegg – Clifford Devlin
Highly Commended: Josh Sandford – Wring Group
Highly Commended: Evaldas Dovydavicius – McGee Group
Plant Operator of the Year
Sponsored by NOCN
Winner: Gabriel Forde – McGee Group
Highly Commended: Dave Welsh – MGL Demolition
Highly Commended: Sean Ellery – R Collard
Highly Commended: SMH Products
Outstanding Contribution Award
Winner: John Lynch – Newline Midlands
National Council awarded John Lynch of Newline Midlands the Outstanding Contribution award in recognition of his pivotal role in the relocation of NFDC and NDTG to a new head office.
John was the driving force in the sourcing of a new property, arranging the sale of the old offices, overseeing the purchasing process, as well as the subsequent fit out of the new office to ensure it was perfectly tailored to the needs of the Federation and Training Group.
Construction Equipment Association response to budget
by Suneeta Johal, Chief Executive of the CEAfunding to support a range of interventions including skills, infrastructure, tax relief, and business rates retention, particularly after the delays to HS2 announced last week. Although investment funding is subject to application, where “an area must identify a location where it can offer a bold and imaginative partnership between local government and university or research institutes in a way that catalyses new innovation clusters”, it does offer an excellent opportunity for collaboration and innovation.
Hunt claimed “longterm, sustainable, healthy growth” and said the government would deliver 12 new investment zones, which he labelled “12 potential Canary Wharfs”
Although there were no great surprises from Jeremy Hunt’s Spring Statement – as many of the announcements were leaked earlier this week, there were some positive announcements that will boost productivity within the construction sector.
Hunt claimed that this budget was for “long-term, sustainable, healthy growth” and said the government would deliver 12 new investment zones, which he labelled “12 potential Canary Wharfs”.
The CEA welcomes this announcement and the £80bn
Another positive announcement was the new £9bn policy of “full capital expensing” for the next three years, which is to be saluted. Although currently a welcome shortterm boost for business investment as we see the end of the super deduction this month, we hope to see Hunt follow through on his aim to make it permanent to encourage investment and provide stability in the long term. Hunt says the OBR believes this will boost business tax by 3% a year.
Hunt said: “I can announce we will introduce a new policy of full capital expensing for the next three years with an intention to make it permanent especially can responsibly do so that means that every single pound the company invests in IT equipment plant or machinery can be deducted.”
A new enhanced credit for research-intensive businesses, worth £27 for every £100 it invests is a great incentive for start-up companies investing in R&D. A qualifying small or medium-sized business must spend 40% or more of its total expenditure on R&D.
The extension of the climate change agreement scheme for two years was another welcome move to allow eligible businesses £600m of tax relief for energy efficiency measures, particularly important as
Jeremy Hunt brandishes the iconic red box Suneeta Johal, Chief Executive of the CEAwe head down the road to net zero.
The fuel duty freeze is also well received and will be of great benefit to the construction and infrastructure sectors. Hunt said: “For a further 12 months I’m going to maintain the 5p cut and I’m going to freeze fuel duty too.”
The business tax hike was confirmed, with Hunt keeping the planned increase in corporation tax from 19% to 25% in April despite opposition from some Tory MPs. The Chancellor’s predecessor Kwasi Kwarteng had attempted to scrap the hike at the disastrous minibudget in 2022, but there was a U-turn after financial turmoil.
Hunt set out four pillars of industrial strategy – Enterprise, Employment, Education and Everywhere – saying he had already allocated nearly £4bn in more than 200 projects across the country through the first two rounds of the Levelling Up Fund with a third round to follow, another welcome announcement.
While the CEA welcomes the announcement of more places on “skills boot camps” to encourage over-50s who have left their jobs to return to the workplace, it is not the silver bullet we were hoping to fill the chronic skills gap in our sector. We need more tangible solutions and partnerships to tackle the shortfall.
CPA responds to budget
by Kevin Minton, Chief Executive of the CPAcommitments from government on future infrastructure spending and projects. Proposals in the budget to create Great British Nuclear, while welcome, do not provide immediate comfort to the construction sector, given these plans are medium to long-term goals. However, we hope plans to provide the Carbon Capture Usage and Storage scheme with its £20bn fund, could provide some level of confidence for infrastructure planning.
The construction sector may welcome the Chancellor’s plans to attract over 50s to the workplace to help address the skills shortfall the industry is facing. However, this new scheme must complement existing initiatives already in place.
Steps to boost business investment and maintain the freeze on fuel duty are welcome. However, we are seeking clarification from the Treasury on the details around the successor to the super-deduction allowance (SDA), and whether the plant-hire sector can qualify for this new scheme.
Following the announcements on the delay to HS2 last week, a budget for growth needs firm
Kevin Minton, Chief Executive of the CPA Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy HuntEuropean Demolition Industry Report 2023 on its way
companies and entities related to demolition, providing a global vision of the European demolition sector and tools for greater visibility and recognition of demolition.
EDA Annual Convention 2023 hosts nuclear decommissioning workshop
As the EDA Annual Convention 2023 is getting closer, the Association is finishing up the last details regarding the professional programme of the event. Speakers from all around Europe will be gathering in Amsterdam to share their knowledge and ideas about a variety of topics.
Among the special activities, EDA is very excited to announce that a special workshop will take place during the convention. Titled “Global status of nuclear decommissioning and related HR development and supply chain considerations“, it will take place on the morning of 15 June, right before the professional programme.
The European Demolition Association, EDA, is proud to announce that the online survey for the latest edition of the European Demolition Industry Report is open.
The study collects the latest data about the demolition industry to give a cohesive overview and some forecasts about the sector. It also allows us to track the evolution of the demolition industry on an international level, information that is incredibly valuable to industry professionals.
The survey generates a reference document for
It consists of separate five-minute surveys for contractors and suppliers, with the answers being completely anonymous. Both EDA members and non-members companies can participate in the study.
Answers to the survey can be submitted until 30 April 2023. All companies that take part in the study will have unlimited access to the Industry Report, otherwise restricted to EDA members. The expected release date for the European Demolition Industry Report is June 2023.
Contractors: www.surveymonkey.com/r/ Con_EN
Suppliers: www.surveymonkey.com/r/ SupEN
For the workshop Vladimir Michal, Team leader (D&ER) Waste Technology Section of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and Johan D’Hooghe, CEO of RECYCLING ASSISTANCE BVBA, are the main speakers.
Throughout this activity, various topics related to nuclear decommissioning will be discussed. The speakers will give a global overview of the current state of affairs, followed by the specific conclusions of the IAEA Decommissioning conference on supply chain and technology innovations, which will take place from 15 to 19 May.
Examples of contractual and implementation practices, including those on demolition within nuclear decommissioning projects, will accompany the workshop.
This activity has a limited number of seats and the additional registration is required. The fee includes access to the workshop, as well as the lunch, which will take place afterwards.
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As more and more face-to-face activities take place post-Covid, companies, administrations and national associations are taking the opportunity to get together and enjoy the experience of on-site events.
Welcoming the beginning of spring, the German demolition association, DEUTSCHER ABBRUCHVERBAND (DA), held its annual event: FACHTAGUNG ABBRUCH 2023.
The convention, which took place in Berlin on 3 March, reunited demolition professionals from all around Europe. Attendance was outstanding, with over 1,200 participants and 117
exhibitors travelling to the German capital to discuss the current state of the industry.
This FACHTAGUNG ABBRUCH marked the return of the convention, having last taken place in 2020 right before the Covid-19 pandemic. Hence, when it was finally announced, industry professionals were over the moon with excitement.
Companies such as ACDE, GENESIS, INDECO, Lehnhoff, Lieherr, Rammer and MBI Group had stands at the convention. As for the association itself, the EDA
RILEM releases 2022 Annual Report
The International Union of Laboratories and Experts in Construction Materials, Systems, and Structures, RILEM, has just released its 2022 Annual Report.
Among its pages, you can find the 2022 key numbers and many more features of the association
related to last year. It is interesting to read the editorial of the publication by RILEM President Dr Nicolas Roussel about inclusivity.
The EDA and RILEM have an institutional collaboration agreement signed and they usually work together in the promotion of
Yearbook 2022, as well as the EDI Special Publication 2022, made an appearance.
These events are a unique opportunity to get together and meet in person with our members, so we’d like to give our appreciation to the DA for organising the convention and to our associates, for attending.
their projects. The report can be found here:
www.europeandemolition.org/ cms/files/2023161426_rilemar2022-bd.pdf
Demolition Hub is the media partner for the European Demolition AssociationAnnounced by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen in her speech at the World Economic Forum in January, this most recent measure aims to bet on clean-tech investment and continue the EU’s path towards climate neutrality.
“We have a once in a generation opportunity to show the way with speed, ambition and a sense of purpose to secure the
EU’s industrial lead in the fastgrowing net-zero technology sector,” von der Leyen explained. “Europe is determined to lead the clean tech revolution.”
The Green Deal Industrial Plan is based upon four pillars. First, it seeks a simplified regulatory framework, allowing for a faster and better promotion of European strategic projects. This will be accompanied by the Critical Raw Material Acts, which ensures sufficient access to the vital materials for these industries.
The plan aims to accelerate investment and funding for clean tech production in Europe. Using competition policy, the Commission seeks to level the playing field in those markets, while making it easier for companies to receive the necessary funding.
Another measure introduced
is the European Year of Skills. Understanding that at least 35% of all jobs will be affected by this transition, the European Commission has a goal of providing education and skill development of workers by establishing Net-Zero Industry Academies.
Finally, global cooperation and making trade work will play a vital part in the Green Deal Industrial Plan. Climate neutrality can only be achieved by fair competition, engagement with EU´s partners and collaboration with World Trade Organization.
To this end, initiatives such as the EU’s network of Free Trade Agreement and Critical Raw Materials Club will take a front seat in its policies moving forward.
The Green Deal Industrial Plan was presented by the Commission in December 2019 and has been in active development ever since. It’s one of many policies whose goal is transforming EU into the first climate-neutral continent by 2050.
The complete version of the Green Deal Industrial Plan is available via the European Commission website:
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/ presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_510
European Commission presents Green Deal Industrial Plan President of the European Commission, Ursula von der LeyenPROUD MEMBERS OF
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Demolishing step by step
by Monica RoselliFrom prep work to teardown to cleanup, demolishing a multistorey building takes a lot of planning and careful execution. Factor in a downtown location, high-traffic roadways and close proximity to a major public transit station and you have quite the task.
For NDA member Adamo Group, the demolition of a sevenstorey office/mixed-use building in downtown Detroit had to be a meticulously planned project. With input from the property’s new owner, Buildtech Ltd, the Adamo team developed an 11-step demolition strategy that would allow for a timely demolition with the least amount of disruptions to businesses and traffic flow around the area.
“Adamo’s approach to the demolition entailed several steps,” says Brian Haller, Adamo Project Manager and Estimator. “This included protection of the surrounding buildings, to the closure of roadway and parking lanes surrounding the site to pedestrian traffic control and actual building demolition.”
Kicking off in June 2022, crews began implementing the first two steps of the strategy, which entailed installing fencing and signage, closing sidewalks, and protecting the roof and siding of the building adjacent to the demolition site. Crews then started hand demolishing block walls and
parapets in close proximity to adjacent active buildings. Shortly after this step was complete, traffic control and barricades were installed and the high reach was brought in so demolition work could begin in early July.
“We used a CAT 385 UHD with a multiprocessor to piece the building down safely from the top down,” Haller says. “Several support machines were also utilised, including CAT 336, CAT 349 and CAT 325 excavators equipped with various tools such as pulverisers, buckets and grapples.”
The demolition took approximately 10 days and, in the following weeks, the Adamo crew saw through the remaining steps, which included site cleanup, material removal and backfill.
While the demolition went seamlessly, there were a few challenges the Adamo crew had to account for that could have delayed multiple steps in their demolition plan. While the building has sat idle on the corner of Michigan Avenue and Washington Boulevard for years, its surroundings continued to experience the hustle and bustle of a major city.
“The height of the building and proximity to high traffic roadways were a challenge,” Haller says. “The building being demolished was less than 18 inches (45 cm) away from a building that is part of the transit
system and houses a major bus depot, as well as the People Mover (Detroit’s elevated railway system) maintenance facility.”
Additionally, the demolition area was located on two major bus routes and a five-lane, major thoroughfare for the city. To address the challenges brought on by the location and keep the project on schedule, the Adamo team worked with city agencies, utility companies and the building owner through all stages of the demolition.
“Addressing the location challenges entailed a large amount of planning, permitting and coordination with city agencies,” Haller says. “We also worked with the owner and utility companies who were performing work on adjacent streets during the demolition.”
Having wrapped up in September 2022, Adamo considers the project a great success. It was completed ahead of schedule, within the project budget and with zero incidents or injuries.
Adamo’s Steps to Demolition Success at 1101 Washington Blvd
• Install site fencing and signage, including required sidewalk closures,
• Protect roof and siding of adjacent building,
• Hand demolish block walls and parapets adjacent to the remaining active building,
• Install traffic control and barricades to close one lane of traffic on two sides of the building,
• Demolish the building down to basement slab,
• Process, sort and load out debris for disposal and recycling,
• Relocate fence back onto site and reopen surrounding driving lanes,
• Backfill the building basement back to grade,
• Demolish site and remove surrounding sidewalks and parking lot,
• Perform final site sweep up and equipment demobilisation,
• Remove fence and barricade and turn the site over to the owner.
Demolition Hub is a proud supporter of the National Demolition Association and credit to this article goes to the NDA. Thank you for working with us
In recognition of NDA’s upcoming 50th anniversary in August of this year, we are connecting with past leaders and other important figures in the NDA’s history to hear their perspectives on the industry and association. We caught up with Leonard Cherry, a past member of the NDA board and 2019 NDA Lifetime Achievement Award winner.
Back in the day...
QWhat is the history of Cherry Companies, and how did you get involved in NDA?
Our parents started a house moving company that was incorporated in the early 1950s. They had four sons, of which I’m number two, and, for the most part, us four boys were my dad’s crew. My mom did the books. We did hand demolition, tearing down garages and that sort of thing. Sometimes we moved a house or a structure, which was picking up the wood frame house and moving it from point A to point B.
But that was a relatively small industry, and our growth was limited, so we began looking for other things to do. As each of us boys came out of high school, we noticed that only one out of every 20 houses we looked at to move were actually movable; the other 19 got demolished. We said: “Well, tearing them down can’t be that hard compared to moving them,” so we
began estimating demolition.
I was doing this while I had a full-time job at the Houston Fire Department. We lost money on our first two demolition jobs. My dad informed me if we didn’t make money on the third house demolition, we were going to be bankrupt. Thank god we made $100.
We come from a very humble background and beginnings. Our demolition business continued to grow because opportunities by volume were greater in demolition than they were in house moving. We started by sharing assets, manpower and equipment between house moving and demolition. Consequently, our first demo jobs were using winch trucks and cabled-up trailers that don’t even exist anymore. It was shared equipment that we could use in both companies.
As the demolition business grew, we were encouraged by one of the
larger demolition contractors here in Houston to get involved in the then-called NADC because what we had begun doing was subcontracting demolition work from the larger demolition companies. They really didn’t want to fool with tearing down houses and small commercial buildings. They wanted larger projects and we were perfectly fine making a living on those smaller opportunities.
QDo you remember the first NDA convention you attended? How did your involvement evolve?
One of my brothers and I attended the first convention for us, which was in the mid-1980s in New Orleans. We were blown away. We had never seen excavators used in the demolition application before until we went there. We walked out of there and bought our first excavator. Watching that transition
2019 NDA lifetime Achievement Award winner, Leonard Cherryof heavy equipment application, and that technology of attachments — what we saw back in the mid-1980s to what we see now is something completely different.
At that point, we were involved in a state-wide house moving association and we had found real value. We thought, and were correct in our thinking, that NDA would help us grow our business. From that first convention, we continued to attend regularly. I think I went on the board of directors in the late 1980s, probably five or six years later. I went on the executive board in the early 1990s, and then went through committee chairs through 2003.
QWhat can you tell me about your time on the NDA leadership team in those earlier years?
The association was certainly smaller at that time but very close-knit. The majority of the companies then, even more so than now, were family owned and operated by local or regional contractors. There were very few contractors that expanded beyond their own state lines.
This made it very easy for the sharing of information. If you’re never going to compete with each other, than you’re happy to share, so you don’t have to make the same mistakes I do. There’s a curve that goes with that process. You gain information and knowledge, and then you pay it back or pay it forward to the generation that’s coming behind you. We were very fortunate to ride that cycle both ways.
The biggest challenges we initially
had were recognition as the voice of the industry. We focused a lot on both the federal and state level, on gaining credibility as the trade association that represented the demolition industry.
The second biggest challenge was the growth of safety, with environmental and asbestos, etc. The Environmental Protection Agency was in its early stages when we first became involved, but environmental and safety concerns were growing.
QDuring the recession in the early 1990s, did the economy play into how your business or NDA operated?
The economy is cyclical and I’m a firm believer that history does repeat itself. There’s nothing from an economic driver perspective you’ve probably not experienced that I haven’t experienced, I’ve just experienced it more often than you.
You would see as the economies thrived, our membership would increase, our revenue stream would be greater, our attendees for conventions would always be higher. Consequently, we had more revenue to work with for the next year to work on issues within the industry. When the economy was slow, our revenue stream was down.
QWhat is your biggest takeaway from being involved in NDA and this industry?
The recognition that there is truly the ability to be friendly competitors in this industry. I was initially impressed to see family owned businesses that had children working for
competitors, or for other companies in other areas of the country. You’d have family members from California working with companies in Chicago. Even if you didn’t exchange children, for the betterment of the industry as a whole, and the improvement of your individual company, there were always open lines of communication relative to processes and procedures that would make us safer, more efficient or environmentally compliant. That was always the core that held the group together.
QWhat does your involvement look like now?
My wife and I sold our business two and a half years ago to a Fortune 500 company. I’m completely retired from that business. I’ve opened up another business because I’m still under a noncompete.
Much like our family had diversified from house moving and still retains that business line to demolition, we found that same model to be true with the successful demolition companies. The majority were diversified or in the process of diversifying. Whether you were into salvage sales back then, or operating your own landfills, or recycling, or environmental and asbestos abatement, the process from the mid 1980s until the time I left was constantly evolving.
When we sold, we did a fair amount of demolition work, but we were also the largest recycler in the state of Texas. The Fortune 500 company that bought us did so not because of our demolition expertise but because of the fact that we were green and we liked hugging trees.
Demolition Hub is a proud supporter of the National Demolition Association and credit to this article goes to the NDA. Thank you for working with us
OSHA Citation Liability 2023 –don’t miss the forest for the trees
by Adam R Young and Mark A Lies II, Workplace Safety and Health (OSHA/MSHA) Team at Seyfarth Shaw LLPCitations lacking factual or legal foundation
Frequently, because of the foregoing factors, an employer may receive a citation that:
It is important to have a clear vision of the potential legal and other negative consequences that can arise from receiving an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) citation in 2023 and beyond. Most employers are likely unaware that OSHA has emerged from the pandemic with a number of structural changes, not the least of which is a very aggressive campaign to replace significant manpower losses of experienced personnel, many of whom were the baby boomers who formed the original cadre of the agency.
What does this mean in terms of future enforcement and the potential for receiving a citation and whether the employer should challenge it? As these new OSHA compliance officers began to
conduct their initial inspections, employers can expect that many inspections will be conducted in a cursory or incomplete manner because the compliance officer:
• Lacks experience in how to conduct a proper inspection either on-site or virtually,
• Lacks the substantive understanding and knowledge regarding the scope and interpretations of the underlying regulations and recognised industry safe practices,
• Lacks experience with the many elements necessary to establish an OSHA citation and a misguided sense that the mere occurrence of an “accident” or “employee injury” is all the evidence necessary to establish a citation.
• Has no factual foundation – i.e., the citation lacks a credible factual basis for the alleged violation description (AVD) as to how the employer allegedly committed the violation or the underlying incident actually occurred,
• Has no legal foundation – that is, the regulation does not apply to the underlying factual scenario in the AVD; for example, confusing the requirements for machine guarding with lockout/tagout (LOTO),
• Has no factual or legal foundation.
Failure to consider potential defences
In addition, because of the foregoing factors, the compliance officers (and perhaps their supervisors) frequently may not consider that the employer may have bona fide defences to the issuance of any citation either due to lack of knowledge or experience in assessing the factual information
Adam R Young Mark A Lies IIthat is forthcoming from the inspection, including:
• A citation is time-barred by the statute of limitations – that is, the citation was not issued within six months from when the alleged violation actually occurred, not when OSHA learns about it,
• Unavoidable employee misconduct is the cause of the alleged violation – that is, the employer took all reasonable and feasible actions to avoid the violation from occurring,
• Strict compliance with the regulation is simply not feasible from either existing technology or economically and the employer has developed equally effective alternative means to comply.
Employer dilemma
Once the employer receives a citation, the clock starts running on the day following actual service of the citation and if the employer does not reach a satisfactory settlement or files a written notice of contest by the close of business on the 15th working day after service, the citation becomes final, the employer can no longer contest and the employer must abate the citations, whether or not there was any violation in the first place. Note: This timeframe may vary in a non-federal (state plan) OSHA jurisdiction. Thus, the employer will have to conduct a timely investigation of the citation to determine:
• Whether the violation occurred,
• Whether the classification of the violation is appropriate (nonserious, serious, repeat, wilful),
• Whether the penalty is based upon consideration of all the facts,
• Whether abatement is feasible.
Penny wise and pound foolish
We often hear this scenario where an employer decides not to contest a citation that may have a monetary penalty that appears nominal, without considering that there are many additional negative liabilities that must be considered and the employer later regrets taking such peremptory action.
Consider the forest and the trees
Before deciding to accept a citation based on the assessment of the penalty, an employer must consider the following negative consequences in a typical scenario. Your company has just received a set of federal OSHA citations. A typical set of citations may have a total penalty of $15,000 to $30,000. You have 15 working days from the date of receipt to contest or appeal the citations, or they will automatically become final. You are considering attending an informal conference with OSHA and accepting the citations to “put them behind you” because of the rather nominal proposed penalty. Putting citations “behind you” may set the company up for additional highergravity citations, greater penalties, criminal liability and lost business down the road. Employers often fail to appreciate the numerous adverse legal and negative business consequences of accepting a set of OSHA citations. In the long term, an employer often will be better served
by contesting the citations (especially those to which it has strong defences) and reaching a settlement with exculpatory, non-admission language that protects the company in collateral litigation.
Business reputation
OSHA citations are public records and are made publicly available. All OSHA inspections, citations and failure to contest are publicly available on OSHA’s Establishment Search website. As the name suggests, the website is searchable by employer name and location. The Establishment Search identifies the classification, regulation and status of any citation. State plans (23 states where state agencies enforce occupational safety and health for private employers) may choose to upload additional factual information to that listing.
OSHA issues press releases relating to many citations where the agency often alleges unsafe acts and failures by the employer. The Obama and Biden administrations have used this press release tool more often, allegedly to “shame” employers and amplify the effects of the agency’s limited enforcement resources. Press releases can be widely reviewed and result in lost business opportunities, jeopardising existing relationships with business partners and lost confidence from consumers in publicly facing industries.
Bloomberg and other new outlets track OSHA citations and may draft articles about citations issued to and accepted by employers.
Many sophisticated businesses use commercially available third-
Demolition Hub is a proud supporter of the National Demolition Association and credit to this article goes to the NDA. Thank you for working with us
party tracking services to run suitability checks on potential business partners. The best services track OSHA citations and can flag the employer as a “yellow” or “red” based on the history of the employer’s acceptance of citations. Serious classifications can result in a “yellow” or “red” rating, as can any citations associated with a fatality.
Conservative business partners may blacklist employers based on their third-party listing, including those who have a “red” rating. If your business works in industries where potential business partners use these third-party tracking services, especially construction, OSHA citations can have a major negative business consequence.
Future citations
Any citation that the employer accepts goes onto the OSHA Establishment Search database and can serve as the basis for a repeat. During inspections, OSHA reviews that database and can use any accepted citation as a “predicate” for a repeat classification for five years. The repeat must be issued for a substantially similar hazard, normally cited under the same regulation.
Repeats are enhanced classifications that result in five or ten times the penalty, currently up to $145,020. These citations are much more costly to employers
and deleterious to business reputations. OSHA penalties are adjusted and increased annually by the agency based on a number of factors.
Because accepting a citation admits knowledge of an alleged hazardous condition, accepting a citation can also result in a basis for a future wilful citation in the future. Wilful violations have a 10 times enhanced penalty, currently up to $145,020. In the case of a wilful citation relating to a fatality, there is potential criminal liability, prosecution and imprisonment of managers.
OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program (SVEP) tracks alleged serious offenders of the OSHA standards. The agency maintains a publicly available list and includes employers based solely on the allegations in OSHA citations. A repeat or wilful associated with a fatality results in the employer being placed in the SVEP, as can multiple high gravity citations. The SVEP can result in increased inspections, citations and bad publicity.
Tort litigation
The acceptance of OSHA citations may provide evidence for use in tort litigation. When an employee is injured in a typical accident, the workers’ compensation programme usually provides the exclusive
remedy for employee compensation and recovery. In some states like Wisconsin, Ohio and California, following the occurrence of an accident and issuance of citations, an employee can pursue and receive an enhanced workers’ compensation payment (by up to 50%) based on the acceptance of the citation if the injury were due to a violation of a safety regulation.
In certain jurisdictions, a citation depending on the classification can allow an employee to avoid worker’s compensation and pursue direct civil action against the employer.
However, if the injured worker is a non-employee (such as a contractor or staffing agency employee), the worker is not similarly barred from bringing a negligence action. Depending on the state and circumstances, the acceptance of OSHA citations may be admissible in those actions. A plaintiff may use non-compliance with OSHA standards as evidence of negligence.
Conclusion
We regularly advise employers on the defences they may have to OSHA citations and the bases to contest them. We also provide compliance training, including complimentary webinars to employers and associations. If you need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
DEMOLITION DISCUSSION
Interviewee: Jim Tagg
Role: Managing Director
Company: Redhammer
I’m forty-nine years old, married and a father to my eight-year-old son. I enjoy keeping fit, being outside in nature and I love music, particularly when I go back to the old house music days of the early ’90s. I don’t find a great deal of time for hobbies but I do enjoy DIY; I recently built our new home, of which I am extremely proud. I survived a near-fatal head injury a few years ago, but thankfully recovered with most faculties intact.
QHow did you start out in the industry, what attracted you to it?
I originally trained as an engineering surveyor and was working in my first full-time job as a junior surveyor when I was made redundant. In my attempts to find another job, I answered an ad from a local demolition company that was looking for an engineer to work on one of its sites. Upon meeting the MD, he said: “You’ll do”. I started the next day.
QHow has your career developed to where you are now? Has it been a logical progression or were there any tangents?
I suppose you could say it’s been a logical progression. My initial role as an engineer wasn’t just that at all – I was also tasked
with managing the site. Talk about being dropped in at the deep end.
After a crazy few weeks knowing nothing about demo and having to think on my feet, I was brought into the office and began to learn the ropes relating to estimating and project management.
A couple of years later, I teamed up with a two guys who were developing their demolition subcontracting business and preparing to go direct to clients and contractors. Working together we built up a reputable and successful demolition contracting business, of which I became a director and a shareholder. This lasted for 16 years until it became apparent that we were pulling in opposite directions. I formed Redhammer the day after leaving.
It took around six months to get Redhammer going properly. In
the early days, I was using a subbie to carry out relatively small work. I even got my hands dirty on occasion. As Redhammer started to develop, a few of the team from my former company decided to move across, and when the old company went into administration a year or so later, a number more joined me.
We now carry out the full range of demolition disciplines for contractors and as principal contractor across London and the south-east, with annual revenue currently around £5m.
QTell us about your working culture. Is there a fundamental company ethic? What do you bring to this?
I have always based my own conduct on three key fundamentals. And as a result, I believe my reptation to follow the same. These fundamentals
are quality, integrity and reliability. It is not always easy to find people who share those ethical pillars, so finding the right employees with the right skills can be challenging. We resolve this in part by bringing in young talent to be trained up and work alongside the more experienced guys.
QWhat kind of projects do you work on most frequently, and how broad is the range?
We are experienced and equipped to carry out most types of demolition work, including building-based machine work, ground-based work, cut and carve projects – often with significant temporary works schemes, and soft strip works. There is no specific focus, rather a continuing need to retain a broad brush, while keeping our fleet of machinery busy.
QWhat are the standout projects from Redhammer’s history? Why are they special? There are many I could mention here. We tend to often get involved in the trickier projects. This type of work might be a little less competed for, and I like a challenge.
QWhat makes Redhammer different? Why work with you?
We do not seek to spread ourselves too thinly and would rather focus on a select list of clients. We rely heavily on repeat business and by concentrating our efforts on the few we are able to maintain the expected levels of quality and reliability, thus ensuring we are in a good position for the next job. Some may say this is risky because you are only as good as your last job. I am confident that we can take that risk.
QHow do you gain business and spread the word about your services?
For me, marketing my businesses has always been about brand awareness rather than direct selling. I believe Redhammer has an established positive reputation and we are able to back this up with the necessary credentials, training and experience. By keeping people aware of our presence in the market, repeat business and word of mouth appears to keep us busy.
QTell us about any memberships or accreditations the company has
We are members of the NDTG and hold the CHAS Advanced accreditation at Principal Contractor level.
QWhat is your experience of the availability of labour, experienced and inexperienced? What can we do to attract young people into the industry?
The availability of good quality, labour has been a problem for us since early 2021. We saw a huge increase in revenue that year, but also experienced labour shortages and significant increases in rates.
I think many young people still don’t regard demolition as a proper career that can offer the opportunity to develop skills and climb the ladder. I see this as a misguided notion. The training opportunities offered by the industry and the NDTG, I believe, are good and easily available once you know where to look and how to open those doors. Perhaps it continues to be the
image of the industry that it needs modernising further. I know things have come a long way since I started my career and I consider that reputable demolition contractors offer some of the safest and most comprehensive services in construction, despite the hazardous nature of our work. A lot of people may be looking towards the NFDC to see how they might lead the way after recent events and the appointment of the new CEO. Attracting young people into the industry is an issue that should be led from the top.
QDo you undertake any ongoing training or Continuous Professional
Development?
At Redhammer we are very keen to have our direct workforce follow a programme of training that is linked to remuneration. We encourage new team members to enrol on the CCDO Apprenticeship Scheme and all training is paid for by the company, under the CITB grant scheme. This has no direct influence on our pricing – it is seen as an essential requirement to achieve the level of service that we wish to offer.
QTell us about any engagement Redhammer has in the community
We have recently begun to fully recognise the importance of social engagement and are in the process of developing a programme to ensure that we remain committed to such responsibilities. Ongoing projects include the sponsorship of our local under eights football team Reeves Rangers, offering free of charge services to schools and community centres and helping with a number of charitable events.
We are currently supporting a fundraising campaign that was set up by my niece, whereby she will be competing in this year’s London Marathon with all proceeds being donated to Horizons, which is a north London based organisation
that strives to create a fairer, more equal start in life for children and young people.
Go to www.justgiving.com and search KellyVinnicombe to donate.
QWhat do you think responsible companies need to be doing in regard to their communities and society in general?
It is important that businesses are seen as a force for good within their local community and within the communities where they undertake their work. I am very much against meaningless virtue signalling; however, I do believe that the creation of a harmonious working relationship with your neighbours can only be a good thing.
QWhat measures is Redhammer taking in regard to the climate crisis and sustainability?
The use of HVO fuels throughout our fleet has been a start. We have now replaced all machinery that was not compatible with this preferred choice of fuel.
Our fleet of management vehicles is now fully electric. Once you get over the range issue, electric cars are a joy to drive. Once you go electric, I think it is hard to go back.
We are also currently looking towards the introduction of electric machinery. The available options at present are fairly limited and we will have to start small, working up the line given the relative cost of this equipment. Hopefully, in time, the demand will rise and therefore cost will fall.
QHow do you see the demolition industry developing over the next few years? Do you foresee different demands on contractors?
I am a little uncertain about the future. I hear a lot of talk about embodied carbon and the potential environmental benefits of refurbishing structures rather than
demolishing them. I am no scientist, but I do know from experience that chopping buildings about can often lead to unexpected problems, delays, and additional costs.
I hope we at Redhammer can continue to offer and succeed in the full range of demolition practices that we currently offer. But we are ready to adapt where necessary, and where opportunities present themselves.
QWhat are the biggest technological developments you have seen in the industry and what do you envisage will be the future game changers?
There are some great pieces of kit on the market nowadays. It is difficult to prophesise, but if you were to ask me what technology may shape the industry in the longterm future, I would have to say robotics.
QDo you have any notable projects in progress or in planning?
At the time of writing, we have an order book that will keep us busy through much of the summer.
QHow do you envisage Redhammer in five to ten years?
We do not strive for growth. Rather, we will continue to focus on quality over quantity. We now have a great team, a young team, and I am comfortable with the £5m annual turnover we appear to have settled at. This seems to be the optimum level, if you like.
QAnd what about you in a few years?
Looking at the longer-term future, it is my hope that some in my team will look to step up so that I might take it a little easier as I get older.
AND FINALLY
When and where are you happiest?
In the garden, or around the pool somewhere hot.
What’s your tipple of choice?
Kona. What a beer! I found this when out in the States a few years ago. It’s from Hawaii and just tastes magic.
Be or do? Which represents you best? Do
AP Air Europe introduces Hebonilube grease pumps
by Gary WatlingAP Air Europe is pleased to introduce Hebonilube automatic grease pumps into the UK. As a longstanding air-conditioning parts specialist, we have a close relation with plant engineers and when we came across the Hebonilube range we knew these easy-fit auto greasers would be an appealing solution for them and their customers.
Available from stock in two, four, six, and eight kg pumps in 12V and 24V, all pumps and systems are supplied by AP Air with a two-year warranty. Hebonilube pumps are compatible with many other grease pump branded systems.
The benefits
• Extended equipment life,
• Higher residual machine value,
• Reduced downtime,
• Less maintenance and grease waste,
• Improved fuel efficiency.
Installation
In collaboration with Mark from Moonridge Plant Engineers, our installer for the south west we’ve put together a step-by-step guide for fitting a Hebonilube automatic grease pump system on an excavator.
Step 1: Prepare the excavator
Before installing an automatic grease pump system, clean the excavator’s lubrication points and remove any existing grease.
Step 2: Install the automatic grease system
The Hebonilube automatic grease pump system comes with instructions and recommendations for installation. Generally, you should install the pump in a location that is easily accessible and close to the hydraulic system. Most pumps come with brackets that can be attached to the excavator’s frame. Once the pump is securely mounted, connect the power cable to the battery and run the wires to the pump.
Step 3: Install the hoses and fittings
Measure and cut hoses to the appropriate length. Attach the fittings to the ends of the hoses, making sure to use the correct fittings for each lubrication point. Once the fittings are attached, connect the hoses to the pump and the lubrication points.
A sound investment for owner operators through to companies running fleets, the Hebonilube system extends equipment life, reduces downtime and labour costs, and keeps value in a machine for when it needs replacing, making it invaluable for any company reliant on its machines.
Step 4: Test the system
Fill the pump with a grease gun and your standard EP2 grease and turn on the system. Test each lubrication point to ensure that the proper amount of grease is being delivered. Make sure to check for any leaks or connection issues.
Step 5: Maintenance
Once installed and working, a system’s grease levels will need to be regularly checked and grease replaced as necessary. Hoses and fittings should also be routinely checked for wear and damage.
Space in the city by
Paul ArgentIt’s very rare that inner city demolition works are afforded open space to work in; add in the ability to use freshly soft stripped former office accommodation to site your welfare and anyone would think that Erith had landed a simple project.
“We’ve been very lucky in that respect,” Roberto Timanti, Erith’s Project Manager at their Baker Street demolition project says. The Kent based giants of the UK demolition industry won the tender to demolish a pair of 1960/70s former office and retail accommodation buildings on London’s busy Baker Street.
The parcel of land is being developed by Derwent London, which has consent to bring modern, environmentally friendly living, retail and working spaces to replace two drab 50-year-old structures on site. While the main eight-storey building sits on Baker Street, Erith is demolishing a second, four-storey building to George Street along with the demolition of a three-storey end of terrace structure to Blandford Street.
Roberto looks after the day-today running of the project along with his team consisting of experienced Site Manager Chris Rawlinson and
trainee Project Manager Michal Lisz. “I’ve been with Erith for eight years and have enjoyed every minute,” Roberto says. “I’ve had the opportunity to learn from some very experienced people within the industry and that has taught me so much. You need that practical experience to help you, and this is something Erith are very good at doing, they’ve given me every opportunity to push myself.”
Michal is also very complimentary about the opportunities he has had so far within the Erith team. “The work is very interesting and changes day to day; I would recommend a career in the demolition industry to anyone,” he says.
The project commenced on site
in October 2021 with the client bringing in Erith for early works and to take on additional MOLA survey works to streamline the programme. “It gave us a little bit of a head start, which is very good in this industry,” Roberto explains. “We were even more grateful for our early commencement on site as when we started top-down work on George Street, we found an additional slab within the roof construction, which held us up slightly on programme. We’ve gained that lost time back and are now on programme to complete in June this year.”
The first building to be demolished was the four-storey former retail units and residential accommodation on George Street.
Following a substantial strip out and asbestos removal, Erith was able to deploy several large excavators to the site, including a pair of 50-t-class machines to quickly dispose of the reinforced concrete structure. “Arisings are crushed on site as these will be used in the piling mat,” Roberto explains. “Crushing on site, is estimated to have taken 2,000 truck loads off the already congested city streets. It will also mean a quieter time for the neighbours.”
The two remaining structures on Gloucester Place and Blandford St terrace will remain fully occupied throughout the project. There are residential apartments in the east of the site on Gloucester Place, below which the welfare is situated and a row of 1970s-built town houses sit along Blandford Street. It is the end house on this row that the team are currently demolishing.
Once all the relevant party wall agreements had been signed off, Roberto and the team from
case study
Swanton Consulting designed a temporary works solution to stabilise the property to be retained. “The neighbours have been excellent during our works,” Roberto says. “We undertake constant noise, dust, and vibration monitoring between the property we are demolishing and the remainder of the terrace. Everyone knows what is going on and what is going to happen as we put out regular newsletters to all the residents and businesses surrounding the project.”
With the structural steel installed, a 5-t mini digger was hoisted onto the roof of the building to undertake the safe and steady top down of the structure. Erith is very lucky with the ample access to what was the car park at the rear of the buildings and was able to site an 80-t crane for the handling of skips and machines when they were moved floor to floor.
The former office and retail block on Baker Street was demolished at the same time. The eight-storey
reinforced concrete structure was demolished from the top down with three Caterpillar 308 midi excavators and a range of attachments. The material arising from the demolition process on a top-down is usually disposed of down the lift shafts, but as the one present on this building was deemed too small, Roberto and his team designed an external chute built from tube and fitting scaffold and lined with sacrificial planks. The bespoke chute allows the material to drop safely to the ground, where it was collected and processed.
With demolition work progressing extremely well, Erith’s attention has turned to preparing the ground for the arrival of the piling teams. “The piling and capping beam works are also both part of Erith’s scope,” Roberto says. “To allow for the near 80-t piling rig to safely sit on the cleared ground, Erith and Swanton had to design and install a series of raking supports to keep an existing retaining wall parallel to the rear of Gloucester Place. We are very lucky to have such a wide ranging and comprehensive ability to undertake almost any work inhouse. This is why we are able to undertake complex, time-sensitive projects safely and effectively with total success.”
Once the demolition work is completed, the site will be developed into a mixture of office, retail, and residential properties.
HI-REACH EXCAVATORS FEATURE SANY
I joined SANY as a mechanical engineer, mainly engaged in the development of adaptability requirements of various regions, such as 21-t (South African machine) stub rod development and 21-t main platform development and maintenance.
I served as the assistant to the director of SANY International Product Institute but mainly served as the project manager of
Name: Jimmy Shu
Job title: R&D Director of Overseas Department
Role: New product development, demolition, marketing including mining excavators
Time at SANY: 15 years
Experience:
Developed the following excavators:
• 2011-2015: SY215/SY235/SY335/SY365/SY500H
• 2018: SY500HRD (Demolition)
• 2022: SY390 Demolition and SY390/SY365 Stage V
the SY335(SY365) Euro IV product (completed development in 2012), assisted the director in team management and provided technical guidance for the team.
I later served as the director of SANY International Product Institute and presided over the development of Euro IV products such as the SY215/SY235/SY335/ SY500H excavators, including drawing design, procurement management, production support, parts atlas and sales data production.
Later I moved to Europe in the position of product
manager, responsible for technical support of front-end products, agent development and global product research.
Since June 2019, I have held the position of Director of the American Office of SANY Mining Company, the most experienced engineer in the international team. I presided over the development of the SY365/SY390/SY500 Euro V products, and completed the development of the SY2000H (200t) mining products. Currently, SY750/ SY980 Euro V products are being developed and the SY4000H (400t) project has been started.
Product name: SY500HRD
Product type: 60-t high reach demolition excavator
Date released: 2018
Brief specifications:
• Operating weight: 64,000 kg,
• Engine power: 298 kW @ 2,100 RPM,
• Maximum operating height: 28.15 m,
• Maximum operating radius: 15.3 m,
• Maximum weight of accessories: 2,400 kg.
HI-REACH EXCAVATORS FEATURE
The SY500HRD is a 60-t high reach demolition machine specially designed for Europe. It is equipped with a three section ultra-long working arm and the maximum height of the machine is 28 metres. The rotary excavation telescopic chassis is creatively adopted to improve the lateral stability of the machine by 20% and the tilting cab is developed to comprehensively improve the operating comfort and expand the driver’s working vision. All the functions and performance indicators have reached the leading level of the same tonnage products in the world.
At present, it has been exported to the United States, Germany, France, Italy and the United Kingdom and other major European and American markets.
HI-REACH EXCAVATORS FEATURE
Product name: SY390H
Product type: 40-t demolition excavator
Date released: 2022
Brief specifications:
• Operating weight: 40,000 kg,
• Engine power: 252 kW @ 1,800 RPM,
• Maximum operating height: 9.9 m,
• Maximum operating radius: 10.2 m,
• Maximum weight of accessories: 9,325 kg.
In 2022, the SY390H demolition machine was successfully built according to the market demand in the UK. SY390H remover is equipped with thickened bottom plate, right angled side beam and full cylinder protection from the driven arm to the bucket. It fully integrates the advantages of benchmarking machine and has been comprehensively developed in combination with the assembly requirements of actual models and working environment requirements.
HI-REACH EXCAVATORS FEATURE CAT
Name: George Ionescu
Job title: Product Manager
Role: Sales and Marketing of excavators between 13 t and 95 t
Time spent at company: Three and a half years
Experience: More than 10 years covering Cat equipment
stick configurations as well as specialist demolition attachments that allow it to meet a range of jobsite needs.
The model can be fitted with two-position retrofit booms, either straight or bent, while the machine provides a stick pin height of up to 25 m. When used for work that is above ground, such as lowlevel demolition or sorting, the straight position is ideal, while the bent position is used for digging or truck loading. Through the use of a two-piece retrofit boom the machine can carry demolition attachments of up to 4,500 kg, which is suitable for low demolition projects.
retrofit boom, the machine can use the Cat Grade with 2D Grade control system, swing E-Fence, and the Cat Payload on-board weighing system. Further benefits include:
• Full electro-hydraulic control system,
• Camera and water spray kit ready,
• Boom transportation cradles,
• Cat Grade Controls (for retrofit digging boom)
• Cat E-Fence (for retrofit digging boom),
• Cat Payload (for retrofit digging boom).
Cat® Next Generation
The Cat® 340 UHD delivers new depth and reach to demolition projects, expanding the working envelope. The Ultra High Demolition excavator has the capacity to reach up to eightfloors as well as allowing digging to a deeper depth than the traditional retrofit boom.
Designed as a robust excavator, it is ideally suited for use on difficult demolition projects on tall structures. With a unique coupling system the Cat 340 can switch between two UHD fronts and retrofit booms and sticks with no special tools in just 15 minutes.
Offering a flexible working approach, the Cat® 340 UHD features a number of UHD and retrofit boom/
The Cat Active Stability Monitoring system continuously informs operators of attachment position within the safe working range and warns when approaching the stability limit. When using the
Product name: Cat® 340 UHD
Demolition Excavators are purposebuilt for the rigour of demolition applications. With specialised cabs, straight boom and ultrahigh reach configurations and a full line matching demolition attachments, Cat Demolition Excavators are ready to help you tear through your next job.
Product type: 50-t class ultra high reach demolition excavator
Key features: Two UHD front options are available for the 340 UHD, providing a maximum stick pin height of up to 25 m.
The Cat UHD tilting demolition cab features a Falling Objects Guard Structure (FOGS) and includes front and roof laminated glass with a P5A impact rating. The UHD cab tilts up to 30° for excellent visibility to the stick nose to give the operator a more productive and comfortable working position.
Date released: 2021
Development time: Five years
HI-REACH EXCAVATORS FEATURE
Brief specifications:
• Operating weight: 54,700 – 55,500 kg,
• Maximum pin height: 22 m or 25 m, depending on front end option,
• Maximum tool weight: 3,700 kg (22 m front end) or 3,300 kg (25 m front end),
• Tilting demolition cab,
• Cat Active Stability Monitoring (for UHD front end).
HI-REACH EXCAVATORS FEATURE
Sennebogen
Name: Alexander Sturm
Job title: Head of Business Unit Deconstruction and Demolition
Role: Overseeing and managing product development from initial vision through design and production, marketing and sales.
“Since I was a small child I have been fascinated by machines and technology. Accordingly, after school I did an apprenticeship as a mechatronics engineer and then studied mechanical engineering. After a working for a German car manufacturer I started my role in the sales department at Sennebogen.”
the job site – demolition, sorting and loading and digging. This machine perfectly closes the gap in the SENNEBOGEN product range and serves an important segment in the market.
Sennebogen started with demolition machines in about 2008. Since that time we have gained a lot of experience and received a lot of feedback from our customers. The market has also developed from standard excavators to specialised demolition machines.
So we started to improve our machines continuously and very successfully. We had machines in the regions of 18 m and 33/36 m but based on the number of 20-m buildings needing to be demolished, we wanted to close the gap.
We asked our customers what requirements they had for a demolition machine in this sector. After a lot of different ideas we developed the 830 DEMOLITION that was dropped at bauma 2022.
We wanted to build a machine that can be used for every task on
At the same time, we tried to make the machines as easy to transport as possible and we definitely made it. With a transport weight of under 35 t, the machine can be transported very quickly and easily. In times of costly transport this is an elementary feature of the machine.
That means you transport the base machine with 35 t to the site, bring on the counterweight by remote control, connect the arm fully hydraulically and you can start to work. I do not know any other machine that can do this.
Customers gain great benefits from this machine. They can transport the machine faster and cheaper than others and only need one machine at the site, saving time, money and drivers. At the same time, the machine can fulfil each job perfectly: Big hydraulic power for big attachments, maximum speed for loading and sorting as well as changing fully hydraulically to a digging arm.
For customers who do not need the 23-m boom we also
offer our 18-m 830 R-HDD. With the two piece boom this machine is multifunctional to use because customers can do demolition jobs and sorting jobs without needing to change the boom. This means we can offer the right machine for every customer now.
It was a very interesting process for me, from getting the input of our customers and discussing it with our design department to supporting our production department in building the machine. During the whole process I gave ideas to our marketing department on how we could market the machine perfectly. I was involved in every step from development to production and now of course sales. I enjoyed it very much because I could use all of my technical and technical and customers-focused knowledge.
Of course this will not be the last development in our demolition segment. Change in the demolition sector is ongoing and selective dismantling will become even more important. For Sennebogen this sector is also very important because in this way we can serve the total portfolio for our customers who are in construction, deconstruction or recycling business.
HI-REACH EXCAVATORS FEATURE
Product name: 830 Demolition
Product type: Multifunctional demolition excavator, Key features: Lifting and tilting cab; hydraulic ballast weight; fully hydraulic boom change system; telescopic undercarriage; tilting demolition cab; Cat Active Stability Monitoring (for UHD front end).
Develon DX-7 demolition excavators
Name: DH (Donghun) Lee
Job title: Special Application and Attachment Product Manager
Role: Developing special applications in EU, configuring and setting-up machine specifications, engineering main performance and features and preparation for operation such as price, options and processes. Also looking for more opportunities and overseeing and managing product development from initial vision through to design and overall project management.
Time spent at company: 18 years
Previous experience: Product development in HQ engineering
I chose to major in mechanical engineering at university and work in related industries. I chose Doosan/Develon because I believed the construction equipment business had a long respected and meaningful history and looks to establish a bright future for the world.
Based on my major, I started as an engineer developing products in the R&D department, firstly in parts design and more recently, I was responsible for planning and designing the entire layout, main concept and components of the machines I was in charge of, before I moved to the EU to take on a role in the special application machine market including demolition.
I have developed an in-depth understanding and experience of our industry and products. Firstly learning a lot by designing our models and building prototypes, and secondly, I developed and matured further through lots of experience gained through visiting and sharing information and opinions with customers and manufacturers.
In the case of the European market, it is a region where various applications and combinations are carried out. Among them, demolition equipment can be considered as a specialised piece of equipment and we have been paying attention to the importance and necessity of this application for a very long time. Accordingly, our company has been reviewing and developing different concepts and prototypes for machines for the demolition business.
In the past, we produced and worked with some dealers and suppliers to sell these demolition machines through our former factory in Frameries in Belgium, but this was temporarily suspended due to internal and external circumstances. But ultimately, this market is a necessary part of our customers’ needs and our business expansion, so the company prepared to offer equipment of this type again to meet these needs.
At the time of the resumption of this part of our business in Europe, various ways were considered as implementation methods for this purpose. In fact, we had several demonstration models at our headquarters in Korea, but we decided instead to collaborate with European suppliers to meet the needs of the European market and respond better to customers. We started this project in 2018 and today we are developing this part of business with a new DX-7 generation of machines.
Among the benefits of collaborating with European companies is the ability to more easily respond to a variety of options and requests and better accuracy in meeting the relevant certification or regulations. There is also the benefit of being able to respond more quickly to aftersales service
HI-REACH EXCAVATORS FEATURE
requirements with a local European factory and component sources.
The advantages of our demolition models and features include an adjustable undercarriage with enhanced durability. In the case of the adjustable undercarriages, it can meet each country’s transportation regulations easily or simply minimise transportation costs, and at the same time, it is possible to expand the undercarriage width to provide more stable work. This undercarriage has a special seal and does not require maintenance throughout its lifetime. Other advantages include hydraulic pins, couplers that can easily replace boom/arm for each different type between demolition and digging front and anti-tipping indication and limitation systems configured for customer safety.
It is also important to ensure that the various options are well provided by customer requests, as they are also sold a lot to various demolition companies.
We offer various options such as even customising the colour to match each company’s identity, which increases customer satisfaction. The representative options we offer are a water spraying system, air compressor, cylinder guards, auto greasing, bulletproof glass, camera kits, reversible fan, track scraper, additional counterweights and so on.
In the case of demolition machines, larger equipment has been mostly used, but we are also paying attention to responding with more compact machines as well considering work done in city centres, and a representative model that fits this is our volume model, the DX245DM.
In addition, for further work in smaller buildings or downtown areas, we have developed a 14-t demolition machine and are preparing to launch and introduce it to the market and customers soon, and we expect that the response to this new model will be positive as well.
Product name: DX245DM-7, DX380DM-7, DX530DM-7 Demolition Excavators
Product type: Respectively 31-t/18-m pin height, 47.5-t/23-m pin height, 70.5-t/31-m pin height for these high reach demolition machines, Key features: Tilting cab, stability safety system, boom joint system with demolition and digging arm, hydraulically adjustable track, Date released: New generation DX-7 versions were launched in 2021 (DX380DM) and 2022 (DX245DM, DX530DM), Development time: Six months – varying on the model and generation.
Brief specifications:
Brutal work by Paul
ArgentThe Clarendon Suites in Edgbaston was designed by the significant Brutalist architect John Madin, who worked on several high-profile Birmingham projects including the former Central Library.
The concrete and brick facade of the Clarendon Suites-cumMasonic temple was very similar to the library in its stark finish. Built in around 1970, the building relied on a single central core and a handful of skylights for internal light as the elevations were devoid of any form of windows. Prior to its closure in 2014 the Masonic Lodge had vacated the premises for it to be used as a function hall for weddings and the like.
From the point of the building’s closure, Birmingham’s City Demolition was in the frame to strip out and demolish the sprawling
three-storey structure. Delays and Covid put a hold on the project, with City’s initial involvement of erecting a substantial hoarding around the site the only work undertaken for almost six years.
Unfortunately, the empty building, despite its lack of windows, proved to be a magnet for thieves, with every piece of ferrous and non-ferrous metal ripped from the building in the months following its closure, despite the owner’s best efforts to secure the building. Urban explorers and homeless people also managed to get into the property, causing further damage with City and its client having to undertake regular visits to site to update the security measures.
Eventually, with approvals in place, the City team was able to begin the strip out of the building.
However, the metal thieves and urban explorers had disturbed a large amount of asbestos, which meant that a careful cleanup project was required along with the associated asbestos strip out works, covering the first six weeks of the 24-week project. With this completed and the remainder of the strip out work undertaken, Site Manager Darren Grainger and his team were able to start the demolition proper. “When we got to see the structure of the building properly, we were very surprised at how substantial it was,” Darren says. “Built around the central atrium, the nine-inch brick walls carried heavily reinforced floor slabs and ring beams with very little in the way of structural columns to hold anything up.”
A substantial basement structure was exposed at one end of the building, with locals telling Darren and his team that there was once a secret tunnel leading from there to a nearby pub. While the tunnel wasn’t found, what the team did find was reinforced concrete footings a tower block could have stood on. “The amount of concrete we have found below ground has been unbelievable,” Darren says. “It’s taken some work to get it all out and processed.”
The site team has been using a fleet of equipment supplied by Molson Group, the company’s
preferred supplier for excavators, loading shovels and crushing equipment. When Demolition Hub visited site, the team was well into the crushing phase with a Kobelco SK300LC loading the excavated material into a Terex Finlay J1170 jaw crusher with the resulting 6f2 material quickly coming off the conveyor. The certificated material will be used in part to backfill the site once the below ground obstructions have been removed.
case study
With the larger than expected volume of material being removed, the crushed material is being stockpiled around the site with a Hyundai HL960 wheeled loader. Around 4,000 m3 of material will remain on site for the construction
phase with the remainder being shipped off to projects around Birmingham. The crusher has been on the fleet for three years now and is due for renewal, with City opting for an updated version of the super reliable and productive machine.
Two other excavators are on site alongside the SK300LC. The smaller machine, a Kobelco SK210 was operating with a hydraulic breaker while the largest excavator on site, a 35-t Kobelco SK350 was undertaking both breaker work and feeding the material to the SK300.
All three machines are equipped with OilQuick hitches, which the team say have revolutionised the way they work. “If we were changing attachments during the day the oldfashioned way, we could lose up to 90 minutes a day,” Darren says. “This doesn’t happen now. Attachments are changed in seconds; our productivity is up and the damage to attachments from not using them correctly is down. There’s a cost to fitting them, but that’s recouped very quickly. They’re not something that
can be just fitted and left alone as the connections have to be cleaned on a regular basis to ensure they don’t get damaged by grit, which would make them leak.”
The Kobelco excavators have come in for praise too with reliability being a huge plus point. Cab comfort is up there with the best on the market as is the fuel consumption, although it has been reported that since swapping to white diesel the machines seem to be burning through a tank faster.
“Fuel is playing a major role in any project,” Darren says. “We are very lucky that Mark invests in the best machinery on the market, in turn cutting the company fuel bill as much as possible.”
Fuel and unexpected obstructions in the ground aside, the small team led by experienced Site Manager Darren Grainger has pulled together to bring the building down safely, and within a few weeks hand over the plot to City’s client in readiness for the construction of a new nursing home.
“The nine-inch brick walls carried heavily reinforced floor slabs and ring beams with very little in the way of structural columns to hold anything up”
SUPPLIER TALK
Interviewee: Rebecca Munson
Role: Managing Director Company: Air Spectrum Environmental
Rebecca is a longstanding member of the Air Spectrum Environmental corporate family, having joined the company in 2007 as part of the sales team. Over the next 13 years, she progressed from sales to management, learning as much as possible about Air Spectrum’s business, people and clients along the way.
In 2017, Rebecca was appointed a director of the company. Her remit within the organisation has been on business direction, strategy and international sales, affording her a broad spectrum of experience to undertake her next role as Managing Director. Her journey clearly reflects the company’s dedication to nurturing staff development, promoting talent and rewarding demonstrated skillsets from within the organisation. Rebecca was appointed MD of Air Spectrum Environmental in early 2022.
QGive us some background on Air Spectrum. What are its driving forces?
Air Spectrum Environmental is a leading air quality consultant, focusing on bringing environmentally friendly solutions to the dust management and odour control
equipment to a full-service air quality specialist.
Air Spectrum solves air quality issues, from initial assessments, through to treatment and ongoing monitoring. Its UK manufactured range of battery-operated misting equipment, ecotech, is the first of its kind, offering a solution to pollutionswapping diesel engines being used to treat dust and odour on-site.
Air Spectrum has always been driven to improving air quality, manufacturing solutions to treat dust and odour. In recent years, the company has taken this one step further by manufacturing a range of battery-operated equipment, the first of its kind in the UK. We want to create solutions that not only reduce dangerous pollutants such as dust, but leave the air cleaner by not pumping out carbon emissions at the same time.
QHow did you start out in the industry, what attracted you to it and how has your career developed?
I started in the industry 15 years ago. I was drawn to the business initially because I found the issues facing clients interesting and I enjoyed being able to help them find solutions. My career has developed over the last 15 years, I started at the bottom, for want of a better expression and have worked my way up. I have enjoyed the journey and developed invaluable skills along the way that help in my role as Manager Director today.
QTell
us about the services you provide and how your relationship with clients works
We offer a full-service approach to air quality, meaning from the moment a customer calls with a
problem we aim to have anything they’d need to solve that issue. This may involve an initial air quality assessment to determine the threat, treatment from our range of products and then ongoing monitoring to ensure the issue has been resolved. We have a team of experts who are happy to come to site and explain exactly what will be required to solve the issue.
Q
What makes Air Spectrum different?
We try to provide a greener approach wherever possible, in areas where generators can be swapped for more environmentally friendly solutions such as batteries, we will provide that solution. We don’t just solve the issue for you, we can monitor and assess air quality as well using our team of air quality experts.
QTell us about your team and working culture
Our working culture is very positive, I am fortunate to work with an amazing team every day. Everyone is dedicated to making the business a success and we work really hard but we also know how to have a laugh.
QAre there any standout developments from Air Spectrum’s history?
There are so many. For me the development of the laboratory has been one of the standout moments, we started our OdourLab in 2015 and it has evolved to become one of the leading laboratories in the country. Being able to provide customers with meaningful odourrelated data that they can use has been a really positive direction for the business.
QHow has the scope of your business developed over time and are you in the process of developing your range of services?
The business is ever evolving and we are always looking for way to improve our offering to clients through new products, product improvements. In particular we are keen to provide sustainable
solutions and greener options to traditional solutions to air quality issues.
QHow do you gain business and spread the word about your services?
We believe in order to help the industries suffering most from air quality issues, you must be involved and understand those industries to the fullest extent. We spend lots of time on-site with our customers learning how they do things to provide the best service we possibly can for them.
You’ll find us as at industry shows such as Hillhead, RWM / Let’s Recycle and others.
QWhat are the biggest technological developments you have seen in your industry and what do you envisage will be the future game changers?
Air quality regulations are expected to change in the coming few years, putting continuous pressure on industry to reduce its carbon emissions. We want to make this process easier for those sectors we work with, meaning the change to greener equipment needn’t be painful or a difficult process.
damage to the environment.
QTell us about any engagement Air Spectrum has in the community We have a range of programmes we run as a company, including donating a working day a year of every employee’s time to charity –our chosen charity this year is a local hospice. Furthermore, we provide air quality insights to local schools to help educate the youngest generation on the air around them and how they can make a difference in everyday life. We’re also on track
Qdemolition plant sector generally?
Overall, industry requires good quality equipment that isn’t going to let them down – and doesn’t cost the earth (in both ways). The way forward will be quality equipment that makes
business has seen steady growth over the last few years and we will be looking to build on this, expanding product ranges and ensuring that as a business we don’t stand still.
QAnd how about you in a few years?
As for me, I plan to be at the helm for the foreseeable, this industry is forever changing and that keeps it really interesting for me. I’m excited to see what the next few years have in store for us.
QTell us about your key demolition-relevant products
We have a range of dust management equipment – dust cannons and atomisers – all with their own strengths.
QOutline their key functions
Dust cannons provide a powerful spray of water droplets that bring dust to the ground.
QHow are they critical for demolition contractors?
Dust cannons are essential for keeping dangerous dust out of the air during smaller and largescale demolition projects. Dust is a constant nuisance on site but it can be easily managed by putting the
AND FINALLY
Who is your favourite artist?
I love all genres of music, but my favourite artist right now is probably The Weekend.
Who do you most admire?
There are many people in my life who I admire. In terms of more recognisable names, I would say Jacinda Ardern. I admire the way she carries herself, how she dealt with Covid and how she has balanced a hugely pressured role with the role of being a mother.
relevant preventative measures in place, such as placing a dust cannon on site during active demolition.
QCan you quantify any of these benefits?
Dust management equipment can remove up to 88% of the dust that’s in the air, including harmful 2.5pm that can be a serious risk for respiratory diseases.
QTell us about the development these products
Our aim is to make our range as sustainable as possible, the very peak of those using battery power to prevent any carbon emissions, while others are HVO compliant and use minimal water to reduce water usage on site. We continue to develop our range every year.
Q
How have you found takeup among demolition contractors?
Dust management is always going to be required during demolition projects, we’ve seen a real push with sites looking for the greenest option, whether that be power options or water usage. We aim to be on hand to provide that option for them, without it costing the earth.
Overall feedback has been very positive as we are currently the only
ones in our industry able to provide battery operated misting systems. Customer service is something we pride ourselves on and we go above and beyond to make sure our clients have the air quality control equipment they need in place to run a happy, healthy site.
QHow do you see their development?
We continue to evolve our range of dust management products with the end user in mind. We aim to provide quality equipment that doesn’t cost the end user, or our planet a lot.
What would be your desert island luxury?
My kindle. I love to read.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
I have two small children, need I say more?
What do you do for fun?
I love spending time with my friends and family, I also love swimming and walking when I get the chance.
What’s your bucket list activity?
The Amalfi coast. It looks stunning and I’d love to visit.
What would you do for a company excursion, money no object?
We’re all big foodies at Air Spectrum, so I would take us all on a roundthe-world tour featuring everyone’s favourite cuisines.
What’s your favourite cuisine?
I really adore Spanish and French cuisine.
Cawarden’s Jamie Dial speaks to Demolition Hub for Careers Week
Cawarden has proven it can inspire, recruit and retain new talent in the demolition sector despite a growing skills shortage. In addition to traditional recruitment methods, the company has been working with the YMCA Derbyshire to offer young people a career opportunity in this exciting field.
So to celebrate National Careers Week 2023 (6-11 March), Cawarden put the spotlight on 22-year-old Demolition Operative, Jamie Dial.
When Cawarden first met Jamie, he was living in YMCA accommodation in Derby. He had had a tough start in life but he didn’t want to let that hold him back and was keen to find work and gain his independence. Since being offered an opportunity to join the Cawarden family, he has never looked back.
By sharing stories like Jamie’s, Cawarden hopes to inspire others to join the demolition industry and follow in his footsteps.
“By sharing stories like Jamie’s, Cawarden hopes to inspire others to follow in his footsteps”Jamie (centre) shakes on it with Cawarden’s William Crooks (right) and a YMCA staff member Starting out: Cawarden’s Jamie Dial
QHow did you first come across Cawarden?
I’d heard of Cawarden before but it was when Managing Director William Crooks came to campus to deliver a talk for us, I really became keen to get my foot on the ladder.
Q
What attracted you to the company?
Cawarden was offering a chance to join the company despite having no previous experience or training. All they were asking in return was that I was willing to be trained and was prepared to work hard.
QWhat training did you receive from Cawarden?
I initially completed my CCS, Green CCDO (Certificate of Competence for Demolition Operatives) and Asbestos Awareness certificates. I put a lot of hours into the revision.
QWhat’s it like to be a demolition operative?
I love working in demolition and really enjoy the variety of work that we get involved in. We can be stripping out one day and recycling the next. I first started work on a local site in Derby, I also worked away for a bit in Luton and now I’m working on a new job in Derby.
QWhat don’t you enjoy so much?
It can be tough working outside when it’s dark and cold.
QWhat were you doing before Cawarden?
YMCA helped me get onto a course at college doing land-based studies which I really enjoyed and achieved distinctions in. As it turned out, there were lots of transferable skills to demolition.
QHow has Cawarden supported you since you joined?
My work family has been so supportive and we can have a laugh. We work together on the same jobs so you get to know each other really well – especially working away. We stay in the same accommodation and have dinner together in the evenings. I’ve also been really lucky to have Mick, Andy and Johnny as my mentors. I’ve learned so much from them through on-the-job training and job shadowing. They’ve been with the company a long time so I’m learning skills for life from the best.
QWhat are you proud of?
I’m proud of myself for coming this far. I’m proud of the awards I’ve won through YMCA and I’m proud to work with my team to keep standards high and deliver the jobs.
QHave you got any ambitions for the future?
I’d really like to keep progressing through the ranks and I’ve spoken to my site manager about doing some telehandler training. One day I’d like to be a 360-machine driver. I really love watching the machines working.
QWhat has changed most over the past couple of years?
My success with Cawarden has allowed me to gain independence. My confidence and communication skills have really improved too and I’m much happier knowing I’ve got a great career path ahead of me.
QFor anyone in a similar position to where you were, what would be your advice?
Take any opportunity, work hard and show your commitment. If I hadn’t attended the demolition talk that day, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I’m grateful to YMCA and Cawarden.
QYou represented Cawarden at a YMCA employment event recently.How was that?
It was great to be asked and to be on the other side of the table talking about my journey from my perspective.
“My success with Cawarden has allowed me to gain independence”
Cawarden hosts employment event with a difference
Ahead of National Careers Week in March, Cawarden employees were invited to bring their sons, daughters, nieces, nephews and grandchildren to a behind-the-scenes look at one of its Leicestershire sites to provide an early taste of the demolition industry and an insight into what their family member does for a job.
The visit to the site of a former leisure centre was led by Cawarden Managing Director and outgoing President of the National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC), William Crooks.
The children, aged between two and five years old, donned their hi-vis and hard hats for their first-ever tour of a demolition site.
During the visit, the children learned about site safety and the reasons why protective clothing is worn on-site. They explored the different jobs and skills involved in demolishing a building and got to meet the site manager, machine drivers and labourers. They also discussed the importance of recycling building materials.
William Crooks, Managing Director of Cawarden, said: “We had a wonderful time meeting the children and showing them around our demolition site. I don’t think you can ever be too young to learn about demolition and it was great to witness the children’s interest and engagement during the visit.
“My sons grew up on-site and this event provided the perfect opportunity for Cawarden employees to bring their children to work. All the children loved looking at the big demolition machines working and all intently observed – something I still don’t get bored of seeing.
“We discussed the different jobs on the site and we talked about the importance of being safe when building work is taking place in their communities – which we complemented with activities back in the site office. I was really impressed by the knowledge of the older children and pleased at how much they all enjoyed and learned from the experience.
“With the skills shortage growing in our sector, as well as the challenges in recruiting young, diverse talent, it is essential that we find ways to inspire the next generation – and today’s event is just one of the ways we’re supporting this goal.”
When asked what their favourite part of the day was, one child, aged four and a half, said: “It was really exciting to see the big machines in real life.” Another child aged five, said: “I loved seeing the diggers working.”
The children left the site with a goodie bag that included a copy of the children’s book When I Grow Up, along with a new perspective of a demolition site.
“I loved seeing the diggers working”
Cawarden supports next generation of civil engineers
Specialist contractor Cawarden was proud to showcase its work currently being undertaken on Agard Street in Derby by hosting a site visit for 30 final-year civil engineering students and apprentices from the University of Derby.
Cawarden is delivering the proof digging and earthworks on the Agard Street site on behalf of its client. The company completed the demolition of the former student flats on the site last year and has been awarded a follow-on scheme to prepare the site for future redevelopment.
As part of their final year studies, the students have been tasked to propose and design a theoretical residential and commercial tower block for the site, so the visit provided the opportunity to look at site constraints, obstructions, access, utilities and ground conditions – all useful things to consider as part of feasibility studies.
The students were able to see the full extent of the site with a guided tour led by the Cawarden team.
They were shown a number of areas which are under construction and were able to stop and observe key points including a large area that is still to be backfilled and levelled.
From the questions raised by the students and staff during the visit, it is evident that the University of Derby is continuing to generate competent next-generation engineers.
Mitch Townsend, Civils and Groundworks Manager at Cawarden, said: “We welcomed the opportunity to host the students to our project on Agard Street in Derby city centre. As a student, it’s invaluable to see first-hand work being undertaken on a site like this. We are all for encouraging new people into the industry and wish the students all the best with the project. We look forward to seeing their proposals.”
Simon Wood, Senior Lecturer in Civil Engineering at the University of Derby, said: “The opportunity to be shown around the site by industrial professionals was invaluable for our final-year Civil Engineering students
“As a student, it’s invaluable to see first-hand work being undertaken on a site like this. We are all for encouraging new people into the industry and wish the students all the best with the project”
completing their structural design project.
“The experience for the students to work on a live project allows them to develop and enhance skills vital for entering the graduate market, as well as highlighting roles they could soon be entering. The students’ final presentation to industrial experts will encompass all their knowledge and empower them to interact within an environment they wish to engage with in the future.”
MEET BROKK 900
THE WORLD’S MOST POWERFUL DEMOLITION ROBOT
The Plough Inn:
A tale of heritage, demolition and recycling
Sheffield firms Sevenhills Demolition and Reclaimed Brick Company wanted to document the stages of the demolition and recycling of the materials of The Plough Inn. This challenge was taken on by Drone 21, led by Cameron Hardy. To effectively capture the stages of the demolition and recycling process, Drone 21 first inspected the site and airspace. Safety procedures were then put in place to ensure the project could be documented safely. With the setup of a timelapse camera to document the entire project from start to finish, Drone 21 and the team visited the site weekly to photograph and record the progress of the project to ensure that every stage of the project was recorded.
Heritage
Although the pictured building was constructed in 1929, there had been a pub on the site since the 17th century. The Plough was not only a popular watering hole for locals, but it also played a significant role in the story of football, the modern rules of the game having been drawn up there, giving it a significance well beyond Sheffield.
case study
Several proposals were made for development on the site after the pub’s closure, with plans to open a supermarket rejected by the council in 2017.
The pub had been listed as an asset of community value and following its closure campaigners were given the opportunity to put together a bid to buy it and run it for the community.
The group raised £435,000, however, the then-owners rejected the offer and sold it to Spacepad, which secured permission to demolish the pub and build eight three-bedroom townhouses. The planning inspector’s decision to allow the development was influenced by the council being unable to meet the government’s five-year deliverable housing supply target.
case study
Demolition
The technically challenging demolition and recycling project was taken on by Seven Hills Demolition and the Reclaimed Brick Company, led by Luke Clarke.
Work began with the removal of the pub’s interior structure, including the wiring, plumbing, flooring, bar and dividing walls. The next stage involved removing the tiled roof and roof slats, which proved to be challenging due to bad weather conditions.
The team then started removing the gable ends and facades. They faced a significant challenge in removing the roof and brickwork from the side of the pub surrounded by apartments and diggers were unable to gain access to the front of the building due to the cellars.
However, they worked hard to find a solution and managed to take down the other side of the pub before removing all the material from the site and recycling it. They then began removing the other half of the roof and working down to remove all brickwork and other materials.
“They worked hard and managed to take down the other side of the pub before removing all the material from the site and recycling it”
Reuse and recycling
While the demolition of the Plough Inn is undoubtedly a loss to the community and the city’s heritage, the efforts of Seven Hills Demolition and the Reclaimed Brick Company to recycle materials from the pub mean there is hope for preserving some of its legacy.
Bricks from The Plough will be used in construction projects across the UK, with a smaller number sold to the community as memorabilia, ensuring that a small part of the pub lives on, even after its demolition.
The demolition of The Plough Inn was a technical challenge, but it was also an emotional experience. The pub was a historic landmark in Sheffield and campaigners had fought hard but ultimately unsuccessfully to save the pub. Its demise will be felt by many people in the city, but with its sporting significance, its demolition represents a loss much further afield, highlighting the importance of preserving our heritage.
“Bricks from The Plough will be used in construction projects across the UK, with a smaller number sold to the community as memorabilia, ensuring that a small part of the pub lives on, even after its demolition”
DUST CONTROL FEATURE
simple to move/transport which customers need on busy and fluid site operations.
With spring and summer fast approaching, UK Dust Suppression specialist INMALO has listened to customer requirements across the demolition and recycling industries to ensure it has the most comprehensive range of dust suppression units available in the UK today. Both Motofog and MB Dust Control provide small and large units for internal and external works.
INMALO’s MOTOFOG range is a common sight on many demolition sites due to the flexibility and manoeuvrability they provide. The five models have a throw range from 15 to 55 m. They are light and
Launched by INMALO in the UK a decade ago, the Motofog range hasn’t stood still, with continual development to be at the forefront of the dust suppression market there has been a raft of improvements in recent months, to get the MF20 and MF40 models ready for the spring.
Main improvements include the inclusion of a folding arm for easy transport and storage, Forklift mounts for easy movement on site, 270° electric oscillation and the ability to set your own angle within this range and further modifications to improve safety.
At the smaller end, the MFJ10 and newer MFX20 pack a punch with a 15 m and 20 m throw respectively.
They are both extremely compact and easily lifted into a small van, The MFX20 has options for remote control and an IBC mounting.
John Hall, director at John F. Hunt said: “We’ve chosen the Motofog units over the years as they provided the most flexible solution for our demolition sites where dust suppression was absolutely essential. A deciding factor was the Motofogs being simple to run and easy to manoeuvre on site. Their ability to run off the mains or a tank was also a serious consideration to the site teams.”
INMALO’s MB spray cannons provide the most extensive range of fan-based models on the market. The MB range has a solution to suit every environment, whether inside or outside. With the largest
choice of spray cannons in the world for suppressing odour and dust, the range extends from the SC5 (5 m throw) up to the SC150 (150 m throw) with multiple options including, mounting style, generator, water supply and hydraulic masts for increased height.
Charles Polak from INMALO said: “We have a combination of the best and most reliable jet and fan propelled dust suppression systems on the market, which provide choice and flexibility when it comes to reach, suppression area and meeting the challenges posed by the availability of water or power supplies.”
As well as fully supporting sales and servicing, INMALO also provides a wide range of both Motofog and MB Dust Cannons models within their rental fleet.
Duty of care
BossTek® helped the Methodist University Hospital (MUH) in Memphis, Tennessee prepare for a $275m facility upgrade by controlling dust emissions during the demolition of its old facility on the University of Tennessee campus.
The contractor, DT Specialized Services (DTSS), employed the DustBoss DB-60 Fusion™ to mitigate harmful particulates during the teardown and recycling of the eightstorey, 9,000 m3 structure. Forgoing traditional dust control methods of hoses or sprinklers, DTSS’s prior experience had shown that atomised mist was the best method to control the smallest airborne dust particles and exceed compliance standards. This resulted in no reports, complaints, or violations
DUST CONTROL FEATURE
regarding dust emissions from demolition activities, recycling/ transportation of construction and demolition materials or finishing ground cover efforts.
The building was constructed of a steel skeleton, wrapped in precast concrete and brick. For much of the exterior demo work, DTSS used a Volvo EC380 mid-level excavator with a bucket and thumb, as well as a Volvo EC480 high-reach excavator to access the upper floors. The company also used a third excavator with a shear attachment and a concrete processor that crushed the brick and concrete and readied it for loadout.
“Implosion wasn’t a viable option on this project, due to the possibility that airborne particles could migrate to the air intakes of the other buildings,” said DTSS General Superintendent Seth Herber. “Because there was asbestos fireproofing material used in the original construction, the floors were encapsulated one at a time with plastic wrap, so negative air pressure could be created.”
In the past, the simplest and most common methods of airborne dust suppression on demolition sites involved manual spraying with fire hoses or large industrial sprinklers. To effectively manage the inevitable dust that’s created by a project of this scale, DTSS opted for a DustBoss DB-60 Fusion™ atomised misting cannon from BossTek.
Mounted on a roadworthy trailer, the DB-60 Fusion system uses a specialised barrel design with a powerful 18.5 kW industrial fan on the back end and a misting ring on the front. On this project, the 7.5 kW booster pump drew water from a metered city hydrant and increased pressure to as much as 250 PSI, supplying the circular manifold fitted with atomising nozzles.
The nozzles fracture the water into an engineered mist, and the fan throws millions of tiny droplets in a 60-m-long cone, covering up to 5,800 m2 when using the 180° oscillator. The unit is powered by a 45 kW generator with a John Deere diesel Tier IV Final-compliant engine, ensuring compliance across the US.
It’s fueled by an onboard 380 L tank that delivers approximately 24 hours of runtime.
“The difference between using hoses and using the DB-60 is like night and day,” Herber continued. “Even though the high-reach excavator has a pressurised water system on it to minimise dust during the takedown, there’s always a concern about standing water and runoff if we add manual spraying to the mix, especially on concrete surfaces. That was completely mitigated by using the DustBoss, as it delivers a targeted cone of mist over a huge area, evenly distributing the droplets while using a lower total volume of water.”
Hoses and large sprayers
common to demolition projects typically produce droplets as large as 10,000 microns in size, large enough to create a phenomenon known as the slipstream effect.
The DB-60 Fusion creates millions of tiny droplets in the 50-200-micron size range – roughly the size of most dust particles
generated by demolition projects. Due to their small mass, atomised mist droplets produce virtually no slipstream and are light enough to travel with dust particles on air currents, increasing the chance of a collision and allowing the droplets to quickly drive dust to the ground.
DUST CONTROL FEATURE
Figure 1 – The slipstream effect © BossTek The DB-60 Fusion uses specialised nozzles and a ducted fan to distribute droplets 50-200 microns in size © BossTekAnother key feature for DTSS on the project was versatility – being able to quickly reposition the DB60 to accommodate the changing worksite and prevailing winds. “The mobility is great. Wherever we need dust control as the job progresses, we can get the unit there quickly and have it running in minutes,” Herber pointed out. “The labour savings over hand spraying is dramatic and the mist is far more effective for controlling particulates, without the inherent risk of being near demolition activity.”
A further advantage to precision dust control is the effect on equipment. In the past, workers have had to clean excessive dust buildup out of equipment air intakes and radiators to prevent engine breakdowns. When dust is addressed right at the point of emission, this is reduced considerably, saving maintenance time and protecting valuable equipment. By having a versatile hands-free dust control unit, sites are safer and more compliant, while reducing the overall cost of operation.
Herber said: “The public and
DUST CONTROL FEATURE
the authorities see the DustBoss on-site, and they can tell that the dust is being controlled. From our perspective, general contractors know we have the suppression equipment in place to ensure compliance and safety, which helps keep the job on schedule and minimise disruptions.”
“This was a delicate project, strictly controlled, in a highly urban environment,” Herber concluded.
“We were very happy with the performance of the DustBoss, and we received no dust-related complaints on the job.”
Once the nine-month demolition was complete, Herber’s crew brought in 3,800 m3 of soil to fill and decommission the basement. Hospital officials report that a beautiful greenspace is planned in the location to serve as the front vista for the new facility.
The DB-60 Fusion effectively suppressed dust particles during the demolition © BossTekStructural Testing
Swantest can provide a wide range of test solutions for all aspects of a project. This can include structural tests on the superstructure, substructure and geotechnical tests on the substrate of any project. Our range of structural tests include:
Load Capacity Tests: Used for determining the load capacity of various structures, fixings and materials. We can load test structural slabs, marine structures, lift beams, pile foundations and more.
Anchor Tests: We can carry out pull tests and shear tests on all types of bolts, fixings and fasteners. From small fixings supporting a few kilograms up to large diameter bolts supporting significant loads.
Geotechnical Tests: In-situ site tests for verifying pile mats, formation layers, subgrades and other materials. These include; Plate bearing tests, CBR tests, shear vane tests, dynamic cone penetrometer test and light drop weight tests.
Balcony and Barrier Tests: Various types of horizontal load tests to check and verify the safe use of; Balcony handrails, balustrades, insert panels, sports ground barriers, bridge parapets, edge protection systems and more.
For more information call us on 0370 950 7707 Website: www.swantest.co.uk Email: info@swantest.co.uk 52-54 St. John Street, Farringdon, London, EC1M 4HF
CONEXPO-CON/ AGG exhibitors take industry to the next level
After five jam-packed days of innovative product launches and major company announcements, enlightening education sessions and countless networking opportunities, CONEXPO-CON/AGG & IFPE 2023 have come to a close, but not before taking the construction industry to the next level.
The show crushed expected attendance numbers, drawing over 139,000 construction and fluid power professionals from 133 countries to Las Vegas from 14 to 18 March –making it the largest trade show in North America with more than 2,400 exhibitors from 36 countries spread out over approximately 280,000 m2 of exhibit space.
Phil Kelliher, Caterpillar senior vice president and CONEXPOCON/AGG show chair said: “The innovations in the construction industry unveiled this week will play a role in helping construction professionals drive meaningful and sustainable economic growth. Live events in the construction industry are very important, because you can see, touch and experience the products. That value was reaffirmed this past week across the show floor.”
This year’s show emphasised how the construction industry is evolving in many ways to adapt to sustainable technologies, products and practices. Show attendees were treated to sustainability in action,
from electric and hydrogen powered construction equipment, to more recyclable materials and waste reduction opportunities.
Sustainable tech displayed Volvo Construction Equipment brought several electric and autonomous pieces to its stand in the Festival Lot, including its EC230 electric excavator pilot, its Zeux autonomous concept wheel loader, and its HX04 prototype hydrogen articulated hauler.
Just steps away, Caterpillar featured four battery electric machines as well as a series of prototype batteries for off-road equipment ranging from 48-600 V.
CONEXPO-CON/AGG attendees also found:
• Aerial work platform specialists Skyjack with its new SJ120 E on hand, a zero-emissions mast lift with a 30% improvement in duty cycle,
• Asphalt recycling equipment from Pavement Recyclers LLC and VSS Macropaver use different processes for recycling asphalt, keeping it out of landfills.
• Concrete contractors checked out Holcim’s ECOPact concrete, which can eliminate carbon emissions entirely in some instances.
Holcim was also the winner of the inaugural Contractors’ Choice for the Next Level Awards,
• Construction pros wanting to maximise their energy efficiency explored Kubota’s V3307 MicroHybrid engine for installing in their existing equipment, saving fuel with the attachments they use, like Rototilt’s Rototilt Control system,
• Contractors who work in disaster recovery will be saving up to 600 sandbags per barrier (and not worrying about disposal should it become contaminated) with Rapid Barrier Systems’ waterinflatable barriers, not to mention the fuel needed to haul it on and off site,
• Demolition contractors will also be reducing waste and preserving still-usable material with Aquajet’s Hydrodemolition robots at the Brokk booth that can help remove damaged concrete while leaving still-good concrete and rebar reinforcement intact,
• According to Wacker Neuson, compaction is another place where low-efficiency engines can be replaced with batteryoperated equipment, as they showcased a number of electric tools, including battery-powered, reversible plates,
• Small engine specialists Briggs & Stratton brought its Vanguard brand’s swappable lithium-ion batteries for attendees to test out and Redline Detection showcased its battery coolant and leak detector,
• B3C Fuel Solutions brought products to the show to help contractors eliminate waste by restoring emulsified/damaged oil, and make sure lubricant that does find its way to the environment is non-toxic and biodegradable,
• Waste2Water brought solutions to CONEXPO-CON/AGG to help equipment operators keep waste and chemical-laden water out of the environment,
• And AT&T’s Equipment and Machinery Solutions team brought a solution to help track its actual Scope 1 emissions versus their targets.
The Arbor Day Foundation partnership
One of the biggest sustainability efforts on the part of CONEXPOCON/AGG directly is a partnership between the show and the Arbor Day Foundation. CONEXPO-CON/AGG and the Arbor Day Foundation will be planting 139,000+ trees, one for every show registrant in a forest of greatest need.
Additionally, CONEXPO-CON/AGG exhibitors, attendees and fans of the show can contribute to the Arbor Day Foundation’s funds, allowing them to further their goal of involving themselves in its mission of planting, nurturing and celebrating trees around the globe.
CONEXPO-CON/AGG & IFPE also featured a wide range of educational opportunities, including 190 expert-led sessions on topics such as construction safety, equipment technology, and sustainable building practices.
Marcia Klein, Treasurer of Casappa Corp. and show chair of IFPE said: “The success of CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE 2023 is a testament to the resilience and strength of the construction and fluid power industries, which has continued to adapt and innovate despite the challenges of the past three years. We’re proud to have provided a platform for industry professionals from around the world to connect, learn, and discover new solutions for improving their businesses and the world we build.”
The next CONEXPO-CON/AGG & IFPE will be held on 3-7 March 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas.
CONEXPO-CON/AGG & IFPE 2023 by numbers
• 279,000+ m2 net of exhibits (10.5% larger than 2020),
• 139,000+ registered attendees (6% increase over 2020),
• 2,400+ exhibitors, from 36 countries, including 603 newto-the-show exhibitors,
• 24,000+ international registered attendees from 133 countries,
• 91,000+ scans of badges to access the 190 education sessions,
• 600+ global media from 33 countries
DOOSAN rebrand at CONEXPO
On 18 January, it was announced that the brand of orange construction equipment known as Doosan would now be called DEVELON throughout the world. Under the new brand name, the company will continue providing innovative products and solutions that exceed expectations, further cementing its status as a global leader in construction equipment and solutions for the infrastructure industry.
Work began to identify a new brand name to replace
Doosan following the August 2021 sale of Doosan Infracore to HD Hyundai (formerly Hyundai Heavy Industries Holdings Co. HHIH). The name DEVELON was chosen to convey the company’s drive to develop onward to bring innovative solutions to the construction equipment industry through technological transformation and the development of exceptional equipment and services. DEVELON will continue to focus on manufacturing
construction equipment to build critical infrastructure for the betterment of communities around the world. DEVELON products and services will help customers and partners become industry leaders in construction, rental, recycling, mining, agriculture and many other industries. Efforts will also be placed on advancing sustainable development through alternative energy sources.
Continued efforts will be made to advance the brand at the local dealer level through updates to signage and decals. Customers are likely to begin to see newly branded machines at their local DEVELON dealerships and on jobsites as early as the end of Q2 2023.
DEVELON will continue as a subsidiary in the Hyundai Genuine group alongside Hyundai Construction Equipment (HCE). The subsidiaries will remain independent construction equipment companies under HD Hyundai. Together, the two brands will position Hyundai Genuine as a top-five player in the global construction equipment industry.
Employees celebrated the new brand and the unveiling of a product line expansion during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the company’s CONEXPO stand on Monday 13 March. Hyundai Doosan Infracore CEOs Cho Young-cheul and Oh Seunghyun, were among the executives leading the celebration in the new DEVELON booth.
Prior to the show, Todd
Roecker, Vice President of Growth Initiatives at DEVELON, said: “We look forward to displaying our newly branded DEVELON machines at the trade show this week. This is a continuation of our plan to roll out the new brand to our North American and international audiences. We expect our dealers and customers will be pleased with the new look.”
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Visitors to CONEXPO saw the next phase of the launch with newly DEVELON branded construction equipment in the outdoor DEVELON exhibit. This included the latest developments in the Concept-X autonomous equipment solution and live demonstrations at the outdoor exhibition in the Festival Grounds lot.
Smart construction updated DEVELON demonstrated its commitment to the future of construction sites with updates to its Concept-X and XiteCloud smart construction platform. Concept-X was unveiled in 2019 as the world’s first automated construction solution. At a demonstration of Concept-X in Korea, attendees witnessed autonomous construction equipment performing everyday jobsite tasks.
The company is now unveiling the latest developments to the technology-based solution in an updated version called Concept-X2. The newest iteration of the solution includes the following updates:
• New dozer added to autonomous equipment lineup,
• Autonomous driving and blade control based on global navigation satellite system (GNSS),
• Automated 3D grading with tiltrotator accessory,
• Enhanced machine-learningbased auto digging and loading,
• Integrated work planning algorithm applied,
• Advanced E-Stop safety technology.
The Concept-X2 autonomous construction equipment in the DEVELON booth included the DD100-CX dozer and DX225-CX crawler excavator. Both machines feature a new cabinless design and a linear core design language.
With XiteCloud solutions, a customer can manage multiple tasks such as surveys, terrain analysis, machine purchases, equipment operation and construction management on a single platform, thereby reducing construction costs and saving time while increasing work accuracy, which in turn raises productivity. XiteCloud also allows customers to manage multiple projects on a single platform, accumulating and managing data that can be used for future decision making/business.
The advanced automation technology is commercialising in phases. Customers can digitise their construction site with innovative management, field and safety solutions. A range of new solutions that form part of the XiteCloud system cover many aspects of construction management. These include:
• XiteFleet – provides real time fleet monitoring with location tracking and operation monitoring,
• XiteAuto – commercialises current and future technology DEVELON is developing, from 3D machine guidance to automation,
• XiteAnalyst – a digital twinbased earthwork analysis/ management solution,
• XiteSafety – offers safety management, including preventing collisions between construction equipment and workers.
Zero-emission power sources
DEVELON displayed its latest low-carbon, zero-emission power source technology, showing off the company’s latest iteration of its e-Powerpack (battery pack), mildhybrid powertrain and plug-in highvoltage full hybrid engine.
In June 2021, the company announced the manufacture of its first in-house battery pack prototype. The battery pack was developed for use with electrically driven vehicles, including construction, mining and agricultural machinery. The DX20ZE-7 electric-powered miniexcavator displayed at CONEXPO features the company’s battery pack technology.
A battery pack is the final form of the battery system mounted on motorised machines. It is configured with control and protection systems, such as a
customised battery module that bundles a certain number of batteries in cell units into a frame, a battery management system (BMS) and a cooling system.
Thomas Lee, Director of Product Management at DEVELON said: “Our DEVELON battery pack provides a low-cost, high-efficiency solution for our customers who are planning for electrification in their equipment fleets. We continue the development of attachable high-energy and high-density battery packs.”
High efficiency and durability is achieved in the e-Powerpack through:
• Enhanced energy density structural adhesives to attach cells and modules to the frame,
• Increased lifespan and low temperature performance through an integrated watercooling system module.
From a safety perspective, Thomas Lee said the e-Powerpack was designed with wire bonding to help prevent thermal runaway and the company adhered to ongoing hardware and software compliance with functional safety (ISO 26262) ASIL-C.
Serial and parallel combinations are adaptable for diverse voltages and capacity of battery packs. Thomas Lee said this was part of the company’s plan for standardisation and expandability of its e-Powerpacks.
DEVELON highlighted two of the company’s hybrid engine technologies at the show. The first was a mild hybrid powertrain with the following features:
• 48-V electric motor and lithium-ion battery added to the existing engine and system,
• e-Drive system for improved
startability and dynamic characteristics,
• Reduced CO2 emissions and improved fuel economy made possible by downsizing the engine, reducing low-efficiency components and using regenerative braking.
The second engine technology is a plug-in high-voltage full hybrid featuring:
• More efficient and powerful multi-purpose powertrain system,
• 360-Volt e-Drive system and lithium-ion battery added to the engine,
• Ability to choose most efficient operation based on the application:
• Pure electric mode in zero emission zone,
• Hybrid mode,
• ICE-only mode,
• High performance achieved through e-Drive system and ICE,
• Plug-in charging available using on-board charging.
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it contributes to better profitability for our end customers. The interest in test driving the machines on site was enormous, we also notice that the market is more mature now, customers are asking for quotes to a greater extent than before.”
Swedish tiltrotator manufacturer engcon was on site to market the tiltrotator and its benefits for the North American market. Martin Engström, Product Manager at engcon, describes the interest in engcon’s products as greater than ever.
engcon established its operations in North America in 2017 and today the company has sales offices in both the US and Canada. CONEXPO, which takes place every three years, is an
obvious arena for engcon, which works purposefully to strengthen its position in the North American market. Now that CONEXPO has closed its doors, engcon can sum up this year’s participation as a great success.
Martin Engström said: “This year, the interest in our products was greater than ever in terms of the number of visitors to our stand. Showing our products live helps us to create an understanding of how the tiltrotator works and how
Krister Blomgren, engcon’s CEO said: “Since 2017, when we established our operations in the US, we have had our sights set on getting North Americans to understand how effective a tiltrotator is and how it contributes to better profitability. Based on the feedback we have received from visitors to our stand, we are very satisfied with our participation and look forward to our continued expansion in the North American market.”
Holcim’s ECOPact Low-Carbon Concrete selected as Next Level Awards Contractors’ Choice
The Next Level Awards celebrate exhibiting companies that are pushing the boundaries and developing next-level products, technologies and services designed to advance the construction industry.
Dana Wuesthoff, Show Director of CONEXPO-CON/AGG said: “We are proud to announce Holcim as the winner of the inaugural Next Level Awards – Contractors’ Choice. Their commitment to excellence and innovation in the construction industry is truly impressive and it is evident that they are highly regarded by the industry.”
ECOPact provides the global construction industry with a versatile solution to the carbon
challenge, offering up to 90% lower CO2 emissions compared with standard concrete mix designs. Projects using ECOPact low-carbon concrete are the cornerstones of the future, and Holcim is fortunate to have the opportunity to partner with leading influential businesses and companies to design innovative mixes that meets their needs and helps build a sustainable future.
Attendees at CONEXPO-CON/ AGG and IFPE voted for their favourite of 10 finalists on site to determine the Contractors’ Choice Award. The finalists were selected by a diverse panel of Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) members. They were judged based on the following criteria:
• Addresses a common industry need in a unique and innovative way,
• Benefits the industry across multiple applications for industry wide adoption,
• Positively impacts the safety, sustainability and workforce of the industry.
Toufic Tabbara, Region Head
North America at Holcim said: “We are honoured to have ECOPact low-carbon concrete recognised as the Contractors’ Choice for the inaugural Next Level Awards programme. We are committed to changing the way we build a more sustainable future and helping our customers reduce the carbon footprint of their projects.”
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www.FieldFlo.com
Brokk
by Jeff Keeling, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Brokk Inc.CONEXPO-CON/AGG attendance was expected to soar this year as it’s the show’s first time back since 2020 — and it did. We saw record-breaking numbers of both attendees and exhibitors. The show floor was packed with decision makers in all industries looking to learn more about construction equipment and
the latest advancements in the industry.
Over the last few years equipment manufacturers have turned their eyes toward sustainability and one of the biggest trends we saw at CONEXPO was the transition to electrical power. Many equipment manufacturers introduced electric
options in 2022 and the trend continues. It’s been exciting to watch our peers working with electrical power, especially as we continue to advance our own.
Brokk’s legacy of electric power extends all the way back to our founding. We debuted the first electric demolition machine in 1976 to replace dangerous
manual labour with a safer, more productive alternative and we continue to work with both electric and diesel fuel models to provide options for all types of project. Brokk demolition robots are used in construction applications, foundry work, mineshafts and even security and rescue applications.
At CONEXPO, we showcased the Brokk 200, Brokk 300 and Brokk 500 electric models along with attachments, including breakers, buckets and concrete crushers. The robots feature SmartPower, the world’s most intelligent power system, that offers increased power through a smart control and monitoring system to maximise production and minimise downtime. Pair that with one of the many attachments we offer and you have a highly versatile, compact powerhouse.
One of the best aspects of trade shows is the ability to speak with customers face-toface. The return to the show floor brought with it great conversations with attendees who knew their equipment and what they were looking for. These interactions allowed
us to discuss what customers were doing on the jobsite and how they’re using our equipment — or, in many cases, what a Brokk demolition robot can provide that other equipment can’t.
We strive to give customers the tools they need to succeed, no matter what they’re up against. The quality of the leads we got from the show were excellent and demonstrated that the return of CONEXPO brought out more of
the business decision makers than we’ve seen in previous years.
A trade show like CONEXPO brings together great minds in the construction industry. It gives people the opportunity to see new technology, discover solutions to everyday problems and find new ways to advance business. During the pandemic, some questioned whether trade shows would become a thing of the past. CONEXPO 2023 answered that loud and clear.
Demolition Hub at Demolition Phoenix
by Ben ChambersFor the second year in a row we were invited to the National Demolition Association’s Demolition Conference – this year held in Phoenix, Arizona.
I take my unofficial job as the world’s most travelled demolition media man seriously; I have even invested in a travel pillow, two pairs of headphones and more bizarreended chargers than C3PO could use. Straight off the back of being at World of Concrete did I need the 5,000-mile trek 10 hours and two planes? No not really, but for what the NDA put on for the industry and quite frankly their friendliness and professionalism I would go again tomorrow.
I feel a part of the family with the NDA and day one started with a 15-minute coach ride to watch some serious kit being demonstrated out in Arizonian plains.
I was able to see more of Brokk, Sennebogen, Komatsu and of course CAT in action while chomping on the complimentary burritos and soda. You can see our footage of equipment in action on our YouTube channel.
Obligatory interviews took place,
of course, and friendships were made, to be reaffirmed and rekindled two weeks later at CONEXPO.
On day two and three we were brought out of the sun and inside the Phoenix Convention Center, where a super-show of booths containing almost everything that could help a contractor do their job better was on offer. Incidentally, my walk around the expo is also available on YouTube.
Education is a key part of the week, and a plethora of comprehensively researched and topical sessions with well-known international speakers was available for delegates to sit in on. That is if you could get a seat. Every time I walked past it was standing room only.
I particularly enjoy a trade exhibition and it was great to see that the NDA had many new service provider members to speak with. This is testament to the pulling power of being in front of North America’s elite contractors.
As per last year, the final evening was given up to the black-tie NDA Awards event, recognising members’ achievements as well as employees’ contributions to their firms and the industry.
This was an opportunity for the wine to flow and the conversation to turn to who we knew in the industry from either side of the pond, attachments used, PPE, and American wrestling.
Although we are based in the UK, the NDA recognises Demolition Hub
as a global source of news, views, case studies and demolition interest; they value speaking with us, giving them and their members more exposure. In-turn the NDA must be the most professional, open and
friendly associations I have had the privilege to work alongside. Long may our association with them and their members continue.
Off to San Antonio next year –yee-haw!
22-25
February 2023
Down with school by
Paul ArgentThe UK government’s promise to upgrade many of the country’s crumbling education facilities has kept many demolition contractors ticking over nicely over the past decade. With school and college facilities being upgraded, usually with brand new buildings, a mixture of old and dilapidated structures requires clearing away to return parking or playing fields often used to construct the new buildings.
Lincolnshire based GBM Demolition is currently underway with such a project for one of its regular clients, Wates Group. Wates has recently handed over a state-ofthe-art facility at Burnham Grammar School on the outskirts of Slough with an increased footprint and state-of-the-art facilities.
With the new buildings handed over at the close of 2021, Wates appointed GBM to undertake the demolition and site clearance works starting early 2022.
As is common with many school
buildings around the country, the construction methods used vary wildly within each building. Burnham is no different with the original brick and block construction from the 1970s having been extended at some point in its lifespan with a steel frame extension allowing for larger classrooms.
In total, GBM has nine buildings to remove from the school grounds, along with a reduced dig to remove footings and below ground obstructions. The buildings vary between single storey timber framed constructions to three storey brick and block units. All the buildings have insulated flat roof systems, which the GBM team led by Site Manager Les Rogers strips off as they are demolishing them.
The school buildings had been stripped of all the loose fixtures and fittings prior to the GBM team arriving, just leaving the old, fixed lab furniture to remove. “Much of the soft strip work was straightforward,” Les explains. “We have had a bit of asbestos to remove throughout the structures and in the various pipe ducts that run beneath each building linking the heating system together.”
With the main teaching block having been extended a number of times during its life, undertaking the soft strip works exposed a few cheats by the builders who had
worked on the buildings in the past, with former external windows left insitu and stud walls built across them.
“It can be a bit hit and miss with soft strip works as the buildings are usually occupied when you price them, and the clients aren’t too happy about us stripping ceilings and walls apart to see what’s inside,” Les jokes. “We usually go off the asbestos survey, which gives us a pretty accurate report on what’s hidden behind suspended ceilings and the like.”
With the majority of the furniture removed, Les says that the soft strip works were quite a simple task, although the amount of material generated does seem to multiply massively as soon as it is stripped out.
Contracts Manager Sean Taylor has recently returned to the GBM team following a seven-year spell away with another contractor and is relishing the challenge of pushing the company forward. “GBM are a great company to work for. When I was asked if I wanted to come back, it wasn’t a hard decision to make, Adrian and Simon are good people to work with.”
The contract with Wates is among four projects Sean is currently looking after. “Wates are a good outfit to work for,” he says. “They know we are the experts in this field,
they know we are safe and will do the job properly.”
One of the biggest issues is the number of relatively new uPVC windows that line each elevation of the large buildings. “They would fill several skips on their own.” Sean explains. “That would cost a lot to tip too but we use a company in the Midlands to recycle them. We can leave the aluminium handles and hinges on but have to remove the double-glazed panels before we send the frames away.”
The first building allotted for demolition was the school hall but when the machines started stripping the outer skin of brickwork away, the cavity wall insulation gave the main contractor a few concerns over its makeup. “We stopped work immediately,” Sean says. “Obviously we have a duty of care to the operatives on site but also the wider community and if the main contractor has any issues over safety, we will stop the job until all parties are happy to proceed again.”
case study
The slight delay in taking down the hall didn’t stop the team from making a start on an adjacent single-storey structure. Hemmed in by the site accommodation and the hall, the building was quickly and safely dispatched by a pair of excavators from the extensive inhouse GBM fleet.
The tight area given to GBM has seen them commence the demolition works with a small single storey classroom block. The blockwork structure gave very little resistance to GBM’s Volvo EC380E demolition excavator, which was configured with a short, straight boom, Steelwrist quick coupler and MBI selector grab. Working his way into the building, experienced operator Chris Pope quickly removed the first bay of timber flat rook and the long Metsec beams that they were supported on. Assisted by a standard EC380E excavator with Steelwrist quick coupler and Rotar selector grab, the second machine was tasked with loading the 40yard bins and sorting the materials handed to it by Chris.
“I’ve used the OilQuick version of the Steelwrist in the past and
it’s a brilliant addition for any excavator.” Sean says. “There’s far less damages to attachments and hoses meaning the initial costs of the hitch are soon paid back through increased productivity and reduced repair bills.”
The 10-week programme for the demolition works is one that both Les and Sean are happy with. “We had everything disconnected by the main contractor before we started which has helped us immensely,” Sean says. “Once we get started again on the hall, we shouldn’t have any issues.”
Being surrounded by residential properties and having to work in a live school environment has also brought its issues with both noise, dust and vibration monitoring in place for the duration of the works.
“We are having to encroach on the basketball court in a week or so to allow us to undertake some of the demolition work safely,” Sean explains, “but this is all agreed with the school and the main contractor well in advance, with a double hoarding being put into position to allow plenty of room between our work zone and the school grounds.”
“It can be a bit hit and miss with soft strip works as the buildings are usually occupied when you price them, and the clients aren’t too happy about us stripping ceilings and walls apart to see what’s inside”
industry
Worsley Plant couples with OilQuick
Worsley Plant is widening its product offering and strengthening its reputation as the UK’s attachment specialist – your one stop shop for all your attachment sales and hires.
The company is delighted to announce that it is now an official UK dealer for OilQuick. Its fully automatic quick coupler system means hydraulic attachments can be changed directly from the driver’s cab in just 10 seconds and are ideal for use in the demolition, construction, quarrying industries. The use of innovative highperformance technology in product design and manufacturing, makes OilQuick quick couplers an efficient and reliable choice for customers around the globe.
Spring 1993 saw OilQuick’s first quick coupler for backhoe loaders launched on the market. By 2021 more than 40,000 OilQuick systems had been supplied by the Swedish manufacturer to satisfied machine operators across the world.
OilQuick is an advanced automatic quick coupler system for excavators from 1 to 120 tonnes, which allows hydraulic work tools to be connected and disconnected from the driver’s cab. The operator can change work tools within a few seconds, such as hydraulic hammers,
pulverisers or shears, sorting grabs, hydraulic magnets, compactors, crushing buckets or tilt buckets.
Operations Director Adrian Nixon says: “We are delighted to have added Oilquick to our range. We already offer the Lehnhoff range of fully automatic quick couplers and will continue to support and sell these throughout the UK. However, we appreciated that our customers have a choice, as there are two big players in the quick coupler marketplace. We needed to offer both brands to complement our growing range of hydraulic attachments.
“We recognise that we need to offer the fullest range for our customers so that they have a one stop shop for all their attachment needs, whether they want to buy or hire, available UK wide. We predict exciting times ahead for both parties involved in this dealership arrangement and are see this as an extremely positive start to 2023.”
Worsley Plant already offers crushing and screening buckets from REMU and MB, as well as demolition attachments from ROTAR – including grabs, shears and pulverisers. It also offers magnets from Dynaset and more recently added Montabert breakers to its range.
Liebherr rebrands fully automatic quick coupling system Solidlink
Liebherr will now market its wellknown LIKUFIX quick coupling system globally with the brand Solidlink, while it will retain the LIKUFIX name in German and French-speaking countries.
The fully automatic Solidlink system enables almost any hydraulic or mechanical attachment to be changed quickly and easily from the driver’s cab, safely connecting the machine to the attachment to form a powerful unit.
The time-tested system delivers maximum efficiency, safety and flexibility for customers and is suitable for use with both Liebherr products and machines from other manufacturers.
A major advantage of Liebherr quick coupling systems is their versatile, manufacturer-independent application and combination options with a wide range of different earthmoving machines and attachments. Rudolf Arnold, Sales Director at Liebherr-Hydraulikbagger GmbH says: “Solidlink is a brand name that will be readily understood globally. We would like to use this to continue to establish our fully automatic quick coupling system in the future.”
This message is also conveyed by the new brand name and gets straight to the point in terms of the benefits, says Arnold. “Solidlink
increases machines’ possible applications increasing their capacity by up to 90%. The fully automatic quick coupling system therefore makes a significant contribution to both efficiency and safety on site.”
A host of features guarantee maximum safety. Solidlink is hydromechanically mounted to deliver perfect balance in all axes and degrees of freedom. Because the attachment can be changed from the driver’s cab, the possibility of personnel being in the danger zone during the change process can be ruled out. The proximity sensor also monitors the correct position of the attachment in the locking position. If the pins are extended during coupling without the attachment
tool being connected to the quick coupler, the machine operator is alerted by a warning sound in the cab and a warning signal on the display. Furthermore, the two-hand control process means that the machine cannot operate out of control during the coupling process and the safety risks this can create can therefore be ruled out.
The high strength of the system is due to a solid metal plate and recessed hydraulic couplings that prevent damage during the coupling process. An optional bracket on the coupling block also protects the hydraulic lines.
The fully automatic coupling system enables attachments (both mechanical and hydraulic) to be changed easily, quickly and conveniently from the operator’s cab at the touch of a buttonDoosan Construction Equipment is now
Same quality products maximum productivity outstanding value continuous innovation
Find out more: eu.develon-ce.com
To remotely operate a crane or machine while still having both hands free for other tasks, that is the strength of using a waist transmitter such as the Tiger T12. With a neck or waistbelt, this compact and versatile transmitter is always close at hand. It is no wonder that this attractively priced transmitter has been one of Tele Radio’s most successful solutions for years.
From now on, the T12 will continue its career under the name PrimaTEQ to better fit within the rest of the range of waist transmitters. The functionality, however, will remain the same.
New name, same functionality
With a new name for its smallest waist transmitter, Tele Radio aims to build a complete, recognisable, and logical product family structure. The PrimaTEQ, with the same functionality as the former Tiger T12, is the entry level class solution.
Above the entry-level, we have the 24-cm-wide VersaTEQ and the SupraTEQ with a width of 33 cm. The line of waist transmitters is characterised by a high degree of flexibility, reliability, and safety. The receivers offer a solution for different bus protocols, analogue or digital, input and output. Tele Radio can thus meet all the market’s current needs.
Tele Radio PrimaTEQ: a new name for T12 compact waist transmitter
Convenience in a compact case
The PrimaTEQ is recognisable by its width of 21 cm and monochrome screen of 4.5 by 1.5 cm. The compact size makes the transmitter the perfect tool for long-term use in harsh conditions. The functionalities remain unchanged; the PrimaTEQ offers a sturdy housing with ergonomic handles, an independently certified, PLe/SIL3 safety level, stop function and preprogrammed lifting and hoisting settings. With more than 10 different joystick versions, which operate at either 433 or 915 MHz, there is a standard, Basic Line version. Optionally, via our Custom Line version, a PrimaTEQ transmitter can
Most of Tele Radio’s transmitters meet high safety requirements and thus contribute to more efficient and safer working under high-risk conditions, such as moving heavy loads. The certified safety stop is always within reach of the user. To guarantee the highest level of safety, the products are independently tested by recognised notified bodies. Certificates of this are always available on request.
Call us on: 02071646095
Email us: info@thelabourdesk.com
Visit our website: www.thelabourdesk.com
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Labour Solutions
The Labour Desk provides the demolition industry with labour solutions, from a labourer for a day to a whole project team, we can get it covered.
Attending the British Demolition Awards
For the past 6 years The Labour Desk have been supplying demolition clients with:
• CSCS Labourers
• CCDO Labourers
• CAT B asbestos operatives
• Machine Operatives
• CCDO Gold carded Supervisors
• CCDO Black carded Managers
We have an extensive network of qualified operatives nationwide please call if you have any requirements big or small we will be happy to assist.
10,000th ‘Doosan’ ADT in Norway Europe’s first in DEVELON colours
In February 2023, Doosan celebrated production of the 10,000th Articulated Dump Truck (ADT) from the company’s plant at Elnesvågen outside Molde in Norway. In fact, there was even more to acknowledge with the 10,000th unit as it is the first machine in Europe to officially carry the colours of the company’s new DEVELON brand.
As well as the DEVELON branding, the 10,000th ADT also carries an extra special design, which harks back to the origins of the ADT range – time well before Doosan and even the Moxy era, back to the Viking ADT model, 12 of which were produced by the company, Øveraasen, in the time before Moxy took over production. This is recognised by a Viking ship motif on the tailgate of the 10,000th unit, a DEVELON DA45-7 model.
Over the years, a number of different ADT models have been produced at Molde, including the D15, 5222B, 6225B, 7235, MT40, MT41, DA40 and now, today’s models, the DA30-7 and the DA45-7. Rosendal Maskin AS, the Authorised Dealer for Norway, has supplied
ADTs since 1987, and has delivered a total of almost 500 of the 10,000 so far produced. According to the Molde Plant Manager, Jan Roger Lindset, the 10,000th ADT with production number 851,951 has been purchased from Rosendal Maskin AS by the Rental Group in Norway.
Production began at the Molde plant in 1972 when the business was called Glamox. Since then, the brand has had a number of names such as Moxy, Moxy Industrial, Brown Engineering, Moxy Trucks, Moxy Engineering and in 2008, the name changed to Doosan when the South Korean manufacturer bought the factory and the product. In 2021, Hyundai Heavy Industries bought the Doosan construction equipment range including the ADT line, and the name of the business was changed to Hyundai Doosan Infracore (HDI).
There are currently 150 employees at the Elnesvågen plant, but with both DEVELON and Hyundai ADTs now being produced at the factory, the workforce is expected to expand to meet an expected 40% growth in production.
Best-in-class performance
The DEVELON ADT range comprises two 6x6 models – the DA30-7 and DA45-7 Stage V compliant machines – the DA30-7 has a payload of 28 tonnes, while that of the DA45-7 is 41 tonnes. The range was extended at Bauma 2022 with the launch of a new 4x4 version of the DA45-7 ADT, intended to compete with rigid dump trucks (RDTs) in the 40-tonne class.
Like all DEVELON ADTs, the DA30-7 and DA45-7 models feature an articulation hinge positioned behind the turning ring to provide equal weight distribution to the front axle even during maximum steer articulation. This combined with a free-swinging rear tandem bogie ensures equal distribution of weight to each wheel and guarantees permanent six-wheel contact and drive for equal power distribution and excellent performance particularly on difficult terrains such as soft ground, uneven surfaces, very steep slopes, tight turns or a combination of all of these difficult conditions.
Collectively, the forward turning
point, the unique tandem bogie and the sloping rear frame results in best in class rough and soft terrain capabilities. The unique body shape and sloping frame ensure equal load distribution on all the wheels making these machines the best haulers for soft terrain work. The design of the articulation also provides equal load distribution on the wheels on both the left and right hand side when turning, which is very important for the traction and stability of the machines. All of these outstanding features are available on the DEVELON Stage V DA30-7 and DA45-7 ADT models.
In the new 4x4 ADT, the front truck and cab unit is the same as in the original 6x6 model, with modifications being made on the rear dumper unit only. Featuring a ZF EP8-420 transmission, the 4x4 DA45-7 is a twoaxle ADT with twin wheels at the rear, and with a dumper section similar to that on RDTs in the 40-t class.
Superior performance
“With superior operation on poorer roads, smoother surfaces and steeper terrain, the aim of our new 4x4 machine is to challenge RDTs in the 40-t class, by providing a dumper product that delivers much more than RDTs,” says Beka Nemstsveridze, ADT Product Manager at DEVELON.
As well as performing better in conditions that are tough for RDTs, the new 4x4 DA45-7 ADT has a width of less than 4 m to avoid the need for special transportation and offers a better turning radius than a comparable RDT. The shorter turning radius and the design of the rear dumper unit, which is more suited to carrying flat and heavy rocks, provide particular advantages in the mining and tunnelling industries.
The latter are growing markets for ADTs and include pioneering shortterm mining projects, quarrying and contract mining industries, especially those in southern Africa, the UK and Australia. Construction and bulk earthmoving contractors involved in roads, dams, airports, landfills and development projects are also large users of ADTs. Together these areas make the ADT market a wide and varied one, thereby ensuring a large customer base.
industry
MDiG is pleased to announce the launch of its new range of online training for machine operators, aimed at understanding and maximising the benefits of machine control on the job site.
Specialising in machine control, surveying and software, the training is available through any browser with an internet connection.
Completely online and accessible 24 hours a day, the training can be completed when convenient and flexed around the working day. This can limit downtime as training can be done off site and during quieter times. As well as removing travel time, online creates the opportunity to provide immediate and appropriate training. You choose when to attend courses.
Many courses are supported by an online specialist, so if you have questions support is readily available.
Suitable for beginners looking to get up to speed quickly or an experienced professional wanting to brush up their knowledge, each course enables operators to take full advantage of the equipment’s capabilities to help improve workflow in the field or back at the office.
The first course available is a free taster: Introduction to Machine Control – establishing the core concepts and looking at standard digital construction technology.
This is followed by training for intelligent machine control machine operators – excavators and dozers. These courses concentrate on the positive and unique traits of the intelligent machine control systems and their effective and efficient operation. Learning is done through a variety of styles – with Q&A, videos and interactive exercises.
Coming soon are courses for Topcon 3D MC for Dozer Drivers,
and for Excavator Operators; and Leica MC1 for Dozer Drivers, and for Excavator Operators. A training app using the same login details will also be available soon enabling all courses to be completed via a smartphone, offering even more flexibility and ease of completion.
On passing the course a digital certificate is immediately available and a summary of the learning provided to retain key information. The courses can also be repeated multiple times if you need a refresher.
Course booking is quick and easy – sign up, add payment details and choose your course.
Business owners can register and book courses for multiple staff members at the same time. Results and certificates can be managed easily with full support given from the MDiG team.
Launched in 2020, and with its staff having over 50 combined years experience in the construction technology
industry, MDiG is fast becoming established as one of the industry’s leading providers. Along with online, classroom and site-based training, MDiG covers all aspects of digital construction offering rental and sales of the latest GNSS and Machine Control equipment, solutions with jobsite setup, 3D data and terrain mapping and an assist service via dedicated support desks.
MDiG has key partnerships with Leica Geosystems, Topcon Positioning and XWatch Safety Solutions as well as being the UK’s distributor of Smart Construction products.
Completely online and accessible 24 hours a day, the training can be completed when convenient and flexed around the working day
industry
Forklifts and portable power transition to Bobcat brand
Doosan Bobcat, a company within Doosan Group and a leading global compact equipment manufacturer, has announced its global branding strategy to create business and growth opportunities for the Doosan Bobcat product portfolio.
Doosan Portable Power (DPP), an industry-leading global manufacturer of air compressors, mobile generators and light towers; and Doosan Industrial Vehicle (DIV), a supplier of quality material handling equipment, including forklifts, will rebrand their product offerings under the Bobcat brand.
Scott Park, Doosan Bobcat CEO and Vice Chairman said: “Bobcat is an iconic brand that changed the world with the invention of the compact equipment industry, and we are excited to unleash the brand in bold, new ways. Doosan Portable Power and Doosan Industrial Vehicle have long legacies of developing high-quality products. Bringing these strong Doosan brands into the Bobcat portfolio allows us to further expand these business lines, while also growing our overall Doosan Bobcat business and providing even more solutions to help our customers accomplish more.”
The rebranding of the portable power and industrial vehicle equipment lines – two key business areas for Bobcat – looks to further strengthen overall brand equity, market recognition and consumer recall of all product offerings. The
transition will create a cohesive customer experience and grow the organisation’s footprint, thus making the brand accessible to more customers and in more places.
Bobcat has broadened its product portfolio significantly within the past five years, launching more machines during this period than
previously in its entire history. The brand has successfully expanded its offerings with new technologies and innovations and expanded product lines, such as grounds maintenance equipment, which includes compact tractors, small articulated loaders, mowers and turf equipment.
“The Bobcat brand empowers ambitious and passionate groundbreakers to accomplish more. Across the globe, big challenges get smaller
because of our equipment; from breaking down walls to building up communities, we’re proud to provide people with what they need to be successful in their endeavours,” said Laura Ness Owens, Doosan Bobcat Vice President of Global Brand. “By expanding the Bobcat brand to the portable power and industrial vehicle industries, Bobcat can help even more customers, in more ways than ever.”
With this refreshed identity,
the DPP and DIV product lines will, respectively, undergo design and aesthetic changes in alignment with current Bobcat branding.
The rebranded products have been displayed at key global trade shows in March and April 2023:
DPP displayed a portion of its product line-up rebranded in Bobcat trade livery at CONEXPO 2023 on 14-18 March.
DIV showcased rebranded Bobcat forklifts as part of the in-booth
display at ProMat 2023 in Chicago on 20-23 March, and will also show them at LogiMAT in Germany on 2527 April.
Bobcat-branded material handling equipment and portable power products are expected to be available through Doosan Bobcat’s extensive global dealer network at a later date. Bobcat and these rebranded product lines will remain part of the broader Doosan Group portfolio.
a c t o r s .
D u e t o o n g o i n g b u s i n e s s g r o w t h a n d s u c c e s s , w e ' r e o n t h e l o o k o u t f o r e x p e r i e n c e d p e o p l e t o j o i n t h e C a w a r d e n f a m i l y
F o r f u r t h e r i n f o r m a t i o n o r t o a p p l y , c o n t a c t
C o n t r a c t s D i r e c t o r , S a m u e l C r o o k s
r e c r u i t m e n t @ c a w a r d e n c o m
SANY launches new range of demolition spec machines
SANY UK has announced the launch of two new demolition-spec crawler excavators. The SY215CXD (24-t) and the SY390H-XD (40-t) tracked excavators are available to order with factory fitted demolition guarding specifically for demolition, waste or arduous applications.
Designed to meet the demands of the most challenging demolition projects, the machines are equipped with advanced hydraulic systems, reinforced structures and heavyduty attachments, making them capable of handling even the toughest demolition jobs.
They are equipped with reinforced structures including heavy-duty belly plates, ram guards and side impaction protection, to withstand the demands of the demolition
industry. They also feature hammer shear and rotate lines and advanced hydraulic systems that enable easy changeover of attachments in line with whatever the application requires.
Leigh Harris, Business Development Director of SANY UK said: “Following our announcement
The machines are equipped with advanced hydraulic systems, reinforced structures, and heavyduty attachments, making them capable of handling even the toughest demolition jobs
last year that we had joined the NFDC, it’s great to launch our new range of demolition machines, which have been specifically designed for the UK. Our machines are built to the highest standards of quality and reliability and we are confident that they will exceed the expectations of our customers.”
The new range of demolition machines is now available for purchase though SANY’s authorised dealer network and come with an industry leading five-year / 5,000-hour warranty for complete piece of mind as well as a comprehensive range of service and support packages.
Demolition modifications to other existing SANY tracked excavators, the SY265C, SY305C and SY500H will follow later this year.
PURPOSE BUILT 50-TONNER
The EC530E and EC550E Volvo Excavators, optimise fleet use by up to 20%. These 50-tonne excavators are the perfect partner to 30-40t class Volvo articulated haulers, reducing the number of required passes – dramatically improving cycle times. Built by Volvo, supported by SMT GB. Trust in the full support and back-up from SMT GB, for the lifetime of your machine.
Fuel for thought
by Richard DolmanRising costs across the globe are certainly having an impact on the entire construction and demolition industry. One that is directly affecting us is inflated fuel costs. Despite seeing a slight downturn over the past few months following a peak in June 2022, they are still at a higher level than this time last year.
The red diesel ban came into effect last year, which compounded the issue for the industry and for some companies, this was too much to bear. Increasing costs was inevitable to ensure we could weather the storm of this ban following the turbulence of the Covid pandemic and subsequent other impacts from across the globe.
Is this the time for us all to consider bringing forward our eco-projects? But at what cost? We should all share ideas and collaborate on the most effective
ways to bring sustainable construction to the forefront of what we do. Recycling and alternative fuels are indeed the most featured ways our industry is reducing its carbon footprint. There are many other energy saving, carbon reducing and sustainable innovations available to us yet to embrace.
Let’s work together to push forward our eco-friendly ideas such as the quick release machine arms or all-in-one dust suppression unit developed by AR in conjunction with industry partners. These don’t have to increase our costs significantly but require collaboration and innovative thinking.
BIM
by Jacqueline O’DonovanBuilding Information Modelling (BIM) has been around since the 1970s, when a paper published by Charles Eastman considered a prototype called Building Description System (BDS) and discussed ideas of parametric design, high quality computable 3D representations, with a “single integrated database for visual and quantitative analyses”.
The BIM document was originally for the aerospace industry as it was crucial that the information was shared and collaboration took place when building aircraft to ensure compatibility, compliance but above all safety. This paved the way for the current concept of BIM as we know it, which integrates architecture, engineering and construction.
BIM has become an agreed term in design and construction over the past 20 years with the digital
concept in terms of the production, management and sharing of digital information in relation to a project. The main objective is enhancing the process of the project and to give a framework and a cohesive approach to ensure the success of the evolving project and the avoidance of any unforeseen pitfalls or to be in breach of any build or planning controls. The UK BIM framework works through a number of BIM levels. The first are Levels 0 to 3, which range from collaboration to integration of digital information management. The aerospace industry has operated Levels 1 to 3 for decades.
In contrast, BIM dimensions, refer to the level of information in a given BIM data model. 3D BIM is associated with 3D modelling, geometrical and graphic information; 4D BIM is time related information,
construction sequencing by means of Gantt chart and timelines; 5D BIM is focuses on cost analysis, management and estimating; while 6D BIM is centred around sustainability, environmental, economic and social sustainability impact studies. Furthermore, 7D BIM is concerned with the life cycle and maintenance, facility management, operations throughout the building asset lifecycle.
In addition to 7D BIM, this blog advocates for an open debate on the introduction of a new BIM dimension, for example 8D BIM, aimed at underpinning digital information enabled deconstruction and demolition within the process. A BIM enabled demolition/deconstruction module is less discussed and less represented in literature. BIM based
deconstruction/demolition modules will advance the UK circular economy massively by having the ability to know what materials are within the structure, which would then allow the reuse and repurposing of construction materials and components used in the said building. This would help enable the UK to hit the net zero carbon initiatives set out by the government.
BIM is a digital information production, management and sharing process that underpins information across the supply chain throughout the asset lifecycle. However, for some reason, demolition and deconstruction has never been part of the BIM model. Why not, we must ask. Demolition is a hugely significant part of this process and is vital to the circular economy and so until such time
as demolition and deconstruction is included, the circle will remain incomplete.
In my opinion, the UK demolition sector needs to push the construction industry and its associated bodies to include demolition/deconstruction of a building into the BIM model. For far too long demolition has been viewed as the poor relation, to the point whereby contractors awarding demolition or deconstruction works are being asked to do it as quickly as possible, which does not allow the time or information-sharing to achieve the maximum reuse or recycling of the materials on site. Too much focus is placed on hurrying the demolition process and the push for it to be rushed through and completed at high speed so that the project can start.
Simply put, if demolition and deconstruction strategies were included at the planning stage of a project, the opportunity is there for more sustainable materials to be considered and the structure of a building could even be changed at the outset to minimise future impact. Adding demolition as an additional section of the BIM model is a no brainer if we are to attempt to achieve a circular economy in order to reduce our carbon footprint and minimise environmental impact. This will lead to a far greater understanding of the key circular economy elements of designing for deconstruction; helping to harness the assets of the demolished building and ensuring that materials are considered for use in the build due to the full picture being available to the different trades.
Reasons to be cheerful
by Terry LloydAfter an uncertain start to the year our sector is headed into spring with reasons to be cheerful.
Supply chains are improving, inflation is set to fall and the economy is predicted to perform better than had been expected.
Given these positive developments it is no surprise that businesses are becoming more optimistic for the future. Research conducted by Paragon Bank, where I am Head of Construction Finance, found that the majority of our sector is predicting solid turnover growth for the year ahead.
The research also found there was further cause for optimism with many firms planning on increasing their number of fulltime staff and over two-thirds looking to increase investment in their operations.
The ability of businesses to invest is set to receive a further boost thanks to the introduction by the government of Full Capital Expensing. A replacement for the Super-Deduction scheme, Full Capital Expensing will allow firms to write off 100% of qualifying capital expenditure in the UK against taxable profits for the next three years.
Smaller businesses have also had their Annual Investment Allowance increased to £1m, allowing them to deduct the full value of their investment from taxable profits – creating fresh incentive to invest and to acquire the latest technology.
Attending this year’s Executive Hire Show, it was great to see the new kit coming to market and to see the benefit it can bring.
Improved energy efficiency and the increased availability of electric assets was a recurring theme of the show, providing a glimpse into how the sector is going to change in the years to come.
While the challenges of recent years are still not fully behind us, that businesses are eyeing growth, looking to invest and have an improving range of assets to acquire demonstrates both the strength of our sector and the way we have successfully responded to what we’ve faced.
The optimism of the sector was also evident at one of the first big social events of the year – the NFDC’s Midlands and Welsh region annual ball. It had been far too long since we all had a chance to get together, but even though work wasn’t on the agenda for the evening it was clear that businesses are feeling confident
and ready to make 2023 a strong year.
As demolition and construction lending specialists, Paragon is always ready to listen and learn from clients about the support they require. Just as every project you undertake will have its own unique requirements, we also appreciate that for each business there will be individual circumstances that need to be considered when working on a funding package.
With new assets coming on to the market, government support available and growth on the horizon, there really are reasons to be cheerful in the months ahead. Developers are ready to get to work and now is the time to be looking to the future and investigating which assets a business will need –and we can’t wait to work with you to take full advantage of what the future has to offer.
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