ConstructionWorX - Autumn 2017

THE VOICE OF THE UK CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT INDUSTRY

AUTUMN 2017

www.constructionworx.co.uk

LEZ miserable?

- the march of the city Low Emission Zone

DAVID BELL

– EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

MARKET MOVES

– LATEST CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT FIGURES

BREXIT…

– HOW ARE WE DOING?

CEA ANNOUNCES...

– NEW CONFERENCE SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY

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CONTINUOUS COMPACTION CONTROL

1-2-3 WAYS TO SAVE TIME & MONEY Continuous Compaction Control (CCC) is a process designed to increase the productivity, repeatability and quality assurance of material compaction in civil engineering works on road, rail and major infrastructure projects. CCC enables quality assurance in accordance with CEN/TS 17006 2016 and includes automatic compaction through ‘intelligent compaction’ systems.

BOMAG CCC, through a simple 1-2-3 process, enables users to save time and money and dramatically increase quality assurance on earthworks and asphalt.

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BENEFITS • Helps inexperienced operators • Avoids unnecessary passes • Uniform compaction over large areas • Saves fuel • Lowers emissions

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CONTROL BENEFITS

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• Automatic compaction through

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‘intelligent compaction’ system • Target EVIB level can be pre-set in increments if required • Compacted surface area tested by integrated system • 50% reduction in compaction testing

DOCUMENTATION

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BENEFITS • Digital recording of compaction and GPS or GLONASS data • Analysis and reporting software • Quality assurance in accordance with CEN/TS 17006 2016 • Optional VM38 data-port enables integration with other 3D systems

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ConstructionWorX Contents

AUTUMN 2017 Features 18

A PASSION FOR EDUCATION & SKILLS

THE MARCH OF THE CITY LOW EMISSION ZONE

Malcolm Kent discusses the rise of the Low Emission Zone in the UK and Europe.

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GLOBAL MARKETS SURGE IN 2017

Chris Sleight of OHR discusses trends in the world market for construction equipment.

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From the President Member News

Louise Murphy talks to David Bell, the CEA’s first Honorary President.

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Regulars

BEYOND BREXIT

Joanna Oliver MBE, provides her scorecard on how things have gone since the Brexit referendum result.

www.constructionworx.co.uk The Construction Equipment Association (also trading as CEA) Unit 19 Omega Business Village, Thurston Road, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL6 2NJ United Kingdom T: +44 (0)20 8253 4502 F: +44 (0)20 8253 4510 E: cea@admin.co.uk W: www.thecea.org.uk

International News In the Lobby Skills and Training

Contents From the President........................................................................................................... 05 Member News..................................................................................................................... 06 Focus on New CEA Members ................................................................................... 13 CEA Technology Conference .................................................................................... 16 A true passion for education and skills ............................................................... 18 CEA announces new patron ..................................................................................... 21 The march of the city Low Emission Zone ....................................................... 22 Global markets surge in 2017 ................................................................................... 27 The good news on export finance ........................................................................ 29 Bauma Conexpo Africa ................................................................................................. 31 Spotlight on Cambodia ................................................................................................ 33 Brexit Scorecard ................................................................................................................. 35 In the Lobby ........................................................................................................................ 38 Growth slowing in the UK Construction Market .......................................... 40 McCloskey doubles its workforce .......................................................................... 45 Hill Engineering ................................................................................................................. 46 2017 CITS Conference ................................................................................................... 49 Inspiring tomorrow's engineers today ............................................................... 50 Fuel Active say “keep it clean” .................................................................................. 53 Your Shout – Construction dust – the silent killer ....................................... 54

MANAGING EDITOR Rob Oliver E: constructionworx@admin.co.uk PRODUCTION Lisa Bainbridge E: lisa.bainbridge@admin.co.uk

PUBLISHER Enigma Creative Oakwood Park Business Centre, Fountains Road, Bishop Thornton, Harrogate, HG3 3BF T: 01423 206320 E: info@enigmacreative.co.uk W: www.enigmacreative.co.uk

ADVERTISING SALES Peter Knott E: peter.knott@admin.co.uk

PRINT & MAILING PlatinumHPL Park House, Hookstone Park, Harrogate, HG2 7DB

CEA/SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT Louise Murphy E: louiseamurphy@aol.com

The Construction Equipment Association (also trading as CEA) is a company registered in England and Wales with company number 04930967. VAT number 243 3858 54. Registered Office: 1 Bickenhall Mansions, Bickenhall Street, London W1U 6BP. © 2017 The Construction Equipment Association. Although care has been taken in preparing the information supplied in this publication, the CEA does not and cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions and accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss or damage howsoever arising. Any views expressed do not necessarily represent those of the CEA.

AUTUMN 2017 3

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ConstructionWorX From the President

From the President Of bicycles, air quality and robots…

Rory Keogh

President Construction Equipment Association

CEA Management Council CEA President Rory Keogh Gomaco International Ltd Alan Batty Bomag (GB) Ltd Tim Green Caterpillar (UK) Ltd Nick Ground GKD Technik Ltd Charles Stevenson JCB Sales Ltd Jim Venerus Komatsu UK Ltd

I have a quiz question for you. Who said “the bike is the perfect marriage of technology and human energy”? Certainly when the bicycle is not a big concern for those measuring environmental impact you can see that it can be perceived as having a benign place in the world. For those machines engaging other technologies, such as those using the internal combustion engine, the pressures to reduce air pollution have been a constant in regulation across Europe and other developed markets. Construction equipment has more than stepped up to the plate by reducing emissions – permissible particulate levels, for example, have been slashed by 97% since the turn of the century. In this issue of Construction Worx, we focus on how low emission zones are adding another complexity to the regulation of air quality (see page 22).

Talking of technology, those of a certain vintage will remember the BBC’s Tomorrow’s World in its heyday. In their coverage of what the future might hold, you may have seen your first prototype robot. It probably looked like a Star Wars reject, an unsteady toddler crashing into the furniture and upending itself. Fast forward to today and we are now very familiar with factory robotics and their application in replacing or augmenting human effort. We are told that the next wave of technology will be driven by artificial intelligence – tomorrow’s robots will be able to think for themselves. Soon self-driving cars may become the norm through the power of IT and we

already have construction equipment that doesn’t need the intervention of an on board operator. In materials too, in our world of construction we have seen the trend towards using more lightweight and flexible solutions, although we await the first graphene excavator bucket! When I attended the Conexpo-Con/Agg trade show earlier this year, in Las Vegas, the first 3D printed excavator made its debut.

With so many new and exciting developments, it makes sense to focus on these new technologies and techniques at the CEA’s next annual conference and dinner on 20th February, in London (see page 16).

With the working title “Innovation is here…”, put a note in your diary to come along.

And on the subject of the new, we have more pages dedicated in this issue to CEA members and their products and services. New too, is our latest Honorary Patron, Malcolm Harbour CBE, who will bring his vast experience of EU politics to bear when he presents at our next Brexit Briefing at the home of Manchester United FC on 15th November (see page 28). Welcome to the CEA family, Malcolm. ■

PS almost forgot, the quiz quote was from the Rt Hon. Member for Islington North.

Paul Ross Ricardo Plc Andy Bragg Darchem Engineering Ltd Keith Dolbear TriMark Europe Ltd Mussa Mahomed Nylacast Ltd

Honorary President David Bell

Patrons Dr Susan Scurlock Malcolm Harbour CBE

Index of Advertisers Amber Valley.................................................. 17 A T Global...........................................................4 AMI Group....................................................... 17 Bauma Conexpo Africa............................... 30 Bauma Munich.............................................. 32 Bill Bowden Event Logistics Ltd................. 36 BKT Europe SRL.............................................. 10 Bomag (GB) Ltd................................................2 Boss Plant Sales Ltd...................................... 15 Brigade Electronics....................................... 25 BSP International Foundations Ltd......... 15 CEA ................................................................... 32 CEA Brexit Briefing........................................ 28 CITS 2017 Conference.................................. 52

Construction Plant & Machinery Sales.........41 Containex m.b.h............................................ 44 Datatag........................................................... 43 DIGBITS Ltd..................................................... 39 Engcon UK Ltd............................................... 39 Enigma Creative ........................................... 36 Feather Diesel Services Ltd......................... 25 Garden & Hire Spares Ltd............................ 34 GKD Technologies Ltd.................................. 44 Gomaco International Ltd......................... 32 Hill Engineering Ltd.........................................7 Intermat Paris................................................ 32 JCB Insurance Ltd.......................................... 52 Ladybird Crane Hire..................................... 25

Liebherr GB Ltd.............................................. 12 Marubeni Komatsu Ltd............................... 55 Morris & Company Ltd................................ 48 Nylacast Ltd.................................................... 26 Perkins Engines.............................................. 56 RDS Technology Ltd..................................... 36 Strickland Mfg Ltd........................................ 15 Webtec............................................................. 48 Wheelwash Ltd.............................................. 48

FOR ADVERTISING SALES Contact Peter Knott at peter.knott@admin.co.uk

AUTUMN 2017 5

Member News ConstructionWorX

Member News Volvo CE completes sale of GB dealership After a period of employee consultation, Volvo Construction Equipment has concluded the sale of its Volvo Construction Equipment GB dealership to long term distribution partner SMT Holdings SA (SMT), through its newly established subsidiary, Services Machinery & Trucks Ltd. The previously announced deal became effective on 31st August. The sale includes the distribution rights for Volvo-branded construction equipment machines, parts and aftersales in Great Britain, as well as Volvo Construction Equipment Great Britain’s

headquarters in Duxford, Cambridgeshire, its nationwide operations, most other assets and the transfer of all employees. The existing management structure remains in place.

SMT is already an established Volvo Group distribution partner, distributing Volvo CE products and services in the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg, as well as 18 African nations, including Algeria, Morocco and Nigeria. Part of the SDA Holding group, SMT had revenues in 2016 in excess of €350 million, and is a distribution partner for other Volvo Group companies.

Young engineers blow minds at first ever Hydrogen Hack The first ever Hydrogen Hack took place last month country-wide with aged between 8 and 18 learning about and developing hydrogen fuel cell powered everyday objects.

Over 100 young inventors took part in the event which involved re-engineering everyday objects such as a toy car, duck, boat or robot - to do something new. Using hydrogen fuel cells to supply power and Raspberry Pi or Arduino mini computers for control, the innovators made the items move faster, longer or to take their first steps as an animate object. TCP's managing director, Andrew Barker, and the company’s product manager, Simon Meades, got involved, visiting venues in London and Monmouth to chat about and demonstrate TCP’s Ecolite Hydrogen Fuel Cell powered range of products.

TCP joined other hydrogen fuel cell innovators Ballard, ITM Power, Intelligent Energy, Hydrogen London and some of the world’s global technology giants including Toyota, Shell, BOC and Anglo American with Symbio Fcell to support Arcola Energy Hydrogen Hack. As one of the sponsors of the event, the TCP Ecolite product team had the chance to demonstrate to the students its latest innovation, the Ecolite-TH200 mobile lighting tower, which is powered by BOC’s HYMERA fuel cell.

“This was a great opportunity to not only be a part of educating the next generation about the use of hydrogen as a much greener and cleaner fuel but also to show them a real-life example of a commercial hydrogen fuel cell powered product. We highlighted the multiple applications of our mobile lighting tower which hopefully provided inspiration for the students,” said TCP’s Andrew Barker.

TCP joined other hydrogen fuel cell innovators for the first ever Hydrogen Hack

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Volvo Construction Equipment has concluded the sale of its Volvo Construction Equipment GB dealership to long term distribution partner SMT Holdings.

PEOPLE New UK and Ireland Regional Sales Manager for Hyundai HCEE (Hyundai Construction Equipment Europe) has announced that Tony Reeves has joined the company’s team as the UK & Ireland’s new regional sales manager. Reeves comes to Hyundai with a solid background with more than 30 years’ experience within the construction equipment sector both in the UK and overseas, having worked with SLD Pumps, Scania Trucks, Bobcat, Clark Equipment in New Zealand and Miller UK. As regional sales manager, Reeves is the point of contact between Hyundai and the manufacturer’s distribution network in the UK and Ireland. Reeves will be implementing and developing Hyundai’s strategy for the UK and Irish market, which is to grow market share against major competitors whilst building a sustainable business through the distribution network as well as optimizing relations between Hyundai, its dealers and end user customers.

Reeves will be based at Hyundai’s regional office in Bracknell.

“I come to Hyundai with a positive attitude and lots of experience,” said Reeves. “I’m starting from a great position, with a strong and stable distribution network, along with a comprehensive range of quality excavators and wheel loaders. I am really pleased to be here and very much looking forward to the challenge and working with the UK team and dealers to improve further the customer experience of Hyundai Construction Equipment.” Reeves joined Hyundai Construction Equipment Europe in September.

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Member News ConstructionWorX

Member News Webtec inspires students in Engineering Education Scheme For the second year running, St Ives based Webtec, a specialist manufacturer of hydraulic measurement and control products, has teamed up with local school St Ivo, to take part in the Engineering Education Scheme (EES).

The programme links teams of 16/17 year old pupils and their teachers with local companies to work on real scientific and technological problems.

Around 1,400 pupils take part throughout the UK and the scheme, which has been running since 1984, provides students with in depth experience of science, engineering and technology giving them personal development education through work related learning.

Webtec challenged the team of six to focus on the company’s 180 series of high-pressure aluminium hydraulic rotary shear directional control valves. The team were tasked with

collecting engineering data by carrying out systematic and automated testing, which covered many aspects including creation of a project plan, gaining an understanding of hydraulic systems and valves, designing a test jig, electronics interface and test software.

The project lasted for six months during which the team spent time with the engineers and managers on-site at Webtec’s facility. At the end of the project, all teams took part in a central assessment day where all the projects were judged. The St Ivo team was one of five that were “highly recommended” by the EES panel and they also received a ‘CREST Gold Award’.

Martin Cuthbert, Webtec’s managing director commented, “We are very pleased to support EES as it encourages young engineers locally and is part of our company vision to

The Webtec team from St Ivo and Webtec mentors Peter Woodford (FR Right) and Diego Cossio (BR Right) inspire others to enjoy the challenges that engineering brings.

The St Ivo team were very appreciative of the help that their Webtec mentors, Peter Woodford and Diego Cossio had given to them and enjoyed learning and gaining new skills and experiences.

JF Prolec launches world-leading self-limiting system James Fisher Prolec has launched, what it calls, an innovative new self-limiting system, which uses GPS-tracking or sophisticated photo-imaging to create a 3-dimensional ‘safe working envelope’ for any confined-space construction operation.

The team at JF Prolec were originally approached by Transport for London (TfL) three years ago to ask about developing its PME 500 system, which is widely used to limit the movement of diggers within safe parameters. The current system ensures safety, but it requires a separate time-consuming manual setting of the working envelope every time a digger moves from one part of the site to another.

To address this, JF Prolec has developed PCX Pro which can be configured to meet the most exacting construction scenarios by creating a safe working envelope directly from plotted GPS co-ordinates, from a hand-held GPS ‘rover’, or, if GPS is unavailable, from photographic surveys.

The information gathered is then fed into JF Prolec’s movement restriction hardware, allowing the vehicles to ‘see’ where they are in relation to potential hazards and restrict movement to avoid them.

In practice, this will allow operators to manoeuvre their vehicles and work effectively without needing to worry about overhead power lines, passing trains and other infrastructure that could be damaged or pose a danger.

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The Prolec team Catriona Johnston, Nigel Shaw, Paul Moseley, Joe Lawson and David Seymour.

According to the company, the new JF Prolec system is the world’s first to harness the power of GPS to provide a highly accurate and endlessly changeable set of co-ordinates within which the excavator can work. It is a way of automating the process so that it becomes faster, more reliable, more accurate, and, consequently, safer and more efficient.

Nigel Shaw, product and engineering director for JF Prolec said, "This use of 3D survey data in combination with movement restriction hardware is a world-first in virtual plant restriction technology. We expect the system to transform the industry and set a new benchmark in this area, opening doors to new applications across construction, such as motorway works and construction in built up, city environments."

ConstructionWorX Member News

Wheelwash supplies £1.5 billion Highways Improvement Scheme International wheel cleaning equipment manufacturer ,Wheelwash, has been contracted to supply wheel washing equipment for site vehicles on the prestigious A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon improvement scheme.

In March 2016, the A14 Independent Delivery Team, a joint venture formed by Skanska, Costain, Balfour Beatty and Carillion, was awarded the £1.5 billion contract by Highways England to upgrade the existing A14 between Ellington, west of Huntingdon, and the Milton junction on the Cambridge Northern Bypass.

A project of this size and complexity calls for different models of Wheelwash units along the route to ensure safety regulations are met. Prior to being awarded the contract, Wheelwash conducted a number of site visits to identify the requirements and offer the most appropriate systems.

While the A14 Integrated Delivery Team

(IDT), working on behalf of Highways England, considers safety as its top priority, the project is also dedicated to protecting wildlife and the environment. The IDT’s procurement team selected Wheelwash to supply cleaning stations after careful consideration and Wheelwash supplies cleaning stations for £1.5 million detailed analysis of the infrastructure project. marketplace.

Ian Jolly, managing director for Wheelwash commented “We are delighted to be working on the A14 scheme and have worked closely with the IDT to ensure their site requirements are met. We Squires Hired by CPA look forward to continuing this relationship Rob Squires, and will remain in close collaboration to meet formerly Training demands as they arise.”

Manager of the

New Russian distributor for Mecalac Global equipment solutions provider, Mecalac Construction Equipment UK (formerly Terex GB), has appointed Moscow based Ferronordic Machines to its international distributor network. The partnership will give construction firms across Russia access to the latest compact site equipment, while further expanding Mecalac’s global reach.

With more than 70 dealerships and nearly 800 employees, Ferronordic Machines is one of Russia’s leading construction equipment dealers. From Q4 2017, the company will retail Mecalac’s latest portfolio of backhoe loaders, as well as delivering parts and servicing support.

Gregg Horne, managing director at Mecalac Construction Equipment UK, commented: “With the global construction market set to further expand over the coming months, strengthening our reach in tactical geographies is a key corporate priority. With a strong national client base and acclaimed reputation, we are looking forward to working in close partnership with Ferronordic Machines to mutually drive this growth.”

Lars Corneliusson, CEO and President of Ferronordic, added: “Mecalac backhoe loaders are renowned for quality, performance and cost efficiency – the perfect fit for our national client base.

Joining the Mecalac distributor network will enable us to offer a more diverse range of equipment than ever before, opening up new channels to market by providing the perfect model for every application. I am very pleased that we have achieved this cooperation with Mecalac.”

PEOPLE

National Demolition Group, has joined the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) as Training and Safety Manager. Squires brings with him a strong training and management background, having previously worked for the Armed Forces and latterly at the CITB. At the CITB he worked on all of the construction based card schemes including CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme), CISRS (Construction Industry Scaffolders’ Record Scheme) and, particularly, CPCS (Construction Plant Competence Scheme).

Squire’s key responsibilities include supporting all of the CPA Special Interest Groups and CPA’s Training on Plant in Construction Group - TOPIC. CPA director Kevin Minton said; “Rob’s background in training delivery and management will be of great benefit to the Association and with the advent of the CSCS-badged card initiative which is affecting many of the CPA members, Rob’s knowledge of card scheme requirements and his contacts with CITB and CSCS will allow us to thoroughly support the membership on these issues.”

Rob Squires added: “I’m very pleased to join the CPA and look forward to making a valuable contribution to the Association and supporting the Members in navigating the sometimes complex issues of carding, funding, qualification and training delivery requirements.”

AUTUMN 2017 9

ConstructionWorX Member News

Member News Red Rhino Charges into shortlist for World Demolition Awards Red Rhino (UK) has been shortlisted for the World Demolition awards 2017 in the manufacturers’ innovation plant and equipment sector. The Red Rhino 5000 electric has been shortlisted and winners will be announced at the World Demolition Summit in November 2017. Simon Winfield, managing director of Red Rhino (UK) said; “One of the attractions of acquiring the Red Rhino Mini-Crusher brand in 2009 was the opportunity to help to drive down harmful emissions by reprocessing waste materials for use on the same site. Over the years we have supplied to some either remote or specialised areas and due to some enquiries we had into the business we saw a potential gap in the market. Our most popular crushers and screens are track mounted with diesel hydraulic drive fully complying with the latest and most stringent global emission regulations. So continuing the environmental theme, we decided to develop an all-electric version of our very popular 5000 Series tracked crusher.”

Doosan Bobcat Donates Equipment for Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma Relief Efforts Doosan Bobcat is donating over $325,000 worth of Bobcat equipment and Doosan Portable Power light towers and generators to assist with Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma relief efforts. The company is also providing financial assistance to affected Doosan Bobcat North America dealership employees and their families. In addition, Doosan Bobcat North America employees will direct annual charitable drives toward assisting those impacted by the hurricanes.

In the days before Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas, Doosan Bobcat expedited equipment and attachment deliveries to impacted areas in an effort to be immediately prepared for clean-up efforts. Doosan Bobcat also took steps to speed equipment deliveries to southern Florida in preparation for Hurricane Irma.

“Doosan Bobcat has been on the scene helping communities recover from natural disasters for more than 50 years,” said Rich Goldsbury, president of Doosan Bobcat North America.

“We have a ready-response programme that ensures Bobcat equipment and other assets are readily available to help out local communities, our dealerships and their employees. Our support and prayers go out to those affected by Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma.”

SKM Asset Finance celebrate two decades in business SKM Asset Finance is marking its 20 years of providing asset finance to the construction industry.

Steve and Jackie Moody formed the company in 1997 as an asset finance brokerage at a time when finance brokers were few and far between, especially one that would specialise in financing construction equipment.

From humble beginnings trading out of a spare bedroom, the business has grown over the past two decades and the company now arrange around £30m of asset finance each year. Over the past 20 years SKM has arranged more than £475 million of asset finance, predominantly on construction equipment.

The company boast over 30 finance companies on its panel of funders which enables SKM to place over 98% of all proposals that it receives, a figure that both Steve and Jackie are very proud of.

Steve Moody said, “Whilst many finance companies and banks took shelter during the 2008-2012 recession, by either not lending at all or on restricted terms if they did, SKM were continuously supporting our customer, dealer and manufacturer partners. Not only did we fund equipment when others wouldn’t but we supported our customers who had financial difficulties by rescheduling their existing finance agreements or by providing cashflow solutions.”

G & J Steele Plant Hire used SKM Asset Finance to help finance their very first purchase of a 20-tonne 360 excavator. G & J Steele Plant Hire director Graham Steele said, “We have used SKM for 15 years and they have always provided us with an excellent service. We have always been able to rely on SKM to complete financial applications promptly and in most cases within a very short time scale. We have been quite demanding at times and have asked SKM to help at very short notice and they have never let us down.”

AUTUMN 2017 11

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ConstructionWorX New Members

Mecalac CE UK is a leading designer and manufacturer of compact construction equipment

Focus on new CEA members In each issue of Construction Worx we welcome new members to the Construction Equipment Association. In this issue we talk to new members Mecalac Construction Equipment UK and PEI-Genesis.

Mecalac CE UK [www.mecalac.com] is a leading designer and manufacturer of compact construction equipment. Based at Prologis Park in Coventry, the company employs a 300-strong workforce.

From first-to-market technologies to a comprehensive range of rental-tough equipment, Mecalac continues to innovate, working with leading hire companies and owner operators alike to deliver real-world results.

A long-standing member of the CEA under the Terex GB brand, the company recently rebranded under the ownership of French firm, Groupe Mecalac.

Commenting on Mecalac’s involvement within the CEA, Steve Price, engineering manager, said: “As a highly active affiliate, we participate in regular general technical meetings to discuss regulation, as well as legal, regional and customer-driven changes that affect the manufacture and use of construction equipment in the UK. Along with representatives from many other OEMs, we share best practice to provide a unified message.

“Furthermore, being part of the CEA sees us deliver opinion and advice to organisations involved in the development of new regulations, ensuring their practicality, suitability and viability for the future.”

Gregg Horne, general manager of Mecalac CEUK, added: “Being part of the CEA allows us to not only keep ahead of legislation, but directly input on key matters influencing the global construction market. The

organisation provides an important platform for industry collaboration and unification – essential for long-term success, not only in the UK, but globally.”

PEI-Genesis [www.peigenesis.com] is one of the world’s fastest assemblers of precision connectors and cable assemblies. The company provides high quality solutions built to withstand harsh environments and the rigorous demands of everyday use in the construction industry – and across military, aerospace, transportation, oil & gas, and other sectors.

“We have a deep knowledge of connectivity solutions for rugged environments, such as mud, sand, sun, heat, vibration, and offshore,” said Joao Rocha, industrial business development manager, PEI-Genesis.

“We provide access to a vast number of solutions and inventory of products from the world’s top manufacturers, and deliver to them to customers in 48 hours with no minimum order requirement.”

PEI’s Engineering Solutions Group partners with customers to build custom connectivity solutions to meet unique application requirements.

Why did PEI-Genesis choose to join CEA? “Joining CEA creates a great opportunity to fully engage with engineers, OEMs, and other key players in the UK and European construction industry,” said Rocha.

PEI-Genesis also plans to take advantage of CEA events and resources

AUTUMN 2017 13

New Members ConstructionWorX PEI-Genesis plans to take advantage of CEA events and resources to stay on top of construction industry trends and challenges.

to stay on top of construction industry trends and challenges. It’s a way to anticipate real-time market needs. And the company’s global reach adds value to customers in many ways.

“We work with OEMs around the world, and may be able to quickly recommend a source for a special battery a customer can’t seem to locate, PEI-Genesis is one of the world’s fastest assemblers of precision connectors and cable assemblies.

for instance,” said Rocha. “We may design a custom connector and cable assembly in the UK and supply it to users in China from our facility there,

built to local specifications. We connect the dots.”

CEA Chief Executive, Rob Oliver, welcomed the new members. “I have known Henri Marchetta of Mecalac for many years through his leadership of the French trade association, CISMA, and the Committee for European Construction Equipment. I am delighted that Mecalac has shown its confidence in UK manufacturing by investing in the Coventry factory. PEIGenesis are the latest in a growing number of specialist high-tech suppliers to choose CEA membership and we look forward to working with them.”

CECE Summit

Snapshot Report

This year’s biennial Committee for European Construction Equipment (CECE) Brussels Summit welcomed around 150 industry leaders, technical and economic experts, academics, European parliamentarians and European Commission representatives. For full reports and supporting papers, see www.cece.eu.

The theme of the two-day event was “Industry and Politics”- with a number of speakers pointing up aspects of political uncertainty affecting business.

This, naturally, included Brexit, political upsets in Spain and prospects for the US market under the current administration. ●● The issue of construction machinery digitisation was front and centre of discussions within the Congress Technical Forum. Experts were sure that a bigger digital transformation in the construction equipment industry will come as building projects digitise e.g. through Building Information Modelling (BIM). ●●

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It was claimed that better coordination of inputs via the tools created by digitisation could reduce construction and engineering costs by 20%. For this to happen, both the EU and individual countries will need to create a digital framework that includes high speed data lines and open standards for data exchange. ●● There was concern that the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), to be introduced in 2018, together with the E-Privacy Regulation would hamper the basis of business-to- business relationships where the exchange and use of data is essential. It was thought that regulations designed to protect ●●

personal data may have unintended consequences for business. ●● CECE have confirmed that its new President, taking office on 1st January 2018, will be Enrico Prandini, managing director of Komatsu Italia Manufacturing. He will succeed Bernd Holz, managing director of Ammann Verdichtung, who completes his two year term as President.

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AUTUMN 2017 15

CEA Conference ConstructionWorX

What

“Innovation is here…” is all about The CEA is delighted to announce its flagship conference for 2018.

We will be returning to the headquarters of the Institution of Civil Engineers at One Great George Street for the first time in two years.

The event will be different to anything we have attempted in recent times with a full conference plus a Celebration Dinner in the Great Hall in the evening. The idea is to make it the early year event for the construction equipment industry, with companies encouraged to bring along their senior management, suppliers, clients and technology partners.

We will be extending invitations to a range of construction industry

leaders, politicians and opinion formers – all centred around the recognition that our industry is on the cusp of a revolution as we digitise and modernise our product and service offerings.

We plan to announce our key sponsors by 30th November, when our showcase display packages will also go on offer – together with tables and tickets for the Celebration Dinner.

Make a date in your diary now.

Rob Oliver Chief Executive, Construction Equipment Association

Introducing the

2018 Construction Equipment Association AGM, Conference and Dinner...

Date: Tuesday, 20th February 2018 Venue: One Great George Street, Westminster, London SW1 On the theme of “INNOVATION IS HERE...” the day will focus on the new technologies, services and relationships shaping the construction equipment industry. Be prepared for presentations and discussions around the brightest and best innovations driving the future of our sector.

Contact us for details of Sponsorship opportunities

Showcase exhibits

Celebration Dinner in the Great Hall

For further information email: cea@admin.co.uk. Telephone: 020 8253 4502.

16 AUTUMN 2017

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AUTUMN 2017 17

David Bell Profile ConstructionWorX

A true passion for education and skills

David Bell’s journey with JCB began 43-years ago.

Louise Murphy talks to David Bell about the challenges facing the construction industry and about his new role as the CEA’s first Honorary President.

David Bell’s journey with JCB began 43-years ago. David, you have built a very successful career as a senior director at JCB. How did it all start?

“I joined JCB as a graduate trainee in 1974 after an apprenticeship with Rolls-Royce in Derby which I embarked upon at 17. RollsRoyce had gone through a difficult time due to problems with the development of its RB211 jet engine - in stark contrast JCB was in its ascendancy.

I initially worked in the service department at JCB as a technical service engineer which gave me an excellent insight into the company. I worked my way up through service and became General Service Manager and then transferred into sales where I became Regional Manager for half of the UK. I then moved in to the telescopic handler side of the business where I became UK sales manager. JCB were trying to grow the business in North America so I moved to America for three-years as sales and marketing manager.

In 1990, I returned to head up the JCB Fastrac

18 AUTUMN 2017

tractor business before we launched into the market place. From this role, I then became MD for telehandlers then backhoes and JCB sales and eventually Group Human Resources Director.

In 2010, I became JCB’s chief corporate development officer focussing on growth in Brazil, China and latterly in Jaipur India.

I now hold the role of chair of governors of the JCB academy.”

You must have known the original Mr JCB, Joe Bamford, what was he like to work for?

“I never worked for him, but worked with him in some of my senior roles in the 1990’s.

He was an outstanding engineer and a brilliant man. It was super to work with such a genius. He was always asking questions and challenging what we were doing (most of which, he knew the answers!).

He was incredibly knowledgeable on how things were made and how they worked, and was particularly interested in transmissions.

Overall, he was a great inspiration to me and the teams I led.

I have worked more for Anthony Bamford (now Lord Bamford) who was the inspiration for growing the business which has seen massive growth during my career. It was Anthony Bamford’s vision that led to the setting up of the JCB Academy.

In recent years, you have been closely associated with education.

In particular, as a champion of the JCB Academy and current chair of governors. You spoke of how it was Lord Bamford’s vision – How did the Academy start and how is it progressing?

“The journey began with the very first Academies programme where the DfE approached businesses to act as sponsors and to set up schools in deprived areas. We (JCB) managed to persuade Tony Blair and Lord Adonis that it was engineering and manufacturing that was deprived – we did not

ConstructionWorX David Bell Profile

live in a deprived geographic area but we were in a deprived sector - and if they could realise our dilemma we would be prepared to start an Academy. The JCB Academy was opened in 2010 having been first mooted in 2005/6.

In the original Academies programme the sponsor had to put 10% of the capital cost in which was £2.3million – this sponsorship made us the trustees of that school. JCB today still has a major part in overseeing the JCB Academy and supporting it many ways.

The Academy is progressing very well.

In addition to being a school focussed on Engineering and Business we are now delivering apprenticeships up to foundation degree level - we plan to go on to level six which is a full degree working with Sheffield Hallam University.

We have been oversubscribed every year since we opened and are very proud of our outcomes in terms of exam results but in many ways, more importantly, the destinations of our students.

The JCB Academy delivers all the apprenticeships for JCB and a number of engineering companies in mainly the Staffordshire area. The school itself has close to 600 students together with around 300 apprentices. We have also just opened a £1.2million advanced engineering centre where we are teaching mechatronics,

materials and 3D CAD modelling. I think we are the only school in the country that delivers apprenticeships.”

meanwhile we in the construction industry continue to struggle with a chronic skills shortage because of the lack of candidates.”

In your work in education, do you feel that government policy has been sufficiently responsive to the needs of our industry?

What are your views on the Apprenticeship Levy?

“In the 12-years that I have been involved in education the skills shortage has been evident – I feel overall the country has made little progress. The question I continue to ask is “What is the purpose of education.” I believe that there is too much focus on academic results and the current measures do not help in meeting the skills shortages that many sectors face. The JCB Academy’s vision is to create the next generation of business leaders and engineers and it’s our role at the school to try and find all our students jobs, no matter what their ability, not just the very bright students.

The measures for schools focus on academic achievement, the government keep talking about making vocational courses equally valuable, but there is a long way to go. Too many students are encouraged to go to university to study courses that are not related to the skills we need and consequently very few will ever pay their student loans back –

“It is working for us at the Academy. I am in favour of people being responsible for training employees especially those who are not as academically gifted – we need all level of workers from production line personnel, welders to senior engineers and we need to train them – and we are training them. The levy will encourage people to train bricklayers, joiners and roofers etc. for the construction industry. As I have said I am a huge fan of apprenticeships – earn as you learn – that is what we are trying to encourage.

So, what would you do if you were Prime Minister?

“I would stop aiming to send 50% of students to University. Current figures indicate that 50% will not pay their loan back. Also, the interest rate needs to be looked at or even removed for student loans. Grants should also be provided for accommodation for the less fortunate.

I would really look at the skills that this country needs – it’s not complicated – you can

This photo was taken in 1947. It shows Anthony Bamford in his father's arm.

From left are early employees Bill Hirst, Arthur Harrison and Bert Holmes.

AUTUMN 2017 19

David Bell Profile ConstructionWorX

The JCB Academy, brainchild of JCB Chairman, Lord Bamford, opened its doors to students in Rocester, Staffordshire in 2010.

see who we need – engineers, construction workers, health care workers and people that can look after the elderly, and encourage young people to go into those roles through some form of apprenticeship. I would pay as much attention to the 45% of school leavers that don’t get good results, who somehow school did not connect with them, as I would to the 55% who do get top marks.

I would encourage those that do go University to study subjects that will help meet the challenges we face and study the core subjects – maths, English, physics – these core subjects offer you much wider options when you leave. I would also ensure there was much more focus on vocational education and ensure that all apprenticeships were of a high standard.

Again, these apprenticeships should be aimed at the sectors where we have current and projected skills shortages.”

We have talked about skills and education issues but what do you think the main challenges are for the construction equipment industry going forward?

“If you look at the world the main growth areas in construction and infrastructure are not in Europe, however, we must build machines in the UK to meet all these increasing regulations for Europe – so we are consumed by meeting this legislation

20 AUTUMN 2017

and not looking at real innovation, and that includes the construction industry as well, so we are not spending enough time on research and development, this restricts our ability to introduce real innovation.

From a UK perspective, I am concerned that our industry must keep up with the changes in terms of future methods of construction and changing aspirations of home owners.

All of these things take time, effort and money and most of our time effort and money is spent on meeting legislation which keeps coming our way from the EU. The net result of this I see is that our business in India is now selling machines to countries that we used to sell machines to - advanced technology and subsequent high cost of European products makes them unsuitable for most of the world’s developing markets and therefore impact on our ability to export to these markets.

Where we used to sell from the UK to Africa, Asia and Latin America, those countries are now being served more and more by India as they make the sort of machines that those countries want – so I think this is a big challenge – getting Europe to wake up to take the pressure off and allow us to compete in the world market where most of the growth is happening.

Leaving the EU won’t make any difference – we will still sell into Europe whether we are in the EU or not and we will still be part of it and Brexit will have little impact. The only thing that

is obvious where Brexit is concerned brings us back to the skills shortage that if there is some cut back on immigration then we will have to fill that gap with our own people but I think that’s excellent – I don’t think it was an intended consequence but if it was a non-intended consequence then it’s a good one.”

How do you think the CEA should respond to some of these challenges?

What can it do better to help promote the business of its members?

“As the CEA, we should be the ones that challenge policy. Regarding education, we must continue to make the case that, despite pressure from many sectors, government education policy, particularly 11-16 where subject choices are influenced and made, has not, and is not aimed at meeting the skill needs of our industry.

We must also make the EU understand the damage it is doing to innovation by constantly making regulations that derive from the automotive sector that are not appropriate for our sector.

We could possibly do more to understand future changes to building design and construction to meet future requirements from an environmental and desirability perspective.

You are the first Honorary President of the CEA in its 75-year history, so you can almost

ConstructionWorX David Bell Profile

write your own job description. What do you think you can bring to the role?

“The passion I have for youngsters to have the education and skills that we need in the future. So, anything I can do with the CEA to help get our voice across I will do.

I also feel we also need to be more effective in trying to demonstrate how valuable the construction industry is to the UK in terms of meeting core housing needs and caring for the environment and the overall economic investment benefit by the thousands of people our sector employs directly and indirectly.”

I have many years of experience in worldwide markets from a manufacturing and sales and marketing perspective which will hopefully be of some use.”

have all got to written by somebody and agreed by somebody and this is not easy and takes considerable time and manpower which is not always available. Because we (JCB Academy) are a deliverer of apprenticeships we have to do it and we have the expertise that enables us to do it but this is not always

the case. It is vitally important because, if we want to encourage people to take up these apprenticeships and as an industry get our money’s worth out of the levy, we have to have these standards in place. So, for this year this is certainly up there with the biggest challenges.” ■

Is there one thing you would like to see happen within the next year that would most benefit the construction equipment industry?

“I think we have to sort out the CITB and Apprenticeship levies and make sure we have got standards in place to meet the skills we need – this needs a lot of time and attention over the next 12-months. These standards

Dr Vince Cable chats to JCB Academy students Dennis Ammann, 17, of Branston, near Burton and Georgia Turner, 17, of Denstone.

CEA announces new patron Malcolm Harbour CBE has accepted the CEA’s invitation to be its second official patron – following on from the appointment of Dr Susan Scurlock earlier in the year.

Malcolm was the Conservative MEP for the West Midlands from 1999 to 2014.

During his time as an MEP he served as Chairman of the European Parliament’s Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee. For 12 years he was Vice President of the European Parliament’s Science and Technology Foresight Panel. He was appointed a CBE for services to the UK economy in 2013. He was a key player in shaping policies and legislation for the single market, the digital economy, research and consumer protection. He had lead roles on motor vehicle type approval, machinery, public procurement, and electronic communications.

He was founder Chairman of the European Forum for Manufacturing, and the Ceramics Industry Forum. He is now on the Council of Birmingham University – and a lay Council Member on the Research and Investment Committees. Malcolm is a Chartered Engineer and MIMechE. Before his election to the Parliament in 1999, he spent 32 years in the motor industry, as an engineer, senior commercial executive, consultant and researcher.

The CEA’s Rob Oliver welcomed the appointment, “Malcolm has terrific European experience and a keen interest in making sure that the UK's construction equipment sector is well represented in the ongoing Brexit negotiations. His extensive experience in Brussels and deep understanding of the Single Market makes him uniquely placed to support CEA members in these interesting times”.

AUTUMN 2017 21

Low Emmission Zones ConstructionWorX

The march of the city Low Emission Zone In the second of our series on aspects of engine emissions and air quality, the CEA’s Senior Technical Consultant, Malcolm Kent, turns the spotlight on the rise of the Low Emission Zone in the UK and Europe.

A patchwork quilt of low-emission zones By now, pretty much everybody in the industry will be aware of the London Low Emission Zone but awareness of the others around Europe might be more patchy. There is a variety of national, regional and city schemes in different countries and these are set to expand.

The background to all of these schemes is the problem of air quality, and particularly the EU rules setting limits on acceptable pollution levels. It was found some years ago that several member states, including the UK, were in breach of the rules in a number of cities and countries are under threat of legal action and hefty fines

22 AUTUMN 2017

from the European courts. This is not just a matter of legalities, of course, as evidence has grown over the years of the impact on human health of pollutants in the atmosphere. Although emission controls cover more than one aspect of what comes out of the tailpipe the key concern in recent years has been very fine particulates. Because of this various cities and countries around Europe have introduced their own rules in an attempt to improve air quality where it has been below par. In London this started under mayor Ken Livingstone with the on-highway sector – still much the biggest contributor to air-borne emissions – followed up under Boris Johnson by adding the scheme for non-road mobile machinery (NRMM). Across Europe the situation is unsurprisingly complex but a quick look at the graphic below shows that there is something of a geographical pattern.

ConstructionWorX Low Emmission Zones

Low emission zones Europe NRMM requirements Update: 28 March 2017

European

LEZ Low Emission Zones

NRMM LEZs across Europe This graphic has been produced by the project team working within the Committee for European Construction Equipment (CECE) on engine emission matters and shows right away that the schemes that we currently know about are in the Germanic and Nordic regions plus the UK. Other countries might have on-highway schemes (for example the restrictions for cars in Paris have received a good deal of press coverage) but these have not yet been extended to off-highway machinery.

Although the schemes are generally geographical in nature – cities or regions – there is another way that schemes are introduced: on a project basis. The first such scheme that was proposed in the UK was for the London 2012 Olympic site. This came to nought in the end but the one that is very much live just now is the construction of HS2. You could think of this as a linear low-emission zone, covering the environs of the construction works from London to Birmingham, but it is probably more helpful to think of it as project based as the restrictions will not apply to anything outside of the HS2 fence, even though machines might be just a stone’s throw apart.

So, do all these schemes around Europe make the same technical demands on machinery? You won’t be surprised to read that the answer is a very firm “no”.

For many years now Switzerland has mandated the use of a diesel particulate filter (DPF) for machines with engines over 18kW. This was well in advance of Europe-wide emission limits which pushed designers in that direction so it has been common for some years now that either OEMs have supplied a Swiss version of a product – if they don’t fit a DPF as standard – or their dealer has retrofitted a DPF before sale. That begs another question: how does anyone know that a retrofit solution is any good? Could it be a shiny stainless steel can with nothing inside?

The UN angle – a regulation for retrofit devices The Swiss made sure there were no shiny can devices (no surprise there) by defining performance requirements for a DPF and requiring that they were tested. However, it was also identified in Europe that due to the proliferation of local air quality requirements, and the likely pressure on machine owners to buy retrofit devices, a performance specification that could be applied more widely was needed. The body that took this up was the UN ECE – Economic Commission for Europe. This is a broader body than represented by the European Commission as more countries are signatories to the relevant treaties than are members of the EU 28. The outcome of the work was published as ECE Regulation

AUTUMN 2017 23

Low Emmission Zones ConstructionWorX

132 and there are some really key provisions in it: ●● The device must get the emission levels of an engine to meet the performance requirements of an EU “Stage”. ●● There must be full consideration of the risks of installation, such as impacts on visibility due to installing a DPF unit and the creation of risks from hot surfaces.

This regulation, then, means that any local authority has a set of tools to use when setting requirements for a LEZ. Firstly, they can require that machines comply with a particular EU Stage, and secondly they have a way of ensuring that retrofit devices are up to scratch, if installed.

However the ECE regulation is relatively recent (2015) and some schemes were in place before it was published, meaning that they either set their own technical requirements, like Switzerland, or leave things vague. The other element, which is missing from this set of tools, is the legislative mechanism. That will be different from place to place.

A quick scan of current schemes A look around the schemes which are already in place gives an idea of how varied they are in their requirements and implementation schedules. Here are a few examples.

Austria

There is a national scheme and one for Vienna. The national scheme requires machines to comply with Stage II now and Stage IIIA from next year but only applies in the winter months (October to March) and only in specific zones which are having trouble meeting the EU limits for fine particles in the air. On the other hand, the Vienna scheme requires at Stage IIIA but not until 2019.

Denmark

Only Copenhagen has restrictions, with private contractors being required to have DPFs fitted on machines used within the LEZ.

Germany

Berlin has required Stage IIIB since 2014 (IIIA for engines under 37kW) with older machinery having to be fitted with a DPF, whereas Mainz requires that anyone tendering for public contracts must have a DPF fitted. Note that this means that some brand new machines with Stage IV engines installed might not comply! The state of Baden-Württemberg is one of the more stringent, requiring either Stage IV or retrofit DPF from July of this year. They also require that from 1st January 2018 all retrofit devices must comply with the ECE regulation, meaning that there will be a high degree of confidence that the machine will in reality comply with the legislator’s intentions.

LEZ REQUIREMENTS IN THE UK – NEW PROPOSALS FOR LONDON London has used the rather clumsy legislative tool of making compliance with the LEZ requirements a condition of planning consents for major developments. The enforcement of this is the responsibility of the relevant borough, meaning that it is rather patchy. This has not escaped the notice of the Mayor, who has asked the government to give him better powers to set and control NRMM emissions. This would apparently entail a national machine registration scheme, similar to the DVLA registration of vehicles. Clearly, as this would require some significant legislation, and the civil servants are somewhat busy with Brexit matter, this might not happen too quickly, but watch this space. As for HS2, this requires cleaner machines, and sooner, than London for machines used on the project. These conditions are part of the contract tender requirements, meaning that HS2 as a project has better prospects for controlling emissions than many local authorities have of controlling emissions in an area. From the start HS2 required Stage IV for the Central Activity Zone and Stage IIIB for everywhere else, moving to Stage V and Stage IV respectively from 2020. This means that the HS2 project is currently the most stringent known about in Europe.

24 AUTUMN 2017

Sweden

Sweden has gone a different route. All NRMM must meet at least Stage II (which came fully into effect nearly 14 years ago) or, if they were outside of the scope of the early stages (i.e. under 19kW or over 560) they must not be more than 10 years old. Requirements in some major cities are more strict: Stage IIIA required or machinery under 6 years old. All of these requirements are under review and may become stricter still.

The future: uniformity or divergence?

There is no sign that this patchwork will come to resemble a blanket.

Schemes are being updated individually and new ones are in the pipeline. The situation for contractors wishing to move machines around Europe is therefore potentially complex in making sure that they comply with local regulations. On the plus side, the publication of the ECE regulation brings some clarity to the question of the performance of retrofit devices and most local authorities have based their requirements on the EU engine emission stages, meaning that newer machinery complies automatically. This has been a key element of the input made by industry bodies during any consultations. At the least, once we are into Stage V, we can hope that it removes any further questions and removes the motivations for setting up local schemes.

For some time, at least! ■

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ConstructionWorX International

Global markets surge in 2017 We are indebted to Off-Highway Research for their insight into trends in the world market for construction equipment.

Global construction equipment sales are expected to increase 16 per cent this year, according to updated forecasts from Off-Highway Research. Worldwide sales are expected to exceed 810,000 units in 2017, with a value of more than US$80 billion. This follows the cyclical low point which was hit in 2015 and 2016.

Most major regional equipment markets are expected to see growth this year, but the key driver will be China. Crawler excavator sales have more than doubled in the first half of 2017, compared to the same period last year.

Although demand for all types of equipment is expected to increase in China this year, the surge in crawler and mini excavator sales will see machines represent more than 50 per cent of the Chinese market in unit terms. Crawler excavator sales will overtake wheeled loaders for the first time in the Chinese market’s history.

“The sudden recovery in market demand is attributed to the large number of new projects that have been given approval to proceed since 2015, when the government decided to strengthen the economy by increasing infrastructure investment,” said Off-Highway Research.

Elsewhere in the world, the Indian market remains strong, with 10 per cent sales growth forecast for this year, continuing the momentum of the 36 per cent surge seen in 2016. This will see the market surpass the previous record high of 54,065 machine sales seen in 2011.

The market in the first half of the year was particularly strong ahead of the implementation of the new national Goods and Services Tax (GST). Looking ahead, Off-Highway Research expects continued growth in the market, although this will inevitably moderate in 2019 due to the general election.

In Europe, sales of construction equipment in are expected to grow 2 per cent this year to almost 145,000 units. This moderate rise follows an 11 per cent surge in 2016, which was driven by booming demand from the German residential construction sector.

The German market is falling back this year following its remarkable surge in 2016, but growth in most other European markets will more than offset this loss to produce the 2 per cent overall increase in sales.

The most robust growth in percentage terms is currently in Southern Europe, but these markets remain in volume terms compared to their size prior to the global financial crisis. Having said that, a few consecutive years of good growth in Italy has seen the market there return to more respectable volumes.

In the UK construction equipment sales fell back last year in reaction to the Brexit referendum result. However, the market has rallied in 2017 with a return to growth. Continued strength in the housebuilding sector is one of the main positive factors, while the country’s pipeline of infrastructure work is good for confidence in the heavier equipment categories.

The North American market is expected to climb 8 per cent to over 170,000 units. This would take it back to levels seen in 2014 and 2015, before market growth was disrupted by last year’s presidential election.

Similarly, in Japan, a 4 per cent increase in equipment sales is expected, following a slump in demand last year. The correction of 2016 was preceded by three years of unusually high sales in response to the Government’s stimulus policies – Abenomics – and the demand for equipment needed for reconstruction work following the 2011 earthquake and Tsunami.

Over the longer term, Off-Highway Research expects global construction equipment sales to rise to close to 900,000 units by 2021, with a value of more than US$90 billion in today’s terms.

Off-Highway Research’s world forecast is published as part of the company’s Global Volume & Value Service and its International, Chinese and Indian Database Services. Detailed analysis and discussion of the figures is available through its European, Chinese and Indian Services.

Global construction equipment unit sales 1,000,000 900,000 800,000 700,000 600,000 500,000 400,000 300,000 200,000 100,000 0

2012

2013 China

2014 Europe

2015 India

2016 Japan

2017* North America

2018*

2019*

2020*

2021*

Rest of the World

* - Forecast Source: Off-Highway Research

OHR’s Chris Sleight, who will be moderating the CEA’s briefing at Old Trafford on 15th November

For more information about their services, visit

www.offhighway.co.uk

AUTUMN 2017 27

D EM G B U E ES R TS S

FR M EE IT E

C IN EA V &

TO

R TE IS G OW RE N

DON’T BE A

BREXIT OSTRICH! It won’t go away just because you ignore it!

Book your place at the CEA’s Market Review & Brexit Briefing II and learn how your business will be affected by Brexit – and how to deal with it.

Wednesday, 15 November 2017 Manchester United FC, Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 0RA REGISTRATION & REFRESHMENTS (FROM 10.00 HRS) Conference Moderator: Chris Sleight BEng, Senior Consultant, Off-Highway Research Ltd

THE SPEAKERS Chris Sleight BEng, Senior Consultant, Off-Highway Research Ltd Global Construction Equipment Markets Malcolm Harbour CBE, CEA Patron and former MEP Construction Equipment - Building a Soft Brexit Malcolm Kent, CEA Senior Technical Consultant.

Aspects of Brexit – a future for mutual recognition?

Steve Crosley, Business Development Manager, UK Export Finance Leading with Finance Professor Noble Francis, Economics Director at the CPA Construction Industry Forecasts 2017-19 Paul Lyons MBA, Market Information Manager, Construction Equipment Association.

A UK equipment market and trade update CONFERENCE CLOSE (APPROX 15.30 HRS)

REGISTER NOW

www.thecea.org.uk/conference

ConstructionWorX International

The good news on export finance Steve Crosley, the Business Development Manager of UK Export Finance will be a guest speaker at the CEA’s Brexit Briefing II event at Old Trafford on 15th November.

Here is an introduction to what UKEF is all about.

Case study:

Empowering exporters

The right finance or insurance can make the difference between an export success and failure. As part of the Department for International Trade, UK Export Finance helps UK companies: ●● win export contracts by providing attractive financing terms to their buyers ●● fulfil contracts by supporting working capital loans and contract bonds ●● get paid by insuring against buyer default In the last financial year alone, UKEF helped 221 exporters grow by meeting the increasing global demand for UK product and services, 80% of whom were SMEs. Over the last five years, we’ve provided £14 billion worth of support and a wealth of free, impartial guidance around eligibility for specialist trade finance.

With support from UKEF, Pontypool-based fire safety equipment manufacturer, Flamgard Calidair was able to fulfil a major business opportunity with the Chernobyl New Safe Confinement site. Under the terms of the contract, Flamgard would provide fire and shutoff dampers to the Chernobyl site, the world’s largest movable structure designed to facilitate monitoring and demolition of the previous containment building following the 1986 disaster.

To fulfil the contract, Flamgard had to provide its buyer with an advance payment bond – a common challenge for exporters in the sector. It was able to secure this through its bank, Lloyds, while a guarantee from UKEF meant there was no requirement for a deposit. This allowed the company to deliver on an international, multimillion pound contract and strengthen its presence in the global marketplace.

Full range of support The right export support can make the difference between an export success and failure. Working as an integral part of the support on offer from the Department for International Trade, UKEF can support exports for any size of company, across all sectors. UKEF’s support complements rather than competing with the private sector – it works with 70 private credit insurers and lenders to deliver support.

UKEF’s network of export finance managers, based across the UK, provides face-to-face support for businesses looking to compete for business abroad.

Regardless of size or sector, UKEF can help your business export to over 200 markets. Why not get in touch and realise the world of opportunity awaiting you? ■

For more information visit

www.gov.uk/uk-export-finance or email customer.service@ukexportfinance.gov.uk

AUTUMN 2017 29

ConstructionWorX International

Why you should be exhibiting in Sub-Saharan Africa With an exhibition area covering 68,000 square metres, bauma CONEXPO AFRICA, the Interna-tional Trade Fair for Construction Machinery, Building Material Machines, Mining Machines and Construction Vehicles is the biggest event for the sector in Africa. In 2015 the show saw: ●● 616 exhibitors from 42 countries ●● 14,300 visitors from 75 countries bauma CONEXPO AFRICA is held every three years; the next edition will be held at the Johan-nesburg Expo Centre (JEC) from 13-16 March 2018. Africa’s premier trade fair for the mining and construction industry will attract both local and international visitors. The top five African countries visiting Bauma CONEXPO AFRICA 2015, after South Africa, were: Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique and Botswana.

The construction sector is a mainstay of the South African economy Urbanisation has become an increasingly important factor for African governments. Africa had 22 cities with more than 2 million inhabitants in 2010, and will have another 14 of that size by 2020. For many years, backhoe and skid steer loaders have dominated the compact market (50% of total unit sales in RSA). Now new solutions are gunning for a share of the market including articu-lated loaders and compact excavators.

Exhibitors at bauma CONEXPO AFRICA (Johannesburg, 13-16 March 2018) are seeing the shift in momentum. Quintin Booysen, Marketing and Sales Manager at PMSA—Pan Mixers South Afri-ca—one of South Africa´s largest manufacturers of concrete brick, block and paving machinery, says: “Business in precast concrete components is starting to recover this year: The bigger manu-facturers are expanding and replacing their machinery in order to enhance their competitiveness in the future and to secure themselves a larger market share.” ■

616

14,300

exhibitors

visitors

from 42 countries

from 75 countries

The CEA UK Pavilion Government Grants of £2,500 for Eligible UK Exhibitors The CEA is delighted to announce that they will run a high profile UK Pavilion at bauma CONEX-PO AFRICA 2018. The CEA ran a very well supported and successful UK Pavilion at the first two editions of the show. Exhibitors wishing to book space at the 2018 event should contact gill.stirk@admin.co.uk.

The CEA has been awarded nine Department for International Trade TAP grants which will offer eligible exhibitors grants of £2,500 towards the cost of their stand in Johannesburg.

AUTUMN 2017 31

BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN

2018 Johannesburg – 13-16 March 2018

Paris – 23-28 April

2019

Munich – 8 – 14 April

The CEA will once again be running a UK Pavilion at Bauma Conexpo Africa, Intermat and Bauma Munich By exhibiting on the UK Pavilion you not only benefit from a highly visible location at the show, but save money on stand space and construction. Savings of over €600 on the exhibitor registration fee at Intermat and a saving of €590 at Bauma by not having to pay the co-exhibitor fee or the advance service fee of €19.00 per sqm. Plus you have us do all the hard work in organising your stand for you!

If you want a presence at any of these major global exhibitions, without the considerable expense of a your own stand, great value display “POD” packages are now available.

DIT grants of £2,500 per eligible company are available for UK exhibitors at Bauma Conexpo Africa.

Limited space is available, so contact Gill Stirk, gill.stirk@admin.co.uk to book your space now.

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ConstructionWorX International

Spotlight on Cambodia British Embassy in Phnom Penh report new export opportunities in Cambodia.

The forecast for construction equipment (CE) growth in SE Asia is 2.3% from 2016-22. The Cambodian Construction equipment market is driven by 3 main factors: infrastructure development, residential and commercial construction, and economic activity. Rising Government spending for the upgrading of existing infrastructure combined with new projects (hydro power) in Cambodia has resulted in upward demand for CE. Notably, the 2017-2019 rolling public expenditure budget for infrastructure (roads, dams, and ports) is $1.37 billion (26% of total $5.23 billion construction spend) covering 66 projects with an additional 9 feasibility studies. Other construction projects are currently being planned by the Ministry of Rural Development and the Ministry of Water and Meteorology, include the construction of rural roads and small- and medium-sized dams.

In tandem, residential and commercial construction projects have continued to grow. The Government has approved 1,523 projects worth $4.94 billion in the first quarter of 2017. There were 2,636 projects with a value of $8.5 billion approved in 2016 - a 156% increase compared to 2,305 projects valued at $3.3 billion in 2015. (Source: Cambodian Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction).

Stable GDP growth at 7%, coupled with an increasing inflow of foreign

direct investment has driven construction activities forward apace. The industrial and infrastructure sectors accounted for 72% of $20.1 billion of total investments in the last five years (2012-2016) according to the Cambodian Council for Development (CDC).

Export Opportunities to Cambodia ●●

●● ●● ●● ●● ●● ●●

●●

All construction equipment infrastructure projects, especially road building, airport construction, bridges, railways and port construction.

Tracking devices for construction workers management.

Equipment for produce manufactured sand (government ban on extracting sand from domestic rivers).

Fire Fighting systems Access control systems CCTV and PABX systems Other Mechanical and Electrical products or devices that require high engineering skill such as building management systems, power solutions, HVAC system etc.

Renewable energy products including solar, recycling equipment, etc.

For further information on exporting to Cambodia contact: Olivia Widen, Director, Department for International Trade, British Embassy Phnom Penh, 27-29. Street 75, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Tel: +855 (0) 12 888 014; +855 (0) 17 333 469. E-mail: olivia.widen@fco.gov.uk

AUTUMN 2017 33

ConstructionWorX Beyond Brexit

Brexit Scorecard Within a few weeks of the Brexit referendum result, the CEA set out seven principles to meet in a successful EU withdrawal process for the benefit of the UK construction equipment sector. The CEA’s Director of Global Programmes, Joanna Oliver MBE, provides her scorecard on how things have gone since then.

1. Post-Brexit, the main regulations affecting construction equipment should continue to be consistent with those in place in the EU. We do not want tougher regulations.

Although the topic of Mutual Recognition Agreements has come to the fore, it remains unclear how existing EU regulations will be affected going forward when they need updating. To date the UK has had a seat at the table and input into the drafting of regulations, allowing us to apply the brakes to some of the more unworkable suggestions coming from the EU. As outsiders, the UK CE sector will have to just accept whatever updates and changes the rest of the EU decides if it is to continue to supply to the single market. These changes in regulation could also have implications for the UK’s off shore supply chain.

This may possibly be to the advantage of the domestic supply chain manufacturers. The general acceptance that an implementation, or transition, period is needed is welcome, although the “around two years” formula may be a little arbitrary. However, we should not assume that this will be a “business as usual” two years – senior Cabinet members are already making noises about setting aside legislation such as the REACH directive on chemicals.

Score: 5/10 – the transition period will help but only if there is clarity on what it will mean in practice.

2. Plans to stimulate the UK construction sector should be strengthened and accelerated – to bolster business confidence and deliver the productivity benefits of a world class physical infrastructure.

The Prime Minister announced in October an additional £2 billion investment in affordable housing – taking the Government’s total affordable housing budget to almost £9 billion. A further £300 million will be made available to future-proof the railway network in the

north, ensuring HS2 infrastructure can link up with future Northern Powerhouse and Midlands Rail projects.

The Chancellor recently announced an extra £10bn in funding to provide loans under the Help to Buy Equity scheme through to 2021.

Helping an estimated 130,000 more homebuyers over the next few years and thus stimulating the lower end of the housing market.

However, a recent report by the Scape Group, a public sector partnership to improve the built environment says; “Post-Brexit, how will the "toxic mix" of a skills drought and soaring material costs affect the industry? Our recent analysis of Government data found that the Brexit combination of a construction skills drought and soaring material import costs could cost the UK construction sector £570m".

Nevertheless, the HS2 flagship rail project remains on course and there is a cross-party consensus that the physical infrastructure must be the focus of investment. We may even get a new runway at Heathrow (eventually).

Score: 7/10 – the triumph of hope over experience.

3. Government should re-energise its support for existing and new exporters – recognising that extra costs in developing new markets come before the benefits of a more competitive exchange rate.

No more than a passing nod has yet been given to the support for exporters, new or otherwise. As we go to press the Department for International Trade (DIT) have still to make any announcements on what, if any, assistance they will offer to exports in the next financial year commencing 1 April 2018. Support in the current financial year has already been slashed with very few exporters now qualifying for grant support.

The DIT seems to be consumed in Brexit to the detriment of all else. As few machines can claim to be truly 100% UK origin it is entirely possible

AUTUMN 2017 35

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ConstructionWorX Beyond Brexit

that the gains made by a weak pound are overridden by the increase in costs of imported components. The DIT’s goal of doubling exports by 2020 seems to have been thrown out in the Brexit bathwater.

Score: 3/10 – UK Trade & Investment has gone but difficult to see the vision on what, if anything, should replace it.

4. Clear and urgent policy guidance is needed on how skills gaps will be filled in construction and engineering roles – and how companies can continue to recruit workers with key skills.

The Chancellor, Phillip Hammond, announced at the Spring Budget that he will invest half a billion pounds a year extra to radically reform technical education. Allegedly, the UK is on course to deliver 3 million more apprenticeships by 2020 creating new opportunities for higher skills and higher earnings. Yet, the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy, hitting companies with a £3 million plus payroll, was introduced without a full understanding from businesses how they could achieve a training pay back for their employees. The CEA’s early encounters with the Institute for Apprenticeships (IfA) were not encouraging but now seem back on track in respect of the Trailblazer standards for service and maintenance technicians.

Score: 4/10 – regardless of Brexit we have been “minding the gap” on skills for years without hitting on a successful solution.

5. International investment has played a significant role in the success of the construction equipment industry in the UK. Government policies should be tuned to ensuring that this can continue.

More than two million UK employees work for companies that are reliant to some extent on foreign investment from the European Union (ONS statistics). International direct investment plays a big part in the UK construction equipment sector. Komatsu UK has this year celebrated 30 years of manufacturing in the North East – and Caterpillar has an even longer record of production in the UK. The French Mecalac group has also recently bought a British manufacturing plant – and Terex and Volvo CE have a significant production footprint in this country. Car companies, notably Nissan, were early in the post-referendum queue seeking Government guarantees that Brexit would not affect their business. Sector by sector agreements on trade and investment may emerge more clearly on the political agenda but have not yet taken shape. Figures from the Department for International Trade (DIT) showed new jobs created by foreign investment fell by 9 per cent in 2016. The other side of the coin is that the general fall in sterling has made many UK companies look more attractive for takeovers.

For companies manufacturing in, exporting from or importing into the UK, there remain big question marks on what trade terms will emerge with the EU and the rest of the world. Until this is resolved, major investment decisions are likely to remain on hold for most players.

Score: 5/10 – the Government wants to talk trade terms, but so far the EU have been reluctant to engage.

6. The interests of business are served by trading in free and fair home and international markets. Government policy should prioritise these principles in all negotiations on trade relations.

To negotiate our own free trade agreements, the UK must be an independent member of the WTO. This does not currently seem possible until after Brexit. An increase in costs of cross border transportation and customs seems inevitable meaning that there will be an increase in the transactional export costs associated with leaving the EU. It is of growing concern how a “hard Brexit” with a departure from

both the single market and customs union will affect the UK manufacturing sector both from an export and supply chain point of view.

The end to frictionless borders with minimal delays in transit may also jeopardise the hard earned “just in time” supply chains established over many years.

For the UK to remain in the Internal Market, as is extended to Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein who participate through membership of the European Economic Area (EEA), the UK would first need to re-join EFTA (IoD, August 2017) and then negotiate membership of the EEA as a new contracting party. This would not be an automatic right once the UK leaves the EU in March 2019. If the UK managed to negotiate re-joining the EEA, it would be likely that the free movement of people would also be a requirement along with the free movement of goods and services.

This is unlikely to be politically acceptable. The IoD note that continued membership of the Customs Union for a country outside the EU would be very difficult, given the common origin rules for goods originating either inside or outside the EU. Only Turkey, San Marino and Andorra currently enjoy a special, partial membership, of a separate customs union.

The Common Transit Convention (CTC) is the mechanism that allows for goods to pass through all EU borders once they have been cleared for entry into the EU instead of being stopped at every border for customs and possibly duties. There would be a danger of the UK did not continue membership of the CTC that customs formalities would need to be observed at every border crossed and possibly tariffs paid. Participation in the Common Transit Convention may well hinge on being members of the EEA or EFTA and adherence to the conditions that accompany them.

There is talk of self-certification of exports by Authorised Economic Operators (AEOs), companies who are entitled to self-certify for customs clearance, but the UK is lagging far behind others in having nowhere near enough AEOs. HMG is currently developing a new Customs Declaration Service (CDS) which will be compliant with the current EU system.

Score: 5/10 – as nothing is settled, it is difficult to give anything other than a “wait and see” assessment.

7. Manufacturing, and engineering expertise, should be a keystone of the post-Brexit economy – a principle reflected in the formulation of Government policy in pursuit of a balanced economy.

In the period post-referendum, up to the 2017 General Election, it was perceived that government was not fully engaged with the business viewpoint on what was needed to ensure a smooth withdrawal process.

The post-election consensus that an additional implementation period was needed indicated that there was a welcome realisation that more time was needed to “get it right”. This was underlined by the setting of more structured fora for consultation with engineering and manufacturing interests.

If the financial sector comes under pressure as a result of Brexit and the £124 billion (2016 figure) it contributes to the UK economy is threatened, then there may be an even clearer and urgent need to promote “making things” as a route to better economic health. In its Modern Industrial Strategy Green Paper earlier this year, HMG recognised the opportunities.

If implemented, an industrial strategy bringing together all the key ingredients needed for success (such as better skills, R&D, infrastructure investment etc.), may just succeed to the benefit of all.

Score: ?/10 ■

AUTUMN 2017 37

In the Lobby ConstructionWorX

True Single Market for Off-Road Machines within Reach?

CECE joined forces with the European agricultural machinery makers’ group, CEMA, during a dinner debate organised at the European Parliament, Brussels, in October.

Industry speakers welcomed the upcoming Commission proposal on the completion of the Single Market for off-road machines.

The Commission aims to achieve this by creating one single approval system which will authorize mobile machines for road use across the entire EU without imposing further cumbersome national technical requirements.

CEMA President, Richard Markwell, termed the initiative “a cornerstone” of the Single Market and urged the Commission to include the proposal in their annual Work Programme.

In so doing, he encouraged the Commission to take recourse to existing legislation and harmonized standards. “Setting-up common safety rules for mobile machines will cut unnecessary costs and administrative burden when placing machines on the EU market”, he said. “This will greatly benefit customers and boost the competitiveness of Europe’s agricultural and construction equipment industries.” The debate was a follow up to CECE’s direct appeal to Commission President, Jean-Claude Juncker, to prioritise action on this topic in 2018 to avoid it being “timed out” by the next set of European Parliament elections in 2019. By its own research, the Commission estimates that the lack of a single market in this area costs industry €90 million per year. CEA Chief Executive, Rob Oliver, reminded Birgit Weidel, the senior European Commission representative at the gathering, from DG GROW, that the lobby for common on road rules for construction equipment had been an ever present on CECE’s agenda for; “Not months, not years, but decades!” – and he welcomed her commitment to help break the logjam of inaction.

Mayor Khan Targets NRMM Emissions Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, has claimed that Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) such as diggers and bulldozers are currently the second largest source of ultrafine particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions

38 AUTUMN 2017

in London and the fifth largest source of oxides of Nitrogen (NOx). This is likely to grow as traffic related emissions decline and as construction increases across London.

Sadiq wants greater powers for the capital to enforce the standards of the Non-Road Mobile Machinery Low Emission Zone (NRMM LEZ) – a scheme that uses the Mayor’s planning powers to impose minimum emissions standards for machinery used on construction sites. He also thinks it should be possible for the rules of the NRMM LEZ to be applied across the board to existing planning permissions and to other users of NRMM as the current regulations mean that more than 1,000 sites are not registered and activities such as roadworks and events are not covered at all.

Sadiq also wants either himself, or another appropriate authority, to have the power to set minimum emission and technical standards for all NRMM used in London. This could be done by amending the GLA Act so that the Mayor can use his powers to regulate NRMM in the same way as he can for road vehicles. In order to support these powers, Sadiq wants the creation and maintenance of a DVLA-style national database for NRMM. Reacting to the news, CEA Chief Executive, Rob Oliver, commented, “As in the past, we are happy to engage with the London authorities to come up with practical ways of setting and policing metropolitan emission standards. In particular, we would like to focus on the real on site impact of construction machines – but we would advise against any new initiatives which might in practice be even more difficult to enforce than the current requirements.”

CEA Networking at Conservative Conference CEA staff were present at the Conservative Party conference, held in Manchester. It provided the opportunity to attend business related conference sessions and fringe meetings – and gain insights from Ministers on the future direction of government policy

in key areas. Meetings were also held with representatives from the EEF, the Midlands Engine and other lobbying organisations present at the event. The CEA’s international director, Joanna Oliver MBE, commented, “I hadn’t attended a party conference for some time, so it was good to be able to renew some old contacts and make a number of new ones, including an introduction to Steve Baker MP, from the Department for Exiting the European Union.” ■

PEOPLE New Chief Executive at the EEF EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation has appointed Stephen Phipson CBE as its new Chief Executive, succeeding Terry Scuoler CBE who is stepping down at the end of the year.

Stephen has a wide range of experience in both Government and advanced manufacturing companies. He is currently Head of the Defence and Security Organisation (DSO) within the Department for International Trade. In this role he is responsible for providing UK Government export support to the UK defence and security industry.

Prior to heading up DSO he was Director for Security Industry Engagement at the Home Office, before which he spent thirty five years in a range of large and small manufacturing businesses.

CEA Chief Executive, Rob Oliver, says, “Terry and the EEF have done some great work in recent years and been pivotal in coordinating the voice of manufacturing to government. The CEA has benefitted hugely from the EEF’s willingness to act as a forum for views and policies in a range of areas, including skills and industrial strategy”.

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Hard Data ConstructionWorX

Growth slowing in the UK construction market The UK construction market shows signs of slowing, but equipment sales remain strong in 2017. The CEA’s Paul Lyons looks at the latest reports and statistics for the UK market.

Activity in the UK construction market is currently reasonably high, and is expected to show a 1.6% increase in output this year compared with 2016. Some of this is due to a rise in activity in public housing repair and maintenance to deal with short term measures introduced in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire. However, the latest forecast from the Construction Products Association, anticipates a reduction to 0.7% growth in 2018, the lowest level for six years. The latest statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) for new orders in the construction sector illustrate how the market is weakening. In Q2 this year, orders declined by 7.8% and were the lowest quarterly level for three years.

The primary drivers of activity over the next two years are forecast to be the infrastructure and private housebuilding sectors. Growth in infrastructure is forecast to be 7.4% this year and 6.4% in 2018, due to major projects in rail and water and sewage, including HS2 and the Thames Tideway Tunnel. In contrast, sharp falls in the commercial and industrial sectors will limit overall growth in the market in 2018. The Construction Products Association are highlighting that risks to current forecasts are considerable, particularly in the medium and longer term, due to unprecedented economic and political uncertainty surrounding the Brexit process.

The UK construction Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) (pictured right) published by IHS Markit for September indicates that the sector is continuing to experience a slow down. The index in September fell to 48.7, below the 50.0 “no change” threshold, and was the lowest for 13 months. Only housebuilding showed growth, but this was at the lowest level for 6 months. Across the sectors, new business showed reduced levels for the third month in a row, and reflects a growing shortage of new work to replace completed projects.

Construction equipment sales increase in 2017 In 2017, the established construction equipment statistics exchange has been taken over by Systematics International Ltd, a specialist data processing company. The scheme is run in partnership with the CEA, and allows publication of quarterly bulletins to be issued on equipment sales in the UK market for the first time.

In the first half of 2017, sales of construction and earthmoving equipment showed a 6% increase compared with the same period in 2016. Sales in the first quarter showed an 8% increase on the previous year, but slowed to 4% in the second quarter, in terms of a year-on-year

40 AUTUMN 2017

comparison. Equipment sales in the UK market have shown a distinctive seasonal pattern in the last few years, “peaking” in Q2, and then “bottoming” in Q4. (The graph below illustrates sales on an index basis using Q1 2016 as 100).

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this year, particularly within the rental sector, which is estimated to account for over 60% of supply to the UK market. Growing demand from major infrastructure projects and a buoyant housing market have underpinned demand in the first half of the year.

Equipment sales within the UK market have been relatively strong since 2014, with levels of sales in the last 3 years at their highest since the market crash in 2008. The most popular machine types in the UK are mini and crawler excavators, which find significant usage in the house building market, and account for over half of total equipment sales.

The latest forecast from Off-highway Research for equipment sales in the UK market is for an 8% increase in 2017, before moderating to 3% in 2018. Beyond this, forecasting is very difficult due to the uncertainty caused by Brexit.

Exports of construction equipment continue to grow in 2017

exports in the first half of 2017. However, the EU28 countries accounted collectively for 44% of exports in the first half of the year.

According to HMRC trade statistics, UK exports of construction and earthmoving equipment remain on an upward trend in 2017, and at £1,413 million in the first half of the year were 19% higher than the first half of 2016. This can be attributed to improving demand in many of the major overseas markets, as well as the benefit of the weaker £ since the Brexit referendum in 2016. The single biggest destination for UK exports continues to be the USA, accounting for 23% of the total value of

Imports of equipment also grew in the first half of 2017 and are consistent with statistics showing increases in sales in the UK market overall. In the first 6 months, imports of equipment showed a 16% increase on the same period in 2016, at £786 million. Overall, the UK remains a net exporter of construction equipment, with the trade surplus running at £627 million in the first half of the year, as imports represent only 55% of the value of exports. ■

A case study – UK trade in Concrete equipment: exports on a rising trend, while imports are declining Exports (£ million fob) Official customs data on UK trade in construction equipment is available for different types of equipment using tariff code details. One area that has been explored this year has been to look at imports and exports of concrete equipment, as part of an initiative between the CEA and the Concrete Society. This organisation is dedicated to supporting the use of concrete, and is based in Camberley in Surrey. Analysis of customs data shows trade in four different types of equipment: “static” mixers and pumps, as well as mixer lorries and pumping vehicles, all of which are of interest to both organisations.

The graphs below illustrate two very clear trends for concrete equipment, with exports showing significant increases this year, while

Imports (£ million cif )

imports are on a declining trend. In the first half of 2017, exports increased by 69% compared with the first half of 2016, reaching £9.2 million. At the same time, imports showed an 18% reduction to £15.5 million in the first half of 2017. This means that the UK remains a net importer of concrete equipment, but the deficit in the first half of 2017 has more than halved from £13.4 million in 2016 to £6.3 million in 2017.

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ConstructionWorX Member Voice

McCloskey doubles its workforce in Northern Ireland with £17million factory McCloskey’s owner Paschal McCloskey talks to Construction Worx about the company’s expanding global empire and how the UK and Irish markets are back stronger than ever.

Canadian-owned McCloskey International is a major player in the global crushing and screening industry. Since 1985 McCloskey has been designing and manufacturing mobile crushers, screeners, trommels and stackers. Built with power and durability as standard, every product is field-tested before being deployed in a wide range of industries around the world, including aggregates processing, mining, waste management and recycling, construction and demolition, infrastructure and roadbuilding, landscaping, composting and wood recycling. 2016 marked the introduction of a new division, McCloskey Washing Systems (MWS), which designs and manufactures modular, mobile and static wash systems for the materials and minerals washing industry.

Earlier this year, the company opened a new state of the art £17million 120,000 square foot production facility in Dungannon, Northern Ireland, which will complement two existing facilities in the area. The workforce in Northern Ireland has doubled over the past three years to over 260 people, while over 350 are employed at the 410,000 square foot Canadian headquarters. The assets of both these facilities, along with a dealer network of 90 exclusive dealers in over 100 countries, make McCloskey the largest independent manufacturer of mobile screening, crushing and washing equipment in the world.

Recent investments will enable the company to meet the increase in global demand for its product range. Commenting on the company’s growth, owner Paschal McCloskey said: “Construction activity within developing economies is expected to double over the next decade and we want to position ourselves to capitalise on emerging growth opportunities within the aggregate processing and waste recycling industries.”

This involves continued heavy investment in R&D and new product development and diversification into complimentary product and industry sectors. With continued strength in the North American and

European markets, the company is investing in market development in regions such as Asia, Africa and South America, where the company is already starting to see growth.

The U.K and Ireland represent strategically important markets for McCloskey and they have returned to historical high levels over the past two years. Despite the ongoing uncertainty over Brexit, McCloskey, like most businesses, is keen to see the final outcome of Brexit negotiations and is confident that it has the appropriate resources and flexibility in place to make whatever changes are necessary to continue servicing the European market. ■

Recent investments will enable McCloskey to meet the increase in global demand for its product range.

AUTUMN 2017 45

Member Profile ConstructionWorX

Hill Engineering In this issue, Construction Worx reporter, Louise Murphy, puts the spotlight on another Northern Ireland based CEA member.

An attachment for all-seasons Established in 1994, Hill Engineering has been designing and manufacturing excavator attachments for 23 years. The company’s award winning quick coupler, the TEFRA, is designed for excavators ranging from 3T to 120T. Its bucket range includes the TITAN HD (standard) and HDX (rock) buckets from 13T upwards, which encompasses all forms such as trench, grading, riddle and V buckets. The company also manufacture rippers up to 75T and pallet forks up to 20T.

Product Range The company is best known for its award winning fully automatic hydraulic coupler, TEFRA, which has transformed health and safety on construction sites around the world – and has been significant in the company’s financial growth and increase in market share. The company claim that TEFRA has proved itself as the safest coupler on the market today – with only three moving parts. It has reduced downtime extensively and it allows operators to be more productive in their operations.

In 2014 Hill introduced its TEFRA Tilt. The TEFRA Tilt is designed for customers who need the full functionality of a Tilt bucket but see the versatility of having the 180-degree tilt function on all of their attachments with a standard pin grabbing system. Most tilt rotate systems are designed with dedicated attachments, which comes with a high level of investment. Hill Engineering sales and marketing manager

46 AUTUMN 2017

Oliver Phelan said, “The TEFRA Tilt represents a very strong middle ground. The product itself has really taken off. We are selling more and more as the months go by. We have seen a 60% growth in sales of the Tilt over the last year and it’s still growing.”

Hill estimates that a Tefra Tilt in comparison to its equivalent in a tilt rotator is approximately 30% of the cost. So, it’s the ideal ‘in between’ product where it gives the operator the majority of the functionalities they need but at a fraction of the price.

Hill’s Thumb is the latest addition to the product range. Phelan said, “The ‘Thumb’ concept is quite a new concept in the UK but in other markets, such as the USA, it’s huge – 90% of machines will be fitted with a ‘Thumb’ in the USA. In the Irish & UK market, it (Thumb) has been very well received. We have seen growth in interest in this product and we feel that there is future growth to be had. We’ve seen progression in the material handling and demolition sectors where rather than just having a grab on the machine, the ‘Thumb’ allows the user more flexibility where they can some of the functionality of a grab, but also then be able to pick up large bulk material and hold it in securely in the bucket.”

Phelan added, “Again the ‘Thumb’ offers an alternative product at the fraction of the price – it doesn’t have all the functionality of a grab but it has a very similar impact when using it. When it comes to the general construction market we feel that over the next five years we will start to see ‘Thumbs’ coming into play more often in this sector on excavators again purely down to the versatility that it offers.”

ConstructionWorX Member Profile

Steady Growth Hill’s level of growth in the last three years has been significant. the company foresees this steady growth continuing until the end of the decade. Phelan reported, “In 2015 we saw a slight dip in the market, however, we continued to experience growth, even when market dips were increasing our client base was growing.”

Phelan added, “2014 was an exceptional year for everybody having come out of several tough years and our clients were in a position to renew their fleet. We are now at a point in 2017 and 2018 we are experiencing a similar cycle where three years on we are starting to see the plant hire companies renewing their fleet after 2-3 years of operation.”

Exports and emerging markets Hill Engineering’s products are exported worldwide. The US and Canadian markets are continually gathering pace for Hill following strong levels of industry growth over the past number of years and with a high level of market confidence on the ground this market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.

Growing markets for Hill include the Middle East, Africa and China.

Phelan added, “We are focused on the markets that we have invested time in, however, markets such as South America, Russia, Africa and India are continually developing, processes are changing and safety regulations are becoming more and more stringent as the global safety standard ISO13031 becomes embedded and takes precedence.”

Commitment to the Irish market “While our export markets are very important to us we have never lost sight of the markets that helped us get to where we are today, Ireland and the UK.” Phelan said.

Hill Engineering has a significant share of the UK and Ireland market and the company is one of the last few manufacturers based in Ireland.

The whole build process including fabrication is completed in the company’s factory in Newry.

Phelan said, “We are 100% committed to the Irish market not only from a supply perspective but also from a manufacturing perspective.

We make every effort possible to keep our supply chain locally sourced.

We have recently strengthened and added to our sales team in Ireland with the appointment of William McIntosh who has been with

the company for several years and has been brought up through the business in different departments.”

McIntosh said, “We want to significantly increase our market share in Ireland over the next two years by supplying quality products. The Irish construction market is back in growth mode which is why Hill has committed the people, time and production to meet the needs of this strategic market for us.”

R&D and the future Hill Engineering has a number of ongoing R&D projects. One project that the company can talk about is the new addition to its coupler range – a new 1.5 tonne TEFRA hydraulic coupler aimed at the ever-increasing mini excavator market – which will be coming onto the market before the end of the year. Phelan reported, “We are currently in test mode – the product is being used in multiple environments so we can be 100% confident it mirrors the quality and durability of its big brothers.”

On the company’s growth Phelan said, “We have had many client acquisitions in the last year. These new clients have switched their allegiance to Hill because of the reliability of the products we manufacture – it’s a testament to how they are made and designed.

These companies do not want downtime with their machines. We have other big clients about to make their move to Hill in the near future and we continue to work with the large manufacturers and machine dealerships.”

Hill have appointed John Boyle as general manager, an expert in process management and engineering, who has worked in the Irish market for many years. Hill Engineering managing director, Ian Hill said, “John will take Hill to its next phase of development and brings a fresh approach to management, manufacturing and stock control”. Hill concluded, “Rather than putting more hours in the working day we are looking at the way we work – work smarter not harder. This will be of great benefit to our clients with stock on the ground, more accessibility to our product and reduced lead times, to match the demands that their clients put on them for delivery of machines. We are still a company that’s in growth mode, but with the team we have in place right now along with the quality of product we manufacture we are giving ourselves the best opportunity possible to take our business to new and exciting heights.”. ■

AUTUMN 2017 47

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ConstructionWorX CITS

2017 CITS Conference

– Fighting Fraud and Cyber-Crime This year’s Combined Industries Theft Solutions (CITS) conference is taking place on 24th November 2017 at the RBS Building, 250 Bishops Gate, London. Entitled – ‘The Elephant in the Room’ – the conference will be addressing increasing threats from fraud and cyber-crime.

CITS is a cross industry business group dedicated to reducing crime in the construction and agricultural industries. Board members include representatives from leading construction and utility companies and representatives from the insurance industry. Other members include machinery manufacturers and hire industry organisations, alongside several industry trade bodies including Hire Association Europe (HAE), the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA), the Construction Equipment Association (CEA) and the Agricultural Engineers’ Association (AEA).

The conference is aimed at directors and management of major construction companies, the insurance and asset finance sector, and the equipment hire sector. Speakers include experts from the Home Office, KPMG, Natwest Fraud, the Police, The City of London Fraud Squad, and the Construction Industry Fraud Database (CIFAS). For further details on how to register as a delegate or becoming a sponsor please go to the www.cits.london website or email enquiries@theftsolutions.org.

Kubota adopts CESAR for tractor series Kubota UK recently announced that it has adopted the official CESAR Scheme for its M Series range of tractors. The CESAR security and registration scheme is owned and managed by the Construction Equipment Association (CEA) and supported by the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA).

Dave Roberts, managing director at Kubota UK, commented: “Farm equipment is a popular target for thieves. As a manufacturer, it’s our responsibility to do all we can to make our products as appealing as possible to our customers and less attractive to criminals.

“As part of our ongoing investment in the agricultural industry, I am delighted to announce that as from 1st September, all of our M Series tractors are now CESAR marked. Datatag ID is proven in protecting and reducing machinery theft as well as being an essential technology for recovering stolen equipment.

“Another key benefit of fitting this technology on our M Series is the fact that our customers will now have the opportunity to benefit from reduced insurance premiums from NFU Mutual, and other leading insurers, who offer significant discounts for CESAR registered equipment.”

This news comes hot on the heels of the annual NFU Mutual Crime Report, which identified the cost of rural crime at £40m p.a. and notes that regrettably rural crime is once again on the increase.

Liebherr sign up to CESAR German equipment manufacturer Liebherr is the latest brand to adopt the official CESAR scheme.

Liebherr, is best known for its range of tower cranes, but its product portfolio also includes a broad range of earthmoving and materials handling equipment including tracked and wheeled excavators, wheeled loaders, crawler tractors, crawler loaders, telescopic handlers and large dump trucks. CESAR is now fitted to all Liebherr’s mobile equipment and fitted on the production lines in their factories.

CESAR, the most successful scheme of its type in the world, celebrated its 10th anniversary earlier this year - and now protects over 250,000 pieces of construction, agricultural and industrial equipment. CESAR acts as both a deterrent to theft and an invaluable aid to recovery as each piece of equipment is given a unique ‘fingerprint’, using several layers of Datatag security marking technology that thieves cannot remove. ■

AUTUMN 2017 49

Skills & Training ConstructionWorX

Inspiring tomorrow’s engineers today…

Dr Susan Scurlock CEO, founder of Primary Engineer and Honorary Patron of the CEA, tells Construction Worx readers about an exciting competition that’s inspiring young engineers nationwide.

We have discovered that young children really like being engineers – child so young to be an inventor – but last year a 4-year-old won a prize which is great news! And how do we know this? As part of the Primary for her rainbow music box; an invention which sprayed water through and Secondary Engineer programmes, the Leaders Awards encourage a prism and played music so she could dance under a rainbow. Perhaps schools to take part in an engineering competition. worthy of a ‘patent pending’?

In 2016 23,000 pupils in schools across the county took part in the But it’s not just the teachers and pupils this project has enthused, competition and were asked the question “If you were an engineer – what parents have been overheard at the Leaders Awards exhibitions saying would you invent?” The children were asked to identify problems and how their children could, and should, become engineers – which is invent a solution. The children were also asked to write a letter to support helping to break down a huge barrier to aspirations towards engineering. their invention summarising “why an engineer This project has created ties to universities should choose their design to build.” These and the engineering industry. Universities are designs were shown in National Exhibitions using the ideas as degree projects, vblogging across the UK. the design and build process so that children Their inventions ranged from the utterly and pupils can follow along and see how an idea brilliant to the totally hilarious, however, all were becomes a functioning prototype. thoughtful and most were designed to make Just before Christmas, the Trolley for the life better for others. Which is how engineers Elderly, designed by a 10-year-old to help his describe their work, solving problems and grandmother lift the shopping from a shopping making life better for people and society. As trolley into the boot of her car, will find its new with many ideas, it seemed a little too simple to home at the Glasgow Science Centre; inspiring have an impact on the huge problem we have visitors over the next 12 months. of inspiring young people towards engineering Teachers have told us that what is inspiring careers – but this project has done just that! children to engage in the project is quite Reception teachers have asked for the simply an engineer reads their letters, considers Last year a 4-year-old won a prize for her competition to be extended to include 3 to 5 year their inventions and gives them a grade. Their rainbow music box – You are never too olds which sounds a little ambitious to expect a ‘grown-up’ personalised certificate is kept with young to become interested in Engineering.

50 AUTUMN 2017

ConstructionWorX Skills & Training

The Leaders Awards inspire tomorrows engineers today.

pride. When you listen to the rhetoric around engineering and inspiring generations this one factor is so interesting, who knew - kids really do value the opinion and approval of engineers!

This year the programme has expanded to many more regions and we are holding our breath as the numbers could well double. We have been inviting engineers to host video conferencing interviews with pupils so that they can take their laptop on a ‘walk-around’ the office or jobsite.

I have to say my personal favourite ‘walk-around’ was the inside of a submarine – that’s a tough one to beat.

The judging of so many entries has also proved somewhat challenging, last year saw us knocking on a lot of doors, with boxes full of drawings and plans of the children’s inventions.

Many of the engineers who took part and helped with the judging process said it was up there as one of the best, inspirational and funny days of their working lives. Where else would you grade the value of a vibrating toilet seat for the elderly to stop legs going numb, or the camera over a bedroom door to automatically lock when a boy’s little sister approached?

We are always on the hunt for engineers who can spare time to support our programmes in whatever manner they can. It is worth remembering at this point that primary pupils think you rock - and so do we! Please get in touch if you think you can help inspire a future engineer. ■

www.primaryengineer.com

www.leadersaward.com

The children's designs were shown in National Exhibitions across the UK.

The Trolley for the Elderly will be on display at the Glasgow Science Centre; inspiring visitors over the next 12 months.

Government Relent to Approve Both Service Engineer and Technician Trailblazers In a welcome reversal, the Government’s Institute for Apprenticeships (IfA) has now cancelled its previous decision to withdraw the Landbased Engineering level 2 Service Engineer apprenticeship from the government’s approved list of apprenticeships. This change of heart was made after lobbying from LE-TEC, with whom CEA has been working in close partnership for the past 18 months to secure Trailblazer Apprenticeship standards for construction equipment service and maintenance personnel.

IfA approval now exists for Trailblazer

apprenticeship standards at both level 2 Service Engineer and level 3 Technician (which was approved earlier in the summer), along with their associated assessment plans. These are scheduled for publication on the IfA’s website within the next few weeks.

Philip Burgess, Secretary to the CEA’s Skills Advisory Council, said, “This represents a successful outcome to a great deal of hard work and perseverance in our navigation through the very challenging Trailblazer approvals process. In particular our expert consultant, David Kirschner, has done a

terrific job in being an enthusiastic champion for employers’ interests.” Representatives from JCB, Finning and Volvo were a key part of the expert panel helping to devise and promote the standards.

The advice given by IfA is that training providers and employers should enroll new apprentices onto the published apprenticeship standards to enable them to start immediately by transferring onto the new standards when they are published.

For further information contact Philip Burgess via the CEA offices – email cea@admin.co.uk.

AUTUMN 2017 51

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52 AUTUMN 2017

ConstructionWorX ADVERTORIAL

CEA members say “keep it clean” With the focus on what comes out of the machine tailpipe, Fuel Active are concerned about what goes into the fuel tank and keeping it clean. In their own words, this is how the system works and how it benefits the user.

By floating near the surface of the fuel, the innovative FuelActive® pickup unit ensures that only the cleanest fuel in the tank is ever presented to the fuel lines. Today’s diesel engines are much less tolerant of fuel contaminants than older engines. Any contamination by water, sediment or other substance has a chance of causing permanent damage to the engine or fuel system if it gets into the engine. Despite this, the standard method of delivering diesel to the fuel-lines is to draw the fuel from the bottom of the tank. The issue of fuel contamination is addressed only after contamination has been drawn up through the fuel lines.

As displayed in the diagram below, fuel is drawn from the contaminantheavy zone of the tank. Water separators and fuel filters are used thereafter in an attempt to clean the fuel.

Water Separator

Lift Pump

Filter

Injection Pump

Fuel Tank Injectors

Clean Fuel Contanimated Fuel

This procedure is ineffective and fails to tackle the root of the problem.

Standard pick-up pipes pick up fuel from the contaminant-heavy zone at the bottom of the fuel tank.

FuelActive® addresses the issue at its source. The revolutionary fuel pick-up unit utilises a floating pick-up pipe to draw fuel from the cleaner upper level of fuel, leaving water and sediment behind untouched. Nine

fold more water is delivered to the fuel lines through use of the standard pick-up pipe compared to the FuelActive® fuel pick-up unit. FuelActive® units pick up the cleanest fuel available in the tank.

FuelActive can be retro-fitted at end user level or factory fitted at OEM level. Installation can normally take place while the tank remains on the machine. All that is required is a simple replacement of the current fuel pick-up pipe. Fitting can be completed within 60 minutes in most instances. It has proven field performance at -25°C and +45°C as well as at high altitude. FuelActive® units can deliver in excess of 4000 litres of diesel per hour to both static applications as well as the highly agitated fuel of a marine vessel.

FuelActive® is ISO 9001 accredited. Units are made up of mild or stainless steel as well as specialist plastic components which are resistant to Hydrocarbon Fuels (Diesel, Gasoline, Kerosene etc.) The product has been thoroughly tested in the field and independently tested by a TS16949 registered filter company. The unit requires zero maintenance after installation and applies the ethos of prevention rather the cure. It ensures the water and sediment that collects in a fuel tank remains at the bottom, where it is generated. This prevents the propagation of contamination being fed to the fuel lines.

FuelActive® is not only effective in diesel but equally beneficial in all fuels where water is heavier than the fuel. This includes: petrol, kerosene, adBlue, etc. The return on investment of a FuelActive® unit can be as little as a few weeks and is directly proportional to the savings it generates; in reduced maintenance, servicing and improved equipment reliability.

FuelActive® is a robust yet flexible solution in dealing with fuel contamination, which makes it suitable for a vast array of sectors.

We have considerable experience of assisting clients across these sectors and helping them achieve their financial, operational and environmental objectives. ■

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AUTUMN 2017 53

Your Shout ConstructionWorX

Your Shout Construction Worx invites industry professionals to share their views on topics of their choice. In this issue it is the turn of Morris Site Machinery’s Richard Denholm who raises a key site safety issue.

Construction dust – the silent killer With the news that construction dust claims 500 lives a year on construction sites, more action needs to be taken to increase awareness and improve safety in the workplace as well as on site.

With silica being second only to asbestos in the deadly toll on our construction workers, inhaling such high levels of this dust can cause serious damage to the lungs, with life changing or even fatal results.

Therefore, it is imperative that the right health and safety precautions are put in place with employers having a legal obligation to ensure all practical steps are taken to reduce or even eliminate the chance of silica infecting workers on site.

I believe that good practice is at the heart of reducing risk and improving safety. This can start with simply training our workers through to encouraging them to take practical steps such as wearing protective clothing and face masks for those working with rock, soil and concrete.

But it is not only site workers who are at risk, as dust can settle on clothes and cars and can easily be transferred back home to friends and family. Although it is the employer’s responsibility to ensure adequate measures are in place to reduce the risk by conducting risk assessments, everyone working on-site needs to be aware of the dangers.

So, whether you are a brick cutter, a highway repairman, a mason or a builder, make sure you are vigilant as construction dust clouds are everywhere. ■ Richard Denholm Sales Director, Morris Site Machinery www.morrismachinery.co.uk

Morris Site Machinery recommend using Hose 2 Go as precaution from potentially lethal construction dust

Here are Richard’s top ten tips for minimising the risk of silica in the workplace: 1. Make sure you wear protective clothing suitable for the task at all times including gloves 2. Ensure a face mask is worn to protect the face, mouth and respiratory system. I advise Safety goggles or safety glasses with added side shields 3. Wet down any dust before it becomes airborne with a water hose. There are product solutions which will provide a constant flow of water which allows dust suppression when cutting, core drilling and grinding concrete.

4. Use on-tool extraction: a ventilation system that fits onto the tool and removes dust as it is produced 5. Use protective screenings to ensure that dust extracted does

not spread beyond the working area 6. Regularly maintain equipment, making sure the tools used are not damaged and replace those that are faulty or near the end of life 7. Provide on-site training for workers to ensure they know the risks and how to handle all equipment correctly 8. Consider breathing apparatus if required 9. Use the correct size of building materials that require less cutting 10. Rotate tasks within the team to ensure only a limited number of workers are exposed to the risk at any one time.

What is silica?

Silica is a natural substance found in varying amounts in most rocks, sand and clay. For example, sandstone contains more than 70% silica, whereas granite might contain 15-30%. Silica is also a major constituent of construction materials such as bricks, tiles, concrete and mortar.

54 AUTUMN 2017

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