“[Arti cial intelligence] is important, and it is something that will absolutely feature more and more in our sector, in terms of productivity, safety and predictiveness.” Luca Toneatti.
Regulars
Features
Taking a broader look at the developing world of aggregates.
All the key events in the quarrying and aggregates world.
Heidelberg Materials makes a major play to expand its presence in Türkiye.
Outset’s new on-board weighing system o ering, developed using feedback from end-users, is designed to be intuitive and easy to install and operate 10 CASE STUDY
Cemex UAE has successfully rolled out CheckProof’s digital solutions to support safety within its operations.
14 MARKET REPORT
An in-depth look at the key drivers and trends within the quarrying and aggregates sector in Bangladesh.
18
Cementos Argos continues to push ahead its strategic plan for the US and Latin American markets.
20 NORTHERN IRELAND SPOTLIGHT
An in-depth look at the past, present and future of Northern Ireland’s famed manufacturing sector ahead of Hillhead 2026.
38 PREVIEW
A preview of all the big news and previews as Hillhead Quarry takes centre stage for the much-anticipated trade show.
40 REVIEW
A review of all the major announcements from ConExpo/Con-Agg 2026 after another successful edition.
A detailed look at how aftermarket support and customer service can support a proactive approach to maintenance. 44
Outset’s latest solutions put operators at the front of a digital evolution. Image: Outset
Triangle Tyre eyes growth in the European market as it bolsters its executive and showcases its latest innovations in Germany.
BKT wraps up a successful showcase at ConExpo/Con-Agg 2026.
48 CRUSHING AND SCREENING
Screening equipment is helping operators become more e cient and profitable.
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Bangladesh’s aggregates future LIAM MCLOUGHLIN
This issue’s market report focuses on the world’s eighth most populous country, Bangladesh.
Infrastructure projects in Bangladesh are progressing rapidly, with roads, residential and commercial buildings, and mega projects underway in major cities and districts.
Bangladesh’s construction market, valued at approximately $US34.4 billion in 2025, is projected to grow to $US47 billion by 2030.
However, the sand-rich but stone-scarce country still relies on imports of certain types of aggregates and crushed stone from neighbouring countries and regions due to local supply constraints.
Previously, the demand was low and met with stone extracted locally, including from the Sylhet and Chittagong hill tracts. The eight stone quarries in Sylhet supply only a small portion of the country's demand. The country imports 94 per cent of its stones from various countries.
Also, in this issue, we nd out how Cemex UAE is reaping the bene ts from its deployment of a digital management solution from software as a service (SaaS) company CheckProof.
Cemex UAE operations manager James Sykes said the major reason for adopting the CheckProof solution was to transition from manual to digital processes.
“Safety is number one for Cemex UAE and the CheckProof solution provides ease of use and digital tracking,” he said. “At Cemex we are very focused on safety, productivity and service.”
The CheckProof solution has proved particularly effective in terms of the challenges posed by the distinctive diversity of the UAE market in comparison to many other countries and regions. The Gulf state hosts a wide array of languages and ethnicities, and the workforce at Cemex UAE currently represents 26 nationalities, including signi cant representation from India, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Nepal.
Digitising a lot of previously manual processes has led to improvements in both safety and maintenance.
We also report on Outset, the on-board weighing systems specialist, which has developed a new concept to increase the ease-of-use of its solutions.
The company’s export and research and development manager Luca Toneatti said the concept involves two steps: rstly, based on feedback from operators, a new intuitive and simple to use display has been introduced providing dedicated features for the operator so they can immediately get the information that they need.
Toneatti said producers using Outset’s solutions are looking for systems that provide data enabling them to see that their vehicles are being used in a safe way and are not overloaded. He adds this can provide major savings in maintenance costs, particularly for larger producers with extensive eets.
Toneatti said there were expanding opportunities for Outset’s business in a number of countries and regions including India, North and South America and Australia.
At the SaMoTer construction and quarrying equipment show in Verona, Italy (Verona ere exhibition centre, May 6-9) Outset is giving the world premiere to its new T1 LOADER LFT weighing system with MID OILM R51 certi cation for wheeled loaders. The company says this innovative solution certi ed for third-party sales guarantees maximum precision and reliability.
Also featured in this issue is Heidelberg Materials, which has taken a signi cant step to strengthen its footprint in Türkiye’s construction materials market, agreeing to increase its shareholding in Akçansa from 39.72 per cent to 79.44 per cent.
The transaction, agreed with long term partner Sabancı Holding, will give Heidelberg Materials majority ownership of one of the country’s most strategically positioned cement and aggregates producers, subject to regulatory approvals. Heidelberg Materials managing board member Hakan Gurdal says that majority ownership allows Heidelberg to unlock Akçansa’s full operational and strategic potential.
“With full consolidation, we can accelerate our growth by enhancing our decision making, improving competitiveness, and expanding our role as a key supplier to both domestic and global export markets,” he said. LM liam.mcloughlin@primeglobalpublishing.com
Heidelberg Materials has a global presence in quarrying and aggregates.
Turkish triumph
Heidelberg Materials has increased its presence in the Turkish market as part of a strategic approach to the key region.
Heidelberg Materials has taken a signi cant step to strengthen its footprint in Türkiye’s construction materials market, agreeing to increase its shareholding in Akçansa from 39.72 per cent to 79.44 per cent.
The transaction, agreed with long-term partner Sabancı Holding, will give Heidelberg Materials majority ownership of one of the country’s most strategically positioned cement and aggregates producers, subject to regulatory approvals.
“Majority ownership allows us to unlock Akçansa’s full operational and strategic potential,” Heidelberg Materials managing board member Hakan Gurdal said.
Formed in 1996, Akçansa has a large
operational network which spans the Marmara, Aegean and Black Sea regions with three cement plants, 26 ready-mixed concrete plants, ve aggregates quarries, and ve cement terminals across ve seaports.
“The Marmara region is the economic engine of Turkey, and Akçansa is exceptionally well-positioned within it. With full consolidation, we can accelerate our growth by enhancing our decision making, improving competitiveness, and expanding our role as a key supplier to both domestic and global export markets,” Gurdal said.
Sabancı Holding con rmed that Heidelberg Materials exercised its rights of rst refusal after a Sabanci Holdings received a binding offer for its 39.72 per cent stake in Akçansa from a third party in January 2026.
A ling announcing the deal to shareholders and investors valued Akçansa at $US1.1 billion on an enterprise value basis, subject to debt and cash adjustments.
The transaction to Heidelberg Materials, when completed, will result in Sabanci Holdings not holding any shares in Akçansa.
Türkiye remains a signi cant market for international construction materials producers due to its large domestic demand base, ongoing infrastructure investment and geographic position linking Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
The country also plays an important role in regional export markets, particularly for cement and clinker, as producers seek to balance domestic demand uctuations with overseas sales.
Within this context, the Marmara region stands out as Türkiye’s primary economic and industrial hub. High levels of urban development, manufacturing activity and transport infrastructure investment contribute to sustained demand for aggregates and downstream materials, while access to major ports supports export-oriented production.
The acquisition comes amid broader consolidation trends across the global construction materials sector.
Major producers seek to strengthen positions in markets with long-term demand and integrated supply chains.
Heidelberg Materials chairman of the managing board Dr Dominik von Achten said the transaction would increase the company’s exposure to a market with growing demand.
“This transaction is fully aligned with our strategy of strengthening leading positions in core markets with attractive long-term fundamentals,” he said.
“It provides us with the opportunity to further optimise our portfolio and strengthen our supply capabilities in a region with compelling growth opportunities.” AB
Image: Heidelberg Materials
Heidelberg Materials chairman of the managing board Dr Dominik von Achten.
Based on feedback from operators, Outset is introducing a new, intuitive and simple to use display for onboard weighing.
Making weighing simple
Outset’s new on-board weighing system o ering, developed using feedback from end-users, is designed to be intuitive and easy to install and operate.
On-board weighing systems specialist Outset has developed a new concept to increase the easeof-use of its solutions.
The Italy-based company’s export and research and development (R&D) manager Luca Toneatti said the concept involves two steps: rstly, based on feedback from operators, a new intuitive and simple to use display has been introduced providing dedicated features for the operator so they can immediately get the information that they need.
The second step was to make the weighing system easy to install.
“The idea is to convert to a more autonomous and self-calibrated product, to avoid the expense of needing a special technician,” Toneatti said.
“That is not necessary with the new technology. We communicate with the automotive Bluetooth in the cabin via a rugged Android display. That gives us a lot of exibility and is key, because we develop and produce the product in Italy but it is deployed worldwide.”
He said that the reduced length of the installation process means less downtime for operators.
“Self-installation, self-calibration, remote technical support, minimum maintenance and cloud connectivity are key bene ts that operators are looking for,” he said.
Toneatti said that the company has two main areas of activity for its on-board weighing technology.
Firstly, in the aggregates, earthmoving and mining sectors on off-road wheeled loaders, excavators and dump trucks, and secondly with on-road industrial vehicles such rigid and articulated trucks.
In addition to aggregates and mining Outset’s solutions are also used in the agricultural, forestry and logistics industries. Toneatti estimated that 60 to 70 per cent of the company’s business is in aggregates and mining.
The company was set up as a family business by Toneatti’s parents in the 1990s. Its focus has always been on being dynamic, exible and innovative, and it was among the rst on-board weighing systems providers to use tablets and Bluetooth communication.
The company is also increasing its use of arti cial intelligence (AI) technology, which at the moment involves the calculation of the algorithm and increasing the speed of information to the display.
“AI is important and it is something that will absolutely feature more and more in our sector, in terms of productivity, safety and predictiveness,” Toneatti said.
“There are still a lot of things to learn and understand with the technology, and we are doing it step by step.”
A major project that Outset has been involved in is with Secil Agregado, a major Portugal-based producer in the cement and aggregates market which has quarry and mining sites in both Portugal and Spain.
Outset installed over one hundred weighing systems on the producer’s rigid and
articulated dump trucks, wheeled loaders and excavators.
“The company’s aim when they contacted us was the connectivity of the machine and control of productivity,” Toneatti said.
“All the machine data is linked to the of ce, and they can control the production of each machine, with reports provided daily or weekly.”
“Remote diagnostics and pre-alerts can provide information to prevent future problems and machine downtime.” - Outset export and R&D manager Luca Toneatti.
Images: Outset
Secil Agregado uses Outset’s cloud, which is dedicated to weighing systems, to collect and access vehicle data on weight and tyre pressures via a simple menu interface.
Toneatti said that this connection with Outset’s cloud provides remote diagnostics, for example, eet managers working off-site at the company’s of ce to control how the machine is operating.
“These remote diagnostics and pre-alerts can provide information to prevent future problems and machine downtime,” he said.
Toneatti said producers using Outset’s solutions are looking for systems that provide data enabling them to see that their vehicles are being used in a safe way and are not over-loaded. He said this can provide major savings in maintenance costs, particularly for larger producers with extensive eets.
Outset’s on-board weighing systems are installed on vehicle frames with a dedicated sensor to weigh and control the loads they are carrying, and also to monitor tyre pressure and temperature and give warnings if necessary.
At this year’s ConExpo/Con-Agg event in Las Vegas, Outset presented a series of its cutting-edge technological solutions in onboard weighing, designed to enhance ef ciency and productivity for construction, quarrying and earthmoving industry professionals including:
• The T1 LOADER LFT new weighing system for wheeled loaders: an innovative solution certi ed for third-party sales with MID OILM R51 certi cation, ensuring the highest levels of precision and reliability.
• T1 DIGGER AL advanced technology for excavators: introduction of a system with four next-generation inclinometers, designed to precisely compensate and manage surface, excavator arms, and bucket.
• AI-powered algorithms: a key innovation that accelerates weighing operations and compensates readings even in adverse positions, ensuring real-time accurate data.
• Next-generation wireless technology: use of automotive long-range Bluetooth modules, eliminating the need for complex wiring and improving system reliability.
• Zero maintenance and ease of use: thanks to an innovative diagnostic
data analysis, Outset systems provide consistent performance without the need for frequent interventions.
• T1 CLOUD direct interconnection to the cloud and customers’ ERP systems: a solution that eliminates the need for external hardware, ensuring seamless integration with business work ows.
Outset said these solutions reaf rm its commitment to technological innovation, offering increasingly intelligent and connected solutions, designed to optimise operations and reduce operating costs.
Toneatti said Outset’s systems are cloud-enabled to help operators manage the large amount of vehicle data from the weighing systems. The solutions feature an integrated global positioning system (GPS) so no external GPS is required to manage the information and reports on the vehicles on the cloud platform. He said that a further advantage of Outset’s solution is that it connects to the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) display on the vehicle, avoiding the need for the driver to look at multiple displays. A key focus for Outset around ConExpo was developing the structure of its US sales network.
“It’s a huge country and you need to divide it by zone and area,” Toneatti said.
“Our aim is to enlarge our US business as it’s a huge market with just ve or six major manufacturers of on-board weighing systems.”
He said that currently around 70 per cent of Outset’s North American business is in Canada, with 30 per cent in the United States.
Outset’s weighing systems are designed for ease of installation.
“Each market is different,” he said.
“In Italy we distribute our products about 50-50 via resellers or the end user. In other European countries we work directly with the dealer of distributor of our products. We always study each market to develop our strategy and create the appropriate network.”
Outset has recently opened a new of ce in Lyon, France to develop its presence in the French market, where it currently has two regional distributors. The end users of its products in France are mostly quarry and mining operators.
Toneatti said the company is seeing strong interest for its products in South America in countries such as Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and Colombia.
“The South American market, particularly the likes of Chile, is really increasing with a lot of investment in construction and roadbuilding,” he said.
He said that business opportunities for European companies in the region are being improved following the landmark free trade agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur bloc (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay) which was nalised in January 2026, following 25 years of negotiations. This deal eliminates tariffs on over 90 per cent of goods, aiming to boost EU exports and South American agricultural products, covering 700 million people.
Outset provides on-board weighing systems for the aggregates, mining and earthmoving sectors.
“India is another attractive country for us, we have a lot of requests and a lot of contacts there,” Toneatti said.
Australia is also an important market for Outset, where it has dealers in the Sydney and Perth areas, and has plans to exhibit at industry shows in the country in 2027.
At the SaMoTer construction and quarrying equipment show in Verona, Italy (Verona ere exhibition centre, May 6-9)
Outset gave a world premiere for its new T1 LOADER LFT weighing system with MID OILM R51 certi cation for wheeled loaders. The company said this innovative solution certi ed for third-party sales guarantees maximum precision and reliability. AB
Going digital in the UAE
Building materials producer Cemex UAE has said its deployment of a mobile-based CheckProof platform has enhanced usability and facilitated tracking within its maintenance and health and safety processes.
Cemex UAE is rolling out a digital management solution from software as a service (SaaS) company CheckProof across its operations.
CheckProof provides a mobilerst platform that simpli es maintenance management and health, safety, environment and quality (HSEQ) processes.
The solution combines intuitive technology with actionable insights, helping companies in the construction and building materials sector and heavy industries to follow routines, mitigate risks, minimise costs, and enhance safety procedures.
Cemex UAE operations manager James Sykes said prioritising safety was why the Cemex UAE decided to roll out the CheckProof solution.
“The main reason for adopting the CheckProof solution was to transition from manual to digital processes,” he said.
“Safety is number one for Cemex UAE, and the CheckProof solution provides ease of use and digital tracking. At Cemex, we are very focused on safety, productivity and service.”
Cemex UAE operates 88 of its own cement mixer trucks and 24 cement pump trucks, in addition to using a rental eet.
“It is an exceptionally demanding and highvolume operation,” Sykes said.
“Right now, I am managing 257 assets. Conducting a manual checklist for each one would require a substantial team dedicated solely to verifying compliance, ensuring everything is in order and that all safety concerns are fully addressed.”
Sykes has worked for Cemex for nine years, including the past four years in the UAE. Prior to his relocation, Skyes served as a plant manager for Cemex in the UK, then moved to the UAE. In the UAE, he initially held various roles, including operations superintendent and operations manager. He currently oversees Cemex UAE’s operations in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, serving as operations manager.
Sykes said there was a distinctive diversity in the UAE market compared to numerous other countries and regions.
The Gulf state hosts a wide array of languages and ethnicities, and the workforce at Cemex UAE currently represents 26 nationalities, including signi cant representation from India, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Nepal.
The UAE cement production sector differs from other countries in that it operates 24
hours a day and seven days a week, driven by high levels of materials demand in the region over recent years.
A CheckProof solution was being implemented at Cemex in the UK shortly before Sykes left to work at Cemex UAE.
He spoke with former colleagues in the UK, mainly the quarry managers who are using the system for blasting, and the positive feedback led to the decision to implement a CheckProof system at Cemex UAE.
The solution is being deployed gradually across Cemex UAE operations due to the large number of employees it will cover – over 720 employees. The initial rollout was in the pumping division (which is around 80 per cent complete), followed by the ready-mix operation (around 70 per cent complete).
It is now being implemented at Cemex UAE workshop operations and will also be rolled at the concrete batching plants of Elkon, of whom Cemex UAE is a customer.
Sykes said clarity had been prioritised in terms of Cemex UAE’s approach to implementing the system. “One of the most important aspects in Cemex UAE is absolute clarity. We make sure every team member understands the processes clearly,” he said.
A CheckProof mobile solution in use at a cement factory.
Images: CheckProof
“For this reason, we use highly visual checklists instead of text-heavy instructions, so the information is accessible and straightforward for the entire team.”
He said the main bene t of implementing the system has been involving more people in health and safety procedures. Jobsite issues are identi ed immediately, rather than being recorded on manual checklists submitted at the end of each worker’s shift.
Additionally, this initiative has advanced Cemex UAE’s digital transformation by reducing reliance on paper-based processes.
“In terms of maintenance, the system has provided us with signi cantly greater visibility and control, for example with pre-start checks,” Sykes said.
“It’s important before the trucks and pumps are going out that the full checklist is reviewed. We produce over 5000m3 of readymix concrete per day and it is impossible for us to be present at every location simultaneously.
“The solution enables department leaders – whether in the workshop or pumping operations – as well as for the leaders of that department, myself and Cemex UAE country director Mariusz Mlodawski, to have real-time oversight of activities on the jobsite that we would not normally be able to monitor directly.”
Sykes said that all the business areas where the CheckProof solution is being implemented have seen bene ts, but some of the biggest improvements have been in pumping to mitigate risks.
“Safety is number one for Cemex UAE and the CheckProof solution provides ease of use and digital tracking.” Cemex UAE operations manager James Sykes.
For example, pumps often operate in con ned spaces on construction sites, so have to be positioned for maximum safety in these environments.
“There is no reason to follow manual processes when everything is accessible on the dashboard,” he said.
“It gives clearer insight, particularly in the pumping division, if there are any problems related to the jobsite.
Not all hazards are under Cemex’s control – if a pump is on a site and there is also a crane spinning round there is the potential for a strike.
“In one of the checklists there is a visual representation of a crane and a concrete placing boom, and this shows whether the placing boom is able to do full-360 safely or obstructed by the crane,” Sykes said.
The system enables team members to identify hazards more effectively by using visual representations on the checklist, thereby moving away from text heavy instructions.
Sykes said that feedback from plant managers and the Cemex UAE workforce has been positive now they are seeing the bene ts of its implementation in terms of safety and maintenance, and it is reaching the key performance indicator targets that have been set.
The deployment of the CheckProof system has taken place amidst a UAE construction materials sector that Sykes said was “booming” over the last 12 months, with a large number of high-rise and villa building projects and government infrastructure initiatives being initiated in the emirates of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Cemex does not operate its own quarries in the UAE. It utilises third parties which have 52 quarries in the emirate of Ras Al-Khaimah, which along with Fujairah is the main quarrying centre in UAE.
Cemex’s main cement plant in the UAE is in Jebel Ali, plus three ready-mix concrete plants, two in Dubai and one in Abu Dhabi, all dedicated to serving the local market.
Sykes said the plan is for a staggered rollout with CheckProof’s solution across all Cemex UAE operations.
“We're being deliberate about it,” he said.
“When you're rolling something out at this scale, the preparation matters as much as the technology.” AB
CheckProof is a trusted partner in the quarrying and aggregates sector.
Cemex is divesting some of its Colombian assets.
A change in Colombia
The Colombian construction materials market is entering a new phase of strategic reshaping as Holcim and Cemex pursue new initiatives.
One of Latin America’s key construction materials markets is set for a considerable shake up after Cemex and Holcim struck a deal for several assets in Colombia.
Cemex and Holcim have con rmed an agreement is underway to acquire parts of the former’s building materials operations for $US485 million.
Although the deal is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, Holcim has estimated it will nalise it by the end of the year and signi cantly expand its presence in Colombia.
The result will be Holcim adding a cement plant (Caracolito), a grinding mill (Santa Rosa), and a suite of assets, including more than 20 concrete, aggregates, mortar, and admixture plants to its existing sites in Colombia including a cement plant in Nobsa, eight ready-mix cement plants, an admixture plant and an aggregates plants as well as more than 100 Disensa retail stores.
Holcim chief executive of cer Miljan Gutovic said the deal would increase the company’s exposure to the Colombian aggregates and construction materials.
“This acquisition will strengthen Holcim’s presence in Colombia and accelerate growth in the attractive region of Latin America in line with our NextGen Growth 2030 strategy,” he said.
“Expanding our footprint in the country, these assets complement our existing portfolio.”
Holcim estimates the acquired assets could generate around $US360 million in net sales in 2026.
A broader plan
The transaction with Holcim is the rst phase of Cemex’s divestment in the Colombian market, which is expected to involve multiple parties.
Cemex is not expected to leave the Colombian market completely with plans in place for the company to keep cement
Holcim chief executive o cer Miljan Gutovic.
Image:
Holcim
plants in Maceo and Cúcuta, which have a combined capacity of 1.6 million tonnes per year, as well as a grinding plant in Clemencia and selected ready-mix plants and quarries.
Cemex chief executive Jaime Muguiro said the plan would rebalance the company’s asset portfolio.
“We are pleased with the continued progress we are making in further streamlining our portfolio, while we focus on investing and strengthening our position in key geographies and businesses in the US, Europe, and Mexico,” he said.
“We began our portfolio rebalancing effort in 2018 and have accomplished most of what we have set out to do.”
When the deal with Holcim was rst announced in March 2026, Cemex con rmed that it was negotiating with other parties to sell certain assets in Colombia. While the exact details were not disclosed, Cemex said the deals were “in the same geographic area” and that the nal sale of these assets could generate the company $US70 million.
Future impacts
As the deal stands, Cemex’s current plan for Colombia will reshape its production base and enable it to prioritise key markets, including the US.
The transactions are closely aligned with the strategic plan announced in July 2018, titled ‘A Stronger Cemex’, which detailed a series of divestments that would fund various aspects of the company’s operations, including debt reduction.
The Colombian assets would join operational assets in the Baltics and Nordics, a terminal in Manaus, Brazil, aggregates and ready-mix assets in Germany, plus Cemex’s
Holcim has been expanding its presence in Latin America.
“We began our portfolio rebalancing effort in 2018 and have accomplished most of what we have set out to do.”
- Cemex chief executive of cer Jaime Muguiro
former white cement business, including the Buñol cement plant, in Spain, to be divested in recent years.
The plan was initiated under former Cemex chief executive of cer Fernando A. Gonzalez and has been continued by his successor, Muguiro, who took over the top job in 2025, and outlined his commitment to consolidating the operations moving forward.
“This is a pivotal moment in our company’s history,” Muguiro said last year.
“Having achieved our deleveraging objectives and substantially consolidated our operations, we are now well-positioned to transition from nancial stabilisation to growth, looking primarily at opportunities in the United States, while enhancing shareholder returns and driving sustainable value creation for all stakeholders, including our neighbouring communities.”
On the ip side, as Cemex divests assets in Colombia, Holcim continues to build up its base in the country and within the wider aggregates market. Aside from the Colombian market, Holcim has also targeted other Latin American markets, including Peru. In recent times, Holcim has acquired Comacsa, Mixercon and Compañía Minera Luren since 2024. Shortly after it announced its deal with Cemex, Holcim nalised the transaction for a majority stake in Peruvian building materials provider Cementos Pacasmayo. Gutovic said the deals were well aligned with the company’s strategy.
“This synergistic acquisition gives us a highly cash-generative and complementary portfolio of building materials and solutions in Peru and is fully in line with our NextGen Growth 2030 strategy to accelerate growth in Latin America,” he said at the time. AB
Image: Cemex
THE RICHNESS OF SAND
The developing nation of Bangladesh is a stone-scarce and sand-rich country with infrastructure developing at a rapid rate, driving demand for fine and coarse aggregates.
O oading stones imported from India at the Islam traders' site in Companiganj, Sylhet, Bangladesh.
Images: Islam Traders
Bangladesh is the eighth-most populous country in the world and among the most densely populated, with a population of over 174 million. Bangladesh is scheduled to of cially graduate from the United Nations’ Least Developed Country (LDC) category to a developing nation on November 24, 2026.
As the nation shifts to a developing country, its infrastructure development is progressing at a rapid pace. From roads, residential and commercial buildings and mega projects to other infrastructure developments are being done in major cities and districts.
Ongoing national projects like bridges, ports, expressways, and urban development fuel steady demand for aggregates (sand, gravel, and crushed stone). Residential construction growth, particularly in cities like Dhaka and Chattogram, also drives demand for ne and coarse aggregates.
The Bangladesh construction market, valued at approximately $US34.4 billion in 2025, is projected to grow to $US47 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.4 per cent. However, Bangladesh still relies on imports of certain types of aggregates and crushed stone from neighboring countries and regions due to local supply constraints.
Previously, the demand was low and met with stone extracted locally, including from the Sylhet and Chittagong hill tracts. The eight stone quarries in Sylhet supply only a
small portion of the country's demand. The country imports 94 per cent of its stones from various countries.
The annual demand for stone in Bangladesh is more than 21.6 million tonnes. At present, the country is dependent on the import of aggregates from India, Nepal, Bhutan, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Middle East including the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Qatar. India is a major supplier of construction materials to Bangladesh, exporting signi cant quantities of gravel and crushed stone for infrastructure development. In 2024, India exported gravel and crushed stone worth $60 million to Bangladesh.
Bangladesh is a top destination for Indian sand and stone chips, driven by growing demand for construction materials.
It is estimated that India supplied 6.3 million tonnes of gravel and crushed stone to Bangladesh in 2023.
“There is a lot of aggregate demand in Bangladesh. Hundreds of billions of taka every year,” Naim Traders chief executive of cer Naim Siddik said.
O oading extracted sands at Sunamganj, Sylhet, Bangladesh.
Image: Sylhet Sand
Among them, the crushed stone is much more common.”
Overall, there are over 200 sand and gravel suppliers in Bangladesh, with signi cant growth in supplier numbers in recent years, indicating broad market participation from small operators.
“We have several collections of stones, they are of some sizes according to the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) 2020. According to that size, we supply to Bangladesh. Most of the stones are imported from India, Dubai and Bhutan. We have a crushing plant and a sand mixer,” Sylhet-based Islam Traders chief executive Masrul Islam told Aggregates Business
“Our business advantage is that we can supply goods all over Bangladesh, especially by river and by road.”
Top aggregate suppliers in Bangladesh must provide high-quality stone (imported or local) meeting American Society for Testing and Materials and British Standards speci cations, offering consistent grading, low absorption, high compressive strength (e.g., Pakur, Bhutani, or crushed rock), and reliable, large-volume supply chain logistics to meet infrastructure demand, with essential testing for aggregate crushing value, Los Angeles Abrasion, and gradation. The country’s largest aggregates suppliers include May eld Bangladesh and Fakhor Uddin Brothers. May eld Bangladesh has rmly established itself as a premier importer and supplier of limestone and crushed stones in Bangladesh, sourcing high-quality materials from countries like China, India, Vietnam, the UAE, and Oman. Fakhor Uddin also imports stones from India, China, Vietnam, and Dubai.
In terms of value, Dubai LC Gabro/Black is priced at 4750 Taka/metric tonne ($US38.8/ metric tonne), followed by Dubai LC Limetsone white: 4000 Taka/metric tonne, and Dubai LC Limestone black: 4250 Taka/metric tonne. India’s Gujarat black stone is priced at 5250
Taka/metric tonne, excluding transportation costs. As the aggregates business ourished over the past decade, many cement companies rushed into the eld. LafargeHolcim Bangladesh PLC commenced its aggregates business in 2021. Crown Cement PLC started supplying stone chips for the Government projects and the private sector around ve years ago. Shah Cement Industries Limited entered the business in 2024.
Bashundhara Cement chief marketing of cer Khandoker Kingshuk said demand for stone chips has been growing by around 8-10 per cent per year over the past decade as people want their buildings to last longer.
As Bangladesh is susceptible to heavy rains during the monsoons, it is better to use stone chips rather than bricks. Buildings built using stone chips on low-lying land do not suffer any damage from water inundation.
Coarse aggregates in roads and highways Bangladesh’s road and highways industry is one of the heavy coarse aggregates consumers. Development projects and periodic and routine maintenance programs of the Roads and Highways Department requires a large amount of aggregates annually. In the 2023-2024 scal year, utilisation of coarse aggregate in this department totaled 4,259,393 cubic meters.
The Development projects under the Roads and Highways had a declining trend, consuming 3,184,624 cubic meters of coarse aggregates in 2023-2024.
There are six different types of natural coarse aggregate, namely Burimari, Bhurungamari, Bholaganj, Tamabil, Ja ong, and Dinajpur Hili (Indian black stone), available in the local market of Bangladesh. Among these available local sources, the Dinajpur Hili is most suitable for concreting, having distinguished variation in compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and modulus of elasticity compared to other types of natural coarse aggregates.
Bangladesh, a mainly plain and deltaic region, faces a scarcity of resources for coarse and ne aggregates required for concrete production.
Recently, the stone from the Madhyapara
Granite Mining Company Limited, being endorsed as the local source for coarse aggregate to reduce dependency on foreign sources, has started collecting the coarse aggregate and marketing it to the government organisations for procuring the extracted coarse aggregate from their company.
The Madhyapara Granite Mining Company Limited said that they extract daily a total of 5000 metric tonnes of granite boulders, which can be increased to 6000 metric tonnes if required. The company claimed that the renowned testing laboratory of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) has carried out the strength test and found the compressive strength of 4490psi, which is suitable for concrete construction.
Sand aggregates
Bangladesh, also known as the "land of rivers", is a major source of river sand. Sand mining activities are increasing in the Meghna, Brahmaputra, and Jinjiram river basins as a result of the country's fast urbanisation, though they did not start all that long ago.
For sand, Bangladesh’s annual requirement is estimated at 70 million tonnes, and valued at approximately Taka 35,000 crore. But a signi cant portion of this market remains informal. Sand is also directly sourced from rivers of Sunamganj, Fazilpur Chattak, Vulaganj, Guainghat, and Ja ong in Sylhet.
In 2017, 26 sectors were identi ed to optimise the promising sectors of the blue economy in Bangladesh, including aggregate mining. A small administrative cell, Blue Economy Cell (BEC), was created in the same year under the Energy and Mineral Resources Division of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources. But the activities of BEC remained limited, not being able to implement big initiatives and measures. The contribution of the blue economy was around 3 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product in recent years, but it has a lot of potential to increase its share of the national economy. AB
Transporting processed stones at the Islam traders' site in Companiganj, Sylhet, Bangladesh.
Transporting sands at the riverside.
A new direction
Cementos Argos is making major moves to position its business for success in the Latin American and US markets.
Cementos Argos is rede ning its business in real time as the company embarks on a strategic plan for the US and Latin American markets.
The company unveiled plans for its “2030 strategic ambition” which will include a split of its operations into two independent companies with Argos Materials in the US and Argos Latam in Latin America within the next 24 months.
“This decision entails a natural evolution of the organisational structure to accelerate the execution of this strategic ambition, through the separation of operations into two independent companies: Argos Materials in the United States and Argos Latam,” the company said in its release.
“Both companies are leaders in their respective regions and will operate with the autonomy needed to pursue growth opportunities and maximise value creation in their markets.”
In preparation for the transition, Cementos Argos announced a series of executive appointments to key roles, including Jason Teter becoming chief executive of cer of Argos Materials, Carlos Horacio Yusty as chief executive of cer of Argos Latam, Tomás Restrepo as executive vice president of Cementos Argos and Natalia Ochoa as chief nancial of cer of Cementos Argos.
Teter was rst appointed as the chief executive of cer of Argos Materials, Cementos Argos’ US operation, in January 2026, and is now set to continue in his role as the operation navigates this transition period.
The experienced executive had worked for several companies in the US construction materials industry prior to joining Argos Materials, including Vulcan Materials and Lafarge USA. His industry experience, especially within the southeastern United States, will be a fundamental asset to Argos Materials’ progress in the US market. Cementos Argos president Juan Esteban Calle said Teter’s skillset would be a key bene t to the US operation.
“Jason’s deep knowledge of the aggregates business and his proven leadership in strategic US markets strengthen our ability to build a high-value platform aligned with our long-term vision,” he said.
Teter said he was excited by the chance to build Argos Materials’ operations in the competitive US market.
“Cementos Argos has a clear vision, a strong culture, strategic assets, and an exceptional team. I am excited to build a world-class team to lead this new phase and contribute to creating a differentiated platform that delivers high-quality, high-impact solutions for our customers in the United States,” he said.
“It is an honour to assume the role of CEO of Argos Materials at such a relevant moment for the company.”
The transition for its US business comes after other key milestones in recent years, including the sale of its stake in Summit Materials to Quikrete in 2025. Cementos Argos sold its 31 per cent stake in Summit Materials for $US2.875 billion, which it said at the time was 38 per cent higher than the per-share price it originally paid for the shares through the transaction with Summit Materials in 2024, which combined its US assets.
At the time, Cementos Argos said the transaction would enable it to pursue a “new phase of expansion”. Teter, in a conference call earlier in 2026, said the liquidity from this deal would support the US operations.
“We have signi cant repower from the liquidity event with Quikrete. We will be looking to deploy that capital in [mergers and acquisitions] over time,” he said.
“In terms of [mergers and acquisitions], I think that’s going to vary in size and timing; these can end up being opportunistic in nature, but I can tell you we will have a very robust pipeline, and we already have some potential targets in our pipeline that we will be diligently working on.”
The company also saw several operational milestones in the US market throughout 2025, including a successful shipment of 47,000 tonnes in Tampa and securing two additional strategic port positions on the southeast coast of the US. The company has estimated that further shipments could occur in Houston, New Orleans and Tampa during 2026.
The company sees stable price growth in the US aggregates segment, driven by structural factors such as scarcity of reserves and existing market dynamics.
“Aggregates is a large industry in the US. They are the backbone of concrete, asphalt and infrastructure projects. Its production is closely related to the population base and follows population growth,” Teter said in the conference call.
“Its main attribute is the constantly compounding growth of its price throughout the last 24 years, with an average growth rate of 4.9 per cent between 2000 and 2024.
“This performance is supported by four drivers: scarcity of reserves, market dynamics, operational characteristics and high barriers to entry.
“Argos has the right capabilities to capitalise on this opportunity … [including] a strong reputation and extensive experience in the US market. It is strongly positioned to become a relevant market player.”
In the same presentation, the company showcased its strong performance in the Latin American market with the potential to expand further into Venezuela.
“Strategically, we are well positioned for continued growth across the [Latin American] region, including Venezuela, where our brand already enjoys strong recognition,” Esteban Calle said at the presentation.
“We have been positioning our brand in the [Venezuelan] market [since 2023], and so far, the product is getting a lot of traction.
“The reality is, we are foreseeing a future in which Venezuela is going to be an important part of our footprint.”
Now that the plan to position its US and Latin American operations as an independent business is underway, Cementos Argos is doubling down on its recent strong performance, with signs of growth in both key markets AB
Argos Materials chief executive o cer Jason Teter.
Image: Argos
Contact:
Northern Ireland’s materials handling success story
Chris Hill
Welcome from Invest Northern Ireland
It is a privilege to introduce this series of articles celebrating one of Northern Ireland’s greatest industrial success stories – our world leading materials handling sector.
Few regions of our size can claim such global impact. Yet here in Northern Ireland, we have built a cluster that not only competes with, but often surpasses, the biggest and best known engineering names in the world.
For more than sixty years, our companies have combined ingenuity, craftsmanship and determination to design and build machinery that performs in the harshest environments on earth. From crushing granite in Canada and screening aggregates in the Middle East, to washing sand in Qatar and powering recycling plants across Europe, Northern Ireland’s engineering excellence is recognised on a global scale. What strikes me most – and lls me with genuine admiration – is the spirit of collaboration and ambition that de nes this sector. These companies do not just build machines. They solve problems, anticipate future needs and continually rede ne what is possible. Northern Ireland truly punches above its weight, and nowhere is that more evident than in the materials handling industry.
Hillhead has long been a landmark date in the diary for Northern Ireland’s materials handling sector. When we rst attended in 1993, just ten companies represented the region. By Hillhead 2026, that presence will have grown to 52 companies, with 18 exhibiting within the Invest Northern Ireland area and a further 34 showcasing independently.
Together, they will demonstrate the depth, capability and innovation of the sector, with several companies using the event to launch exciting new products to an international audience.
As director of advanced manufacturing and engineering at Invest Northern Ireland, I could not be more proud of the people, the products and the partnerships that make this industry so exceptional. Our companies continue to set the standard internationally, and I rmly believe the next chapter will be the most exciting yet.
Northern Ireland has always built machines that move the world. Now, together, we are building its future. AB
Brendan McGuigan Director, Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering at Invest Northern Ireland
A global powerhouse in crushing and screening
It was a pleasure and an honour for the Aggregates Business team to put together this 18-page supplement on the Northern Ireland materials handling equipment sector, in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland.
The country is renowned as a global powerhouse in the design and production of mobile crushing, screening, washing and conveying equipment, with a global market share of 60-65 per cent of the tracked screens sector and 35-40 per cent of crushers.
In this special supplement, we speak with a range of industry insiders and experts to trace the sector’s development from its 1950s and 60s origins, through to the highly-developed industry supported by a strong distribution network that now exports world-class and innovative equipment to over 100 countries.
Based largely in County Tyrone, the industry has grown from serving local quarrying needs into a leader in materials handling that supplies equipment to the quarrying, mining, construction and recycling sectors worldwide.
Driven by Northern Ireland’s strong engineering and fabrication heritage, the quarrying equipment sector employs more than 8000 people producing crushing and screening equipment in addition to mobile stackers/conveyors and wet processing plants.
World-leading brands include Powerscreen, Finlay, McCloskey, CDE Group, Terex Washing, Smiley Monroe, Telestack, Prostack and Edge Innovate, in addition to
multinationals with important manufacturing bases in the country such as Sandvik, McLanahan and Tesab-owner Metso.
The industry’s success is underpinned by a robust ecosystem featuring the major original equipment manufacturers, a network of specialist components suppliers, and a highly skilled talent pool. The early adoption of mobile technology has allowed producers to move machines to the materials, drastically cutting transport costs. Northern Irish mobile manufacturing expertise now extends to recycling waste and increasing global sustainability efforts in aggregate processing.
The mobile and modular machines are ideal for crushing, screening, washing and conveying construction and demolition material that would otherwise end up in a land ll, creating revenue streams in recycling.
In terms of future prospects, Northern Ireland’s quarrying equipment industry is ideally-placed for further success with its strong focus on research and development, innovative products and maintaining competitiveness in a global environment.
The country’s rms innovate and respond quickly due to tight-knit clusters and strong supply-chain integration. This enables them to meet rising global demand for sustainable, low-carbon, high-ef ciency machinery with further opportunities in electri cation, telematics and hybrid systems. AB
Liam
McLoughlin
Editor, Aggregates Business
A history of excellence
With roots in the pioneering mobile screening technology of Finlay and Powerscreen, Northern Ireland has grown into a global leader in materials handling and quarrying equipment.
Drawing on the region’s rich engineering and fabrication heritage — from shipbuilding and aerospace to textiles and machinery production — Northern Ireland’s quarrying sector now commands a strong international reputation.
Its development dates back to the 1950s when John Finlay, who subsequently established the Finlay company, introduced the rst self-contained mobile screening unit in 1958.
In 1966, Ulster Plant (later Powerscreen) was founded, pioneering the concept of bringing machinery to the quarry face.
From these beginnings, the "Tyrone Cluster" developed, a highly concentrated, globally dominant engineering and materials handling manufacturing hub in County Tyrone.
Hubert Watson, who worked at Powerscreen for 20 years and is now a consultant at Roco, which produces diesel-electric crushing and screening machines, shared his insights into the sector’s beginnings.
“The difference between Finlay and Powerscreen was probably that Finlay was more of an engineering company, and Powerscreen was more a marketing-led company,” he said.
“Powerscreen really took off in the mid-1980s when the world market started to grow.”
Terex Materials Processing president Kieran Hegarty said the area’s preponderance of small engineering workshops serving the agriculture sector helped create the conditions for growth in quarrying equipment, initially in the screening sector.
Northern Ireland’s quarrying equipment timeline
1999
Telestack established in Omagh, as the specialized material handling division of Loughside Engineering, bringing radial stacking technology to Europe.
Terex’s range of quarrying equipment brands includes Powerscreen, Finlay, MAGNA, EvoQuip, Cedarapids, Simplicity, Canica, Terex Washing Systems (TWS), MDS and ProStack.
Hegarty said he would compare the industry’s organic growth to that of the US car industry in Detroit.
“Somebody would leave one company and set up another, and you end up with a cluster multiplying,” he said.
This growth included expansion beyond the industry’s initial mobile screening focus.
Northern Irish companies produce crushing and screening (including Finlay, Powerscreen, EvoQuip, MAGNA, Metso-owned Tesab Engineering, McCloskey International, Anaconda Equipment, RM Dungannon and Roco), conveying (Smiley Monroe, ProStack, QK Conveyors, Ezystack and Conveyortek) and washing equipment (Terex Washing Systems, CDE, Dernaseer Washing, Bruce Engineering and Circular Group) for the quarrying sector. Watson said that there has also been expansion into the concrete mixing and batching sector, with businesses including Rapid International, as well as major diversi cation in terms of engineering into the agricultural sector and the green waste sector for shredders and wind sifters.
An integral part of the ecosystem is a robust supply chain of companies servicing the major manufacturers. Watson said the existence of this supply chain has been critical.
“Without them, the crushing and screening sector would never have taken off. You can get pumps, motors, belts, electrics, and there are companies such as Specdrum in Dungannon who make drums for our industry,” he said.
1958
John Finlay pioneers the world’s first self-contained mobile screening unit in Omagh.
Northern Ireland cements its reputation as a global leader in tracked mobile crushing and screening equipment.
2000s
“That whole supply chain is largely in Northern Ireland.”
Watson estimated the global market for tracked crushing and screening machines is about 7000 units per year, with a value of around £2bn. He said that, of this, Northern Irish manufacturers have a 60 to 65 per cent share of the tracked screens sector and 35 to 40 per cent of crushers. The country’s mobile crushing and screening equipment sector now employs 8000plus people in over 100 companies, according to equipment dealer Finning. Following Northern Ireland’s early success in the screening sector, it came to prominence in crushing machine production in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Watson said the qualities of Northern Ireland’s workforce have driven the development of the industry and can help its future success.
Mobile screening company Ulster Plant (subsequently rebranding as Powerscreen in the 1970s) is founded in Dungannon.
1966
2007
Sandvik buys mobile crushing and screening companies Fintec and Extec, which both have manufacturing facilities in Northern Ireland.
1985
Mobile crushing and screening company McCloskey International is founded in Canada by Northern Ireland native Paschal McCloskey.
The company then establishes a major footprint in County Tyrone.
The sector sees widespread adoption of hybrid technology to improve fuel e ciency and lower emissions in mining and recycling.
2010s
Roco consultant Hubert Watson.
Image: Roco
“Irish people are very adaptable. Historically, it comes from the agricultural background. If a tractor broke, you couldn’t get a new tractor – x the tractor,” he said.
Watson said that continuing its history of innovation and differentiation is crucial for the future expansion of Northern Ireland’s quarrying equipment sector.
He cited the example of Culloville, County Armagh-based Roco’s development of dualpowered hybrid electric crushers which provide more fuel-ef ciency than standard dieselhydraulic models. The sector has established a strong distribution network that is comfortable operating globally.
“A lot of Northern Ireland-based companies have established a very focused distribution network with specialised distributors who only sell materials processing equipment,” Hegarty said.
“They're very knowledgeable in how to apply the equipment and I think it's that mixture of very strong focussed distributors and highquality equipment that has helped Northern Irish companies to be global leaders.”
He said there were other factors that have driven the country’s quarrying equipment sector, meaning it continues to be well-positioned.
The sector increases its focus on global exports, with companies like Powerscreen and Finlay establishing international reputations.
1990s
2014
“Northern Ireland bene ts from its geography. If you're shipping both to Europe and to North America, it is fairly short transit times. You can get a screen to America in less than 10 days,” he said.
“Also, the products that come out of Northern Ireland tend to be industry-leading, their designs and their names are considered to be quality.”
Hegarty said that 30 years ago, the majority of aggregates would have been produced by large stationary plants, but the market is now 50 to 60 per cent mobile-based.
“Mobile plants have advanced in terms of their capabilities,” he said. “Our MAGNA [high-capacity mobile crushing, screening and conveying] brand is an example. Ten years ago, no one would have thought you could buy a mobile plant that would process a thousand tonnes an hour.
“That greater capacity is the single biggest change, and the value proposition for mobile is so much stronger now globally.”
Northern Irish manufacturers have an estimated 60-65 per cent share of the tracked screens sector and 35-40 per cent of crushers.
Hegarty said that business and economic development agency Invest Northern Ireland (Invest NI) provides invaluable help in developing the quarrying equipment sector.
“Over the years, they have given a lot of support, but kept it really focused on research and development [R&D], which I think has a lot of correlation with success. There is a continuous culture of [R&D] and Invest NI has helped stimulate that,” he said.
Invest Northern Ireland manager for the materials handling sector Andrew Greer said
1992
CDE, a global leader in wet processing and sand washing, is established in Cookstown, County Tyrone.
Continued innovation with new impact crushers and heavy-duty scalpers introduced by NI-based manufacturers.
2018-19
they were eager to help support the sector with its full range of services.
“We have a range of services and R&D is a big part of that,” he said.
“We can provide help with labour costs, design, prototype build, testing, right up to the nished product.
“We provide grants for small, and large companies as well. Some of these companies have been supply chain companies with the potential to develop their own product.”
The agency had its rst stand at the UK Hillhead quarrying equipment show in 1993.
“We had 10 companies in that rst year, and that has grown and grown,” Greer said
“It was Hillhead rst and we then went on to do the ‘trifecta’ of shows with bauma in Munich, Intermat in Paris, and ConExpo in Las Vegas, and this was the rst time we’d taken these companies outside of the UK.”
Greer said that a major objective of Invest NI is to help smaller companies gain worldwide distribution and set up dealerships, and that the organisation has a range of international of ces to facilitate this endeavour. The quarrying equipment manufacturing sector in the region continues to grow and diversify, according to Invest Northern Ireland head of western region Ethna McNamee, whose area covers where many of the companies are based.
“The sector started with screening and crushing, and now it's much more than that with a lot of engineering systems, soil remediation, blending machines,” she said.
“Other digital niches are growing that are allied to the sector including electronics software, and IT capabilities aligned to automation.
“In a year, there might be 50 start-up companies or new projects just in our local of ce, and maybe half of those will be engineering companies, so it’s often secondgeneration people whose father worked in Terex, and it's very much a cultural thing now.
“People see that you can set up a business and be really successful in your own area. There's a formula.” AB
Powerscreen buys Michigan, US-based mineral screening equipment manufacturer Simplicity Engineering.
1994
2020-22
The sector focuses on environmental sustainability, producing equipment for recycling waste and providing low-emission mobile processing solutions.
1999
Terex acquires Powerscreen, Finlay and US mobile crushing and screening company Cedarapids.
Northern Ireland’s material handling OEMs take a prominent role at ConExpo 2026 in the US and Hillhead 2026 in the UK.
2026
Terex Materials Processing president Kieran Hegarty.
Image:
Terex
Telestack acquired by Astec Industries.
McLanahan production facility in Dungannon, County Tyrone covers more than 1,951m².
Innovation drives further expansion
A culture of innovation and engineering expertise, together with strong ties to academia and an integrated local supply chain, is sustaining long-term growth in Northern Ireland’s quarrying equipment sector.
The density of Northern Ireland’s quarrying equipment manufacturing sector and its engineering excellence has created an environment of competitiveness, ef ciency and innovation.
The region has developed an integrated supply chain that incorporates belting, fabrication, components, hydraulics, electrics and control panels.
Combine this with a global footprint driven by a strong distribution network that is comfortable operating globally and the sector’s outlook continues to look healthy.
Not that anyone in the industry is taking this for granted.
Telestack commercial director (part of the Astec crushing, screening and material handling business) Malachy Gribben said the Tyrone area speci cally is “the heartbeat of the global mobile crushing and screening sector, and mobile material handling.”
“A lot of our competition from outside Northern Ireland are playing catchup on what we did ten or 15 years ago. It’s vital for us to keep innovating and we are very focused on new technologies and new designs,” he said.
“At Telestack, we are developing new solutions around the intake and loadout systems at quarries.
“Tied into our quarry business is also our ship-loading business, as a lot of the quarries we deal with globally are processing the material and loading it onto boats to export, as well as importing aggregates.”
He said that Astec is developing new multifrequency screening technology to improve the handling of dif cult and sticky materials, that is being unveiled at the Hillhead quarrying equipment show (Buxton, UK, June 23-25).
Gribben said that the established ecosystem of suppliers in Northern Ireland, particularly in the Tyrone Cluster, has improved competitiveness.
“Having so many core components providers locally has been critical to helping the factories be more ef cient and offer shorter lead times on the delivery of products than competitors outside of Northern Ireland,” he said.
Gribben said digitalisation is another area where Northern Ireland is well-placed for success going forward.
“At Astec, we have a dedicated team that deals with innovation around digital technologies, with one of the key aims to drive the operational ef ciency, uptime and energy ef ciency of the equipment,” he said.
As part of this, Astec has introduced the Signal Connectivity Suite, which includes mobile telematics to support customers in how they manage their operations.
The region’s mobile crushing and screening sector supports over 8000 people in more than 100 companies.
Astec does its digitalisation research and development in-house, but Gribben said a whole network of digital solutions companies is developing in Northern Ireland to support equipment manufacturers on that path.
Northern Irish companies, such as Telestack, that started in the quarrying equipment industry, are now using the manufacturing and engineering expertise they have built up over decades to pivot very successfully and pro tably into other sectors.
“We are really well-placed in the global mining industry,” Gribben said.
“Our conveying solutions are used in mines to handle iron, gold, copper and bauxite, and we are also helping these mines to export their products via our ship loading and unloading systems.
“We’ve used the expertise we’ve built up over several decades in quarrying to move into mining and help drive that business.”
He said that such diversi cation into other sectors is important for Northern Irish companies that have traditionally operated in quarrying, but face increasing competition from equipment manufacturers in Europe, India and China.
Gribben said that another factor strengthening Northern Ireland’s position in the quarrying equipment sector is its close ties with educational institutions.
“In the last number of years, there has been a very proactive approach to working with academia from manufacturers like ourselves,” he said.
Image: McLanahan
“That has been critical to help us develop the next generation of leaders and innovators within our industry, not just in engineering but in manufacturing and the supply chain.”
Invest Northern Ireland’s head of western region Ethna McNamee highlighted the work of South West College (SWC) in supporting the growth of the sector in the region. The college operates across three main campuses located in Dungannon, Enniskillen and Omagh and is specialised in advanced manufacturing and engineering, with the objective of servicing the skills needs of the region’s manufacturers.
It supports the local engineering sector through apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships and collaboration with industry to drive growth.
Invest NI alongside Mid Ulster Council has also supported MEGA (Manufacturing, Engineering, Growth and Advancement) in this area. MEGA is an industry-led network in mid-Ulster, established in 2019, to address skills shortages by attracting, developing, and retaining talent.
“They have alongside SWC have helped ensure the manufacturing companies here have a skilled pipeline of suitably quali ed people with the expertise that's needed for the future growth of the sector,” McNamee said.
Invest Northern Ireland’s Andrew Greer said Northern Ireland’s history in mobile machines, remained a key factor.
“The exibility and scalability of the mobile concept, with modularity and linking machines together, has driven and is still driving the sector,” Greer said.
A Sandvik UJ443E electric mobile jaw crusher.
“We’re a premium supplier, so we want to support our customers maximising productivity, safety and sustainability,” he said.
“We’re constantly looking to innovate features maximising those bene ts versus our competition, and you see that across the industry.”
Maloney said the region’s integrated supply chain for equipment manufacturers has proved to be one of its great strengths.
“Over the last 20 to 25 years the overriding trend has been for globalisation, but COVID-19 showed the inherent risk in having these long supply chains,” he said.
“Subsequently there has been a push to ‘re-shore’ manufacturing and portions of the supply chain to build in security and resilience.”
“There is mobile equipment for block making, concrete batching plants, waste picking and recycling. That is something we still lead with. It means that companies and customers can scale up as required. You’ve got crushing, screening and recycling all in one product and that came from Northern Ireland.”
Sandvik has a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant at Ballygawley, County Tyrone. Sandvik Rock Processing Solutions mobile crushing and screening division president Manny Maloney is an Australian national based in Sweden who spends a lot of time in Northern Ireland on business.
Maloney said it is impressive to observe the scale of the Northern Irish mobile crushing and screening equipment ecosystem.
“You see this area that at face value looks quite rural and idyllic, but you have this very competitive landscape of mobile crushing and screening companies,” he said.
“The density and competition drive signi cant levels of innovation, and it’s a very good example of the economic theory of creative destruction – you need to evolve or you’ll perish.”
From Sandvik’s perspective, Maloney said this drives the company to try to accelerate its development cycle.
Speed to market is important, but it is also vital to differentiate from competitors.
Maloney said the vast majority of Sandvik’s suppliers for its Ballygawley facility are locally based.
“The bene t of that is you can build up partnership relationships rather than having a purely transactional relationship where you’re just trying to get the lowest possible price,” he said.
“This helps you with innovation and agility, and frankly, it’s much easier if you need something urgently to just go down the road and get it rather than trying to ring someone in a different time zone, a different language and a long delivery time. We’ve found that hugely bene cial.”
The area’s decades of engineering expertise and background in crushing and screening continues to have bene ts. Maloney said there are units in Sandvik’s current offering that are based directly around legacy designs.
Examples of this are Sandvik’s QH332 cone crusher, which builds on the Fintec 1080, and Sandvik’s highest volume products, the QJ241 and QJ341 mobile jaw crushers, which are based on the Extec C10 and C12 units.
Sandvik bought mobile crushing and screening companies Fintec and Extec in 2007, both of which had manufacturing facilities in Northern Ireland.
Maloney said that the industry’s importance in Northern Ireland – with material processing equipment accounting for 20 per cent of all regional manufacturing employment – helps in attracting ongoing fresh talent to the sector.
“You often talk to people in our business, and they’ll say that their mother or father worked in the industry,” he said.
The strong global distribution and dealer network of many Northern Ireland manufacturers, established and expanded over many decades, is a further driver of growth.
Maloney said a prominent Northern Irish presence throughout the global sector helps to reinforce this region’s proud legacy.
“A number of our dealers in the US have very strong connections to Northern Ireland,” he said.
“I was in Australia last year, and our dealer in the Northern Territory is from near Ballygawley.
“They are very proud of the mobile crushing and screening heritage of Northern Ireland, and have a lot of industry knowledge, experience, and global connections.” AB
Invest Northern Ireland’s Ethna McNamee.
Invest Northern Ireland’s Andrew Greer.
The future of Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland has a proud manufacturing history and, through clever initiatives and technological innovation, is set for a bright future ahead.
Northern Ireland has a rich manufacturing history, particularly in the quarrying and aggregates sectors.
That long history is littered with stories of how family businesses saw an opportunity and took it with both hands on their way to establishing a business that serves a global market today.
Take Rapid International, which started as Craigavon Engineering in a small garage in 1969. Craigavon Engineering co-founders Jim Lappin and Bertie Pickering specialised in agricultural equipment before receiving a request for a concrete batching plant.
The rest, as they say, is history: Rapid International, as it’s now known, has been exporting its mobile concrete batching plants worldwide for more than 40 years, with over 1000 installations.
“It started from very humble beginnings. Like a lot of businesses in Northern Ireland, those two gentlemen can trace their roots back to John Finlay; they all worked at an engineering rm 60-plus years ago now, and then branched off to start their own company,” Rapid International managing director John Pickering said.
“Northern Ireland was a very different place all those years ago.
“It took a lot of courage for those two men to start their own business and make it on their own.
“We’re extremely proud of our heritage and what the business has become.
“We have a mobile product range that we export worldwide, including to the US, Australia, the Middle East, and a growing customer base in Central Europe.”
Northern Ireland has a proud history in the manufacturing sector.
Image: Smiley Monroe
Smiley Monroe managing director Chris Monroe.
Or take the story of Smiley Monroe.
The company’s origins began in a barn in Northern Ireland in 1979, when Mark Smiley and Vaughan Monroe supplied conveyor belting and services to local quarries.
By 1986, the company was supplying quarries in Great Britain, and by 2026, it was exporting to more than 60 countries.
These are the stories that make up Northern Ireland’s rich manufacturing history.
“Northern Ireland is where my dad started Smiley Monroe in 1979, together with the support of my mum, and I grew up right next to the business in Lisburn.
“I have so many great childhood memories from that time and the energy and craic that I had in the yard with those rst team members,” Smiley Monroe chief executive of cer Chris Monroe said.
“I also think about the sacri ces and determination of my parents to grow a business and a family simultaneously.
“It therefore makes me proud of our home and business in Northern Ireland, how far it has come, and I consider it a privilege and responsibility to continue to provide opportunities to the local community and to keep growing at home, but now with a very global reach.”
Then there’s the story of EDGE Innovate, established during the 2007 downturn. The screening and material handling equipment manufacturer has been on a sharp trajectory ever since, with 100 per cent of its products exported, with a strong research and development focus and an expansive dealer network.
“Being from Northern Ireland is hugely important for us, and it is a badge of honour for us. Our customers know the pedigree of manufacturing from this part
of the world and the level of quality we produce,” EDGE Innovate managing director Darragh Cullen said.
“It is a heritage that the people here want to continue to invest in; there’s a sense that we [Northern Ireland] are world-leading in this particular market segment.”
These companies, and many others, have become part of Northern Ireland’s rich fabric, starting small and then becoming competitive players on a global stage.
Their contributions to manufacturing have also supported the nation’s prosperity.
Data from MEGA that manufacturing represents 11 per cent of Northern Ireland’s total employment. Manufacturing accounts for approximately 15 per cent of Northern Ireland's gross domestic product.
Mid Ulster’s manufacturing accounts around 12 per cent of the country’s total exports, with material processing equipment accounting for 20 per cent of all regional manufacturing employment. Cullen shared the often-quoted statistic that 40 per cent of mobile crushing and screening equipment is manufactured in County Tyrone which further underlines the sector’s importance to manufacturing. Now, the challenge for the historically dominant manufacturing powerhouse is to remain competitive as challengers emerge. Manufacturing is now prevalent in other countries, including China, Turkey and Italy. It presents a new wave of challenges that Northern Ireland businesses must face to remain competitive.
There is not just one way to remain competitive in a global market. For example, as Smiley Monroe’s customer base, which includes Northern Ireland manufacturers such as Terex, McCloskey, Sandvik and CDE, has expanded globally, so too have the conveyor belt specialists to match the growing demand for its products.
EDGE Innovate has been established for nearly two decades.
Image:
In 2012, it opened a manufacturing base in Hosur, India, to complement its Northern Ireland facility before expanding its manufacturing network to include Kentucky, USA, and, more recently, Derbyshire, England.
Northern Ireland manufacturers are also broadening their horizons beyond traditional strongholds in quarrying and aggregates and diversifying into new revenue streams to solidify their manufacturing future.
For Smiley Monroe, this has included working closely with customers to develop solutions for emerging aggregates markets such as recycled aggregates.
Through consultation with its customer base, the conveyor belt manufacturer is evolving its products to meet new industry demands.
“We’re seeing a clear shift in the quarrying and aggregates sector towards sustainability, circular construction, and higherperformance materials,” Monroe said.
“Customers are placing greater emphasis on the full lifecycle impact of the products they use, ensuring materials are responsibly sourced and deliver long-term value.
“At the same time, the industry is rapidly adopting recycled aggregates, such as crushed concrete and secondary materials, as part of a broader circular construction model.
“Technologies enabling this transition, including magnet-equipped conveyor systems and eddy current separators used in processing incinerator bottom ash, are critical in recovering metals and producing usable recycled aggregates for concrete and road construction.
“Our focus remains on delivering belts that maximise lifespan and performance, helping customers reduce waste, lower total cost of ownership, and support more sustainable operations.”
For manufacturers like Rapid International, the company has broadened from mobile concrete batch plants into environmental sectors such as soil mixing and soil recycling.
This environmental focus will be on display at Hillhead 2026 when the company will launch a product speci cally designed for these sectors.
“In terms of being competitive, we differentiate ourselves through quality and the actual ef ciency of the products themselves,” Pickering said.
“We’re really pushing into the environmental sector now, and that’s something we want to keep pushing and continually developing.”
EDGE Innovate has taken a progressive approach to developing its product range with the aim of introducing two to three new products to its range every year, with input from its customer base that encompasses 60 markets.
One example of this approach will become apparent when EDGE Innovate showcases its ScreenPro Scalping range, including the ScreenPro S16, at Hillhead 2026 as part of the range’s rst-ever showing in the UK.
“That’s showing where we’re going internally with our product development in the aggregates sector,” EDGE Innovate marketing manager Adrian Donnelly said.
“It is absolutely amazing what they’re doing in terms of robotics and automation.”
“We’re moving from being able to just transfer material to helping customers process their materials and this is the start of that journey.”
For many manufacturers, adapting to the increasing technological capabilities of their equipment has been important, with Smiley Monroe, Rapid International and EDGE Innovate no exception.
At Smiley Monroe, arti cial intelligence (AI) and analytics are helping the company re ne its operations for ef ciency and to maintain a competitive edge within the industry.
“Technology is playing an increasingly important role in our business, and we’re genuinely excited about the opportunities it brings. Innovations like AI, and data analytics are helping us better understand
our operations, improve ef ciency, and make more informed decisions in real time,” Monroe said.
“These tools give our people better insights, reduce manual or repetitive tasks, and enhance safety and reliability across our operations. Ultimately, it allows our skilled workforce to focus on higher-value work where their experience and judgement make the biggest impact.”
Another clear example is EDGE Innovate’s recent investment in a £1 million robotic welder to support its manufacturing operations. It comes as manufacturers in Northern Ireland, including EDGE Innovate, struggle to nd skilled workers.
“The robotic welder is a must because there’s a lack of available welders, so we’ve streamlined the process so we can use automation and robotics in all processes. The robotic welder is only the rst stage of automating our production,” Cullen said.
The workforce shortage in Northern Ireland’s manufacturing sector is a key talking point among industry professionals.
The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee’s report on economic growth in Northern Ireland, released in March 2026, noted that the country faces a shortage of skilled labour, especially in STEM and vocational elds, with the need for technologically adept workers becoming increasingly prominent.
Manufacturing and Engineering Growth and Advancement (MEGA) network
managing director Barry Taylor knows the country’s manufacturing sector inside and out.
He’s worked in the sector in various capacities for 36 years and is passionate about its future.
For the past year, he has worked at MEGA, which aims to engage schools with the manufacturing industry as a potential career pathway.
He’s seen rst-hand the impact of the labour shortfall.
“It’s very dif cult, for example, to get a good maintenance engineer right now, who is multi-skilled across the different technologies,” he said.
“In my mind, we need to push
Rapid International managing director John Pickering.
EDGE Innovate managing director Darragh Cullen.
MEGA network managing director Barry Taylor.
Image: MEGA
apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships as much as we push graduates.
“Manufacturing can be regarded as just a factory job, but in reality, it’s so much more than that; it can be a one-stop shop for your entire career where you can travel the world and gain really valuable knowledge.”
The labour shortage is being felt heavily at the manufacturing level as companies, like Rapid International, try to nd the next generation of workers to replace their retiring workforce.
“Getting people at all is probably our biggest challenge right now, and the ability to recruit people is becoming harder and harder,” Pickering said.
“I think education plays a huge role in that. If you look at MEGA, I think initiatives like that are fantastic, and in terms of our recruitment, we’re looking heavily at the high-level apprenticeship scheme [in Northern Ireland].”
While the outside perspective might see manufacturing as “just factory jobs”, MEGA is working with the industry to show that it is a strong pathway with many opportunities, from sales to engineering to electronics and beyond.
MEGA is undertaking a feasibility study to see whether a “super cluster” approach, as seen in Scandinavia, would work within its manufacturing sector.
The model, in effect, works by having competitors within the sector come together to solve issues that affect the entire sector, such as the labour shortage, while remaining competitive in the marketplace.
“Rather than everyone ghting for the same funding, we’re trialling a collaborative approach through this cluster [model] so we can support and strengthen the Northern Ireland economy,” Taylor said.
“It’s about coming together to address problems affecting the entire industry.”
In response to the need for apprentices, MEGA is launching a manufacturing apprenticeship programme with South West College in September 2026, aiming to produce work-ready graduates who can hit the ground running in the workforce. The programme will cover the basics through to advanced manufacturing concepts.
“Through this initiative, we will be supplying the industry with readymade, valuable workers with real knowledge,” Taylor said.
“Aside from the basics like science and maths, we’re hoping this generation will have a digital awareness and an awareness of automation options, as well as a willingness to gain a deeper understanding of them.
“This is going to be important as this next generation is going to be fundamental to the industry’s growth.
“Especially when the industry is talking about robotics and automation, it doesn’t yet have that skill set. So, this next generation is going to come in and close that loop.”
Cullen said it was important to promote the variety of opportunities within the sector.
“There’s plenty of opportunity for people who want to get involved in manufacturing. Universities are educating people for jobs that won’t exist [due to AI],” he said.
“It is time to refocus on the jobs that AI isn’t going to replace, physical jobs like manufacturing.”
Manufacturers are already clearly integrating these aspects into their operations, with uptake only set to increase in future years.
“AI optimisation and autonomous equipment are going to have a big impact [in the future], particularly through predictive maintenance, computer vision and quality control,” Monroe said.
“The challenging and often hazardous quarry environment can bene t from technologies that help predict equipment issues or damages before they become a problem, reducing both downtime and the potential for on-site accidents.
“It’s important to note, though, that these trends won’t remove the need for skilled workers — they’ll change the nature of roles, with more emphasis on monitoring systems, maintaining equipment, and making informed decisions using data. The sector will bene t most when technology and human expertise work together.”
Taylor said improving the manufacturing workforce will further enhance the sector’s future viability, especially as technology and automation are increasingly important.
“It is absolutely amazing what they’re doing in terms of robotics and automation,” he said.
“If we can help [manufacturers] maximise what they’re already doing, it will create new jobs and help build the Northern Ireland economy.” AB
MEGA aims to promote the benefits of a career in manufacturing in Northern Ireland.
A-Z directory of Northern Ireland companies
Anaconda
Anaconda, a proud member of the McLanahan family of companies, specialises in equipment designed to tackle challenging terrains and process abrasive and bulky materials. Ranging from conveyors to crushers, screens to washing, Anaconda equipment combines decades of innovation and expertise in engineered to deliver products which keep your operation running.
www.anacondaequipment.com
Cabragh Engineering
Cabragh Engineering is an established provider of concrete and quarry plant. Its range includes mobile and static batching plants, crushing and screening systems, silo storage, conveyor systems, blending plants and block moulds.
Astec Europe
Astec delivers innovative equipment and integrated solutions for the asphalt, concrete, mining, and aggregate industries. The company focuses on productivity, durability, and sustainable performance, o ering advanced technologies and dependable support that help customers improve e ciency, reduce downtime, and achieve consistent results across demanding material processing environments.
astecindustries.com
CDE
CDE is a global leader in wet processing technologies, designing and manufacturing advanced systems for sand, aggregates, mining, industrial sands, construction and demolition waste, and environmental applications. The company delivers high performance solutions that maximise material recovery, reduce environmental impact and enhance operational e ciency across multiple regions worldwide.
Barford Equipment
Barford Equipment manufactures mobile screening, crushing and materials handling machinery. Known for robust, reliable, easy to maintain designs, the company supplies crushers, screeners, trommels, conveyors, pugmills and trailers for demanding construction, aggregate, recycling and mining applications, supported by a rapidly growing global dealer network.
www.barford.com
Circular Group
Circular Group provides tailored wet processing solutions for the sand, aggregates and recycling sectors. The company delivers customer focused, technically robust systems that optimise material recovery and support sustainable resource use. Its flexible, personal approach serves customers from small family firms to major producers, meeting evolving environmental and industry demands.
Bruce Materials Processing Solutions
Bruce Materials Processing Solutions has delivered intelligent washing solutions for over 65 years. The company manufactures modular aggregate and sand washing plants for the materials-processing and recycling-industries. It has been an o cial Hardox Wearparts Centre for more than 20-years, using Hardox and branded components across its equipment.
www.bruce-eng.co.uk
ConveyorTek
ConveyorTek is an ISO 9001 accredited manufacturer specialising in conveyor systems and metal separation technologies for automation, logistics, recycling, quarrying and mining. The company delivers modular and bespoke conveyors, belts, components and advanced magnetic and eddy current separation equipment, supported by strong research and development and immersive design technologies.
cabragheng.com
www.cdegroup.com
www.circulargroup.co.uk
www.conveyortek.com
Coote Engineering
Coote Engineering manufactures precast concrete machinery, moulds and the Finlay range of block making equipment. It also supplies interlocking block moulds and the RONCO range of low loaders and dump trailers.
Distag QCS
Distag QCS imports, manufactures and distributes machinery components and sub assemblies for the materials processing and agricultural machinery industries.
EDGE Innovate
EDGE Innovate manufactures advanced mobile technologies for shredding, stacking, screening and sorting materials in recycling and production. Its range includes stackers, feeders, conveyors, screens, trommels, waste shredders, picking stations and truck o loaders, enabling customers to e ciently process and stockpile diverse materials.
Euro Auctions
www.coote.co.uk
Euro Springs
Euro Springs is a family-run manufacturer specialising in high-quality compression, tension and torsion springs, along with die springs, wire shapes, hose guards and tension bars. Accredited to ISO 9001:2015 and a member of the Institute of Spring Technology, the company supplies precision engineered components supported by experienced sta and a strong commitment to quality.
www.eurosprings.co.uk
www.distag.com
EvoQuip (Terex GB)
EvoQuip provides compact crushing, screening and conveying equipment for construction, quarrying, agriculture, landscaping, plant hire and recycling. Its product range includes crushers, screens, shredders and conveyors with telematics and hybrid options, delivering e cient, mobile, low-impact material processing for small to mid-scale operations.
edgeinnovate.com
Finlay (Terex GB)
Finlay has led the way in tracked mobile crushing, screening and conveying equipment for more than 65 years. Trusted worldwide across the quarrying, mining, construction and recycling sectors, Finlay delivers productivity, e ciency and long-term value through innovative, customerfocused engineering.
www.euroauctions.com
www.terex.com/evoquip
www.terex.com/finlay
Euro Auctions is a global auctioneer of industrial, construction and agricultural equipment, providing live and online sales. It o ers valuation, asset management and full auction logistics, connecting sellers with a worldwide buyer base. Visitors can learn how to buy or sell machinery e ciently and explore tailored fleet disposal or acquisition options. FSL Electronics
FSL Electronics designs and manufactures wireless remote controls, industrial displays and custom electronic systems. For over 35 years, it has supplied innovative technology that improves safety and productivity across global industries.
www.fslelectronics.com
A-Z directory of Northern Ireland companies
Harpscreen
Harpscreen supplies high-quality screening media including conveyor rollers for a wide range of crushing and screening machines. The company focuses on durability, precision manufacturing and responsive customer support, helping customers maintain e cient material processing through reliable, custom-engineered screening solutions.
Herbst Machinery
Herbst Machinery designs and manufactures crushing and screening machinery for the quarrying and recycling sectors, alongside trailers for the agricultural and construction sectors. The range is trusted worldwide and supported by a growing dealer network. The company’s success is built on a reputation for quality, reliability and continued innovation.
Hill Engineering
Hill Engineering is a global manufacturer of award-winning excavator attachments, specialising in advanced hydraulic quick couplers and heavy-duty buckets. The company designs and produces the TEFRA fully automatic, double-locking coupler range and TITAN buckets, supplying leading OEMs and end users worldwide with innovative, safe, highperformance solutions.
Irish Manufacturing Services
Irish Manufacturing Services (IMS) designs and builds specialist equipment for the quarrying, mining, recycling and port sectors. Its range includes pugmills, blending plants, scalpers, stackers, conveyors and bespoke machinery, delivering robust, innovative material-handling solutions worldwide.
www.harpscreen.com
Je erson Tools
Je erson Tools supplies professional-grade tools, equipment and workshop solutions for trade, industrial and agricultural users. Its extensive range includes power and hand tools, compressors, generators, lighting, welding equipment and consumables, supported by strong stock availability, competitive pricing and reliable after-sales service trusted across industry.
je ersontools.com
herbstmachinery.com
JJ Loughran
JJ Loughran is one of the UK and Ireland’s most diverse electrical and mechanical engineering companies, providing electric motors, gearboxes, pumps, industrial electrical installation and custom switchboard and controlpanel manufacturing. The company supports sectors from renewables to quarrying with in-house and on-site installation, maintenance and repair, backed by extensive engineering expertise.
www.jjloughran.com
www.hillattach.com
JMG Systems
JMG Systems provides reliable control solutions, supplying hybrid, AC, DC and battery-driven systems with a strong focus on green technologies. It also develops alternative power-control solutions and is ISO 9001 accredited with UL certification.
www.jmgsystems.co.uk
www.ims-ltd.ie
LDG Datum
LDG Datum provides specialist foundation pile testing, structural and geotechnical monitoring and environmental systems. The company delivers advanced remote and automated technologies, including patented test systems that improve safety and e ciency. Its expertise spans pile load testing, asset integrity monitoring, micro-piling, anchoring and bespoke instrumentation for civil engineering and infrastructure projects.
www.lloydsdatumgroup.com
MacGen Power Generation
MacGen Power Generation supplies, services and maintains mobile and static generator units for customers across multiple sectors. O ering generators from 20kVA to 1000kVA, along with message signs and air compressors, the family-run company provides fast, reliable power solutions supported by qualified personnel and extensive stock.
MAGNA (Terex GB)
MAGNA is a large-scale equipment brand from Terex, delivering high-capacity machinery for quarrying, mining, construction and recycling. Its portfolio includes jaw, cone and impact crushers, along with trommel, scalping and horizontal screens and heavy-duty conveyors, supported by Terex’s global manufacturing, parts and service network to ensure reliable, high-volume processing.
McCloskey International
McCloskey International is a global manufacturer of mobile crushing, screening and stacking equipment for aggregates, construction, demolition, mining, landscaping, waste management and recycling. Its comprehensive range of jaw, cone and impact crushers, screeners, trommels and stackers is renowned for durability, high performance and continuous innovation, supported by a strong worldwide dealer network.
McCrory Engineering
McCrory Engineering is a leading manufacturer of construction equipment, supplying high-quality static and mobile concrete plants worldwide. Its innovative approach has secured a long-standing position at the heart of the concrete industry.
www.macgen.co.uk
McGirr Engineering
McGirr Engineering is a leading supplier of mobile block-making equipment, supporting producers from small operations to facilities manufacturing up to 45,000 blocks per day. It provides solutions for block-making operations of all scales.
www.terex.com/magna
www.mccloskeyinternational.com
McLanahan Corporation
McLanahan Corporation provides engineered processing solutions for aggregates, mining, industrial minerals, agriculture and recycling. Its equipment range includes crushers, feeders, scrubbers, filter presses and complete wet and dry systems, supporting operations from primary crushing through to tailings and water management.
M-Tech Solutions Ireland
M-Tech Solutions Ireland specialises in electrical control systems, diagnostics and repair services for the crushing and screening industry. The company designs, installs and maintains control panels and automation systems, providing expert faultfinding, optimisation and responsive engineering support across the materialsprocessing sector.
www.mccroryengineering.com
NBC Group
NBC Group provides engineered solutions and precision-manufactured components for heavy industry, supporting construction, quarrying, recycling and materialhandling sectors. The company focuses on reliability, technical expertise, and responsive service, delivering products that enhance performance, reduce downtime and meet demanding operational requirements.
www.mcgirrengineering.com
www.mclanahan.com
www.mtechireland.com
www.nbcgroup.co.uk
A-Z directory of Northern Ireland companies
Nordmann Equipment
Nordmann Equipment develops and supports crushing and screening equipment for demolition, recycling and quarrying. It focuses on track-mounted crushers and screens in the sub-30-tonne class, providing robust, high-performance and durable solutions.
Omega Crushing & Screening
Omega Crushing & Screening manufactures electrically driven mobile crushers and screeners that reduce fuel use, emissions and costs. Serving the quarrying, recycling and construction sectors, Omega applies advanced engineering to deliver productive, cost-e ective and environmentally e cient solutions.
Pneutrol International supplies batching control systems for concrete plants and automation systems for conveying, crushing and screening. It also provides industrial spares including load cells, silo components, VSDs, pneumatics, Castell safety systems, water meters, vibrators and flow aids.
Portafill International
Portafill International manufactures highly mobile, cost-e ective screening, crushing and washing equipment for construction, demolition, recycling, sand and gravel and natural rock applications. Its range of screeners, crushers, trommels, conveyors and wash systems is recognised globally for durability, innovation and practical engineering, supported by an expanding international network.
www.nordmannequipment.com
Powerscreen (Terex GB)
Powerscreen is a worldleading manufacturer of mobile crushing, screening and conveying equipment for quarrying, mining, recycling, construction and infrastructure. Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2026, Powerscreen’s portfolio includes jaw, cone and impact crushers, mobile screens, trommels and conveyors, supported by a dedicated global dealer network delivering reliable, high-performance materialprocessing solutions.
www.powerscreen.com
omegacrusher.com
ProStack (Terex GB)
ProStack designs and manufactures bulk material handling solutions, including conveyors, feeders and stockpiling equipment. Its systems focus on e ciency, mobility and reliability, supporting industries that require high-performance material movement and streamlined operations through innovative engineering and robust, user-focused design.
www.terex.com/prostack
www.pneutrol.com
Quarry King
Quarry King delivers reliable, high-performance equipment and support for material handling operations. The company focuses on durable engineering, e cient workflow design and responsive service, helping quarries and pits optimise production, reduce downtime and achieve consistent results through practical, industrydriven solutions.
www.quarryking.com
www.portafill.com
Rapid International
Rapid International manufactures advanced mixing technology for the concrete, construction, environmental and recycling sectors. Its highperformance mobile and static batching plants, continuous mixers and pan, planetary and twin-shaft mixers are used worldwide, delivering durable, e cient solutions supported by strong engineering expertise and a customer-focused dealer network.
www.rapidinternational.com
Pneutrol International
Rapid Power Generation
Rapid Power Generation delivers reliable power solutions, specialising in EU Stage V and Tier 4 Final (T4F) emission-compliant generators built for harsh environments. Its products support much of Northern Ireland’s material-processing industry, combining engineering expertise with a commitment to safety, quality and responsiveness to ensure dependable power when it matters most.
www.rapidpowergen.com
SFM Engineering
SFM Engineering specialises in steel fabrication and manufacturing for the screening, quarrying and recycling industries. It delivers high-quality, competitively priced products on time and in a safe environment, supported by continuous improvement and ongoing investment in technology.
Roco9
Roco9, part of the Ballytrain Group, provides innovative crushing and screening solutions backed by extensive practical experience. The company prioritises long-term customer relationships, delivering high-quality, sustainable equipment for the recycling, demolition and quarrying industries, with a strong focus on practicality, reliability and maximising uptime for operators.
www.roco9.com
Smiley Monroe
Smiley Monroe, known as the Giants of Belting, is a leading global supplier of conveyor belts, rubber and plastic parts and accessories. It delivers highquality products, technical expertise and reliable service worldwide.
Sandvik
Sandvik delivers advanced mobile crushing and screening equipment for the mining, quarrying, construction and recycling industries. The company focuses on productivity, safety and sustainable performance, providing innovative solutions that enhance material processing, support e cient operations and help customers achieve reliable, long-term results in demanding environments.
Telestack is a global leader in designing, manufacturing, installing and commissioning mobile bulk-materialhandling systems. The company provides innovative conveying, stacking, loading and unloading solutions for quarrying, mining, ports, terminals, stockyards, power, steel and cement operations, delivering operational savings, environmental benefits and strong engineering support through an international dealer network.
Screenpod Design & Manufacturing engineers recycling, screening and dust-suppression equipment for construction, quarrying and waste sectors. It supplies robust, highperformance solutions that reduce environmental impact and improve operational e ciency. Trusted by industry leaders, the company is proud to drive sustainable growth worldwide.
www.screenpod.co.uk
Terex Washing Systems (Terex GB)
Terex Washing Systems delivers advanced wet-processing solutions for aggregates, recycling, industrial sands and mining. The company provides complete, tailored systems spanning feeding, screening, scrubbing, washing, classification and watermanagement technologies. Renowned for robust performance, e ciency and sustainability, it supports global customers through an extensive dealer network and a long-term service focus.
www.sfmengineering.co.uk
smileymonroe.com
www.telestack.com
www.terexwashing.com
A-Z directory of Northern Ireland companies
Tesab Engineering
Tesab Engineering manufactures heavy-duty crushers, screeners and bulk-handling systems for quarrying, mining, recycling and shipping. Known for robust design and longlasting performance, the company o ers jaw, impact and cone crushers, mobile electric units and scalpers, delivering flexible, applicationfocused solutions backed by extensive engineering expertise and global support.
www.tesab.co.uk
Titus Attachments manufactures highquality excavator and machinery attachments for construction, demolition, forestry and earthmoving. Using precision engineering, 3D modelling and modern production methods, the company delivers durable, high-performance tools. Its range includes buckets, grapples, rakes and other heavy-duty attachments supplied directly and through international partners.
www.titus-solutions.co.uk
Tyrone International
Tyrone International manufactures advanced wet and dry processing solutions for aggregate production, including concrete, C&D recycling and industrial sand. Continuous research and development and superior engineering deliver reliable, high-throughput solutions with a lower total cost of ownership and make sure our game changing solutions meet the challenges ahead.
Vulcan Asphalt Group
Vulcan Asphalt Group is the UK’s leading asphalt plant product and service provider, home to the Vulcan and Vortex burner ranges. It delivers bespoke solutions that improve e ciency and reliability, with a strong focus on future fuels and carbon reduction.
www.tyroneinternational.com
www.vulcanasphaltgroup.com
Titus Attachments
Images: Powerscreen, Finlay and Terex
Northern Ireland has a proud past, present and future in manufacturing crushing and
Combining the resources of our respected editorial team with the knowledge and insights of some of the best and brightest minds in the sector, Mining keeps you up-to-date with the latest news, discussions, innovation and projects in the Australian mining sector.
Pilot Crushtec’s TwisterTrac VS350E Stage V mobile crusher.
Hillhead set for grand return
The UK quarrying and construction equipment show will see a large expansion of its indoor exhibition space.
Hillhead 2026 is shaping up as one of the biggest iterations of the UK trade show yet, with more than 600 exhibitors expected.
Showrunners have expanded the registration pavilion to create an additional indoor stand section to meet high demand.
The Showground and Registration Pavilions will feature a range of innovative products, technologies and solutions, highlighting how decarbonisation, digitalisation and automation are driving the industry’s transformation.
Pilot Crushtec
South Africa-headquartered Pilot Crushtec will showcase its latest generation TwisterTrac VS350E Stage V mobile crusher while accelerating its drive to build a stronger European distribution footprint.
Pilot Crushtec sales and marketing director Francois Marais said Hillhead marks a signi cant step in its international growth strategy.
“We want to make a big statement about our latest model TwisterTrac VS350E which complies with the European Union’s Stage V emissions regulations,” Marais said.
“Secondly, we are actively looking to engage with potential distributors for both the TwisterTrac and our broader product range –mobile and static.”
Hillhead visitors will have the opportunity to physically inspect a brand-new TwisterTrac VS350E Stage V unit which will be the highlight of Pilot Crushtec’s stand at M3 in the show’s well known ‘crusher alley’.
This UK trade show draws visitors from across Europe, making it an ideal platform for Pilot Crushtec’s ambitions beyond its traditional markets.
Pilot Crushtec product specialist James Atkins said that the TwisterTrac VS350E has, over the years, proven itself as a robust and productive platform. More than 100 units have been supplied globally, with the majority operating outside South Africa.
“The Stage V version builds on this track record, bringing the design into compliance with strict EU regulations,” Atkins said. “The unit carries full CE certi cation, so customers get all the bene ts of a tried-and-tested design but in a package that meets European regulatory expectations.”
In parallel with its product focus, Pilot Crushtec will use Hillhead to engage with potential distribution partners.
“We are seeing growing direct sales activity into Europe and that is driving our need for local partners,” Marais said.
“We are looking for distributors with strong service capability and a solid reputation, who can both grow the market and support the customers that we already have in the region.”
Wirtgen
Under the motto ‘You’ll never crush alone’, the Wirtgen Group is setting the focus at Hillhead 2026 on end-to-end solutions for materials processing with ve crushers and screening plants from Kleemann.
A landmark product for the UK market is the MOBICAT MC 110 EVO2 jaw crusher, which combines a smart operating concept with high ef ciency. The plant is the ideal choice for pre-crushing almost all kinds of quarried stone and numerous recycling tasks. The plant is characterised by compact dimensions, ef cient prescreening, a simple handling concept with SPECTIVE und SPECTIVE CONNECT and high plant performance.
Innovative control and overload systems, the continuous feed system, and an independently vibrating double-deck prescreen optimise material ow, increase plant utilisation rates, and improve the overall performance of the jaw crusher.
With its all-electric E-Drive drive concept, the compact MOBIREX MR 100 NEOe impact crusher unites exibility, low transport weight and a wide range of potential applications in the processing of demolition material, concrete, reclaimed asphalt, and soft to mediumhardness quarried stone. Together with the MOBISCREEN MSS 502 EVO scalper, the plant presented at the booth forms the basis of a perfectly coordinated production system for asphalt recycling. Both the MOBIREX MR 100 NEO and the MOBISCREEN MSS 502 EVO can be operated electrically with the aid of the Dual Power option. This means, for example, that milled material for use in the production of new asphalt mixes in asphalt mixing plants can be processed in place with zero operating emissions.
Finning
Visitors to the Hillhead 2026 quarrying and construction equipment show will be taken on a journey to uncover the solutions to their operational challenges by Finning UK & Ireland.
Zones where visitors can pinpoint on-site issues and discuss how to solve them will be hosted by Finning as it looks to support more businesses in transforming their processes through increased ef ciency and extended support.
Finning UK & Ireland’s expert team will be available at the show to offer an insight into the critical factors shaping the future of the quarrying and construction industries, and the advanced applications on offer to help them work smarter.
Finning has said it is helping customers to innovate and streamline operations through
Image: Pilot Crushtec
cutting-edge digital solutions and integrated support packages that include the deployment of digital and technology features, data analysis, and on-site training.
“Connecting our customers to the tools that enable their businesses to thrive is very important to us, whether that is using technology to unlock the data they need to improve safety, sustainability and productivity, or opening up new, cost-effective ways to invest in machinery through rebuilt solutions,” Finning UK & Ireland head of corporate and strategic accounts Mick Knight said.
“Hillhead is a fantastic event and the perfect opportunity for our team to engage with visitors, holding conversations with the aim of making a direct, positive impact on operations by nding a solution to some of the biggest challenges companies face.”
Bruce Materials Processing Solutions
Bruce Materials Processing Solutions will be showcasing its latest innovation in mobile washing technology, the Mob-E-Wash.
Developed to meet the demands of modern operators, the Mob-E-Wash combines exibility with high-performance output, making it an ideal solution for a wide range of applications.
For campaign washing, short- or longterm projects, and multi-site operations, it offers greater mobility and compactness than traditional static plants. Built on a tri-axle chassis, the Mob-E-Wash is designed for
rapid deployment, allowing operators to get up and running quickly with minimal downtime. Its intelligent design ensures not only fast installation and ease of transport, but also seamless integration into existing work ows. Fully electric-driven, the unit offers a comprehensive all-in-one washing solution. Onboard components enable effective scrubbing, organics/trash removal, and sizing and classi cation of multiple feed materials.
Haver & Boecker Niagara
Haver & Boecker Niagara will showcase its cutting-edge mineral processing technologies, including screeners, screen media and leadingedge diagnostics.
Screen media and diagnostics take centre stage at the show, emphasising the importance of choosing the correct media.
The company will showcase its innovative Ty-Wire screen media with a hybrid design that provides up to 80 per cent more open area than modular polyurethane, signi cantly reducing blinding and virtually eliminating pegging.
The company will showcase MAJOR’s FLEXMAT screen media, which delivers increased wear life and eliminates blinding, pegging and clogging issues. Haver & Boecker Niagara's advanced PULSE Diagnostics portfolio which includes PULSE Vibration Analysis, PULSE Condition Monitoring and the PULSE Impact Test will also be on display. AB
The Bruce Mob-E-Wash.
Breakthrough showcase
ConExpo-Con/Agg 2026 brought the industry together in Las Vegas, Nevada, and underlined its reputation as one of North America’s largest construction trade shows.
More than 140,000 attendees from 128 countries walked through the doors of ConExpo-Con/Agg 2026 as Las Vegas took centre stage for the quarrying and aggregates sector.
Contractors, manufacturers, managers and more gathered to view the latest equipment, technologies and solutions across every construction sector. Across more than 3 million square feet of exhibition space with over 2000 exhibitors, everything from largescale crushing equipment to earthmoving machines and automation solutions was on show at the Las Vegas Conference Centre for the rst time since 2023.
“ConExpo-Con/Agg is where the construction industry comes to see what’s next,” ConExpo-Con/Agg show director Dana Wuesthoff said.
“[The] week demonstrated the resilience and ingenuity of our industry.
“From advanced machinery to digital tools that help crews work safer and smarter, the innovations unveiled here will shape jobsites for years to come.”
ConExpo-Con/ Agg 2026 was well attended by professionals.
From product debuts, like Komatsu’s largest articulated truck in the HM460-6, through to electric solutions like LiuGong’s 924 FE Electric Excavator, there was plenty of diverse equipment on display as attendees could get up and close with the equipment and truly understand its capabilities.
“Being able to put your hands on the machines and talk directly with manufacturers makes ConExpo-Con/Agg a great show for companies like ours,” Donjon Marine’s Thomas Coyne said.
“[We saw] a lot of equipment that we’re looking to purchase in the near future.”
Planning is already underway for the next ConExpo-Con/Agg, with Scott Young already announced as the chair of the 2029 showcase.
The regional head of North America from Volvo Construction Equipment said he was honoured to take on the role.
“ConExpo-Con/Agg is one of the world’s largest platforms to showcase innovations that help our customers navigate change, overcome challenges and improve performance. We’ll build on this year’s success and look ahead to 2029,” he said.
Wuesthoff said Young’s combination of industry experience and leadership capabilities made him the ideal pick for the role.
“We are thrilled to welcome Scott as chair for 2029. His vision and leadership will help us build on that momentum and deliver an even more impactful event for the construction community,” she said.
MB Crusher
MB Crusher had a signi cant presence at ConExpo-Con/Agg 2026 with two booths showcasing its solutions for the American market.
“This year, we really wanted to showcase the rise of MB America. With MB America having 16 years in business, we aimed to create something that felt familiar to our customers, yet elevated and different from years past,” MB America chief executive of cer Regan Whit eld said.
In its platinum lot, attendees could view the full range of attachments for on-site material processing, including its signature bucket crushers. The bucket crushers are synonymous for their ability to handle concrete and demolition waste and turn it into reusable aggregate directly on-site. Also on show was MB Crusher’s expanding line of pulverisers engineered for material separation and precision demolition, as well as screening buckets, built to sort and classify materials quickly and accurately, and padding buckets, ideal for pipeline and back lling applications by reusing existing material directly on-site.
The platinum lot was also where MB Crusher hosted live demonstrations of its solutions, with industry professionals also in attendance for in-depth conversations. MB Crusher’s silver lot featured the MB Grapple as well as interactive games and in-depth discussions.
“MB doesn’t just attend trade shows, we put on a show. Each year, we try to introduce something new while staying true to our brand and values,” MB America North Carolina branch manager Bryan Sims said.
“Love is not only part of our team and what we do but is also a key ingredient in the details we display in every attachment and interaction.”
Wirtgen
Group and Kleemann
World premieres and market debuts headlined Wirtgen Group’s showcase as its respective brands demonstrated their latest innovations at ConExpo-Con/Agg 2026.
Kleemann was among the brands with products making their market debuts by presenting the rst scalper in its PRO Line series, the MOBISCREEN MSS 1102 PRO, to a North American audience.
The robust machine is designed for operators wanting ef cient material processing rates, especially in the quarrying sector.
The MOBISCREEN MSS 1102 PRO features high throughput rates, exible con guration options and an intuitive plant control to ensure high productivity and safety during operation. Kleemann also showcased its SPECTIVE CONNECT platform, which presents relevant processing data to operators via smartphones and tablets. Its features include stockpile monitoring, which displays the current status of material stockpiles.
Caterpillar
Tom March and Brian Hayden were the toast of Las Vegas as they won Caterpillar’s inaugural global dealer technician challenge and global
operator challenge, respectively.
Caterpillar hosted the nals of both events as part of its ConExpo-Con/Agg 2026 showcase, with the nalists showing off their skills to a global audience. The global dealer technician challenge showcased agility, diagnostic expertise, and problem-solving skills, as the nalists had to accurately diagnose and repair problems under intense time pressure.
March from Finning UK took the title from the eld of 10 nalists, which had been whittled down from thousands of technicians.
The global operator challenge attracted signi cant interest, with thousands of operators from more than 40 countries competing as early as 2025 for a shot at the Las Vegas nale.
The competition required contestants to operate Cat wheeled loaders, excavators, and
dozers through a series of tests, including material loading, object handling, precision placement, and advanced machine control.
Hayden was the winner of the nale and will receive either a $US10,000 cash prize or an equivalent value trip.
Caterpillar chief executive of cer Joe Creed said the company wanted to support the future of the sector’s workforce through these contests and other future initiatives.
“As global infrastructure demand increases, access to skilled technicians and operators is a critical issue for our industry,” he said.
“By investing in training and upskilling, we’re helping to build the workforce our industry depends on and staying true to our mission of solving our customers’ toughest challenges.”
Future focus
After a jam-packed showcase that also included several networking and professional development opportunities, anticipation is high for the event’s return in 2029.
“ConExpo-Con/Agg highlights the innovation pipeline that keeps construction moving forward,” ConExpo-Con/Agg 2026 chair Eric Sauvage said.
“The technologies introduced [here] are not concepts. They are real-world solutions contractors can adopt now to build faster, safer and more sustainably. This has been one of the best editions of ConExpo-Con/Agg.” AB
ConExpo-Con/ Agg 2026 was well attended by visitors.
Image: ConExpo-Con/Agg
Trucks specially equipped with the necessary tools and parts arrive to o er service and solutions.
Better together
Martin Engineering field support supervisor Sue Gri th explains how the company’s approach to aftermarket conveyor services, including maintenance, builds longstanding partnerships.
Unscheduled downtime of belt conveyors in bulk handling operations can be calculated in cost per minute. For sanity’s sake, don’t calculate this. It might reveal the severe logistical and scheduling inef ciency of service contractors and equipment manufacturers and seriously raise your blood pressure.
Generally, when operators install retro tted conveyor solutions, they focus on the up-front price with little consideration for the cost of ongoing service, maintenance costs, and supply chain. But down the road, when critical service or parts are needed, the cost per minute difference between days and weeks of downtime or keeping the system limping along at 25-50 per cent production can amount to an entirely new equipment retro t.
Research published by the Australian Coal Association indicates the cost of downtime is on the order of ve times the cost of replacing the component. When the root cause of downtime is related to the basic conveyor design, the downtime cost is approximately two times the cost of the redesign.[1] At rst, these ratios may seem to be erroneous or even backward but consider that a component failure often involves maintenance with a relatively short downtime window for replacement.
Whereas a basic design mistake often involves a signi cant capital expense and a prolonged outage for correction.
This is why having a close relationship with equipment manufacturers and/or their certi ed contractors that offer responsive “factory direct” products and services is important to the cost of operation. The main factors to consider are service availability, technical expertise/safety, and supply chain logistics.
Service availability
The mystery of the “disappearing manufacturer’s representative after installation” is a tale as old as the Industrial Revolution, and back then, even Sherlock Holmes could not solve it.
Reliable and timely site visits are a hallmark of a solid partnership between the operator and the factory-direct manufacturer. Service technicians and certi ed representatives who are available during problem-free uptime are likely to be responsive during panic-inducing unscheduled downtime.
Site visits are also not arbitrary.
A reputable equipment manufacturer representative will examine not just their components but the entire conveyor system, offering preventative maintenance support. The goal is to nd indicators of the causes of downtime and offer practical solutions.
For example, Martin’s Walk the Belt program is speci cally designed for predictive maintenance. A Martin Service Technician (MST) or certi ed contractor will physically examine the entire system with an extensive checklist and then write a report, often with photos, of observations, recommendations, and solutions to improve safety and ef ciency.
Technical expertise
Experts have “seen it all” until they haven’t, and that’s when their expertise is tested and safety becomes an issue. Outside service contractors may be generally familiar with systems and maintenance procedures but often face a steep learning curve when servicing new equipment designs.
The top equipment manufacturers consistently iterate on previous designs, seeking to improve safety and ef ciency. Factory-direct technicians and certi ed contractors from these reputable equipment manufacturers respond quickly to calls and arrive equipped to diagnose and solve issues.
Most operational site managers strive to maintain the highest workplace safety standards. If external contractors don’t operate to the same level, they risk being ejected from the site. In addition to stringent conveyor and ow equipment maintenance training, MSTs undergo comprehensive safety training. With regular visits, factory-direct MSTs quickly learn the latest standards and procedures of each production site, staying up to date with the needs of their customers and ensuring compliance and safe working.
Images: Martin Engineering
Supply chain logistics
Often, during the installation of retro tted equipment, some creative engineering is required to make components t, secure, and operational. Maintenance crews can’t have a replacement part for every bolt in their operation, especially if storage space is limited. This becomes acutely apparent when specialised parts are needed for repair.
Equipment designs should have standard, easy-to-understand parts and procedures.
In addition to providing a solution, this engineering design should prioritise safe inspection and maintenance access.
Whether it’s replacing wear-parts or engaging in routine service, getting the proper manufacturer parts in a timely manner is imperative.
Factory direct means that wear parts can be predictively scheduled and delivered by simply monitoring the speed at which they wear, especially for processing plants making use of remote monitoring systems. If the wear timeline is somehow shortened, this can be an indicator of downstream issues causing more wear. It can also mean that an unexpected rapid early delivery is required.
Factory-direct MSTs and certi ed contractors usually have the proper equipment in the service truck. If they don’t, depending on the remoteness of the site, the MST simply calls, and these parts can be procured and delivered rapidly.
Reporting
As mentioned above, after walking the system, reporting observations is an important part of the process. There is a wide difference in cost between preventative maintenance and reactive maintenance. The ‘2016 Maintenance Study: Seven key ndings’ performed by Amanda Peliccione observed, “76 per cent of manufacturing facilities follow at least some form of preventive maintenance strategy on some equipment [while=
61 per cent still have a run-to-failure method, and 51 per cent use some form of Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS).”[2]
Notice the study observed that 76 per cent was performed on some, but not all, equipment. That’s how 61 per cent can still have a run-to-failure policy. Factory-direct expert inspection and reporting methods take a holistic view of the system.
Wear parts like air cannon valves can be reconstructed and sent back for less waste and better cost savings.
Walk the Belt checklists are accompanied by tests, results, and solutions to conveyor performance.
By only addressing the broken parts, downstream causes are ignored, and expenses for repeated equipment maintenance and replacement rise incrementally over time. The holistic approach recognises and offers solutions to the causes of costly repetitive maintenance.
Factory direct bene ts
The cost savings for a factory-direct relationship are only realised over time when that relationship is replaced by a cheaper, less reliable equipment solution from a manufacturer without the infrastructure to offer adequate service. Down the road, the “disappearing manufacturer’s rep” suddenly becomes a serious issue, along with response time and preventative solutions.
When operators realise the overall cost savings of the factory-direct model, then they understand how service, expertise, and supply chain are intertwined to offer a full long-term solution. AB
References
[1] Roberts, Alan. Conveyor System Maintenance & Reliability, ACARP Project C3018. Published by Australian Coal Association Research Program Centre for Bulk Solids and Particulates, University of Newcastle, Australia. Nov, 1996. http://www. acarp.com.au/abstracts.aspx?repId=C3018
Triangle Tyre is taking a holistic approach to growing its operations in the European market.
Innovation and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) responsibility are at the core of Triangle Tyre’s approach to growing in the European market.
Triangle Tyre will participate in The Tire Cologne in Germany from June 9 to 11, 2026. The German showcase is one of the leading international events for the tyre industry, and Triangle Tyre will present its European strategy, with a strong focus on sustainability and industrial responsibility.
The presentation will be guided by a core ESG-driven approach within Triangle Tyre’s strategy, integrating environmental, social, and governance principles across all business activities. The exhibition stand has been designed as a tangible expression of this vision, re ecting sustainability, transparency, and innovation in its concept and structure.
During the exhibition, Triangle Tyre will also present its latest products across the passenger car radial, truck and bus radial tyres, and off-the-road (OTR) segments, demonstrating the continuous evolution of its portfolio and its ability to meet diverse market needs across Europe.
Triangle Tyre Europe general manager Corrado Moglia said the event will reaf rm the company’s strategic direction of facilitating growth driven by innovation and ESG principles with the aim of strengthening its presence in Europe.
“The company continues to invest in process optimisation, environmental impact
reduction, and the development of product offers aligned with market and end users’ expectations,” he said.
In recent years, Triangle Tyre has steadily strengthened its presence in the European market, expanding its commercial network and consolidating long-term relationships with key partners.
This development has contributed to an increasingly solid and widely recognised regional positioning and brand awareness at the business-to-business level.
New hire
Further to the company’s European aims, Triangle Tyre has appointed Federico Parmesan as its European OTR technical manager.
In his new role, Parmesan will be responsible for key technical functions across
the aftermarket and original equipment tyre segments. This will include working closely with Triangle Tyre’s partners in Europe as well as monitoring production performance and providing specialist expertise in the eld. Parmesan will also support Triangle Tyre's business activities and the promotion of its OTR product portfolio. The company is aiming to expand this product portfolio across its distribution network through new strategic partnerships.
“Strengthening our technical structure in Europe is a key step in supporting our partners and further consolidating our position in the OTR segment,” Triangle Tyre OTR director for Europe Luca Mai said.
“I have already worked with Federico in the past and I know that he will bring strong technical competence, determination and a very positive approach to our Company. We are pleased to welcome him to the team.”
Parmesan has more than three decades of experience in the tyre industry, having previously worked at Marangoni, where he specialised in earthmoving and OTR applications. This background has provided Parmesan with extensive product knowledge, especially with product performance and customer requirements in dif cult operating environments.
“I am proud to join one of the world’s leading OTR tyre manufacturers and join a very dynamic and successful European team,” he said.
“Triangle holds a comprehensive portfolio of quality products and has one of the best reputations within the OTR segment.
“I look forward to supporting our dealers and end users across Europe, contributing with my experience to the further growth of the Triangle brand.” AB
Triangle Tyre will exhibit at The Tire Cologne in Germany in 2026.
Images: Triangle Tyre
Frederico Parmesan and Luca Mai of Triangle Tyre.
QC1+™ primary belt cleaners from Martin deliver industry-leading performance for the most demanding bulk material handling operations worldwide. These cleaners effectively discharge material from the belt, minimizing carryback that can lead to belt damage, component failure, higher costs for cleanup, and diminished production.
Featuring Martin's patented Continuous Angle Radial Pressure blade-tobelt technology, our application-specific urethane blade formulations, rugged mainframe construction, and easy blade replacement design, the innovative QC1+maximizes cleaning effectiveness for all belt sizes and speeds.
QC1+ XHD
June 23-25, 2026
Hillhead Quarry Buxton | UK
Stand H-10
Efficiency on show
BKT presented a range of high-performing and efficient tyre solutions to the construction sector in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT) tyres were front and centre at North America’s largest construction trade show ConExpo-Con-Agg 2026, with its expansive range of tyres on display.
As the needs of the construction and associated sectors become more complex, the solutions must keep pace. BKT welcomed attendees to its booth in the West Hall to see its latest innovations up close with a special focus on applications within the construction sector. Showcasing the leading edge of its innovations, BKT underlined its commitment to research and development to unlock a new level of performance for customers.
“We were thrilled to return to the largest construction show in North America, where we were able to connect with new and existing customers as well as industry experts,” BKT USA president Jay Dhillon said.
“Events like this not only allow us to showcase our latest [off-the-road] and industrial tyre lineup, but also enable us to listen to customers’ feedback and to demonstrate how our tyres push innovation
BKT was in attendance at ConExpo-Con/Agg 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
and elevate performance to the very edge.”
The India-based tyre manufacturer had a strong presence at one of the year’s major trade shows, with a focus on its line-up of off-the-road and off-highway tyres, which are used globally in earthmoving, quarrying, mining and industrial applications. Its solutions and progressive approach to research and development have enabled it to sell more than 3600 products in 163 countries worldwide. One of BKT’s latest innovations, the WASTEMAX, was on display. The tyre solution features a particularly resistant compound, which offers exceptional protection against abrasive materials, while the tread design and depth maximise product life, reducing machine downtime. This tyre excels in tough environments, making it ideal for wheeled loaders operating in scrap yards, waste treatment plants, and demolition sites.
Another one of BKT’s most popular products, the EATHMAX range of tyres, were also on display at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The EARTHMAX range is speci cally designed for wheeled loaders, dozers, and low-pro le dump trucks used in mining
operations, where traction and stability are essential to ef cient, safe operations.
Visitors to the BKT booth could view demonstration sessions in person. A highlight of these sessions was the newly launched tyre management software BKT Tire Track Pro. The multinational company developed the platform to help customers optimise their eet management and accurately monitor tyre performance at every stage of the tyre’s lifecycle. Attendees to the BKT booth received a variety of branded giveaways, including keychains, caps, bags, and more.
Away from the booth in West Hall, BKT had a further impact at ConExpo-Con/Agg 2026 with a monster truck, equipped with BKT tyres, on display in the outside area of the north lobby of the West Hall
“Once again, ConExpo-Con/Agg 2026 stands out as one of the most important events for BKT, not only as an international showcase but also as a stage for engaging with partners, customers, and industry stakeholders,” Dhillon said.
“It was an opportunity to consolidate the company’s presence in key markets, gain inspiration from evolving industry trends, and strengthen its commitment to developing ever better-performing and future-oriented solutions.” AB
Nordwestdeutsche Mischwerke has been impressed with its Kleemann equipment.
The core of production
Screening equipment now plays a crucial role in the quarrying industry by a ecting product quality, site e ciency, and overall productivity. Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on smarter designs and advanced technological features to enhance quarry and aggregates operations.
In Germany, Nordwestdeutsche Mischwerke (NWM) is one of the nation’s major producers of construction materials sector.
By its own measure, it has an annual production rate of more than a million tonnes of bituminous mixture across its 13 bituminous mixture plants, which support road projects across Germany. The producer was looking for ways to improve its asphalt recycling set-up and improve its cost effectiveness.
NWM had relied on reclaimed asphalt that was processed by external contractors. The producer wanted to bring the process in-house which would streamline the process and reduce operational costs.
The company’s industry research included a trip to Bauma 2025 in Munich, where Kleemann gave a live demonstration of hot asphalt recycling at the Wirtgen booth.
The demonstration, which showcased the performance of Kleemann’s crushing and screening plants, led NWM to engage Kleemann’s experts at the booth to discuss the possibilities for their own asphalt operations.
By watching the performance of the Kleemann impact crusher MOBIREX MR 100 NEO, the scalping screen MOBISCREEN MSS 502 EVO, and the mobile stockpile conveyor MOBIBELT MBT 24 in action, NWM discovered its preferred solution.
With advice from Kleemann’s experts, NWM purchased a MOBISCREEN MSS 502 EVO, enabling milled material from various construction sites to be easily processed at NWM’s sites.
“As a rst step, the compact screening plant was the perfect t for our needs – operating directly on-site and designed for exibility and a pure nal product,” NWM authorised of cer Friedhelm Döbber-Rüther said.
“It’s a real advantage that the screening and recycling processes happen almost simultaneously. Our employees, who previously had no experience with material processing, praise the straightforward technology and ease of use.
“The screening plant can be easily operated at different locations while consistently delivering a clean product with a precise cut – a fundamental requirement in road construction.
“Our target grain sizes are 0–8mm and 8–22mm – that's the material we can reuse in our mixing plants.”
The MSS 502 EVO is one of Kleemann's smaller screening plants. Its capabilities, packaged in a smaller footprint, offer operators exibility as it can be easily transported. With an operational network spanning 13 sites, this transportability, with a transport of 3.20 metres, stood out to NWM.
The screening plant has a dual-power feature, which will enable NWM to run the screen off electric power in the future if required. Its robust design, including a lower deck equipped with stainless steel mesh, means it can handle dif cult materials,
Image:s Kleemann
including bound bitumen, which can be sticky and dif cult to process. This is further supported by a hopper lling aid which can be added to the Kleemann screening plant.
The MOBISCREEN MSS 502 EVO can deliver an output of 800 to 1000 tonnes per day.
The early signs have impressed many NWM employees.
“When they saw how much usable material was produced from the milled material, everyone was convinced. Today, the plant is an integral part of our day-to-day operations,” DöbberRüther said.
Wirtgen Deutschland Kleemann expert Claus Gedecksnis said this was a great example of how the company can tailor a solution to a speci c application.
“Wirtgen Group has decades of experience in road construction. There’s just a thorough understanding of all the processes,” he said.
“We took a close look at the situation at NWM and then offered a customised solution. We didn’t just focus on the requirements for crushing and screening plants from Kleemann but also considered the subsequent processing.
“How are the machines designed? What are the requirements for the material used to feed them? From analysing the initial situation to successfully implementing customised solutions. Here, our customers bene t from the combined expertise of Wirtgen Group.”
Vibe check
TRAC is one of the latest innovations to come out of Terex’s stable of brands, with EvoQuip bringing the technology to its range of screening solutions.
Terex engineers have developed the new solution speci cally for vibratory screening equipment, with the multi-sensor system able to analyse how screening equipment performs in operating conditions.
TRAC takes “synchronised measurements” taken from multiple points on the screen box, which can provide operators with insights into the performance, condition and potential issues with the screening equipment.
Terex Aggregates vice president Pat Brian said the tool can help operators identify issues before they impact key areas like performance and uptime.
“TRAC is a practical tool, developed by engineers who understand the realities of screening applications,” he said.
“It helps take some of the guesswork out of understanding screen performance, giving customers and distributors clearer insight into how the screen is operating and where attention may be needed.
“Ultimately, TRAC re ects Terex’s focus on applying engineering expertise to real screening applications, helping customers better understand, maintain and protect their equipment.”
New ow
Metso has increased its range of solutions for ne dry screening for applications involving dif cult materials.
Metso designed the GFF Series to operate effectively in demanding conditions and produce ner cut sizes, especially in applications like sand manufacturing. High screening ef ciency in ne aggregate production reduces cross-contamination, ensuring consistent product quality, such as in sand production.
“Our customers have been asking for a high-performance screen that can handle ne, dif cult and often moist materials without forcing them into wet screening,” Metso vice president screening equipment solutions Michael Gyberg said.
“The GFF ip- ow delivers the ner, more accurate cuts needed to support high-pressure grinding rolls (HPGR)and the overall comminution process, making the screen a true enabler of circuit performance.”
The GFF Series integrates hybrid ip- ow and traditional deck technology, using high excitation forces for accurate screening in dry and wet conditions. It can achieve cut sizes as small as 0.5mm in dry settings and 0.3mm in wet ones, while minimising blinding and pegging. Compared to conventional screening methods, this leads to greater ef ciency, less process water use, and reduced energy loss in downstream grinding.
The ip- ow deck’s anti-blinding feature minimises unplanned stops, and its simple access, durable build, and easy maintenance promote quicker repairs, increased availability, and reduced total ownership costs.
Alongside the launch of the Grande Series screens in 2025, the GFF Series means that Metso can provide customers with a full range of solutions including coarse, high-capacity applications through to demanding ne dry screening.
“The much ner screen cuts achieved with ip- ow technology are a major advantage for future HPGR circuits. More accurate classi cation allows a greater share of the workload to be handled by energy-ef cient HPGRs,” Metso director for HRC products Stefan Sakendorf said. AB
Metso has released the GFF series of screening solutions.
Image: Metso
Be immersed in the industry
The quarrying and aggregates sector is gearing up for some of its biggest trade shows in 2026.
JUNE 2026
June 23–25, 2026
Hillhead 2026
Organiser: The QMJ Group Ltd
Tel: +44 (0)115 945 4367
JULY 2026
July 1–2, 2026
PNG Expo
Organiser: Prime Creative Media
Tel: +61 03 9690 8766
SEPTEMBER 2026
September 2–5, 2026
SteinExpo 2026
Organiser: GEOPLAN GMBH
Tel: +49 7229 606-30
OCTOBER 2026
October 6–8, 2026
IQA National Conference
Organiser: Institute of Quarrying Australia
Tel: +61 (02) 9484 0577
• Access unparalleled industry insights, news and trends.
• Explore exclusive interviews, business profiles, newsworthy innovation, and the latest on regulation.
• Australian Mining provides all information in one reputable source.
Flexible. In performance and applications.
MOBISCREEN MSS 502 EVO | MSS 802 EVO | MSS 1102 PRO
Even more choice to meet your needs! Changing locations and new applications often prove challenging for screening plants. KLEEMANN’s mobile coarse screening plants make light work of even the toughest tasks. Thanks to a wide range of screening media and easy adjustment of screening parameters, they can easily adapt to new operating conditions. These coarse screening plants are all about flexibility, ease of operation and ergonomics. Compact, big or even bigger: the MOBISCREEN MSS 502 EVO | MSS 802 EVO | MSS 1102 PRO. The choice is yours.
