LiuGong OVM supplied the cable-stay system for Myanmar’s Dala Bridge — a 690m-long structure with a 370m main span and 140m-high towers spanning the Yangon River.
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The phrase coined by US founding father, Benjamin Franklin, is, “nothing can be said to be certain except death and taxes.” I’d argue there is something else we can add to this list: change.
Nothing ever stays the same – look at construction equipment. An excavator today is subtly different from how it was ten years ago in terms of its design and the materials used and, when it comes to its inbuilt technology, there is nothing subtle about the differences. The same goes for the methods that contractors use on their projects, whether high-rise construction or drilling and foundations deep into the earth’s surface.
Here at KHL we are not immune to these changes. I have been with the company for eight years and have seen the media landscape shift, with the importance of daily newsletters, video interviews and digital content growing. This emphasis on digital has been alongside the continued importance of print, which is increasingly a premium product.
From next year, you will notice a change to International Construction (ICON): we are incorporating our sister publication Construction Europe (CE), as well as increasing our frequency of publication from six to eight issues a year. CE has a fantastic heritage, and we are proud to continue this legacy by ensuring that each issue will have a specific focus on the big topics facing the European construction industry, as well as comments from the industry bodies that sit at the heart of it.
We are certainly going to be busy, so it’s fantastic news that we will welcome Neil Gerrard to the magazine. Many of you will know Neil as the editor of the Construction Briefing newsletter, and he’ll now be combining that with working on the new-look ICON from 2026. Exciting – and changing – times indeed. See you next year.
MEMBER
Construction’s carbon footprint; major OEM re-branding; data centre investment; high-rise.
Europe’s largest 3D-printed housing project.
EDITOR Andy Brown andy.brown@khl.com | +44 (0)1892 786224
TECHNICAL EDITOR Julian Buckley
CONSTRUCTION BRIEFING EDITOR
Neil Gerrard
DIRECTOR OF CONTENT Murray Pollok
EDITORIAL MANAGER Alex Dahm
GROUP EDITORS Lindsey Anderson, D.Ann Shiffler, Hannah Sundermeyer, Lewis Tyler, Euan Youdale
Charlotte Kemp charlotte.kemp@khl.com | +44 (0)1892 786262
CLIENT SUCCESS & DELIVERY TEAM Alex Thomson, Ben Fisher, Olivia Radcliffe
GROUP DESIGNER Jade Hudson
DATA MANAGER Anna Philo
DATA EXECUTIVE Vicki Rummery HR MANAGER Sharron Brown FINANCE MANAGER Yasmin Toumi
EVENTS MANAGER Steve Webb
EVENTS DESIGN MANAGER Gary Brinklow
CREATIVE DESIGNER Kate Brown
CLIENT SUCCESS & DELIVERY DIRECTOR Peter Watkinson
VP SALES, CONSTRUCTION DIVISION Peter Collinson
GLOBAL VP SALES Alister Williams
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Paul Baker
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER James King
Andy Brown takes a look at what President Javier Milei has meant so far for construction.
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK
Scott Hazelton crunches the (sometimes very inflationary) numbers.
Technology is driving global road construction forwards, reports Neil Gerrard
Examining Terex’s decision to sell Genie.
LOADERS
Loader are versatile machines for an industry focused on value and efficiency, Mitchell Keller reports.
CONSTRUCTION SOFTWARE
Andy Brown looks under construction’s bonnet, so to speak, at the world of construction software.
INDUSTRY INTERVIEW
Nathan Marsh chats to Andy Brown about why a 'judicious' approach to AI is key.
INDUSTRY
Caterpillar's Chih Liang tells Neil Gerrard why the industry must invest in people as well as tools.
US Port Authorities to spend $45bn on capital projects.
US The US government has struck up a partnership with the Canadian owners of Westinghouse Electric as part of a plan to build at least $80 billion worth of new nuclear reactors.
Westinghouse Electric’s owners, Canada-based Cameco and Brookfield Asset Management confirmed the strategic partnership to accelerate the deployment of nuclear power in the US. They said the move was in accordance with US President Donald Trump’s 23 May 2025 executive order that called for the construction of advanced nuclear reactors to power advanced computing infrastructure for AI.
EUROPE Phil Layton, group engineering director at JCB, has been confirmed as the next president of the Committee for European Construction Equipment (CECE).
The announcement was made at the CECE Summit 2025. Layton’s presidency will begin in 2026. The UK’s influence within CECE was further strengthened by the appointment of Construction Equipment Association chief executive Viki Bell to the CECE board.
SAUDI ARABIA An initial investment of US$3 billion will be made into data centres in Saudi Arabia following a partnership between Humain, an AI company based in Saudi Arabia and AirTrunk, a data centre platform in the Asia Pacific region. Humain is owned by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which is responsible for funding and oversight on most of the country’s construction megaprojects. AirTrunk is backed by Blackstone, the world’s largest alternative asset manager, and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board.
FRANCE It has been announced that the construction trade show Intermat will take place from April 21 to 24, 2027, in Paris, France. The show is traditionally held every three years and was last held in 2024. The show’s organisers say that the last event had 1,065 exhibitors, 68% of them international and 127,500 visitors. In terms of visitors, the mostrepresented countries at the 2024 show, apart from France, were Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, the UK, Finland, North African countries and Turkey.
CONSTRUCTION'S CARBON FOOTPRINT
WHAT HAPPENED?
The global construction industry’s carbon footprint is set to more than double by 2050, according to a new study published in Nature’s Communications Earth & Environment. The report warned that construction’s carbon footprint alone would be enough to exceed the per-annum carbon budget to hold global temperatures below 2˚C over the next two decades.
According to the report, in 2022 over half of the construction industry’s carbon emissions came from cementitious materials, bricks, and metals. Glass, plastics, chemicals, and bio-based materials contributed 6%, and the remaining 37% arose from transport, services, machinery, and on-site activities.
It also found that construction’s carbon footprint in global emissions has gradually increased over three decades, from 20% to 33%, fuelled mainly by material-related inputs such as cement, bricks, metals and glass. The study called for a “material revolution” that would involve replacing traditional materials with bio-based, circular, and reused. In total, the construction industry generated 12.2 gigatonnes of CO2, with cement the primary contributor. In 2022, cement accounted for 28% of construction’s total carbon footprint. Cement, clinker, bricks, and clay contribute 40% of the industry’s total carbon emissions, while metals account for 15%, half of which comes from steel.
HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY TO BECOME LANDCROS
Hitachi Construction Machinery has announced that it will be rebranding to Landcros, effective April 2027.
According to the OEM, the name Landcros expresses the company’s determination to deliver innovative solutions to customers around the world in the construction and mining industries.
“Landcros represents our commitment to go beyond machinery, empowering customers with intelligent, connected, and sustainable solutions,” said Francesco Quaranta, HCM Europe President & CEO.
“It is based on a partnership philosophy, working openly with technology leaders, integrating cutting-edge digital and AI
Hitachi Construction Machinery will be rebranding to Landcros
capabilities into machines that symbolise reliability in the construction industry, whilst creating a reimagined customer experience from ground to cloud.”
In Colombia, the 22-storey 75m high Sun City residential tower
The construction industry’s carbon footprint in global emissions has gradually increased over three decades, from 20% to 33% IMAGE: ADOBE STOCK
ZERO-EMISSION DRILLING
An electric drilling rig is being tested on the project to expand the Oslo metro in Norway, with information about its performance before being gathered.
The SmartROC T35 BE electric concept rig from Eprioc is currently helping reduce emissions and noise while the Oslo metro is under expansion. The electric machine is not yet available in series production and there are only two of them in operation.
“It works the same as a traditional rig, which some people might not believe. It has been given an electric power train, but otherwise it is the same machine that we all know,” says Trond Werner Ø. Johnsen, owner and CEO of Grunn Solid, a contractor working on the Oslo metro.
In Cartagena, Colombia, the 22-storey 75m high Sun City residential tower is being built in what has been described as a dense urban environment.
Doka says that the project, within one of Colombia’s most spacerestricted coastal districts, is illustrating how high-rise construction techniques are advancing in Latin America.
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The project’s greatest challenge for its developers lay in its surroundings: limited site access, minimal storage capacity, and narrow logistics corridors, which demanded a well-coordinated construction approach.
To address these conditions, Doka engineered a comprehensive formwork and climbing concept that optimised space utilisation and supported an efficient construction process. The Automatic climbing formwork SKE100 plus, together with Frami Xlife wall formwork, helped ensure fast, continuous and vertical progress in constructing the central core.
Additionally, the Automatic climbing formwork Xclimb 60, combined with Doka’s large area formwork Top 50, support the exterior concrete works, ensuring precise alignment and highquality surface finishes.
“Sun City is being built under very tight space constraints. With Doka climbing solutions, we are enabling fast progress, efficient logistics, and high safety standards – despite these challenges,” says project manager, Ricardo Outten.
WHAT IT MEANS
It is well known that construction is a major contributor to the world’s carbon emissions, but the sector has been trying to address this. The report is a timely reminder that more needs to be done.
One reason why the sector’s carbon footprint is increasing is that, while in developed regions, the footprint of unsustainable materials remained relatively stable, there has been a rapid rise in the number of major construction projects in developing regions.
Between 1995-2022, Africa, Brazil, and China saw an increase in “unsustainable construction material” (cement, clinker, steel etc). In China unsustainable construction materials accounted for 43% of its construction carbon footprint. By 2022 that had risen to 73%.
ITALIAN BRIDGE IN DOUBT
Italy’s Court of Auditors (Corte dei Conti) has rejected approval of what would become the world’s longest suspension bridge, the Strait of Messina Bridge linking Sicily and Calabria.
The €13.5 billion (US$15.7 billion) project had already won political approval in Rome. But the project still needed approval from the Corte dei Conti, which controls public spending in the country, as well as from environmental agencies at both national and European Union level.
The Corte dei Conti’s move casts doubt over the project. The court did not immediately give reasons for its decision but in hearings legal counsel questioned whether the tender, originally carried out in 2005, was still valid.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Noting that construction is “widely regarded as one of the most difficult industries to decarbonise”, the study called for an urgent transition to low-carbon construction.
It suggested, “A starting point on the supply chain side could be investing in capital assets such as machinery and infrastructure for new construction alternatives. The investment sector is a good starting point for bringing turnarounds, as it can lead to scale effects through reducing production costs.”
The report highlighted regional differences, thus, while high-income regions may transition towards circular construction, modular design, and material innovation, cities in the Global South may need low-cost, scalable, locally sourced solutions.
$332BN US–JAPAN DEAL
US contractors Bechtel and Kiewit are set to play roles in a major programme of energy and industrial investment announced under a new US-Japan framework.
The agreement forms part of Japan’s previously announced US$550 billion commitment to invest in the US to strengthen the nation’s industrial base and energy security. It includes up to $332 billion for the construction of critical energy infrastructure.
Bechtel and Kiewit will provide engineering, procurement and project management services for new power plants, substations and transmission systems. The programme also covers work with Westinghouse on AP1000 and small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs).
is being built in a dense urban environment
IMAGES: DOKA
What is said to be Europe’s largest 3D printed housing project has been completed in Denmark.
3DCP Group has completed the 3D printing phase of the project, producing 36 student apartments in Holstebro with COBOD’s BOD3 3D Construction Printer for NordVestBo.
The total printed area is 1,654m² across six buildings and printing time reduced from several weeks on the first building of six apartments to just five days on the last, equal to more than one apartment per day.
3DCP Group says that it used the printer to achieve millimetre accuracy across all printed walls, operated by a three-person team.
The BOD3’s ground-based track system, specifically designed for residential construction, allowed the printer to extend easily along the Y-axis, enabling uninterrupted printing of long wall sections.
Henrik Lund-Nielsen, founder of COBOD
International, said, “The results show how 3D construction printing can deliver large-scale projects faster and more efficiently than ever before. With the BOD3 printer we achieved continuous improvements in productivity from one building to the next.” iC
DEFINING THE S TANDARD
No Limits. No Weakne s s. Just Power.
Despite inflation, tariffs and reduced state funding, new data points to rising equipment sales and – perhaps – renewed confidence across the sector, reports Andy Brown
The world has certainly become a more volatile place over the last few years –both politically and economically – but, even in this environment, Argentina is a country that has seen more than its fair share of tumultuous times. It was in 2023 that Javier Gerardo Milei won his country’s presidential
election on a ticket that included promising to cut away at governmental expenses, including its infrastructure spending.
A little over a year ago, in June 2024, Gustavo Weiss, president of the Argentine Chamber of Construction (CAMARCO), said that the construction sector in Argentina faced an unprecedented crisis, marked by the almost total paralysis of national public works. At the institution’s Annual Convention, Weiss detailed
Milei was elected President in 2023 IMAGE: MINISTERIO DE RELACIONES EXTERIORES, COMERCIO INTERNACIONAL Y CULTO DE LA
the severe impacts of this situation on the employment and survival of construction companies.
“The sector is going through a very serious economic situation, as a result of the total paralysis, with some exceptions, of national public works that has severely affected employment and has endangered the very continuity of the companies,” he said.
He claimed that there had been approximately 3,500 national public works paralysed, many of which have not received payments since last November, causing a drop of 100,000 direct jobs.
That was then; what is the current state of construction in the country now? At
Nobody really expected –nor can fully explain – the extraordinary rebound of Argentina’s construction equipment market
REPÚBLICA ARGENTINA / FLICKR
10,000 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 0
SALES AND FORECAST SALES OF CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT, 2023-2029 (UNITS)
least one aspect of the industry – construction equipment sales – is looking surprisingly strong.
Extraordinary rebound
The South American market report published in November this year by Off-Highway Research, said, “Nobody really expected – nor can fully explain – the extraordinary rebound that Argentina’s construction equipment market is forecast to deliver. Sales are set to more than double between 2024 and 2027, a surge that defies conventional logic and underscores the market’s volatility.
“From a depressed 3,500 units in 2024, volumes are expected to climb by 71% in 2025
to just over 6,000 units, then add a further 17% in 2026 and 25% in 2027, peaking at close to 8,800 machines.
Thereafter, the cycle swings violently downwards, with sales falling 18% in 2028 and a further 23% in 2029, bringing the market closer to 5,600 units.”
This growth – certainly the scale of it – seems to have caught almost everyone off guard. The country’s inflation rate has been very high for a number of years and, while it remains high, has started to come down.
September’s 12-month rate fell to the lowest in more than seven years, which is viewed as one of the biggest successes of President Javier Milei’s government.
XCMG’S TECH ROLLOUT FOR SOUTH AMERICA
China-based XCMG has announced an investment of US$16.4 million to implement a new IT system in South America.
The SAP system, a robust Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, is said to enhance business management by integrating processes and information across the company. The system became operational earlier this year, with the issuance of its first invoice under the new framework.
Construction equipment sales are predicted to rise rapidly until 2028 in Argentina when they will fall
Private funding for infrastructure
Milei’s government performed better than expected in the country’s recent (October) midterm elections, winning around 40% of the vote. This result means that it will be easier for the government to pass legislation and push its agenda. Regarding infrastructure, the government’s agenda is to seek private investment, rather than the state funding such projects.
A state website stated that the government views that, “private capital can invest in the operation and maintenance of these national routes and thus reduce the expenses that this generates for the national treasury.”
According to the Buenos Aires Herald newspaper, the government is planning to open bids for ten highways, which include several national routes each.
More than 9,340km will be tendered and distributed in sixteen sections that represent approximately 20% of the national road network and 80% of the country’s traffic.
Milei has halted many public infrastructure works around the South American country with some regional governments stepping in to provide at least some of the funding
XCMG is one of the world’s biggest construction OEMs IMAGE: XCMG
With the SAP system in place, all XCMG business units worldwide are now interconnected, enabling a flow of administrative, fiscal, operational, and production data.
The OEM says that the integration ensures higher security and quality of information while automating processes to improve operational efficiency, resulting in more accurate and reliable outcomes.
“This investment reinforces XCMG’s global strategy of digital transformation, connecting our operations on a worldwide scale,” stated Rodrigo Gomes, IT manager of XCMG Brazil.
“By modernising our processes, we are automating manual tasks, increasing data reliability, and strengthening our leadership position in both the Latin American and global markets.”
Rosario, Argentina – the decade-long dispute over a highways project was to connect the city with Victoria IMAGE: ADOBE STOCK
ARGENTINA PAY OUT FOR WEBUILD
A tribunal has ordered Argentina to pay $147 million to Italian contractor Webuild, following a decade-long dispute over a highways project.
The case relates to the 60km Rosario-Victoria highway link project, which includes a 608m-long cable-stayed bridge over Paraná River. The highway was completed in 2004 and a concession for Webuild to operate the toll road was terminated in 2014.
Webuild originally had a 25-year concession agreement, signed in 1998, for the road, as part of Argentina’s privatisation reforms aimed at attracting foreign investment.
But the Italian construction company said the project faced, “significant challenges” including delayed payments, the collapse of a financing agreement with the Inter-American Development Bank, and the introduction of the Emergency Law in 2002 during Argentina’s economic crisis.
The law decoupled the Argentine peso from the US dollar, converted public contracts originally signed in dollars into pesos, and froze toll rates. This “severely impacted” the financial sustainability of the concession, according to Webuild.
In 2015, it lodged a dispute against the Argentine Republic with the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), which is part of the World Bank Group.
After a decade-long arbitration, which at one point was suspended following the death of one of the original arbitrators, the ICSID tribunal has finally determined that Argentina should pay compensation to Webuild. The award came after an initial decision in favour of the company in 2023 and a subsequent appeal by Argentina.
The arbitration court found that Argentina failed to restore the economic balance of the contract after the end of Argentina’s financial crisis and that this failure was in violation of Argentine law, the concession contract, and the Bilateral Investment Treaty between Italy and Argentina.
required. The government’s policy means that infrastructure is dependent on private investment as well as funding from international bodies, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Argentina – like many countries around the world – is being impacted by US President Trump’s tariffs. In August 2025 it was confirmed that the US will maintain its current 10% tariff on Argentina under a new executive order that revised tariff policies for various countries.
However, it is worth noting that Trump and
Milei seem to have close relationship and that the US has said that it will do what it can to help stabilise Argentina.
At the time of writing that help amounts to purchases of pesos and the establishment of a US$20 billion currency swap line that gives the Argentine central bank access to dollars, something which helped Milei in the midterm elections. The intervention in Argentina was an unusual move from a White House known for its ‘America First’ approach.
According to a report called Argentina Construction Market Size, Trends, and
Forecasts by Sector – Commercial, Industrial, Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities, Institutional and Residential Market Analysis to 2029 the construction industry in Argentina is expected to expand by 6% in real terms in 2025 as inflation cools and the Argentinian peso stabilises.
The report adds that, “Accordingly, the total area authorised for building permits by 246 municipalities grew by 4.3% year-on-year (YoY) in January-April 2025, according to the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INDEC). Furthermore, building permit approved rose 5.2% month-on-month in June and 24% YoY; the fastest pace in three decades.”
The report added that it expects construction to have an average growth rate of 4.9% between 2026 and 2029. This will be supported by investments in renewable energy, and oil and gas infrastructure projects.
Energy ambitions
One of the government’s stated aims is to increase the amount of renewable energy it produces and, to this end, plans to build a small modular reactor (SMR) by 2030.
One of its biggest projects falls under its National Hydrogen Strategy (ENH). Under this the government plans to invest around $90 billion to produce at least five million tons of low-emission hydrogen per year by 2050.
Of this hydrogen the government says 20% will be allocated to the local market, both for the decarbonisation of existing production (steel, petrochemical and refining industries) and for new value chains, mainly synthetic fuels.
To achieve the projected production goals, it will be necessary to install at least 30GW of electrolysis capacity and 55GW of renewable electricity generation capacity which obviously creates an extremely large opportunity for the construction industry.
Cautious optimism
Part of the reason for Argentina’s economy and construction industries looking healthier than they have in recent times is down to a cyclical correction – after the down, comes the up, and the country has certainly had a down.
However, there are some reasons for cautious optimism. While much depends on a degree of political stability, if the government is able to encourage the private sector to finance large scale infrastructure schemes then the future of construction in one of South America’s largest economies may be looking more positive than negative, at least for the short-term. That in turn could make contractors feel confident enough to invest in new equipment. iC
Fiscal austerity will cripple government infrastructure spending but
an emphasis on mining
brings upside, reports Scott Hazelton
Argentina’s 2025 real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) forecast was adjusted slightly down to a 4.3% expansion, as high interest rates will dampen private-sector demand. High uncertainty in world trade will slow activity in the exporting sector going into 2026, although improved real wages and purchasing power will drive domestic demand and economic activity.
Economic uncertainties along with a global economic slowdown will constrain fixed investment in 2026. The success or failure to implement the policy changes by the new administration will determine the level of investment beyond 2025.
The outlook for industrial production is far from robust; external demand for manufactured products of agriculture origin is expected to subside in the coming months as the tight liquidity conditions cool economic growth in Argentina’s main trading partners. Higher domestic-currency prices for imported goods, higher prices for intermediate inputs from abroad and wage adjustments will combine to constrain growth in the industrial sector.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) will work with the administration to review the 2025 Extended Fund Facility agreement with Argentina. The IMF approved a US$20 billion, 48-month Extended Fund Facility programme, with a disbursement of $12 billion on April 15 to support the country’s transition to a more
market-driven foreign exchange rate regime.
Despite missing the net international reverse requirement, the IMF disbursed US$2 billion in August 2025. A second program review is planned for end-December 2025, with an associated disbursement of about $1.1 billion once completed and approved.
Political success
Following Argentina’s midterm congressional elections, President Javier Milei’s La Libertad Avanza (LLA) party will now hold 93 seats in the Lower Chamber (up from 37 seats) and 20 in the Senate (up from six).
In the second half of his term, Milei will likely continue to consolidate his austerity and deregulation agenda, but with less need to resort to presidential decrees and with less risk of decrees and vetoes being overturned. While the LLA did not obtain a simple majority to pass legislation on its own, its strong showing at national level is likely to facilitate alliances.
Further austerity measures are now likely, including deeper cuts to electricity, gas and transportation subsidies, cuts to public sector employment and downsizing state entities. As a partial constraint to fiscal tightening, provincial governors are likely to demand increased national financing in exchange for their support, such as public works projects in their provinces or favourable revenue-sharing agreements. Other legislative priorities in
OUTLOOK FOR KEY CONSTRUCTION TYPES
the six-month outlook include passing the 2026 budget and a reviewed version of the ‘hojarasca’ law that aims to repeal about 100 regulations and simplify the business operating environment. The government is also likely to seek to revive its efforts to privatise publicsector companies.
The Argentine government approved on May 20 the first mining project under a new promotion scheme for large investments, Anglo-Australian Rio Tinto’s US$2.7 billion lithium project Rincón in Salta province. The law offers tax benefits to investments above US$200 million, as well as tax and customs stability for 30 years.
Further approvals are likely in the coming months, with six other mining projects waiting for a decision, as Milei is prioritising the mining sector to increase exports and foreign exchange reserves. However, an increase in large-scale projects is likely to be met with shortcomings in roads, ports, rail and power infrastructure. Milei has stopped all public works to reduce public spending, and while the government has announced infrastructure projects will be led by the private sector, no concrete plans have been implemented.
Milei’s plan to privatise Corredores Viales (which manages national highways and roads) is still in initial phases, and other privatisation efforts are advancing slowly, likely due to bureaucratic procedures. Other projects, such as the train that connects Salta with Chile and the Pacific Ocean, are unlikely to be prioritised. This is likely to translate into companies having to build their own required infrastructure to develop their projects.
Construction spending up slightly
Real total construction spending plunged 17.7% in 2024 as economic activity in 2024 suffered the effects of policy changes to revert macroeconomic imbalances. Residential construction spending fell 21.9% and nonresidential construction dropped 15.7%. Going forward, construction spending is anticipated to increase by 1.8% in 2025, followed by growth of 2.9% in 2026. Residential construction spending in Argentina plummeted 21.9% in 2024.
OUTLOOK FOR DETAILED STRUCTURE TYPES
Spending is expected to increase by 3% in 2025 and 3.9% in 2026. We anticipate nonresidential structures spending will grow 1.3% in 2025 and by 2.2% in 2026. Growth will be driven by institutional construction in 2025 and commercial construction in 2026. Infrastructure spending is on track to expand 1.3% in 2025 and 2.5% in 2026.
Construction growth for 2024 and 2025 is whipsawed by Argentina’s fiscal and financial issues, particularly in the commercial and institutional segments. Argentina’s
manufacturing base has been heavily damaged by trade and tariff issues, as well as a high cost of capital due to inflation and risk.
While most of the economy will return to at least single digit real growth, the manufacturing base will struggle as Argentina’s primary trading partners see weak growth. There is no industrial construction segment expected to see growth over the next two to three years.
The recovery of commercial construction broadly hides an important issue. While improving real incomes will revive Argentina’s
S&P GLOBAL is an American publicly traded corporation headquartered in Manhattan, New York City. Its primary areas of business are financial information and analytics. It is dedicated to sharing essential economic intelligence with those working in and affected by global markets. Its experts provide a 360-degree perspective across countries, risks, industries, and commodities.
retail sector, its tourism sector is expected to remain challenged, and consumer discretionary spending will be temperate. Consequently, we expect lodging and restaurant construction opportunities to remain weak.
Fiscal austerity will cripple necessary infrastructure spending; another complicating factor for the industrial base.
As mining ventures generate tax revenue, and increase the demand for rail and road traffic, the longer term outlook does, at least, have some upside. iC
THE NEXT LEVEL OF HEAVY WORK
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As global road construction projects turn increasingly to digital technology to manage complexity and labour challenges, Neil Gerrard looks at best practices and what the future may hold for the sector
How do you manage the largest urban freeway reconstruction project in the history of the Arizona Department of Transportation (DOT), while keeping five lanes of traffic open each way to 300,000 vehicles a day?
That was the question that Amy Haymaker, senior project manager for Pulice Construction and her colleagues had to find an answer
Amy Haymaker, senior project manager for Pulice Construction
to, as part of the US$850 million Interstate 10 (I-10) Broadway Curve project.
Pulice Construction, in joint venture with its parent company FlatironDragados and FNF Construction, worked under a public-private partnership and design-build arrangement with Phoenix DOT on the project, which completed this summer.
Rising to the challenge
It was “one of the most complex and rewarding challenges of my career”, Haymaker tells International Construction
The I10- Broadway Curve project stretched across 11 miles of the busy Interstate 10 between Loop 202 and I-17 near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. It also extended into key segments of US 60 and State Route 143. Upgrades included widening the freeway to six general-
purpose lanes and two high-occupancy (HOV) lanes in each direction, adding a fourth lane in each direction between US 60 and Loop 202, rebuilding the I-10/ST 143 interchange, and the reconstruction 20 bridges.
Haymaker’s role was to oversee the full development, from design to final construction, being the central point of coordination across engineering, construction and compliance.
The challenge was considerable: Haymaker and her colleagues were faced with maintaining mobility for 300,000 drivers a day during the work, which meant precise phasing, night and weekend work, and coordination with traffic engineers to minimise disruption.
The team also had to retrofit existing bridges and ramps to meet modern standards, while ensuring compatibility with new components, which required detailed structural analysis, custom fabrication, and close collaboration between design and construction teams.
An adaptable mindset is essential Haymaker’s experience on the project shows how the seemingly simple concept of road construction can be incredibly complex.
Construction companies are increasingly making use of sophisticated digital tools and machinery, whether it’s for entirely new highways or renovation and expansion of existing infrastructure.
A culture of collaboration and adaptability with a problem-solving mindset was also crucial in the case of I1- Broadway Curve.
“We leaned heavily on digital modelling, realtime data, and open communication to stay ahead of issues before they became roadblocks,” she says.
Procore, the cloud-based collaboration platform, streamlined communication across teams and was one of the “most impactful” digital tools that the team used, she asserts.
On the equipment side, it was GPS-enabled earthmoving machinery that allowed for precise
grading and reduced fuel consumption. “We also used high-efficiency paving machines that minimised lane closure times and improved surface quality,” she adds.
Testing an autonomous paver
From its base in Austria, international contracting giant Strabag is also examining how data, automation, and intelligent systems can transform the way roads are built.
Data-driven decision-making, digital twins, and Lean methodologies will all play a central role in delivering smarter, more efficient, and sustainable infrastructure, says Jens Hoffmann, central division manager of Strabag Innovation & Digitalisation.
“By collecting and analysing information
An aerial view of the I-10 Broadway Curve project in Arizona, US IMAGE: PULICE
Newly installed girders prior to decking of the flyover bridge IMAGE: PULICE
THE
FINISHES
from sensors, connected machinery, and digital models, construction teams can gain real-time insights into site conditions, material behavior, and workflow performance,” he says. “This enables proactive planning, early risk detection, and continuous process optimisation – leading to higher quality and more predictable outcomes.”
In June this year, Strabag tested an autonomous road paver for the first time, on the A14 motorway near Lüderlitz. Germany.
“What made this project particularly challenging, both technically and logistically, was the nature of the construction site itself.
The carriageway width varied over a 13-metre stretch and lacked a clear edge, which ruled out traditional edge-based guidance systems,” Hoffmann explains.
The answer lay in a hybrid control system, combining optical and satellite-based navigation.
An autonomous marking robot applied a line that served as the primary guide for steering, with satellite navigation serving as a back-up in
case of optical failure. Meanwhile, a 3D model provided the reference for road alignment and the screed laying was continuously adjusted by sensors monitoring layer thickness, cross slope, and evenness.
“The test revealed both the potential and the current limitations of the technology,” Hoffmann says. “Environmental factors such as dust, changing light conditions, and varying
GLOBAL ROAD CONSTRUCTION MARKET: A RELIABLE SOURCE OF WORK FOR YEARS TO COME
Activity in the global road construction segment is expected to increase 6% globally in 2026, followed by 5% in 2027, according to analysis by Oxford Economics.
It forecasts that the Asia-Pacific region will see the fastest growth in activity and, outside of this region, says that Ukraine to see the strongest growth in road construction activity (albeit at well below pre-war levels). It also forecasts strong activity in Saudi Arabia where many of the giga-projects under construction rely on transportation infrastructure.
Nonetheless, there will be pockets of weakness such as Iceland, Italy, and Malta.
In Europe, where the focus is skewed further towards the renovation of existing (and ageing) roads and bridges, one in three Euros spent on European infrastructure goes towards roads, according to data shared by ING Bank with International Construction.
Germany remains the largest road infrastructure market in Europe, at just shy of €25 billion in 2025, followed by Italy, France, the UK, and the Netherlands.
“Global demand for road construction equipment reflects two parallel realities,” says Nishanth Kumar, segment leader at Volvo CE. “In emerging markets such as India, Southeast Asia, and Africa, growth remains volume led, driven by large public investments in new highways, logistics corridors, and urban infrastructure.”
That compares to mature markets like North America and western Europe where demand is primarily driven by maintenance and modernisation.
ONE IN THREE EUROS SPENT ON EUROPEAN INFRASTRUCTURE GOES TO ROADS
Share of road infrastructure n Euro's and percentage, 2024 in EC-19
ground conditions posed challenges for sensor reliability. These insights are now guiding further development, especially in improving sensor robustness.”
Equipment’s digital evolution
Of course, when it comes to earthmoving equipment, the level of technology contractors want in their machines depends to an extent on where in the world they find themselves.
“Developing regions prioritise rugged, easyto-maintain machines that perform across a variety of site conditions and operator skill levels,” says Nishanth Kumar, segment leader at Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE). Here, it’s service proximity, rapid parts support, and flexible financing that outweigh digital sophistication.
“By contrast, mature markets demand technologically advanced equipment, supported by lifecycle service contracts and strong safety compliance,” he adds. “Operator shortages are accelerating adoption of automation and assistive technologies, especially in high-cost processes like paving and compaction, to maintain quality and efficiency.”
Hoffmann notes that modern 3D machine control systems using technologies like GNSS or total stations eliminate the need for complex staking and manual corrections, as well as optimizing material usage, improving accuracy and reducing rework.
That’s not to say that construction companies in developing markets don’t want quality and the latest technology, Kent Godberson, VP of sales and marketing at US-based concrete paving machinery specialist GOMACO says.
Godbersen reports strong and growing demand both in the markets that have traditionally proven to be strong, as well as in emerging markets.
“Contractors want and expect quality and dependability in their new machine purchases. They are under pressure to get jobs done quicker and with improved smoothness and quality,” he asserts.
The GOMACO GP3 concrete paver can pave up to 30 feet wide IMAGE: GOMACO
An aerial view of the HS2 A46 bypass bridge under construction IMAGE: VEMAVENTURI
RAPID CONCRETE BOX SLIDE
An operation to slide an offsitemanufactured concrete box weighing 14,500 tonnes into a newly excavated section of highway in the UK earlier this year took just 18 days.
The 4,600-cubic-metre box will allow high-speed trains running between London and Birmingham to pass under a dual carriageway. The project, led by Balfour Beatty Vinci (BBV), was completed 30 hours ahead of schedule.
The box structure, built alongside the road and slid into place in one three-stage operation, avoided two years’ worth of speed restrictions and lane closures.
The first stage involved the demolition of a 200m-long section of the old road and the excavation of 35,000 cubic metres of material to make space for the box. The second stage involved pushing the 42m wide structure into position. Engineers used a jacking mechanism called Autoripage to push the box across on a guiding raft for 64m.
Fifteen enormous jacks were used to guide the box into position. Once positioned, the structure required 400 cubic metres of concrete infill on either side to secure it. However, the design, featuring tall, enclosed voids and no direct line of sight meant it was difficult to complete an accurate concrete placement.
The team used a real-time solution developed with Peri UK and Vemaventuri. Using Phono sensors connected to a central hub and cloud platform, the team tracked the flow of self-compacting concrete live. This allowed them to confirm full coverage, switch pump lines and maintain the required rate of rise, 0.9m per hour, across a three-day pour.
But the price point means that the most advanced technology is more affordable for companies in mature markets, he says.
Labour challenges
“Everyone seems to be facing the same issues with labour; it is hard to find and hard to keep. We are investing in technology to try and alleviate some of the labour burden for our customers,” says Godbersen.
“Over the last 20 years, the technology has evolved to help take some of the mundane tasks away and that will continue. Over the next 20 years, I think you will see a far different paving site than we are used to today,” he adds.
Already, GOMACO’s machines are equipped with tech that reduces downtime, improves quality, and cuts emissions, notes the company’s VP of engineering/R&D Scott Pedersen.
“We are using telematics and fault reporting to see issues earlier and plan for maintenance times.
“We are also utilising more precise valves to allow the machines to hold unprecedented tolerances. We are using more efficient hydraulic systems in combination with auto idle features while waiting between trucks to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.”
Meanwhile, Chinese OEM LiuGong also sees labour shortages as one of the main drivers for increasing levels of intelligent technology in machines, including autononomy. LiuGong deputy chief engineer and business director of the company’s Overseas Business Division, Mr. Li Kailiang, notes that the company has already deployed autonomous rollers on a series of major projects across China.
A spokesperson for Chinese manufacturer XCMG says that it is exploring an increasingly deep integration of “Internet Plus” with traditional engineering that leverages the Internet of Things (IoT), sensors, cloud computing, AI, and big data to create an intelligent management system for construction that covers everything from progress tracking, health and safety, and sustainability.
“XCMG’s digital and intelligent construction solutions have been applied in 103 projects
CHINA’S LONGDISTANCE TEN-LANE EXPRESSWAY
Despite its name, Chinese contracting giant China Railway Group also builds roads.
It recently completed the country’s first long-distance, two-way, ten-lane expressway, running from 238km from Suizhong to Panjin in Liaoning province. The road forms part of the Beijing-Harbin expressway in northwest China, a major artery.
Work involved upgrading the existing six-lane, two-way expressway to cope with rising traffic demand. The project started in 2022 and proceeded while the existing road remained open to traffic.
Two pavers and ten rollers from Chinese construction equipment giant Sany operated unmanned to lay a 25.25-metrewide section of road stretching nearly 90km over 50 days. Sany’s machines operated using Beidou’s high-precision positioning and intelligent scheduling algorithms, running 24 hours a day. The OEM claimed that the machines increased efficiency by 20% and reduced labour input by 60%.
The road surfacing project finished nearly a month early.
Strabag tested an autonomous road paver earlier this year IMAGE:
STRABAG
The completed ten-lane expressway section running from Suizhong to Panjin IMAGE: CHINA RAILWAY GROUP
ICON
W 210 XF: The large milling machine offers a wide range of applications from surface course rehabilitation to complete pavement removal. MILL ASSIST shows the specific CO2 emissions directly on the machine display and always sets the most favorable working ratio between performance and costs in automatic mode. The torque characteristic of the 18 l JD engine has been adapted to the requirements of cold milling. The DUAL SHIFT powershift transmission enables a wide range of milling drum speeds. Maximum precision in levelling and machine positioning is achieved with the integrated LEVEL PRO ACTIVE levelling system. The Wirtgen Group Performance Tracker Milling is available for automated job site documentation.
totalling 6,360km across China. In the next two years, XCMG plans to extend these technologies globally,” the spokesperson adds.
Reducing total cost of ownership
While the widespread global deployment of autonomous machines is still on the way, LiuGong’s Mr. Li argues that another development in road construction machinery of recent years – battery-electric machines, offers owners a more immediate advantage in terms of reduced maintenance costs and downtime.
“Battery electric machines offer more reliability than diesel engines, with a reduced number of components. Maintenance intervals on the engines are maybe 250 or 500 hours but on electric machines there is no traditional transmission, which makes electric machines a lot simpler compared with the traditional powertrain,” he says.
“Total cost of ownership has become equally important as fleet-based and rental-driven business models take hold and tenders are won over competitive budgets,” confirms Volvo CE's Kumar. “Contractors now calculate profitability not just in terms of project revenue but in cost per hour, uptime ratio, and equipment lifecycle value.”
Dealing with the unexpected
Back in Arizona, Haymaker says that the digital evolution in construction is allowing
FIVE DRIVERS OF INNOVATION
Looking ahead to the next decade, Strabag’s Jens Hoffmann expects road construction to be “fundamentally reshaped” by the convergence of digital planning tools, intelligent machines, and predictive technologies. Here are what Strabag sees as five key innovation drivers:
1
Generative design and BIM: Generative algorithms will revolutionise how infrastructure is planned by creating optimised design variants based on parameters like terrain, traffic flow, and sustainability goals. BIM provides a detailed digital model that connects all phases, from planning to execution to maintenance.
2
GIS-enhanced planning: Geographic information systems (GIS) add spatial and environmental context to infrastructure projects. Plus, geodata and GIS provide a strong foundation for generative design. Combined with BIM, GIS enables planners
contractors to better deal with the inevitable headaches that arise during a complex construction project.
“No matter how well you plan, unexpected challenges – whether weather-related, supply chain disruptions, or regulatory shifts – will arise. Building contingency buffers and empowering teams to make informed decisions on the ground is vital,” she contends.
For her, they proved invaluable when it came to ensuring that the Broadway Curve project “met and exceeded” every goal set by Maricopa Association of Government’s Regional Transportation Plan, which included improving safety, reducing congestion, and boosting connectivity.
“I have come to appreciate the power of digital collaboration tools. Integrating realtime updates, shared dashboards, and mobile reporting streamlined coordination across teams and reduced friction,” she says.
And she feels that the project will leave a
Strabag recycled 90% of material excavated on 4.8km section of a motorway in Germany through efficient value stream management, saving approximately 9,000 tonnes of CO2
to simulate scenarios, assess environmental impact, and make data-informed decisions early in the process, helping to support smarter road routing, better land use, and more resilient infrastructure.
3 Semi-autonomous machinery and reality capture: Machines equipped with
powerful legacy of transformation, not just in terms of the infrastructure itself, but how people think about mobility, growth and resilience in the region.
“This corridor is a vital artery for the Phoenix metro area…we’ve laid the groundwork for decades of economic and community development. I hope future generations see it as a turning point in how the region adapted to meet the demands of a growing population while prioritising sustainability and innovation,” says Haymaker.
“On a personal level, one of the high points was leading the coordination between design, construction, and stakeholders. Seeing the project evolve was incredibly fulfilling Another highlight was mentoring younger engineers and construction managers on the team –helping them navigate challenges and watching them grow into confident professionals. That kind of legacy is what makes this work so meaningful.” iC
GNSS, total stations, and sensor fusion are increasingly capable of executing tasks with minimal human intervention. Laser scanning, drone surveys, and satellite imagery provide high-precision data for construction quality assurance, progress tracking, volume calculation and invoicing.
4
AI-driven predictive maintenance: Once roads are built, AI can play a growing role in their upkeep. Sensorequipped infrastructure – such as fibre-optic cables embedded in asphalt – can monitor stress, temperature, and movement in real time. AI algorithms analyse this data to predict wear and tear, enabling proactive maintenance to extend the lifespan of assets.
5
Digital twins and LEAN construction: Digital twins will become the central hub for managing construction and operations. Continuously updated with real-time data, they allow for simulation, monitoring, and optimisation. Combined with LEAN methodologies, they help eliminate inefficiencies, reduce emissions, and ensure high-quality execution.
A Volvo EC300 hybrid excavator loads material IMAGE: VOLVO CE
IMAGE: STRABAG
Terex has announced that it will sell or spin off its Genie aerials business, as it moves further into the waste processing and utility vehicles market amid a merger with REV Group.
The formal process to exit aerials started on 30 October, at the same time as Terex unveiled its Q3 financial highlights. Overall revenue climbed to US$1.4 billion, up from US$1.2 billion in the same period a year before.
But sales in Terex’s aerials division dropped 13.2% year-on-year to US$537 million, amid lower volumes, unfavourable customer mix, and tariff headwinds. Operating margin also declined to 9.2% from 10.5% in the same period a year before.
It’s the ebb and flow of the aerial platforms business and the wider construction market that Terex’s CEO Simon Meester said the company wanted to move away from, as he hailed the tie-up with REV Group.
Seeking 'predictable' results
In a call with investors, he said that, “exiting the aerials segment will take our performance to another level” with the promise of “resilient and predictable operating results.”
But he was also quick to emphasise that Genie remains a strong brand, with 60 years of history and a level playing field in North America and Europe thanks to recent antidumping measures that seek to limit the ability of Chinese manufacturers to undercut the prices of their Western rivals.
“With this merger, we wanted to re-baseline the company. So with REV Group and our materials processing (MP) and Environmental Services Group (ESG) segment, we are
As part of its merger with REV Group, Terex will divest Genie, citing the need for steadier performance and long-term growth in new sectors. Neil Gerrard asks what the deal could be worth, and casts an eye over potential buyers
becoming a new team. We want to pursue a much more predictable, less cyclical earnings profile,” he said.
Analysts on the call questioned the timing of Terex’s decision to sell Genie, given that the AWP market is currently at a low. But Meester said there were “plenty of suitors” for Genie. He added, “We believe aerials is a proven, strong business. There is a lot of upside coming from the megaprojects in the US alone and we see now that Europe is starting to invest in infrastructure and public construction, which will fuel further demand. We think there is a lot of upside for the aerial business for years to come.”
Business valuation
However, Meester was not prepared to be drawn on what sort of price he expected Genie to fetch, arguing that it was premature to do so.
Back-of-the-envelope calculations suggest that it could be worth somewhere in the range of $1.1 billion–$2.2 billion, based on a 5x to 10x multiple of Genie’s average annual operating profit over the past decade.
Meester instead described the business as a “very attractive asset”.
“It is a very strong business with a strong brand. There is no immediate risk for any kind of dumping activities in North America and Europe, so [there is] an attractive end market,” he added.
What buyer could Genie attract?
When it comes to the type of buyer that Genie could attract, there are three general
Terex completed the acquisition of Genie in 2002
Genie remains a strong brand, with 60 years of history behind it ALL IMAGES: GENIE
possibilities that appear to be the most likely options:
1A Chinese OEM: Genie’s roots in North America (it was founded in 1966 in Seattle, Washington) could make it attractive to a Chinese manufacturer. Chinese OEMs have recently been buffeted not only by tougher conditions in their home market but a hokey-cokey of tariff announcements from the Trump administration, as well as a series of anti-dumping measures announced in both Europe and North America that Meester referenced.
Ownership of a US-based firm with a 60-year history could prove attractive to a Chinese owner that wanted to access North American and European markets.
Those with a long memory will also remember that in 2016 Zoomlion made an out-of-the-blue offer to acquire all of Terex for US$3.3 billion.
Meester himself gave no indication as to whether a Chinese buyer could be interested in Genie. But he did note to investors that Genie “has a pretty strong US base”.
And he added, “I see it as a very interesting asset that could give any owner a meaningful footprint in an attractive end market.”
As much as Genie would be a valuable strategic add-on for any number of Chinese OEMs, the fact remains that these companies have not been active acquirers outside China since the rush of deals in 2008-2012 (Zoomlion-Cifa, SanyPutzmeister, XCMG-Schwing, LiuGong-Dressta).
2An international OEM:
We think there is a lot of upside for the aerial business for years to come
Meanwhile, Genie is also likely to prove an attractive target for other established international OEMs. In some ways, the reasons are similar to those likely to appeal to Chinese firms: Genie offers instant brand recognition, as well as access to a welldeveloped global dealer and service network, especially in North America and Europe. Its aerial work platforms are also a cornerstone of rental fleets worldwide, allowing the would-be buyer to use these relationships to strengthen supply agreements or expand its own rental presence.
And then there’s the consideration that in buying Genie, a global OEM could prevent a Chinese manufacturer from gaining a foothold in mature western markets.
However, over the years the AWP and telehandler business has proven itself to be one which works best as a speciality business, such as Genie within Terex, JLG within Oshkosh, or as a stand-alone like Manitou.
Long-line manufacturers that have tried to enter the sector have generally failed, with only JCB – one of the original pioneers of the telehandler – being unique as a long-line manufacturer which is also strong in the aerial segment.
An industry buyer would also inevitably have headaches around brand strategy and conflicts between its existing and acquired distribution network to work out.
3
A private equity firm: With the AWP sector likely bottoming out, Genie could also prove attractive to a private equity firm looking to take advantage of a possible upswing. Private equity firms typically look to exit after five to seven years – over this length of time Genie could have enjoyed several years of growth.
There also remains the possibility of a spinoff of the business as an independent entity, although Meester’s assertion that there will be no shortage of suitors for Genie suggests that this is a less likely option.
Next steps?
A spin-off would not raise cash for Terex and is only likely to happen if no buyer comes forward or bidders fail to offer an acceptable price.
In any event, Terex indicated to investors that the sale process is not starting from “ground zero.” While Meester gave away little, it appears that Terex has already been in conversation with possible buyers, although no formal process had been launched until Terex’s announcement of its merger with REV Group.
Genie's GTH-1044 telehandler was launched earlier this year
Genie is a US based brand
TIMES ARE CHANGING
If exhibitions and summits reveal anything, it’s the speed at which our industry continues to evolve.
That was evident during the World Demolition Summit (WDS) in Nashville, where more than 500 delegates gathered to explore the key challenges and opportunities shaping demolition today.
In my opening speech, I described WDS as a platform where competitors become collaborators, and that spirit was clear throughout the three-day event.
Contractors shared how they’re meeting increasingly stringent regulations and embracing intelligent systems, while manufacturers discussed their efforts to make demolition sites safer and more productive.
These open and constructive conversations made WDS 2025 a real success, and I’d like to thank everyone who helped make that possible. We look forward to welcoming you to Madrid for the 2026 edition.
While on the topic of change, I’d like to share some important updates about Demolition & Recycling International (D&RI).
From 2026, D&RI will move to one annual print issue, timed to coincide with WDS. You may be wondering why.
The answer is simple: our readers’ habits are changing. We’ve seen a significant shift towards our website and newsletters, and it’s clear that digital is where our audience now turns first for news and insight.
That’s why we’re making this positive step to focus on online-first content. What does this mean for you? In short, more depth, more relevance, and more immediacy, with daily updates on the issues that matter most.
You’ll also see more multimedia features, including video interviews and podcasts, which many of you have asked for.
I’m excited to see where this journey takes us, and as ever, thank you for being part of it.
Warm regards,
LEWIS TYLER D&Ri Editor
5 NEWS
White House demolition project; IDE President on recruitment; Steelwrist tiltrotator launch.
7 WORLD DEMOLITION SUMMIT IN PICTURES
The biggest ever World Demolition Summit took place in Nashville, with sustainability and technology the watchwords.
10 WORLD DEMOLITION AWARDS IN PICTURES
The industry came together to celebrate innovation, but who came away with the accolades?
13 d&ri100
With sentiment for the demolition industry varied depending on geographical location, was 2024 a year of transition? Lewis Tyler reports.
19 INDOOR DEMOLITION
How are the latest advances in equipment making indoor demolition projects safer and more productive?
21 MATERIAL HANDLERS
Why new innovations are designed to help contractors refine material recovery and disposal in challenging times.
22 A MESSAGE FROM THE EDA
Patrick Frye, President of the EDA, reviews 2025 and previews the EDA Annual Convention 2026.
D&RI TEAM
EDITOR Lewis Tyler lewis.tyler@khl.com
BRAND MANAGER Peter Collinson +44 (0)7957 870982 peter.collinson@khl.com
EVENTS MANAGER Steve Webb | steve.webb@khl.com
GROUP DESIGNER Jade Hudson
CLIENT DELIVERY & SUCCESS MANAGER Charlotte Kemp | charlotte.kemp@khl.com
DATA MANAGER Anna Philo | anna.philo@khl.com
DATA EXECUTIVE Vicki Rummery | vicki.rummery@khl.com
CHIEF
www.khl.com USA OFFICE
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MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE
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Demolition begins on White House East Wing
Demolition crews from Maryland-based contractor Aceco started tearing down part of the White House’s East Wing to make way for a new 999-person ballroom in October. Heavy construction equipment was seen dismantling the facade of the building, which houses the first lady’s offices, a theater, and a visitor entrance for foreign dignitaries. ■
Steelwrist launches “nextgeneration” QuantumConnect tiltrotator control system
Steelwrist has unveiled QuantumConnect, its new tiltrotator control system platform. Developed in partnership with advanced control systems specialist SVAB, the new system is designed to improve operator experience, simplify installation, and maximize excavator efficiency. The company said QuantumConnect builds on previous systems with a modular design, state-of-the-art components, and embedded connectivity.
IDE President urges demolition industry to rethink recruitment
Institute of Demolition Engineers (IDE) President Adrian McLean has urged the industry to rethink recruitment strategies to attract more young people into handson demolition roles. He argued that too many young people are being pushed into university rather than entering practical roles. ■
Demolition starts on former Komatsu facility
Demolition has begun on Komatsu Mining Corp.’s 44-acre former manufacturing complex in West Milwaukee, Wisconsin, marking the next stage in the site’s redevelopment for new uses. The company closed operations at the site in 2022.
Machines were seen dismantling the facade of the building. PHOTO: REUTERS
Adrian McLean and Stephen McCann of the IDE.
PHOTO: IDE
PHOTO: STEELWRIST
This is how it’s done
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in pictures
Given the outlook around the world for the demolition industry, one would be forgiven that sentiment in the sector would be one of negativity.
However, the World Demolition Summit (WDS), held in Nashville in November, proved that there is plenty of positivity to be found among the key players.
The Summit itself was a melting pot of contractors, OEMs, consultants and engineers from across the world, and provided a platform for those in attendance to take stock of the here and now, while also providing an in-depth outlook into what the future holds.
Over 500 delegates, a record for the event, descended on Music City Centre. Here are the highlights in pictures. ■
Keynote speaker Michele O’Rourke, CEO of O’Rourke Wrecking Company, discussed how demolition contractors can lead beyond the jobsite by taking a different view to sustainability.
While many focused on the successful projects, Jason Curtsinger, PE Decommissioning Senior Manager for the Tennessee Valley Authority received praise from delegates for his dissection of the successes and failures of one of its projects.
Ray Gallant, VP Sustainability and Productivity Services, Volvo Construction Equipment argued that many industries are focusing their attention on sustainable power, digitalization/AI.
Product Marketing Manager Simon Saunders gave an overview of the company’s current and future approach to alternative power, and outlined its vision to be carbon neutral by 2050.
Discussing her personal experience with illness, Kate Bester, Contracts Manager, Jet Demolition, delivered a powerful presentation on organisational resilience and how we must adopt a mindset of continuous readiness.
Komatsu’s
WDS 2025 attracted a record number of visitors.
The NDA’s President Ben Hayden opened the Summit.
Kobelco’s Director of Product Development Dan Collins rounded out the inaugural VIP Day with a discussion on the company’s legacy in demolition.
Keynote speaker Steve Farner, International Vice President, LiUNA, outlined the growing workforce crisis.
Chris Dowdell, Senior Remediation Project Manager, Koch, discussed creating vision alignment between owners and contractors.
With regulations high on the agenda, the EDA’s Jose Blanco provided insight into European regulatory changes and the impact they will have on demolition companies.
Vetting of bids was the focus for Dominion Energy’s Director of Generation Projects Rick Boyd, with a particular focus on technical experience, safety, bid evaluation and selection process.
Alex Hadden (left) and Alex Ellison (right) of UK contractor Brown & Mason talked the nuances of the skills shortage, and argued that culture and mentorship are important for the future of the industry.
Connie Clearwater of Priestly Demolition expertly guided delegates through the sessions.
Owner of Metzner Recycling Michael Metzner (right) and Volvo’s Segment Leader Peter Bauer (left) gave an in-depth overview of the world’s first fully electric deconstruction site in Erlangen, Germany.
Collaboration was a key theme of WDS 2025, and Steelwrist CEO Stefan Stockhaus used VIP Day to discuss the benefits of the Open-S industry standard for automatic couplers as well as trends in the demolition sector.
Simon Hébert, Senior Project Director, DelsanAIM Environmental Services, argued that pushing for reuse of material is not always efficient.
RVA Group Managing Director Richard Vann delivered a comprehensive guide to delivering a successful tender package during the bidding process.
Mahesh Bailakanavar, Associate Principal, Thornton Tomasetti, outlined how AI can be used to streamline operations for demolition companies.
Cormac McLean, Managing Director of PDC Explosives Engineering during his presentation.
Priestly Demolition President Ryan Priestly (right) and Cameco Senior Project Manager Andrew Turk (left) close WDS 2025.
Komatsu BR380JG-3
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Groundbreakers
URBAN DEMOLITION
WINNER Milburn Demolition (US) The Thompson Center Redevelopment project in Chicago "hit all the marks”, said the judges, who praised the company’s handling of complex urban constraints. ■
CIVILS DEMOLITION
WINNER DDM Demontage (the Netherlands) was recognised for the Rheinbrücke Neuenkamp Bridge project, which was praised for its complexity, imaginative engineering, and technically challenging execution.
SAFETY AND TRAINING
WINNER Despe (Italy) was recognised for its exceptional safety planning and communications between stakeholders on its refinery dismantling project.
EXPLOSIVE DEMOLITION
WINNER The judges recognised PDC Explosives Engineering’s (UK) challenging work in demolishing the redundant turbine hall and reinforced concrete turbine bases at the former nuclear power station Sizewell “A”. ■
The best in demolition
DDM Demontage, Despe, Brandenburg, Total Controlled Demolition and Laurini were among the winners at the 2025 World Demolition Awards.
Held in Nashville, US, the awards showcased the excellence and innovation within the global demolition industry.
DDM Demontage also took home the prestigious Best of the Best Award for its Rheinbrücke Neuenkamp Bridge project. ■
CONTRACT OF THE YEAR (UNDER US$1 MILLION)
WINNER Total
Controlled Demolition Services (UK) took home the first award of the evening. ■
CONTRACT OF THE YEAR (OVER US$1 MILLION)
WINNER Brandenburg’s (US) abatement and demolition of the historic Ford Rouge Power Plant was described as “exceptionally well managed,” overcoming significant complications from past explosions and salvage challenges. ■
PLANT & EQUIPMENT
WINNER The SETTANTA Demolition Excavator from Laurini (Italy) was praised for its “compact design, high power and adaptability.” ■
RECYCLING AND ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD
WINNER Judges praised Despe’s Hotel e Autorimessa Demolition project for its strong environmental credentials and execution under strict site requirements. ■
INDUSTRIAL DEMOLITION
JOINT WINNERS Independence Demolition (US) was recognised for the DTE Trenton Channel Power Plant project, while Veit’s (US) NewRange Copper Nickel Concentrator Plant Demolition was also recognised by the judging panel. ■
TOOLS & ATTACHMENTS
WINNER ACDE Europe (Switzerland) was commended for its BEILITE BLTB280-5-W-AC15 Breaker. ■
COLLABORATION IN DEMOLITION
JOINT WINNERS Mann Group (Australia) was commended for its teamwork and logistical expertise, while Safedem (UK) and partners were recognised for combining explosives with a top-down approach under intense public scrutiny. ■
BEST OF THE BEST
WINNER DDM Demontage also claimed the top honour for its project in Duisburg. The judges called it “technically difficult, imaginative, and perfectly executed.” ■
The 2025 World Demolition Awards winners celebrate in Nashville.
Rising amid challenges
While global markets continue to shift, the d&ri100 2025 reveals a sector that navigated rising costs, regulatory pressures, and uneven construction activity in 2024. Lewis Tyler reports.
While global markets continue to shift, the 2025 d&ri100, reporting 2024 turnover, shows that the world’s leading demolition contractors collectively grew their revenues to $8.98 billion, up 8.2% from $8.29 billion in 2023.
This growth came despite rising costs, inflationary pressures, and uneven construction activity, highlighting the sector’s resilience, operational adaptability, and ability to respond to evolving demands though performance varied across individual companies.
SECTOR RESILIENCE
The near $690 million increase in combined turnover demonstrates how top demolition firms have successfully leveraged strategic opportunities despite broader market challenges.
renewal, urban redevelopment, and sustainable construction practices.
North American contractors continued to benefit from strong public-sector spending, although it remains to be seen if this will hold up.
Meanwhile, European firms continue to adapt to stricter environmental regulations and sustainability mandates.
Emerging markets in Asia and South America also showed rising demand, driven by industrial expansion and urbanisation.
REGIONAL DIFFERENCES
Europe remains the largest regional contributor, accounting for 50.22% of total 2024 turnover, although it should be pointed out that this figure has fluctuated in recent years and is at its lowest since 2023.
Firms such as Ferraro Group (Germany), Hagedorn Unternehmensgruppe (Germany), and Max Wild (Germany) highlight the region’s focus on technologically advanced, environmentally conscious demolition.
While global construction activity slowed in key regions, the sector’s overall growth reflects its essential role in infrastructure >14
Liberty Industrial sit just outside the top 20.
PHOTO: LIBERTY INDUSTRIAL
Investments in material recycling, low-emission machinery, and structural analysis services have positioned European contractors as leaders in sustainable
demolition practices. Meanwhile, the lack of regulations in North America means their counterparts are not as far down the road.
North America has remained largely stable in terms of representation in the top 100 in recent years, and that is what we find here.
Companies in the region contribute 42.53% of the 2024 total, supported by federal infrastructure programmes and large-scale public projects.
U.S. firms such as North Star, Penhall, and Brandenburg Industrial Service Co exemplify the sector’s focus on both large industrial demolitions and governmentbacked work.
There is also a new entry from California-based Integrated Demolition, which goes straight in at 25.
Canadian contractors, including Priestly Demolition and Murray Demolition, also maintained solid performance despite regional market fluctuations.
The rest of the world accounted for 7.27% of total turnover, reflecting emerging opportunities in markets including South America and Asia.
Companies such as Chile’s Flesan and Brazil’s Fabio Bruno Construcoes are capitalising on industrial closures and urban expansion, often integrating advanced safety and asbestos detection technology into their operations.
Argentina-based Grupo Mitre is also a new entry for the region, placing inside the top 80.
Elsewhere, there are two new Russiabased firms on the list, with Volgaspectory (35) and Likvidator (68) both posting strong 2024 results.
NOTABLE CHANGES
2024 saw several companies achieve remarkable growth. Max Wild surged
CONVERSION: Exchange rates used to convert domestic currencies to US dollars are from a rolling five-year average between 2020 and 2024.
SOURCING THE DATA: D&Ri invites and welcomes all demolition contractors worldwide to supply turnover data for the d&ri100 and most of the figures quoted are sourced by this method. Others are from reasonable estimates derived from company or financial websites or other online coverage of the demolition industry.
WANT TO BE INCLUDED? Even though this year’s top list has now been published, D&Ri would like to encourage contractors from all over the world to send us their 2024 turnover figures, to help us to build a bigger and more detailed picture of the global demolition market so that we can provide greater insight for contractors everywhere. To receive an entry form for the d&ri100, please contact lewis.tyler@khl.com.
While for obvious reasons we will not be able to add entries to the list in our printed D&Ri magazine, we are happy to edit our online version. Please also feel free to let us know if your company’s figures are inaccurate, and we will update them online.
a 60.8% increase, reflecting strategic diversification and fleet modernisation.
Dickson Company in the U.S. pivoted successfully towards federal and state-funded contracts, posting a 66.4% rise in turnover.
Conversely, some firms faced headwinds from project delays or higher operating costs. Notable declines included Keltbray (-9.5%) and Brandenburg Industrial Service Co (-10.8%), highlighting the continuing challenges of balancing operational scale with market volatility.
However, some results should be treated as anecdotal due to lack of data, meaning estimations were required.
SECTOR OUTLOOK
Despite pressures, contractors managed to maintain or improve profitability through strategic project selection, operational efficiency, and adoption of sustainable demolition techniques.
The sector’s continued growth signals a robust underlying demand for demolition services, particularly in infrastructure renewal, urban redevelopment, and environmentally conscious construction.
Looking ahead, contractors are expected to further diversify project portfolios, invest in fleet modernisation, and expand into emerging markets.
As urbanisation accelerates in Asia and South America, and sustainability regulations tighten in Europe, the sector is well positioned to combine technical expertise with environmental stewardship, ensuring its critical role in the global construction ecosystem.
However, as recent lists have shown, an increase in revenues could be more a sign of resilience than prosperity. Nevertheless, the sector delivered a strong performance in 2024, with prospects for continued growth in the year ahead.
Electric drives, compact footprints, and intelligent controls are redefining how contractors approach interior demolition projects. Lewis Tyler reports.
Power in tight spaces
While demolition projects can bring up a variety of risks, interior projects can amplify safety challenges for contractors.
Tight spaces, confined site access, and the need to protect surrounding structures demand equipment that performs efficiently and safely, often in ways traditional machines cannot.
For this reason, it is essential that the equipment used not only matches up to the performance of larger equipment, but does so in a safe and efficient manner.
In short, machines that combine reach, power, and maneuverability are now essential for tackling these confined environments.
NEW HEIGHTS
To meet demand for material handling at height and operability in tight spaces, Toro introduced the electric high-lift Ultra Buggy e2500-THL.
It offers a carrying capacity of 1.2 tonnes at a full 76-inch dump height, with a 12.8-cubic-foot volume capacity. This allows materials to be transferred directly into large containers, reducing additional handling and minimizing physical strain on operators.
Powered by Toro’s HyperCell Battery System, the Ultra Buggy e2500-THL delivers up to eight hours of runtime while producing zero engine exhaust emissions, making it well-suited for interior job sites where ventilation can be limited.
Toro says the maximum speed of 3.5 mph and smooth electric drive enable precise positioning, even on ramps or uneven surfaces.
The machine’s low ground pressure helps protect delicate floors, while its narrow 31.5inch width and tight turning radius allow it to navigate corridors, stairwells, and other confined areas.
Toro added that this combination of electric power, ergonomic design, and compact form reduces repetitive lifting and motion, allowing crews to maintain productivity safely.
REMOTE-CONTROLLED DEMOLITION
Meanwhile, Brokk, a manufacturer of remote-controlled demolition robots, has introduced the Brokk 130+, a new machine engineered to deliver heavy-duty demolition performance in confined environments.
The Brokk 130+ combines a redesigned hydraulic powertrain with a newly developed BHB 175 breaker, providing 20% more hitting force and a 40% higher impact frequency than its predecessor. This allows contractors to tackle demanding demolition tasks with greater efficiency and precision.
The machine is powered by Brokk
SmartPower+ technology, which optimizes energy distribution to deliver maximum output while minimizing strain on critical components.
This, according to Brokk, improves reliability, extends service life, and ensures consistent performance even during extended operations.
Remote-controlled operation enhances safety by allowing operators to manage demolition tasks from a distance, reducing exposure to dust, debris, and other hazards.
Described as compact yet powerful, the Brokk 130+ is designed for interior and confined-site applications where traditional equipment may be too large or unwieldy. Its versatility and increased impact and precision allows it to handle a wide range of materials while maintaining productivity in tight or hazardous environments.
“With the Brokk 130+, we are taking demolition power and efficiency to the next level,” said Martin Krupicka, CEO of Brokk Group.
“By reengineering the powertrain and introducing a brand-new breaker, we’ve developed a robot that delivers greater hitting force, a higher impact frequency, and unmatched performance—all without increasing its size. This marks a significant leap forward in the capabilities of remote-controlled demolition.” ■
Toro's electric high-lift Ultra Buggy e2500-THL launched this year. PHOTO: TORO
The Brokk 130+ is powered by Brokk SmartPower+ technology. PHOTO: BROKK
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Today’s material handlers combine brute strength and intelligence, with electrification, purpose-built attachments, and operatorfocused design leading the way. Lewis Tyler reports.
Handling the future
Material handlers are no longer defined by size or lifting capacity.
Machines are built around efficiency, sustainability, and intelligence.
Take for example Sennebogen with its G-series Electro Battery material handlers. Debuted at Bauma, the 824 and 826 Electro Battery machines offer electric operation with modular lithium-ion battery packs.
Customers can choose between one and four packs, each delivering around 98 kWh, providing up to seven hours of continuous work depending on operational needs.
Both machines feature a 90 kW electric motor, long reaches of 12 and 13 m, and high load capacities, combining power and precision for recycling and demolition tasks.
The machines are also equipped with SENcon control system, which allows intuitive operation, customized settings, and cost-saving remote maintenance.
The company said that not only do the machines operate completely free of CO₂ emissions, but they also reduce service requirements, fuel costs, and noise levels.
Dual Power Management enables the handlers to operate autonomously on battery power or connected to the mains, allowing the uppercarriage to swivel 360° during stationary work while recharging the batteries.
TAILORED DESIGN
For compact, high-efficiency tasks, Liebherr’s LH 18 M Industry demonstrates how material handlers can be tailored specifically for recycling applications.
With an operating mass of 17–18 tonnes and a 105 kW Stage V-compliant engine, the LH 18 M Industry is a compact machine said to be ideal for sorting and handling waste paper, wood, and other materials.
Its compact footprint, combined with a 5.20 m straight boom and 3.70 m stick with tilt kinematics, allows it to operate efficiently in tight spaces, while maintaining high stability thanks to its 2,550 mm wide undercarriage with front and rear outriggers.
A key feature is its integration with
the SG 20B sorting grab, available in a perforated version with a 0.40 m³ capacity.
This attachment is purpose-built for recycling tasks, enabling operators to grip, lift, and sort materials with precision.
For operator comfort and intuitive controls, the cab is equipped with clearly arranged touchscreen displays.
Joysticks and proportional control ensure sensitive handling, allowing operators to manage delicate materials without damage while maintaining high throughput.
HEAVY-DUTY OPERATIONS
Caterpillar, meanwhile, has focused on heavy-duty, long-reach applications with its Cat MH3295.
The MH3295 offers a reach of up to 18 m, making it ideal for and a variety of long-reach operations.
Powered by a 405 kW Cat C18 engine, it can operate at altitudes up to 3,000 m, with an operating weight of around 100,700 kg. Its retractable undercarriage ensures stability while simplifying site access.
Advanced technologies enhance efficiency and safety: Cat Payload tracks material loads in real time, Swing Assist improves upper-structure rotation consistency, and the 2D E-Fence keeps the machine within defined work zones.
Remote services like Remote Troubleshoot and Remote Flash allow maintenance and software updates without onsite technicians.
The cab prioritizes visibility and comfort, with a fixed riser, floor windows, integrated cameras, an adjustable seat, climate control, and a 10-inch touchscreen.
SmartBoom technology allows the boom to float freely, reducing hydraulic load and enabling precise control.
Compatible with a wide range of Cat attachments, the MH3295 combines power, reach, and precision for large-scale industrial, recycling, and port operations. ■
A view from inside the Cat MH3295.
PHOTO: CATERPILLAR
The LH 18 M has an operating mass of 17–18 tonnes.
PHOTO: LIEBHERR
The G-series of Electro Battery material handlers launched at Bauma.
PHOTO: SENNEBOGEN
It was a real pleasure to meet many of our members there (at WDS), to exchange ideas, share perspectives, and celebrate together.
About the EDA
The European Demolition Association (EDA) was founded in 1978 and is the European platform for national demolition associations, demolition contractors and suppliers. It organises annual events to bring together the demolition industry from all over Europe. The most important one is the Annual Convention, a meeting that includes technical presentations about key topics as well as optional leisure activities. The EDA represents thousands of companies through its national associations and direct memberships. Demolition & Recycling International is the international media partner of the EDA.
■ For more details, please visit: www.europeandemolition.org
The EDA yearbook and the road to Dublin 2026
Dear colleagues and friends,
Some weeks ago, we were all in Nashville, Tennessee, at the World Demolition Summit 2025, and now I want to extend my sincere gratitude to KHL for counting on EDA as a collaborator of the event.
It was a real pleasure to meet many of our members there, to exchange ideas, share perspectives, and celebrate together. I was especially proud to witness the remarkable achievements of EDA members at the World Demolition Awards 2025, because their success reflects the innovation, safety, and spirit of collaboration that continue to drive our industry forward.
During the Summit, EDA also launched the EDA Yearbook 2025, our annual publication that captures the key moments and insights of the past year. This edition features technical articles, a rich discussion on Nuclear Decommissioning, detailed reports on the Study Tour and the Convention, as well as contributions from our National Associations, and much more.
Now, looking into the future, we must think about what is around the corner, the projects that will mark 2026, prepare ourselves for them, to embrace what is going to happen in the industry and be ready for the change.
One major event shines on the calendar: the EDA Annual Convention 2026, which will take place in Dublin from June 10th to 12th. The vibrant Irish city will be the perfect scenario for our Annual Meeting, and we will be happy to count on you again in this edition. The Call for Papers is now open, and I encourage you all to share with us your conference proposals.
The registrations will be opened soon, so stay tuned!
With best regards, Patrick Frye, EDA President
Patrick Frye
DEMOLITION WITHOUT SAFETY STANDARDS BREAKS MORE THAN BUILDINGS
Precision. Protection. Professionalism. The NFDC sets the benchmark for safety excellence.
For every project, every site, and every worker, safety comes first. NFDC members don’t just comply with safety standards; they define them. With the latest training, technology, and best practices, NFDC companies operate with the precision and care that safeguard lives.
Stay safe. Stay ahead. Join the NFDC. Scan the QR code to explore membership benefits.
Need demolition? Think of the NFDC
Whether compact or supersized, loaders are versatile machines for a global construction industry prioritising value, efficiency and technology, Mitchell Keller reports
Loaders have long been workhorses of the construction site. Now, under pressure to deliver more with less, they’re being re-engineered for a market that prizes efficiency, sustainability and digital control as much as horsepower.
From compact units to high-capacity production machines, the sector is shifting toward smarter, cleaner and more connected operations – and manufacturers are racing to stay ahead of that change.
A changing global market Keeping pace may depend on location, as the global demand picture is evolving just as rapidly as machine technology and functionality. Manufacturers are now responding to distinct regional needs shaped by infrastructure growth, environmental policy and operating culture.
JCB’s Dual Drive system lets operators reposition the backhoe while facing the excavator
“The demand for wheel loaders continues to grow globally, driven by infrastructure expansion, urban development, and the accelerating shift toward more sustainable construction practices,” Luciano Suetugo tells International Construction (ICON); he’s Volvo Construction Equipment’s head of product marketing, excavator, hauler, loader, Asia.
“Wheel loaders remain among the most versatile machines on any jobsite, used for material handling, loading, stockpiling, and site preparation across sectors such as quarrying, aggregates, waste management, and general construction.”
In emerging markets across Asia and the Middle East, demand is being fuelled by quarrying, mining and large-scale infrastructure programmes.
“Their use has expanded beyond traditional applications,” Suetugo explains. “In Asia and other emerging markets, quarrying, mining, and large-scale infrastructure and urbanisation projects continue to fuel demand for highly productive models that combine fuel efficiency and durability for demanding conditions.”
By contrast, in mature markets such as Europe, Japan and North America, loader demand is migrating toward waste-handling and recycling operations, where efficiency, low noise and low emissions are now critical.
Urban construction and public-works projects are also prompting greater use of electric and low-emission loaders suited for tighter, noise-sensitive environments.
“Meanwhile, in developed regions such as Japan, Europe, and North America, loaders are increasingly deployed in waste and recycling
Wheeled loaders remain among the most versatile machines on any jobsite
facilities, where efficiency, low noise, and low emissions are critical,” adds Suetugo.
That shift has accelerated investment in both mid-size electric and hybrid machines, and in features that cut operating costs over the machine’s life cycle.
“Customers are placing greater value on fuelefficient engines, advanced telematics, and electric solutions,” says Suetugo.
Volvo CE recently launched the L120 electric model, its first mid-size battery-powered wheeled loader. The OEM says that it delivers
IMAGE: JCB
The Develon DL280-7 wheeled loader on display at the 2025 World of Concrete
IMAGE: MITCHELL KELLER
SMARTWEIGH ELEVATES LOADER PRECISION
John Deere says that its latest P-Tier wheeled loaders put payload accuracy and data at the centre of performance. The OEM says that the SmartWeigh onboard weighing system automatically calibrates without the need for test loads or site-specific setup. It delivers real-time bucket and truck load data to the in-cab display.
The system aligns Deere’s construction equipment with the digital intelligence long used in its agricultural machinery. New electrohydraulic controls, modular electronics and Connected Support diagnostics also make the machines easier to maintain and update in the field.
Deere says the 2025 P-Tier lineup is providing the groundwork for future automation.
the same performance as its diesel equivalent while offering zero exhaust emissions and lower total cost of ownership.
Intelligent control
Even among conventional loaders, the emphasis is moving from raw power to intelligent control. Technology is now embedded in machines’ new large-platform loaders, including Smart Control to automatically adjust rimpull and throttle in gears two to four, and Automatic Traction Control to engage the differential lock only when required.
These systems can deliver smoother operation and measurable fuel savings while also improving traction and reducing tyre wear.
Across all regions, a common thread is evident: loaders are no longer just a tool for moving material, but a data-driven asset within increasingly digital construction ecosystems.
“Ultimately, the future will not be defined by a single technology but by a combination of power solutions – electric, hybrid, and hydrogen – tailored to customer needs, application types, and regional energy infrastructure,” Suetugo says.
That future, he adds, will hinge on how well equipment makers can integrate sustainability, automation and total-cost efficiency into a single, adaptable platform –one versatile enough to serve the quarry face, the recycling yard and the city street alike.
What’s new?
With so much to gain and much on the line, 2025 has already brought a wave of new models and refinements across the sector.
Komatsu unveiled enhancements to its heavy-duty WA475-11 and WA485-11 models – loaders designed squarely for quarry and aggregate operations. The company says the new Hydrostatic-Mechanical Transmission system cuts fuel use by up to 12% while increasing engine output and climbing power.
“We designed the engine from scratch,” Kwanju Cho, Komatsu product manager, tells ICON. “The new cab includes joystick steering, better visibility, and even room for a large lunchbox. It’s built for long days.”
Bruce Boebel, Komatsu’s director of products and service, adds, “In designing the WA47511 and WA485-11, we focused on what truly matters to our customers based on years of direct customer feedback – efficiency, power, safety and operator comfort.”
Case broadened its range this year with the introduction of the 421G, a 97-horsepower machine positioned between compact and mid-size classes to serve
SmartWeigh gives John Deere loaders automatic payload calibration and real-time loading precision
The Caterpillar 450 backhoe loader IMAGE: CATERPILLAR
A John Deere wheeled loader on display at the OEM’s facility in Sacaton, Arizona, US IMAGE: MITCHELL KELLER
IMAGE: JOHN DEERE
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EXHIBITS: JANUARY 20-22, 2026
EDUCATION: JANUARY 19-22, 2026
LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER
ACHIEVE PEAK PERFORMANCE VIEW GLOBAL EVENTS
contractors working in urban or sites where space is limited.
The company also unveiled its 'Impact' concept – an all-electric, remote-operated compact loader that points toward future driver-assistance and automation technologies across its portfolio.
JCB also introduced a new Lever Steer option for its large platform wheeled loaders, expanding its focus on operator comfort and control.
Part of the company’s new JCB Controls package, the system replaces traditional wheel steering with a fingertip lever built into an adjustable armrest, allowing smoother directional control and reduced fatigue in repetitive loading or stockpiling cycles.
The armrest pod also houses fingertip switches for forward-reverse shifting, kickdown, and auxiliary functions, enabling full one-handed operation while the right hand manages lift and bucket controls.
Available across the 457, 457 Agri, 457S, 427/437 and 435S models, Lever Steer aims to shorten cycle times and improve ergonomics. It forms part of the second phase of JCB’s ongoing controls rollout, following the introduction of the Intelliweigh system and new safety features such as a standard threepoint seat belt.
Taken together, these updates show a
common theme across the industry: greater control, cleaner power and closer operatormachine integration. For contractors, the 2025 generation of wheeled loaders marks another step toward efficiency and adaptability on complex sites.
Higher tech
Beyond power and productivity, manufacturers are also investing in technology designed to make loaders – and their operators – smarter and safer.
Develon continues to push visibility and precision through its DL280-7 wheeled loader, which was featured heavily on the expo circuit this year. The machine’s Transparent Bucket system – using dual cameras to give operators
The new cab includes joystick steering, better visibility... it’s built for long days
a live forward view through the bucket – is becoming a flagship safety feature for jobsite work in truck-loading and material-handling environments.
Caterpillar is also redefining precision and operator customisation with the launch of its next-generation Cat 440 and 450 backhoe loaders. The new models feature the efficient Cat C3.6 engine and an upgraded hydraulic system designed to deliver full lifting and digging forces at any engine speed.
Electronic architecture also now aligns with the company’s latest 416-430 series machines, giving operators a consistent interface across the range.
“Offering more operator choice and advanced machine control, these new models
WHEELED LOADERS CLEAR THE WAY AT 2,000M
At 2,000m above sea level in the French Alps, the family-run Chez Gaston restaurant depends on Bobcat loaders to keep its mountain access open each winter.
Owner Grégoire Gaston uses two skid-steer models – the Bobcat S550 and S130 –alongside an L85 articulated wheeled loader, supplied and serviced by Sivemat.
The dealer Sivemat supports customers in mountainous regions through a dedicated oncall aftersales service, with technicians trained and equipped to reach high-altitude sites in harsh conditions.
Equipped with snow blower attachments, the machines reduce terrace snow removal time from several hours to about 30 minutes.
“It’s really made our lives easier; we save so much time,” says co-owner Céline Gaston. Co-owner Grégoire Gaston adds the compact machines have become “indispensable allies” for daily operations.
The L85 wheeled loader, with its hydrostatic transmission and high-flow auxiliary hydraulics, provides the versatility and power required to manoeuvre in confined alpine conditions.
A Bobcat wheeled loader works a site near Mont Blanc in the French alps IMAGE: BOBCAT
Komatsu’s WA485-11 wheeled loader on display at the 2025 World of Asphalt in St. Louis, US IMAGE: MITCHELL KELLER
LOADERS
also feature the Cat C3.6 engine and the latest Product Link technology,” says David Young, senior product consultant at Caterpillar.
New soft-key and touchscreen display options allow operators to tailor modulation response for both loader and excavator functions, while pod-mounted joystick controls provide a more ergonomic operating position.
A built-in QR code on the touchscreen links directly to Cat Operator Training resources, and integrated health monitoring supports preventive maintenance through VisionLink connectivity.
Cat says the updates deliver more responsive performance, easier customisation and improved machine versatility; part of a broader push to make operator interfaces as adaptive and data-driven as the equipment itself.
Liebherr is also advancing automation on the heavy-duty end of the market. At Bauma 2025, the company unveiled its first autonomous wheeled loader prototype alongside the L 566 H Hydrogen, a large loader powered by a hydrogen combustion engine. Both developments mark a step toward cleaner, selfoperating heavy machinery.
“You don’t need any special IT skills to initiate the wheel loader deployment,” says Dr Manuel Bös, Head of Emerging Technologies at Liebherr.
“The system is very intuitive and userfriendly, and requires only a few inputs for the job.”
Hydrogen power
Liebherr’s stated goal is to make the transition to alternative fuels and intelligent operation simultaneous rather than sequential, combining efficiency, safety and zero-carbon performance.
It was recently announced that a hydrogenpowered wheeled loader from Liebherr has gone into operation at the Kanzelstein quarry in Gratkorn, Austria. Strabag will be testing the new machine over a two-year period, running it at least 50 hours per week.
“To become climate neutral by 2040, we need effective solutions – and converting our construction machinery to renewable technologies is an essential lever,” said Stefan Kratochwill, Strabag CEO.
“The test run of the hydrogen-powered wheel loader is an example of what sustainable operation and the decarbonisation of our large-scale equipment can look like.”
Strabag says that fuel represents its largest source of CO₂ emissions – around 40% of its total Group emissions are attributable to the diesel consumption of its construction machinery, commercial vehicles and passenger cars.
JCB is also steering 2025 innovation toward jobsite safety and human–machine awareness. The company unveiled IntelliSense, an integrated AI-driven pedestrian-recognition system designed to reduce the risk of on-site collisions involving its Loadall telescopic handlers.
Initially fitted to the 540-140 and 535-125 models, IntelliSense uses 270° camera coverage and machine-learning algorithms to detect pedestrians, issuing both visual and audible alerts to operators and nearby workers.
The system links directly into JCB’s LiveLink telematics, storing footage and event data for remote review.
The OEM says that IntelliSense marks the
first factory-installed pedestrian-recognition solution by a major manufacturer – a move it calls a response to contractors’ growing demand for built-in safety intelligence.
“The system identifies, assesses, and mitigates risks on construction sites and enables contractors and operators to manage potential hazards around the machine and its operating environment,” JCB says.
Though introduced on Loadalls, IntelliSense reflects a wider industry shift toward AI-based safety systems – advances likely to extend soon to wheel loaders and other heavy equipment.
Picking up the pieces
From enhanced visibility to electric drivetrains and operator-assist systems, the wheeled loader’s evolution reflects the wider transformation of construction machinery: these machines are being asked to do much more than just pick things up and put them down.
Efficiency is no longer measured only in tonnes moved per hour but in data, precision and environmental impact. The world has changed, and the wheeled loader has changed with it.
As Suetugo of Volvo CE notes, the industry’s future, “will not be defined by a single technology but by a combination of power solutions – electric, hybrid, and hydrogen.”
For now, that future is already taking shape –one bucket at a time. iC
A Volvo wheeled loader IMAGE: VOLVO
Liebherr’s hydrogen wheeled loader is being trialled at a quarry IMAGE: LIEBHERR
at pumped hydro energy storage project
As interoperability becomes the industry’s defining challenge, experts warn that cultural barriers –not technology – are now holding back digital progress, reports Andy Brown
Construction’s digital promise is finally starting to take shape. Software that once existed in isolation is now being linked through open data standards, APIs and cloud-based platforms. The direction of travel is clear: data must flow freely between systems if the industry is to deliver projects that are faster, safer, and more sustainable. What remains less certain is how quickly that connected vision will be realised – and whether people, not technology, will be the bigger obstacle.
Isolated systems are out
While the exact end point of this technological journey may not be known, the path is clear: isolated systems and data are out, and connected data is the gold standard. “The industry is headed toward a more connected future, but it’s still in a transitional era.
Ryan Kunisch, vice president, global strategy, Oracle Construction and Engineering IMAGE: ORACLE
Interoperability has become a critical focus for both vendors providing hardware and software construction solutions, and construction businesses relying on technology to work more efficiently and grow,” says Mark Schwartz, senior vice president of AECO Software at Trimble.
“On the vendor side, construction software companies are moving away from inflexible, closed technology suites to more open and connected ecosystems. At Trimble, we continue to expand integrations across our own solutions as well as with third-party platforms. We’re also
equipping construction businesses with the tools to build custom connections that address their specific data challenges,” he adds.
Schwartz reveals that the company has more than 100 pre-built, ready-to-use integrations, applications and extensions available for its customers.
Ryan Kunisch, vice president, global strategy, Oracle Construction and Engineering, says that it is not enough anymore for software to just connect – more is demanded.
“Interoperability is absolutely essential in today’s construction industry, but the focus is shifting. It’s no longer just about making tools connect; it’s about unifying fragmented systems into a single environment where data moves freely and accurately. In recent years we’ve seen tremendous progress,” he says.
Kunisch points to industry clouds that serve as connected and secure platforms where data from a host of different sources can be stored and can communicate. “This unified ecosystem helps eliminate data silos, reduce rework, and enable real-time decision-making. This empowers owners with greater transparency and control, while general contractors benefit from less manual reconciliation and more efficient project orchestration.”
He adds that real-time insights are particularly important for construction. “When everyone works from the same structured data,
collaboration speeds up, accountability increases, and project outcomes improve.”
Gold dust
Construction software companies are moving away from inflexible, closed technology suites IMAGE: ADOBE STOCK
Basseville says that construction software has become an integrated ecosystem rather than separate solutions and that, in the future, there will be far greater connectivity between design, planning, and execution phases. This will create – to keep the shiny metal comparisons going –a gold standard for construction, a continuous digital thread from concept to completion.
For a continuous digital thread to exist, all data must be able to communicate seamlessly.
Basseville contends that, “The industry has made real progress in interoperability. Open data standards, APIs, and cloud-based collaboration tools are making it easier than ever to integrate across brands.”
Industry-wide collaboration
Nemetschek Group and its 17 subsidiaries –including Bluebeam and Allplan – have been a leading player in the open BIM alliance. Charles Sheridan, chief AI and data officer for the group, contends that interoperability is “essential” for seamless data exchange.
Sticking with the theme of real-time data, Gael Basseville, vice president, business development, EMEA, Topcon, is effusive about the importance of it.
“The integration of sensor data, 3D design models, and machine control will allow teams to monitor quality, productivity, and safety simultaneously and in real time, rather than retrospectively. This data is like gold dust and will help teams make the right decisions to optimise their projects,” he asserts.
“Open BIM and formalised interoperability partnerships have made it easier for professionals to collaborate across brands, reducing workflow bottlenecks and data loss. Recent progress includes API integration, cloud connectivity, and industry-wide collaboration, transforming interoperability from a competitive issue to a shared priority,” says Sheridan. While progress has been made Mikkel Dalgas, chief product and technology officer, Trackunit, cautions that work remains on this important issue.
“The ISO 15143-3 standard has made a difference and is a step – albeit a small one – in the right direction as it is now possible to share machine data across brands. But, while it opens up a path to getting a complete picture of an entire fleet without jumping between systems, it’s highlighted two key challenges,” he says.
“First, we need to focus on the capabilities of the system where the mixed fleet data is brought together (via AI, analytics, strong industry specific capabilities, and others) and ensure we don’t dilute the value of mixed fleet data by selecting a generic data backend.
Construction varies so much by region and vertical that there is no single technology solution
“Secondly, when we master mixed fleet analytics we will need mixed fleet controls. Collecting data with no bidirectional connectivity back to the machines will provide insights but with limited actionability.”
Despite the challenges, he says that the sector has come a long way and that there
Graham Twigg, chief technology officer, Multivista, part of Hexagon IMAGE: HEXAGON
are numerous platforms that offer hundreds of ready-made apps and connectors that automatically link equipment data, rental systems, and reports. He adds that, “What used to take weeks or months of setup and tuning can now be done quickly.”
The
varied construction landscape
Construction is a broad church: it encompasses so many different segments and contractors and sub-contractors that when construction is accused of not being far enough along with the technology journey it is not always fair.
This variety is a point raised by Graham Twigg, chief technology officer, Multivista, part of Hexagon. “The commercial dynamics of every project is different – owners, architects, contractors and sub-trades all have bespoke technology stacks, standards and workflows that have evolved with reasons specific to their commercial circumstance.
“Construction varies so much by region and vertical that there is no single technology solution and trying to bend customers to our will when it comes to their business processes is not a recipe for success,” he asserts.
“We have to respect the unique nature of every project and the only way to do so is to assume that our customers will be using not just our tools, but those of our partners and competitors as well. It’s our duty, as those who are providing technology services, to make sure that our customer’s data is not siloed or otherwise locked down. This starts with robust APIs, which most platforms have now. It also speaks to the need for better data standards, beyond a general agreement that we’ll use this file type or protocol.”
employee production hours and a 170% rise in equipment utilisation.”
He adds that, “Delivering digital data from models to machines enables Bituminous to grade sites and install aggregates faster and with fewer people. With machine guidance files controlling blade height while operators control steering and speed of dozers and graders, efficiency has increased by 30%.”
software used, which is why all the data connecting and talking to each other is so key. It is also key because when this software is used by all relevant parties as part of their day-to-day activities then, quite simply, it brings results.
Trimble’s Schwartz gives several examples of the real and tangible benefits that the use of the right software can bring. These include a steel detailing and fabrication company called Canam Group that increased its engineering process efficiency by 25% by capturing, managing and sharing 3D data, and JE Dunn which achieved a 10% efficiency gain on concrete pouring, improved excavation durations by up to 50% and reduced rework costs from US$2.6 million to $350,000.
These figures are striking, as are ones that he says Bituminous Roadways, a commercial asphalt paving contractor in the US, achieved by adopting a fully connected Trimble workflow.
As Twigg says, construction varies vastly from region to region (and often country to country in that region) and depending on the sector (deep pile drilling compared to road building) that there is bound to be a host of different
Schwartz says that the company, “achieved a 150% increase in
Quantifiable results
Topcon’s Basseville says that advanced software solutions are delivering quantifiable gains across the board – often 20–30% improvements in efficiency. However, this can go even higher – he mentions a site in Denmark where the company Tscherning is using machine control systems and seeing productivity increases of up to 60%.
Despite construction’s great variety the benefits that the right software can bring is emphasised by Oracle’s Kunisch. “Globally, customers are experiencing similar benefits: reduced manual data entry, elimination of duplicate tasks, faster decision-making, and stronger team alignment,” he says. “These productivity gains not only translate into cost savings but also provide greater confidence and control throughout project delivery.”
A worker views data from a site
Construction software can play a big role in boosting construction’s productivity
The biggest barrier to the adoption of software is often human, not technical
Mikkel Dalgas, chief product and technology officer, Trackunit IMAGE: TRACKUNIT
Charlie Sheridan, chief AI and data officer, Nemetschek Group IMAGE: NEMETSCHEK GROUP
The firms that embrace this collaboration model are proving that digital transformation is not just a technology upgrade
Overcoming obstacles
Regarding what is stopping the industry from more widespread adoption of software, there seems to be agreement that the issue is mostly one of a human persuasion, rather than technical.
“Cultural resistance and reluctance to change established processes persist as major challenges, particularly in markets with deeprooted analogue workflows,” says Sheridan from Nemetschek Group.
This viewpoint is echoed by Trackunit’s Dalgas who says that, “The biggest challenges to deployment aren’t the tools, they are about people getting comfortable with them. Workers often need time and support to learn the new systems, and managers need to build trust in the data and see meaningful results.”
Digital training can help in getting workers to fully understand the capabilities of the software that they are using and also – crucially – help them to understand that the software is there to make their job more enjoyable and easier and not as a replacement for them.
senior vice president of AECO Software at Trimble IMAGE: TRIMBLE
Other barriers remain, with cost and customers being sure on an exact return on investment (ROI) being high up on the list.
“Culture and cost are the biggest barriers – but it’s changing fast. The technology itself is ready and more accessible than ever. The challenge lies in shifting long-established ways of working and getting the support needed for contractors to invest in new technology,” says Topcon’s Basseville.
Schwartz from Trimble agrees that the biggest barrier to adoption is “human, not technical” but agrees that cost is an issue. He says that the rise in proliferation of subscriptions has helped with this as it takes away the issue of having a large sum to pay all at once. He adds that subscriptions also offer, “increased flexibility and scalability, allowing contractors to customise offerings to their specific needs while benefiting from lower upfront costs and more predictable ongoing expenses.”
Ultimately, software sits alongside
other construction technologies –such as automation and drones – those who embrace it the most will will see the greatest benefits. There are obstacles to be overcome, such as costs and human reluctance, but the pay-off is clear.
As Oracle’s Kunisch neatly summarises, “The firms that embrace this collaboration model are proving that digital transformation is not just a technology upgrade. It is a business advantage that defines who will lead the next decade of construction.”
Competitive advantage
The thread running through every conversation is clear: the technology is ready, but the people and processes using it must catch up. Software will not transform construction on its own –it requires cultural change, trust in data, and a willingness to collaborate.
Those who make that shift now will not just work more efficiently; they will define the connected, data-driven era reshaping the construction industry. As one of the experts put it, the winners of the next decade will be those who treat software not as a tool, but as a competitive advantage. iC
Mark Schwartz,
Gael Basseville, vice president, business development, EMEA, Topcon IMAGE: TOPCON
Software can help make construction tasks more predictable and safer
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Marsh, regional executive for Europe, Middle East, and Africa, at Bentley Systems, presenting at the company’s annual event
At Bentley Systems' annual event, Nathan Marsh told Andy Brown why trust, authenticity and human oversight still matter in the AI age
It’s probably a safe bet that Nathan Marsh, regional executive for Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) at Bentley Systems, has not had the Back to the Future films brought up very often in his media interviews. However, there was (some) method in International Construction’s questioning.
Marsh has been at US-based Bentley Systems for approaching two years and previously worked for AtkinsRealis, Costain Group and Turner & Townsend helping to deliver construction and infrastructure projects.
Integrating tech earlier
At Bentley Systems' Year in Infrastructure event in Amsterdam, Netherlands, International Construction asked him if a certain doctor in a certain time-travelling car took him back to those days, but with the knowledge of technology that he has gained from his time at Bentley, what would he do differently?
of digital, or chief digital officer on a major project. Now most major projects have a head of technology and that person will have a data strategy,” says Marsh.
“If you look at most megaprojects across the world, their technology strategy is hardwired into their partners. On some of those bigger programmes, they’re saying to Bentley, ‘do you know what you are developing in five years’ time? Because we’re not sure what we will need then’. What a great journey to go on together.”
Not only is Marsh heading up EMEA, but he’s also on the executive board of Bentley Systems and during the event – held in a nice part of Amsterdam, with the hotel nestled against one of the city’s canals – took on a large section of the presenting duties with aplomb.
that half of UK construction projects still rely on paper-based processes.
Construction’s full stops
Marsh is excited about the potential of technology to help break down how the industry has traditionally operated. He contends that for decades the design, construct and operate sections have been in silos when, in reality, they are all part of the same process.
“The most exciting thing is seeing our products enabling and empowering digitally the integration that our sector needs. We don’t have design full stop to construct full stop and operate full stop. When you’ve been a contractor or a designer, it is not three things, it’s one continuous flow; it is design comma, construct comma, and then operate full stop. We turn these full stops into commas.”
The event consisted of finalists in numerous categories giving presentations about their projects as well as updates from senior Bentley executives. It culminated in an awards ceremony where the winners from each category were announced. It is no surprise that the technology in these projects was impressively integrated and used, but an issue remains in increasing adoption among small and medium enterprises. For instance, a recent survey found
He adds that, “When I was delivering a major project for Costain, I was asked what’s the most important thing on a major project? I said integration, integration, integration. And I wasn’t being flippant because it’s bringing so many different things together, whether it’s contracting parties, elements in the schedule or risk analysis.”
“I would integrate technology at earlier stages of the projects, as we were outlining the business case or maybe site selection. I would bring technology in much earlier. We’re seeing it more now, but five years ago it was quite rare to have a chief technology officer, head
Numerous technology solutions were presented at Bentley Systems' Year in Infrastructure event in the Netherlands
IMAGES: KHL
Nathan
One of the pieces of software that will do this, according to Marsh, is Synchro. This digital construction delivery software offers advanced 4D planning, scheduling, and productivity tracking capabilities and connects the field and the office.
Synchro – like a lot of Bentley’s products – now has a ‘plus’ next to its name, which indicates that it has Artificial Intelligence (AI) embedded into it. AI was, of course, a major topic of conversation at the event and its great potential – but also its dangers – were openly discussed.
When it comes to AI, Marsh is clear that a “judicious” use is the best and makes the point that AI should be bookended with humans, so a human starts and ends the process.
“Do we want to be the first mover? I’m not so sure. Do we want to be proven, tangible, think big, but maybe start small? We want to be certain of the provenance, authenticity and trustworthiness.
“Would you consider it wise to throw it straight into designing Sizewell C [a nuclear power project in the UK]? Probably not. I think that comes with a respectful approach to infrastructure. When we bring AI into the crown jewels of an operating society with its infrastructure, we have to be careful.”
Positive vision of the future
It is clear that Marsh believes that the correct usage of AI has the potential to be transformational. In the future he sees all Bentley Systems products and software being AI-enabled and says that a common data environment – which AI can help with – will lead to more collaboration across major projects from all those involved in it.
“A common data environment, a single technology strategy can really help with collaboration. It’d be great to see that normalised across the sector. It needs to be underpinned by constantly making sure that information security is focused on. That way we are continuing to be resilient and robust.
“If you want to stop a major project on a sixpence, hit it with a major cyber breach. It spooks investors and regulators. That’s a real focus for us, making sure that we strengthen and harden our products in conjunction with our accounts and our users.”
Marsh is right to point out the danger of cyberattacks and, in a future where construction is increasingly digitalised, data security is more important than ever. While being mindful of this, Marsh believes that construction has a huge opportunity.
“Of all the phases in the infrastructure life
cycle, I think construction has got the richest opportunity to embrace technology. We see brilliant examples of offsite, modern methods of construction. Occasionally you go and visit a site and there are still practices there that feel a bit manual. So let’s bring in and keep testing collective autonomous plants. Let’s look at wearables for site workers.
“Let’s predict how much work we can do offsite, because that’s where some of the riskier activities happen. Let’s use drones by default for site survey. Let’s use drones by default for safety induction, minimum time on site. That’s the future of construction and it is a great opportunity.”
For Marsh, the future of construction belongs to those who can balance technology with human insight. The tools are already here – what matters now is using them to build smarter, safer and more connected projects. It’s a future that could arrive sooner than expected – and with no DeLorean required. iC
MAKE THE BEST DECISIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Marsh says he sees a future when AI is embedded into all software
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SAUDI
market
Caterpillar vice president
Chih Liang tells Neil Gerrard why the industry must invest in people – and why autonomy, data and operator upskilling will define the next five years
Depending on the level of adoption in the country or the region, our customers look at different parts of the portfolio
At Caterpillar’s Demonstration and Learning Centre in Málaga, Spain, the focus was firmly on technology.
Over two days, International Construction joined dealers and contractors from all over Europe, Africa and the Middle East who had gathered to see a range of systems in action, from Cat Detect with Motion Inhibit and Cat Payload, to Assist features, Cat Command remote control, VisionLink connectivity and Cat Grade with 3D.
The message was clear: these tools are no longer experimental add-ons, but increasingly central to how jobsites are managed. After the demonstrations, International Construction spoke with Chih Liang, Caterpillar’s vice president of global construction technology sales and marketing, about where the industry stands on adoption and why operators should not fear what is coming.
No longer an add-on
Spending on technology in construction remains relatively low compared to other industries.
A 2023 McKinsey study presented during the event suggested contractors invest around 1-2% of revenue in technology, versus
3-5% in other sectors. Liang acknowledged that construction’s historical caution played a role but said the main challenge lies in how firms approach investment.
“With their investments, it’s not just systems and tools, but also the people,” he said. “If they’re looking to increase productivity, they expect a return, whether that’s addressing labour shortages, improving efficiency, or enhancing safety. All those elements come into play. And people change management is also very important.”
For Caterpillar, helping customers build confidence in the business case is a priority as it can help solve some of their biggest challenges. The Malaga event itself was part of that effort.
“If you have never had the opportunity to encounter the technology, you don’t always know what’s possible,” Liang explained. “Our job is to show customers what’s possible. And Caterpillar will never cease innovating: That’s why we’re here to continue to serve our customers, listen to them and enable them to be successful.”
Evidence of momentum is visible in VisionLink, which now tracks 1.5 million connected assets worldwide. The data allows contractors to benchmark performance and identify ways to improve utilisation
Chih Liang, Caterpillar’s vice president of global construction technology sales and marketing
Caterpillar’s updated 735 articulated dump truck
IMAGES: CATERPILLAR
CATERPILLAR TO ACQUIRE AUSTRALIAN MINING SOFTWARE FIRM
Caterpillar has entered into an agreement to acquire RPMGlobal Holdings, an Australian-based software company.
Headquartered in Brisbane, Australia, RPMGlobal is a provider of mining software solutions and was established 1977.
The company is said to have deep expertise in mining technology enablement, providing global customers with data-driven software solutions at every stage of the mining lifecycle.
“RPMGlobal’s culture and agile approach to developing solutions aligns well with Caterpillar’s intense focus on solving customer needs,” said Denise Johnson, group president, Caterpillar Resource Industries.
“Their software solutions complement Caterpillar’s existing technologies, especially in areas such as asset management, fleet management and autonomy. Together, we have the potential to enhance mine-site operations for our customers, unlocking even greater value.”
This agreement requires approval by RPMGlobal shareholders and various regulatory authorities, and is subject to other customary closing conditions.
The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026.
and efficiency. Crucially, Liang stressed, it is enabling customers to use it. “It’s about them understanding the data that is available to make the job site better and improve on it,” he noted.
The diversity of Caterpillar’s technology portfolio reflects the varied pace of adoption globally. In some regions, contractors are focused on assist features that make operating easier. In others, remote operation and autonomy are already on the agenda.
“Depending on the level of adoption in the country or the region, our customers look at different parts of the portfolio,” Liang said. “We want to make sure they know what technology is right for them, and we have the portfolio to solve customers’ biggest challenges.”
Full autonomy on construction sites remains further away than in more controlled environments such as quarrying or mining. The unpredictability of earthmoving jobsites
makes it harder to achieve repeatability. Liang declined to forecast when autonomy might become common but noted, “With autonomy in construction, it’s not a matter of if, it’s probably a matter of when.”
Don't fear technology
One concern that often surfaces is whether operators feel threatened by these advances. Liang argued the opposite should be true. “We want to offer choices to the operators and to the customers. These features can help to make your life easier and potentially your job safer. And we want to upskill them – knowing technology, understanding it, and using it will always make them more valuable.”
The construction industry’s well-documented labour shortages add weight to that point. With many experienced operators nearing retirement, new entrants (often digital natives) may be quicker to adopt technology.
“We anticipate the next generation will be more favourable to adopting technology because that’s what they’re already doing today,” Liang said.
Looking ahead, he sees the next five years as a continuation of existing pressures around productivity, efficiency, safety and workforce capacity, particularly in infrastructure. “Building infrastructure is typically part of making progress and improving quality of life,” he said.
“So there will be inherent demand for construction, and Caterpillar wants to be part of helping contractors meet it in a sustainable way.”
For firms considering their next steps, Liang’s advice was to start small and measurable. “Understand the data you already have, identify areas you want to improve, whether that’s productivity or fuel efficiency, and test it. Take a before and after, and see the results. Then expand from there.” iC
A live demonstration taking place at Caterpillar’s centre in Spain
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The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has outlined plans to spend US$45 billion on projects between 2026 and 2035, including major investments in airports, rail, bridges and tunnels.
The plan would continue funding for large projects already underway, including the new Midtown Bus Terminal, a new Terminal B at Newark Liberty International Airport, completion of JFK Airport’s wholesale rebuild, and the PATH Forward modernisation scheme. It also introduces commitments to a state-ofthe-art AirTrain Newark, and the replacement of LaGuardia’s ageing Terminal A.
In addition to announcing its $45 billion proposed 2026-2035 Capital Plan, the Port Authority also announced its proposed 2026 annual budget totalling $10.1 billion, which includes $4.2 billion for operating expenses; $4.1 billion in capital spending; and $1.7
billion in debt service payments; and $1.1 billion set aside for safety and security measures.
The agency plans to phase in fare, fee and toll adjustments to support the programme, including incremental increases to PATH fares from 2026 and changes to bus carrier fees and toll categories.
It added that Covid-19 pandemic had erased $3 billion in revenue, forcing capital spending delays and cost-cutting measures. Since then, the cost of steel, concrete and electrical components, as well as interest rates, have all risen as a result of inflation and supply-chain shocks.
The Port Authority said, “The plan funds completion of ongoing megaprojects while launching the next wave of critical infrastructure projects to strengthen regional mobility and economic competitiveness. It will
Where is it?
New York, US
When will it take place?
Between 2026-2035
Did you know?
The proposed plan is likely to create more than 50,000 jobs
also create more than 50,000 jobs, including 33,000 union construction jobs, generating significant economic activity across the bi-state region. The proposed plan will be subject to public comment and Board of Commissioners consideration.”
Aerial view of the John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in Queens, New York IMAGE: ADOBE STOCK
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