ConstructionWorX - Spring 2020

THE VOICE OF THE UK CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT INDUSTRY

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE CEA

SPRING 2020

The Drive to Driverless machines – The Volvo and Komatsu vision

PLANTWORX @ PETERBOROUGH – DATES CONFIRMED FOR 2021 SHOW

TACKLING THE NEW ENVIRONMENT – THE CEA’S BIG EVENT ON 11TH JUNE

CESAR SEIZES SERIOUS SUPPLIER SUPPORT – EMISSIONS COMPLIANCE VERIFICATION

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ConstructionWorX Contents

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE CEA

SPRING 2020

Regulars

17

05 06 33 37 40 52

From the Chief Executive

Features

Member News Hard Data

I AM WOMAN, HEAR ME ROAR!

International News

Profile of Women into Construction.

In the Lobby A Day in the Life

26

AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES

Contents

Insights from Komatsu and Volvo.

46

CEA PLANTWORX AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE Lowdown on awards evening on 11th June.

52

A DAY IN THE LIFE CECE boss and risotto chef, Riccardo Viaggi.

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

From the Chief Executive ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������05 Member News ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������06 Movers & Shakers ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������10 Member Profile: Rockwheel ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������13 Upskilling the workforce �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������16 CEA Member Survey ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������22 CEA Conference and Dinner ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������23 Bank of England Update �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������24 The Digital Environment �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������25 Autonomous Machines �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������26 MPA – Generating financial support for digital investment �������������������������������32 Hard Data ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������33 Off-Highway Research ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������37 In the Lobby ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������40 Bullet Points ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������41 Plantworx 2021 Launch �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������43 Plantworx 2021 Site Survey �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������44 Plantworx 2021 Awards �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������46 Primary Engineer ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������47 Technical & Regulatory ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������49 A day in the life �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������52 CESAR ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������53

MANAGING EDITOR Rob Oliver E: rob.oliver@thecea.org.uk PRODUCTION Joanna Oliver MBE E: joanna.oliver@thecea.org.uk ADVERTISING SALES Angela Spink E: angela.spink@thecea.org.uk CEA/SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT Louise Carney E: louise@louise-carney.co.uk

PUBLISHER Enigma Creative Unit 19 Omega Business Village, Thurston Road, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL6 2NJ. UK. T: +44 (0)1609 617117 E: info@enigmacreative.co.uk W: www.enigmacreative.co.uk PRINT & MAILING PlatinumHPL Park House, Hookstone Park, Harrogate, HG2 7DB. UK

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: Unit 19 Omega Business Village, Thurston Road, Northallerton, England, DL6 2NJ. UK. © 2019 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.

SPRING 2020 3

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ConstructionWorX From the Chief Executive

From the Chief Executive Rob Oliver Chief Executive

Construction Equipment Association

CEA Management Council Rory Keogh Gomaco International Ltd Alan Batty Bomag (GB) Ltd Sam Mottram Caterpillar (UK) Ltd Nick Ground GKD Technik Ltd Charles Stevenson JCB Sales Ltd Stuart Blackham Komatsu UK Ltd Paul Ross Ricardo Plc Keith Dolbear TriMark Europe Ltd Mark Ormond Manitou Kate Wickham MBE Gate 7 Gregg Horne Mecalac CE UK Ltd David Waine British Steel Nick Allen SMT Damien McCormack​ Nylacast Engineered Products

Executive Board Rob Oliver Rory Keogh Nick Ground Nigel Baseley Paul Ross Harry McKeen

Honorary President David Bell

Patrons Dr Susan Scurlock MBE Malcolm Harbour CBE

COMING UP FOR AIR…

– when the environment takes centre stage Make a diary note now for Thursday 11th June 2020. The CEA’s the New Environment themed conference will examine exactly where we are with government policy, our sustainable future and business prospects (see page 23).

Now that the principle of Brexit is history, its implementation is the current worry. The CEA has engaged with the government consultation on tariffs (see page x) and working through the issues around regulatory alignment (or not!). We are looking for feedback from Construction Worx readers to tell us your views and concerns, as we progress through the transition process in 2020.

Not that the CEA is “out of Europe” as illustrated by our invitation to Riccardo Viaggi, the boss of the Committee for European Construction Equipment (CECE) to share his Day in the Life (see page 52).

If our 2020 CEA work could be characterised in three words it would be Air Quality and Digitalisation. On the first, the Boris Johnson administration has got tough in banning diesel, petrol and hybrid car sales from 2035. This is a further jolt to the traditional car industry whilst the world of construction equipment has been investing in eco-friendly machines for some years. It’s great to see that the CEA-promoted Emissions Compliance Verification (ECV) add on to the CESAR marking and registration scheme has gained traction. This is all about advertising the giant steps made by our industry in

restricting polluting emissions – and giving the regulators a chance to monitor and measure the impact of construction on air quality (see page 53). As Peter Drucker said, “If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it”.

On Digitalisation, this is the key driver for our technological advances. Articles in this issue from Komatsu and Volvo show how machine automation is part of the digitalisation vanguard, whilst, CEA director, Paul Ross sets the digital scene.

Being part of a trade association is the engagement with other members to get insights into best practice and their case studies on what works for them. Take a look at the section on skills and find out how companies like Nylacast and Webtech overcome the challenge of the skills gap (pages 16 to 21).

And finally, we are up and running with the next Plantworx show in 2021. But don’t wait until then as we have the June awards, sponsored by the show, and we are working with the Manufacturing Technology Centre to deliver a new leading edge event in November. ■

Chief Executive – Construction Equipment Association Editor-in-chief – Construction Worx

Index of Advertisers Advanté Ltd ............................................15 Amber Valley Developments LLP.......32 BKT Europe SRL......................................... 2 Bill Bowden Event Logistics Ltd..........15 Bunkabin.................................................15 Containex MBH......................................28 Conexpo ..................................................34 Construction Equipment Association.. 36 Datatag....................................................55

Digbits Ltd...............................................28 Dirna Bergstrom S.L..............................15 Engcon.....................................................18 Garden & Hire Spares Ltd.....................48 GKD Technologies Ltd...........................31 GOMACO International Limited.........42 Hillhead 2020.........................................50 Hydrokit UK Ltd......................................42 Kocurek Excavators Ltd........................31

Kubota........................................................ 9 Marubeni-Komatsu Ltd........................56 NPORS Limited.......................................18 Nylacast..................................................... 7 Off Highway Research..........................36 PLANTWORX 2021................................... 4 Taylor's Trailers Limited........................42 Webtec.....................................................36

SPRING 2020 5

Member News ConstructionWorX

Member News Technical Services Launch Global Engine Cooling Parts Service for the Trade Technical Services, based in Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, has launched an international radiator fan and fan clutch supply service, Viscofans, aimed exclusively for trade customers all over the world with exclusive access to OEM and aftermarket engine cooling parts for the commercial vehicle, construction, material handling and power generation industries.

Joanne Kay, operations director, said: “Speaking to our existing trade customers many told us that to get the part they needed meant they had to phone many suppliers and note down prices, brand and availability before making a decision.

We knew there had to be a better way for trade customers to get the parts they needed which is why we created Viscofans to give them a clearly branded, one-stop-shop, as it were, for engine cooling parts to match their specific needs.”

Joanne added, “By bringing the full range of

Technical Services launch Viscofans a one-stop-shop for engine cooling parts

radiator fans, fan clutches and fan assemblies from all brands and for all makes and models together in one place, and with prices tailored for the trade, we hope to make life easier for all trade customers and to become the central hub for all things fan clutch related.”

As well as supplying parts, Viscofans will also be able to deliver goods on their trade customers’ behalf through their no docs with goods service.

Visit www.viscofans.com for more information. ■

Fablink Group acquires the business and assets of Toolspec Manufacturing

Fablink Group acquires Toolspec Manufacturing saving 73 jobs

6 SPRING 2020

Fablink Group has acquired the business and assets of Toolspec Manufacturing Ltd out of administration, saving 73 jobs.

The newly named Fablink Toolspec, has a rich history as specialists in tubular manipulation, robotic and manual welding of complex assemblies, as well as tooling design and manufacturing capabilities.

This acquisition will extend Fablink’s existing competences in a synergistic way which offers exciting opportunities for growth.

Richard Westley, CEO of Fablink Group said: “Toolspec benefits from a 60-year heritage and deep expertise in the production of specialist tubular parts and assemblies. This acquisition broadens our customer base and manufacturing capability. We look forward to working with the Fablink Toolspec team as we continue to develop and enhance our Group’s value proposition.”

Fablink Toolspec will continue to operate as usual from its Luton factory.

Visit www.toolspec.co.uk for further information. ■

MAXIMISE PRODUCTION. MINIMISE DOWNTIME. For over fifty years, Nylacast have helped and assisted equipment manufacturers to enhance machinery performance, efficiency and safety through the design, manufacture and supply of award-winning materials technology.

Manufacturing components from initial chemistry to end product, Nylacast’s full engineering solutions enhance performance and reduce maintenance through their corrosion resistance, low weight and low friction.

How can you enhance your projects?

Speak to our engineering team today.

www.nylacast.com/construction | info@nylacast.com

Member News ConstructionWorX

JCB’s Fastrac has stormed into the record books after being crowned the world’s fastest tractor with a speed of 135.191 mph

JCB Fastrac Storms into Record Books as World’s Fastest Tractor JCB’s Fastrac has stormed into the record books after being crowned the world’s fastest tractor with a speed of 135.191 mph.

The Fastrac – designed and built by a team of young engineers in Staffordshire – secured the title at Elvington Airfield in York with motorbike racer and lorry mechanic Guy Martin at the wheel. The feat was officially ratified by Guinness World Records who presented the company with a special framed certificate minutes after the achievement.

The astonishing story of the tractor’s development and assault on the record was told in a TV documentary on Channel 4 last called ‘The World’s Fastest Tractor.’

The achievement comes after JCB set its first Guinness World Record for the fastest tractor at Elvington in June of last year. Called Fastrac One, it reached a speed of 103.6 mph with Guy Martin in the driver’s seat.

JCB then embarked on an ambitious plan to break its own record

and developed Fastrac Two – which was 10% lighter and was even more streamlined than its smaller brother. Fastrac Two hit a peak speed of 153.771mph on its way to recording an average of 135.191mph at Elvington.

Guy Martin said: “This has been a massive undertaking, and I was a very small cog in the machine. It was a proper privilege to be involved, so thank you very much to JCB and its engineering team, who got this tractor absolutely spot-on. Just look at it, they get stuff done, it’s brilliant, and it is still a working tractor, so could have gone straight into the nearest field to put in a shift.”

A team of JCB engineers has been working on the project to further develop the tractor over the last few months and today JCB chairman Lord Bamford praised their “amazing achievement.”

The full story can be found here https://www.thecea.org.uk/jcbfastrac-storms-record-books-worlds-fastest-tractor ■

CASE Construction Equipment wins 2019 Good Design® Award CASE Construction Equipment received the prestigious Good Design® Award for ProjectTETRA, the methane-powered wheel loader concept that provides an insight into a sustainable, connected and technologically advanced future of construction.

The CASE wheel loader concept, jointly developed by the CASE engineering and CNH Industrial international design teams, reimagines wheel loader design. It demonstrates the viability of alternative fuels in construction equipment and the feasibility of using fuel generated from waste products and renewable sources.

It is powered by a proven methane engine, produced

by CASE’s sister brand FPT Industrial, that delivers the same performance as its diesel equivalent. The innovative design includes cutting-edge styling and an advanced operator environment that makes extensive use of touchscreen and voice control technologies.

The concept also offers innovative safety features that use biometric technologies and an obstacle detection system derived from CNH Industrial’s autonomous vehicle research and development programme.

ProjectTETRA has been tested in real-world construction environments, demonstrating its feasibility and proving its business case in terms of sustainability, reduced overall Total Cost of Ownership and operational viability.

CASE Construction Equipment received the prestigious Good Design® Award for For further information on ProjectTETRA ProjectTETRA Visit: http://bit.ly/CASE_ProjectTETRA ■

8 SPRING 2020

TAKING VERSATILITY TO NEW LEVELS.

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■ High power, low emission Kubota’s Stage V diesel engine provides all the power ■ High performance with intuitive display panel and adjustable hydraulic oil flow and reliability you need in a fully compliant engine. for maximum control.

■ As versatile as ever with expandable undercarriage up to 1.24m width for extra ■ Benefit from easy maintenance, well-protected hoses and Kubota’s Anti-Theft stability, option of extra-long 1.1m arm.

System as standard.

Contact your local dealer or visit our website to find out why Kubota is the unbeatable choice. www.kubota.co.uk

T: +44 (0)1844 873191

Movers & Shakers ConstructionWorX

Ian Brown appointed Thwaites Deputy Chairman After more than 30-years at Thwaites, 20-years as sales director and three-years as managing director, Ian Brown has been appointed deputy chairman.

To provide continuity and advancement for colleagues, financial director Simon Hill, who has been with the company for eight-years, becomes managing director. Tim Frost who has spent over 30-years in various key positions is promoted to the management team as commercial manager. Current UK sales manager Andy Sabin who has worked at Thwaites for more than 20-years is appointed to the position of general sales manager for UK and Export markets.

Ian Brown appointed Thwaites deputy chairman - L-R: Tim Frost, Simon Hill, Ian Ian Brown said “These changes will further develop Brown, Andy Sabin the business as we maintain our investment in the factory and product development with the focus on enhancing our customer base in UK and Export markets”. CEA consistent and valued voice at Thwaites for many years and I am certain chief executive, Rob Oliver paid tribute to Ian, saying, “He has been a he will still have a lot to contribute in his new role”. ■

Hyundai Construction Equipment names Sungwoo Lee as new managing director for Europe

Hyundai Construction Equipment Europe has announced the appointment of Sungwoo (SW) Lee as the new managing director

10 SPRING 2020

HCEE (Hyundai Construction Equipment Europe) announced the appointment of Sungwoo (SW) Lee as the new managing director with effect from December 2019. With over 20 years of service at the Hyundai group, SW Lee brings a longstanding international sales career to Europe. SW Lee replaces JH Chun who will return to Korea where he will lead the international marketing team of Hyundai Construction Equipment.

Mr. Lee is already very familiar with the European organization. He worked as a construction equipment sales manager in the European subsidiary from 2005 until 2009. His priority is to focus on a proactive sales strategy. This will involve growing the European dealer network, setting up a key account management structure, and an advanced market-oriented product strategy.

SW Lee commented on his new appointment, he said, “At HCEE we are striving to become a top player in the worldwide Construction Equipment business. In a stabilizing European market, we wish to grow our market share in a sustainable and profitable way. Growth in our market share will lead to higher brand visibility. Growth in the quality and quantity of both our organisation and dealer network will be our primary goals to achieve this. We will continue to focus on the 3 E’s: Embrace our dealer network, Excel in what we do and Engage our internal teams.” ■

ConstructionWorX Movers & Shakers

New Sales Engineer at elobau UK for Industrial and Off-Highway Applications

SPAL appoint Adam Betteridge as business development manager for Agricultural and Off-Highway aftermarkets

SPAL Strengthens its Team in Off-Highway and Agriculture Sectors SPAL UK, now in its 11th year in business has appointed Adam Betteridge as business development manager for Agricultural and OffHighway aftermarkets.

With an automotive and agricultural pedigree gleaned from Vanmatic and Corteco, Adam will be in his element in his new role consolidating former customer relationships and developing the market for SPAL’s high-performance axial fans and centrifugal blowers.

“Every day is a ‘school day’ as I get to grips with SPAL and its huge product range,” he says. “However, I am really eager to build immediate customer relationships. I am the guy who will put on his wellies to attend a breakdown in the middle of a field so I can relate to the customer on a personal level before I clinch the sale.”

He mixes sky diving and golf with fundraising for Birmingham Children’s Hospital and local Warwickshire charity The Ups of Downs, in memory of his daughter Freya. He says, “I am looking forward to the challenge of growing the business and customers can expect an invite to a charity golf tournament in the next few months!”

Matthew Morris SPAL UK MD commented: “Really pleased to have Adam on board. He knows the market extremely well; in terms of his personality and capabilities (apart from favouring golf over cycling) he is a great fit for the rest of the team!” ■

Hill Engineering appoints new head of global business development The Newry, County Down-based, developer of the award-winning, time-saving Tefra hydraulic quick coupler has recruited John Lines to head up a major drive to further develop its growing global sales business. John has extensive experience in the excavator attachment business and in fact previously worked for Hill Engineering around nine years ago, as sales and marketing director.

In that time the company has continued to develop other innovative products and is regarded as a

elobau UK has announced the appointment of Alex Roberts to the company’s team in the role of sales engineer for industrial and offhighway vehicle applications.

Alex brings over six years of experience and knowledge of working with electronic components across various industries within the technology sector for companies such as Wurth Electronics, from the design stage to production. Alex will be responsible for managing key accounts as well as developing new accounts and continuing to raise brand awareness for elobau UK. Matt Owen, managing director of elobau UK said, “This really is an exciting time for elobau UK, as we are developing our brand and increasing our presence in the UK market. Alex will play an important role in helping us drive the brand forward and I wish him every success in the role”. elobau UK offers a range of robust and reliable, ergonomically designed and user-friendly operator controls, as well as level measurement and sensor products that are designed for the offhighway industry. ■ Alex Roberts is named as new sales engineer at elobau UK for Industrial and Off-Highway Applications

ground-breaking manufacturer of ultra-safe and robust, simple-to-operate attachments. The company now requires a dedicated focus to capitalise on the global interest in Hill’s portfolio, to take it truly international, and to break into new, emerging markets through OEMs and end users.

John said: "I am delighted to be back working with the team at Hill. The company has developed hugely since I worked here last and has rightly won awards for both its products and its operations. Our portfolio is now in great demand in many key global markets and I’ll be working hard to support the efforts of the entire Hill team to satisfy the needs of our worldwide customers and partners.” ■

John Lines re-joins Hill Engineering to further develop its growing global sales business

SPRING 2020 11

Movers & Shakers ConstructionWorX

David Phillips to retire from Off-Highway Research David Phillips will retire as chairman of Off-Highway Research, effective from 1st April 2020.

He has been a pivotal figure at the specialist market research and forecasting company since its inception as part of the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) in 1981. Following a management buy-out from the EIU he owned and ran the business from the early 1990s until its acquisition by KHL Group in 2015. He was also the first inductee into the CEA Hall of Fame in 2018.

Commenting on his retirement, David Phillips said, “It has been almost 40 years since I founded Off-Highway Research, and with the company now in the very capable hands of KHL and Chris Sleight, I have decided to retire in April. I have been blessed by the support of a uniquely skilled international research staff, a very large and loyal group of clients, and many wonderful memories of an exciting and varied career. But now it is time to pass the baton on to the next generation, who I am sure will continue to support the global construction equipment industry as OffHighway Research has always done in the past.”

KHL Group managing director, James King said, “With a long career in the sector and as an in-demand speaker at conferences and events, David is incredibly well-known around the world and highly respected for his industry knowledge and experience. He will be missed by his colleagues and many industry friends around the world. We wish him well for a long and happy retirement.”

Off-Highway Research will continue to be run by managing director Chris Sleight, who took over the role in 2018. An article by Chris on the market in the Philippines is featured in this issue of Construction Worx. ■

David Phillips to retire from Off-Highway Research

Tributes paid to veteran JCB employee who dies at 86 - LtoR in 1947 at Crakemarsh are Bill Hirst MBE, employee number one Arthur Harrison, employee number two Bert Holmes and company founder Joseph Cyril Bamford with a young Lord Bamford in his arms.

David Phillips – an appreciation CEA chief executive, Rob Oliver, reflects on the news that David Phillips is to step down from the chairmanship of the company he created, Off-Highway Research…

My recollection is that I met David Phillips for the first time on a grey day in Croydon in the mid-80s. Nothing remarkable in that, Croydon has had many grey days. Fast forward nearly four decades and he was the first entrant into the newly launched CEA Hall of Fame. As the only member of this select club at the time, he must have felt somewhat lonely as at heart David is a people person.

That is what built his Off-highway Research company, providing data and insights in the world of construction equipment, into a global leader. Keeping ahead of the game, he established offices in China and India, whilst others hesitated. The friendly relationships he has fostered with industry leaders over the years are legendary.

But behind the bonhomie there has always been his commitment to attention to detail and the commitment to fact, probably engendered by his time at the Economist Intelligence Unit. As I write this, I am double-checking that I have not misplaced an adjective or apostrophe. Whilst David is stepping down from active work with OHR, he will continue to travel the world in his retirement as he works through the formidable “bucket list” drawn up for him by his wife, Cora. His numerous charitable commitments will also continue to benefit. All his friends at the CEA raise a glass of something sparkling to him for the good times spent in his company and the good times still to come.

12 SPRING 2020

Tributes paid to veteran JCB employee who dies at 86 Bill Hirst MBE – who was the third person recruited by JCB in 1947 – died early this year at the age of 86.

JCB chairman Lord Bamford led the tributes to the man who joined JCB as the company was in its infancy. Lord Bamford said: “Bill and his generation helped my father to build a company which became a real force in the world of construction equipment. Bill was very proud to have worked for JCB and will be remembered by many, many people from the early days of the company.”

Bill, the fourth of eight children, joined JCB as a 14-year-old tea boy when he left St Joseph’s School in Uttoxeter, where he had been Head Boy. He was recruited on a salary of £1 a week when the company was based at stables at Crakemarsh, three miles down the road from JCB’s World Headquarters at Rocester. And it was Bill who was instrumental in the relocation to Rocester in 1950 to the site of a former cheese factory. Bill knew JCB founder Joseph Cyril Bamford was searching for a new location for a factory and suggested the Rocester site – because it was closer to home and meant he could spend an extra 10 minutes in bed each morning!

He was awarded the MBE for services to export in the New Year’s Honours List of 1975 and, after fulfilling a number of different roles, he became technical services director in 1981. Bill Retired in 1991.

Speaking on JCB’s 65th anniversary in 2010, Bill said: “I am proud to have been part of JCB – it’s been my life.”

ConstructionWorX Member Profile Team Webster in Germany

Webster

– The Rise of the Rockwheel Sheffield-based design engineering business, Webster Technologies are the original designers of Rockwheel cutting attachments. The awardwinning company design and hire cutting equipment for construction, civil engineering and tunnelling projects...

Construction Worx talks to Webster Technologies, business development manager, Belinda Naylor about her role in the company and the rise of the Rockwheel!

attachments and grow the business worldwide through designing and developing a range of Rockwheels for use in a variety of applications and industries.

Q: When was Webster Technologies founded and what was the company's vision?

Q: When did you join the company, and can you tell us more about your role at Webster Technologies?

A: The story began in the 1960s when the Webster family began designing, manufacturing and selling mining equipment globally. The first to use hydraulics for cutting, the Webster Roadheaders quickly became a well-known, respected brand. The decline of the UK mining industry brought some challenging times, but Ian Webster turned the challenge into an opportunity to diversify and came up with an innovative cutting attachment that was a tool somewhere between a bucket and a hammer. The Rockwheel really started to take off and in 2000 Ian formed Webster Technologies. The journey continued and in 2005 Ian was joined in the business by his sister in law and business partner Angela Naylor.

The vision for the company was to bring innovation to the world of cutting

A: I joined the business in 2014 following a long career with BT. Working for a large company enabled me to develop a broad set of skills and experience including project management, stakeholder engagement and effective relationship building. Skills transferable to a smaller business and different industry. Since joining Webster my role has evolved and includes developing new business, marketing and playing a lead role in the project to develop, test and launch our new breaker – the Rockhit.

The transition from being part of a blue-chip organisation to an SME can be challenging, added to the fact we are a family business, means things aren’t always plain sailing. However, as a business it does mean we are more agile and flexible which is good for our customers. Working

Belinda Naylor, business development manager, Webster Technologies in a family business also means I am more invested in growing the business and have the opportunity to get involved in a range of activities from bidding for grants, sourcing suppliers, product testing and building relationships with clients.

SPRING 2020 13

Member Profile ConstructionWorX

Q: What are the challenges faced by companies in the current climate?

A: Last year was a challenging year with the uncertainty brought about by Brexit impacting project starts.

By the nature of what we do we are pioneers of innovation and for companies like ours we have to balance new product innovation with commercialisation. R&D is at the heart of our business and financing R&D and new product development is a challenge, one that we have managed through our own continued investment, supplemented with grant funding largely through the Government innovation agency; Innovate UK. We also diversified our business into other areas including designing bespoke equipment such as that used in the Sheffield Super tram Rail replacement project, together with other design consultancy work.

I hope, this year will see a renewed confidence buoyed by the promise of an infrastructure revolution by the Chancellor with up to and extra £100m of investment over the next few years.

Q: Technology is transforming manufacturing - tell us how Webster focuses on innovation and new product development?

A: Webster Technologies has always been synonymous with innovation. The original designer of the Rockwheel cutting head, we have continued to innovate and develop the range, and this has enabled us to maintain a competitive edge.

Our latest design - the Rockhit, offers high impact and low frequency operation. It’s kinder to the environment using less fuel and the noise level is more tolerable. It has over 3.5 times the output energy of a conventional breaker and is greaseless which means its lower maintenance. Not quite an overnight success – it has taken over 18-years to get to this point with several design changes and prototypes, but we are really excited to have reached the point of soft launching it to the market.

Q: Webster was selected as an Export Champion by the Department of International Trade can you tell Construction Worx readers how the company secured such a high accolade?

A: Our experience in exporting goes way back to when Ian and Angela first started the business in 2000 and has given us

14 SPRING 2020

a good understanding of how to work and grow a business in overseas markets. We licence the manufacture of our designs to a German company and they distribute it worldwide. This collaboration works well, and the number of dealers has expanded significantly across the globe. It’s really helped put Webster designs on an international stage.

Q: What is the key to success for exporting? Can you give our readers any advice?

A: Protecting your IP is critical. We have two patents on our new Rockhit breaker and we work with an excellent patent lawyer who has really helped us with our national and international applications

Q: Webster received funding from Innovate UK - how did you secure this grant?

The Rockhit! A new hydraulic breaker from Webster Technologies

A: We have won two rounds of grant funding through Innovate UK. The first took us from a concept to a prototype with a subsequent award supporting us in getting to the final design and production model. Competition for funding is fierce but I think as well as having a great idea that could really transform the world of breaking, as a business we have been able to demonstrate a track record in innovation.

Q: What has been the highlight of your career at Webster Technologies?

A: I’d say my highlight has been seeing the transformation of Ian’s design from a great idea to a production model. There have been highs and lows on the journey, but I love being part of it. I get a real buzz from watching the audience’s reaction on site and hearing the positive feedback. We recently showcased it at an innovation day and had some great feedback from Highways England which has led to more opportunities to use it on some Smart Motorway projects.

Ian and I met with the former secretary of state for International Trade last year.

You would expect a product with this innovation to be developed by one of the large OEMs so it was a proud moment to show him what we’ve achieved.

Q: What sets Webster Technologies apart from its competitors?

Being a family business, we have a strong shared sense of purpose and great

teamwork- we’re agile and flexible so we can respond quickly to our customers’ demands; this is particularly important in our Rockwheel hire business.

Ian and his team are talented and very experienced designers and when we have a design challenge we won’t stop until it’s solved. This means that particularly for customers who come to us for a bespoke design they know they are in safe hands and that we are committed to giving them a solution to meets their needs.

Our Rockhit product offers a real differential and challenges the boundaries of conventional design. There are a number of features about it that we believe will create a step change in the industry. We really wanted to tap into customer demands for something that’s kinder to the environment without compromising on productivity and I believe we’ve achieved that.

Q: What’s your future vision for the company?

A: Our vision for Webster Technologies remains in bringing real innovation to the world of cutting attachments. Guided by customer demand, our commercialisation plans include the launch of new products to market, focusing on the design and expansion of our product lines, continuing to grow our Rockwheel and Rockhit brand globally, whilst continuing to develop our strategic partnerships, seeing exporting as a key area for growth. ■

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Apprenticeships & Training ConstructionWorX

Training Our Future Engineers

Diego Cossio, development engineer at Webtec seen here presenting the Roy Cuthbert Scholarship to this year’s winner Ethan Green.

As a specialist manufacturer of hydraulic measurement and control products, helping to improve the productivity of construction machinery, Webtec have experienced first-hand the skills shortage in our industry. Their MD, Martin Cuthbert talks to Construction Worx about the company’s efforts to engage and retain apprentices and encourage our future engineers…

Webtec is committed to increase the knowledge and skills of its employees, customers and the wider community. From modern apprenticeship schemes to educating and encouraging the next generation of engineers the company believe in practicing what it preaches and sponsor programmes such as the Arkwright Scholarship Trust, Engineering Education Scheme and The Secondary Engineer® Fluid Power Challenge.

Martin said, “Each year we have openings for apprentices covering roles including engineering, manufacturing and sales. Each apprenticeship lasts around 3 ½ years and includes college day-release plus comprehensive in-house training with continuous assessment and a mentorship programme. We currently have four apprentices at various stages of their training, with another two successfully completing their apprenticeships and now fully working for the company in engineering roles. This number is set to increase as we are already looking for our intake of potential new recruits for this year.”

However, finding the right talent with an interest in engineering is not always easy, so to encourage youth into the industry Webtec take part in both local and national sponsorship and educational schemes.

Martin added, “We have strong links with local schools and colleges and regularly attend job fairs and open days. We believe that local recruitment is important to nurture the talent available, but we often find ourselves competing with other more ‘fashionable’ professions.

But times are changing with the importance now given to teaching STEM subjects at schools and national schemes such as ‘The Secondary Engineer® Fluid Power Challenge’, which are designed to attract secondary school pupils into engineering.”

Another scheme for young engineers is run by the Engineering Development Trust (EDT) called the ‘Engineering Education Scheme’ (EES) which links teams of 16/17 year old pupils and their teacher with local companies to work on real, scientific and technological problems.

Webtec work with their local St Ivo Academy.

The Arkwright Engineering Scholarship Trust acts as a beacon to the

16 SPRING 2020

most talented STEM students in UK schools and who aim to ensure that high-potential young people, in the critical 16 to 18 age range, stay engaged in the engineering careers pipeline.

Martin said, “For the past six years we have sponsored the Roy Cuthbert Scholarship, part of this award scheme, which was named after Webtec’s founder, a passionate engineer and entrepreneur who passed away in 2013. Knowledge and education go hand in hand and as such we wanted to find a way to share our vast experience and information with a wider audience. After many months in preparation we launched ‘An Introduction to Practical Hydraulic System Maintenance’, a guide for all fluid power technicians. Co-authored by industry expert Steve Skinner and myself we believe that this is an invaluable tool aimed to help educate technicians and engineers new to hydraulic fluid power maintenance and hydraulic engineers embarking on a career in this industry.”

The guide is available via Amazon and Kindle, and has been reviewed and endorsed by several organisations including the British Fluid Power Association, Institution of Mechanical Engineers, National Fluid Power Centre, British Valve and Actuator Association and the Construction Equipment Association. All profits made from the book will be donated to support STEM programmes.

Webtec also has a dedicated ‘Education’ resource section on their website where specific product and educational guides can be downloaded for free – see https://www.webtec.com/ education/.

Martin concluded, “As a company proud of its heritage, we are committed to inspiring others to enjoy the challenges that engineering brings.” ■

ConstructionWorX Apprenticeships & Training

I am Woman hear me roar!

Support for women looking to move up the construction career ladder – Construction Worx explores the fantastic work the Women into Construction organisation has been working on in order to drive a better gender balance in the construction sector.

For over a decade Women into Construction (WiC) have been addressing the staggering imbalance of gender representation in the UK construction industry, which currently sees women making up just 14% of the work force. Their programmes offer bespoke support and guidance for women wishing to work in the sector. The not-for-profit organisation has trained over 1,600 women, with over half of those moving into sustainable employment, in what continues to be a male dominated industry.

This small, dedicated team, led by Kath Moore MBE, are running entry work programmes across London, Birmingham, Essex and Cambridge, continuing to promote gender equality, support women and assist contractors to recruit motivated and trained women - creating a more gender-equal work force.

However, as more and more women join the industry, it has become clear that the gender pay gap continues to lay wide open for those already working in the sector. In recent published statistics, the construction industry has been shown to have the highest gender pay gap of all industries in the UK, with an average pay gap of 23.6% against the UK average median of 9.8%. The ten largest companies (by turnover) are still reporting an average of a 30% gap.

With support from the CITB, Trust for London and BAM Nuttall, WiC launched ‘WiC Moving On Up’, a pioneering programme, set to provide career progression training and one to one mentoring to support low-paid female construction workers, to progress into better paid and more secure employment within the sector. It identifies barriers and challenges employers’ working practices to support women to progress in their careers and narrow the gender pay gap.

Talking about WiC Moving on Up, Kath Moore said, “This programme, which has no cost to companies or individuals, will pave the way for the diversity that is key to the construction industry’s future. It comes at a time when the industry is struggling to recruit yet falls at the first

hurdle as it struggles with employing, training and promoting suitable, qualified and talented women.” Her comments were echoed by Sarah Beale, CITB’s chief executive, saying “CITB welcomes the opportunity to support companies in developing strategies to tackle the gender pay gap, assisting them to recruit and retain more women within the workforce, and to support their supervisors with being effective mentors/sponsors. We will also be supporting women already within construction with career progression.”

WiC ‘Moving On Up’ successfully rolled out the first cohort with 98% engagement from companies, with the second cohort launched this February. Project manager Ripha Begum said, “This is an amazing opportunity to unite industry leaders in developing best practice to support women working in construction to develop their careers and potentially progress within their companies. This also allows a platform to network, engage and encourage cultural change in attitudes to diversity, fairness and respect within our workplace.”

With the CITB reporting that 33,000 new recruits are needed between now and 2023 to meet demand it’s safe to say that the work of Women into Construction is not over as continued support is needed for women to gain entry into the industry if companies are to diversify their work force and tackle these skills shortages. Retention also plays a key role and women deserve access to equal opportunities once they are in the industry too. With programmes like ‘WiC Moving On Up’ leading the way, there will be an increased representation of higher paid, successful women in the sector who will become role models for a new generation of women in construction. ■ For more information about Women into Construction contact: Website www.women-into-construction.org Email: info@women-into-construction.org Tel: 07480 856802

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ConstructionWorX Apprenticeships & Training

Building Skills for Offsite Construction The call for offsite and modern methods of construction to be utilised across all areas of construction is growing. It has the great potential for use in the housing, social and commercial sectors with further opportunities to upscale adoption in large-scale infrastructure projects, which can be seen in projects like HS2 and Hinkley Point.

These revolutionary new ways of delivering both small- and large-scale projects can mean a reduction in costs and delivery timescales while realising an increase in productivity, quality, and whole-life value.

However, the industry is reporting that training in these new areas is not keeping pace with demand.

Over the last decade output per UK worker in the construction sector has remained largely constant, whereas the service sector has improved just over 30% and output in manufacturing has rocketed by more than 50%.

CITB released its 2017 report, ‘Faster, Smarter, More Efficient: Building Skills for Offsite Construction’ which showed that 42% of construction industry employers with over 100 staff expect to use offsite methods in five years’ time. It also showed that nearly 50% of construction industry clients expect the use of offsite construction to increase over the next five years. This is supported by the Infrastructure Projects Authority Transforming Infrastructure Performance report, through which five Government Departments committed to apply a presumption in favour of offsite construction by 2019.

However, a number of issues with training and qualifications were highlighted as acting as barriers to delivering the skills needed to upskill the workforce for this demand, notably: ● Limited training and qualifications that are specific to offsite construction/manufacturing, rather than traditional construction; ● Training that is available does not typically include coverage

of relevant ‘softer skills’, including behaviours and attitudes for offsite, even though these are very important for the holistic nature of offsite work; ● There is a shortage of skilled tutors and assessors with relevant and sufficient knowledge of offsite to be able to deliver highquality training; ● Where relevant training and qualifications are available, most employers are not aware of them, or are unable to access them because few providers offer the courses or because they are not able to release employees to attend training; and ● The tendency among employers to assume relevant training does not exist and to train in-house instead. As a result, this suggests to training providers there is limited demand.

CITB is investing £1.2m in projects aimed at increasing the skills capacity to support offsite manufacturing and construction. As part of this the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) is developing a set of high-quality resources to upskill trainers in education and industry. This includes creating: ● A set of standardised training materials that are freely available to approved trainers. ● Upskilling of existing trainers and creating new trainers in offsite manufacturing knowledge and competence ● Providing employers with quality assurance evidence that the current provision has the adequate knowledge and competence in modern methods of construction and lean manufacturing.

SPRING 2020 19

Apprenticeships & Training ConstructionWorX

Why does the Construction training industry need to get involved? ●

●

●

This represents a significant opportunity for providers and employers to get ahead of the game in developing new capability at no cost – the project is funded by CITB; Employers are seeking training organisations that can demonstrate an understanding of offsite manufacturing and construction; without this they’ll go elsewhere for training provision. [At Offsite Expo concern was expressed that providers and employers are not keeping pace.]

Providers and employers stand to gain competitive edge by having trainers approved as capable of delivering offsite knowledge

What’s the commitment? ●

●

Undertake an on-line diagnostic (1-hour average of your trainer’s time) Undertake a five day train the trainer programme at MTC in Coventry

Offsite also represents a slightly different perspective of the industry.

Research shows it can present a new image and opportunities to people coming into the industry. It offers different working conditions in a factory and roles like digital design, data analysis, robotics and factory production managers may appeal to a slightly different cohort

compared to traditional construction roles.

Not only is the Training industry needed to back this initiative but also the construction sector as a whole. Staff training and development should form an important part of any company’s employee retention strategy. Research has shown that employers who have a strong training and development plan allowing their staff to learn new skills or upskill in existing areas keep staff for longer, reducing recruitment and onboarding costs. There is no doubt that the industry is going through significant change. Action taken now will help alleviate the current skills gap challenges and ensure the provision of a workforce fit for the needs of a transformed industry.

Steve Radley, CITB strategy and policy director, said: “Offsite construction creates a range of exciting new skills needs and opportunities, including in assembly, digital technologies and installation. We’re looking to build these into training at both entry level and also to enable upskilling within the industry, because getting this right can mean a more multi-skilled, diverse and productive workforce.”

MTC construction skills manager, Ian Buckingham, said that developing offsite construction capability is a key priority to address poor productivity in the sector and also to meet government housing targets.”

For more information on the CITB/MTC project, contact Ian Buckingham, construction skills manager, ian.buckingham@themtc.org. Visit http://www.the-mtc.org/ for more information on the Manufacturing Technology Centre. ■

r u o Y nvitation I

The CEA Gala Dinner and the CEA Awards for Excellence in association with Plantworx

Thursday 11th June 2020 East of England Events Centre, Peterborough, PE2 6HE A sparkling black tie event where the construction industry meets.

Take a table and bring your customers.

Unparalleled networking over pre dinner drinks, dinner and the CEA Awards for Excellence in association with Plantworx. Celebrity host Shaun Williamson. Eastenders' Barry, actor and quiz supremo.

TICKETS FROM £89 CEA Members: £89 pp - table of 8 £675. Others: £99 pp - table of 8 £775.

Visit www.thecea.org.uk or contact claire.kelly@admin.co.uk for further details.

20 SPRING 2020

ConstructionWorX Apprenticeships & Training

Constructing skills for industry – investing in the future Advanced Polymer designer and manufacturer Nylacast, place people development at the top of its agenda through delivering award-winning educational programmes across its business. The company regard its workforce as its most valuable asset and have invested a great deal in nurturing the next generation of talent and upskilling its current staff.

In 2014 Nylacast officially unveiled its Training Academy. Identifying a need to consolidate the company’s many educational activities under one roof, the engineering firm invested in a dedicated on-site facility to help bridge the much-debated engineering skills shortage faced in the UK. Following expansion of facilities and training teams, today the Nylacast Training Academy provides a wide variety of programmes to attract and nurture new talent in addition to upskilling and retaining the current workforce.

Keen to promote careers in engineering, the Leicester-based company has developed close links with schools, colleges and universities across the UK and regularly participates in community initiatives to attract and develop future generations. This includes frequent visits to primary and secondary schools, to deliver careers talks and hold mock interview sessions.

The company also launched its own summer ‘Introneering’ programme which aims to deliver a one-week industry placement to students aged 14 to16, demonstrating the many career paths available within organisations.

In addition, Nylacast facilitates five to ten-week student placements across all departments, providing access to skills, knowledge and experience within STEM related fields.

Located a stone’s throw away from the National Space Centre, Nylacast is also a proud sponsor of IGNITE, the National Space Centre’s Community Engagement programme, with a mission to get people excited about space and help develop the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Since starting its multi award-wining apprenticeship programme in conjunction with Leicester College, Nylacast has nurtured over forty students from fledgling apprentices into fully qualified professionals. The annual intake of apprentices at the company has grown from four to twelve in just a few years, with further apprenticeship opportunities now offered in non-engineering subjects including sales, marketing and business administration.

In addition to attracting and developing future generations, Nylacast run an annual review process to help identify the training needs and requirements of team members, this develops into a personalised training

and development plan. As technology evolves the company also looks to identify potential future skills gaps across its business and further develop team members who want to advance their skills and knowledge.

The Nylacast Training Academy also focuses on the upskilling of the current workforce, helping to develop and retain talent within the engineering sector. Dedicating over 500 hours of in-house, classroombased engineering training per annum, the Training Academy and its CNC (computer numerical control) simulator facilities have trained and upskilled over 100 members of staff in CNC programming.

Recognising and nurturing talent, the engineering firm’s Training Academy has also helped more than fifty team members achieve NVQs in Leadership and Management through a programme developed in conjunction with Leicester College.

Operating within the manufacturing industry the company also delivers regular training and refresher courses on first aid and first response.

More recently delivering a six-month ESOL course (English for Speakers of Other Languages) with a successful wave of graduates receiving their qualifications in December 2019.

Mental, physical health and well-being is also high on the company’s agenda, with dedicated events, initiatives and campaigns taking place on a monthly basis from Mental Health First Aid to health awareness workshops and yoga lessons which all prove very popular.

Nylacast’s group marketing manager, Junaid Makda, commented on the company’s passion for people, he said, “As a company with more than five decades of operations we are fortunate to have a huge talent pool stemming across multiple generations. it is our social responsibility as collective individuals to open our facilities and share our knowledge to create a platform and foundation for future engineers and leaders.”

Nylacast has proved that investing in its employees is the smartest business decision a company can make – in the words of leading entrepreneur Richard Branson, “Customers come second, employees first.

It's a philosophy that brings unexpected benefits to both the company and its clients.” ■

SPRING 2020 21

CEA Member Survey ConstructionWorX

Thumbs up from the CEA members The results of the CEA’s latest membership survey show strong support and provide ideas for the future…

The CEA conducted a snapshot online survey of its members’ assessment of the main services provided by their Association. The purpose was to gather feedback to help with the planning of activities and priorities in 2020 and beyond. Billed as “The Five Minute Survey” it drew a healthy response rate.

The survey focused on asking members their views on how helpful the five main service area provided by the association are for them and their company. The areas were Lobbying activity, Technical services, Market information, Business promotion and International trade. The overall feedback on this was very positive, as shown in the chart below.

This shows that 82% of the ratings recorded services as “Very helpful” (34%) or “Helpful” (48%).

Looking at the ratings for individual services, all five received an impressive level of “very helpful” and/or “helpful” responses. The chart below shows the split of the top two ratings between the service areas.

Lobbying came out as the most valued service, followed by technical and regulatory services.

After rating how useful CEA services were to their company, members were also asked if they thought the services provided were good value.

In response to this, 81% of respondents rated services as “Very good” or “Good” value, which provided further positive feedback on current CEA activities.

22 SPRING 2020

The rest of the survey invited members to provide comments on any additional services that they would like the association to provide.

The results from this pointed towards the need to provide further development of existing services. More than half of the comments related to further development of the Market information and International trade services. Market information services have grown significantly under the management of specialist analyst, Paul Lyons.

International trade services have been hampered by the scaling back of much of the funding available for overseas trade shows and trade missions by the Department for International Trade (DIT). As the UK enters the post-EU world, the CEA continues to press government on the importance of practical assistance in overseas markets.

The last question in the survey asked companies to identify if they were also members of other trade associations. This revealed that more than three quarters of the companies who responded to the survey were also members of other trade associations, and identified nearly forty other relevant associations. This was quite eye-opening, to illustrate how important trade association activities and services are to companies within the construction equipment sector. ■ Membership of the CEA is open to all manufacturers and importers of construction equipment, component and accessory suppliers, distributors and relevant service providers. For further information contact Paul Lyons via paul.lyons@thecea.org.uk.

ConstructionWorX CEA Conference 2020

CEA ANNUAL CONFERENCE Thursday 11 June 2020 10.45-16.30

East of England Events Centre, Peterborough Headline sponsor

The 2020s pose some big questions for UK construction equipment. How will the Government use its mandate to invest in constructing better national infrastructure – and settle our trading relationship with Europe and beyond?

The climate emergency needs firm action – so how will our sector respond to urgent demands for better air quality and the zero carbon agenda? What effect will these issues, the ebb and flow of global markets and the adoption of new technology have on our business? The interconnected world of politics, sustainability and business come together in The New Environment conference.

MODERATOR: CHRIS SLEIGHT Speakers drawn from contractors, manufacturers, government, environmental NGOs, local authorities, financial institutions.

Unrivalled expert panel insights.

Preceded by the CEA AGM at 09.45.

The CEA’s annual conference is free of charge to CEA members and attended by around 250 industry leaders, technical experts, marketing, sales, supply chain, and press and industry service providers.

The CEA Gala Dinner and the CEA Awards for Excellence in association with Plantworx Finish off the day with an evening of unparalleled networking with your industry peers at the CEA Gala Dinner and the CEA Awards for Excellence in association with Plantworx. See details on page 20.

www.thecea.org.uk/conference

SPRING 2020 23

Bank of England ConstructionWorX

Encouraging signs for the UK economy Gareth Harrison, the deputy agent for the North East for the Bank of England writes for Construction Worx highlighting UK economic growth…

The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) met in January to decide on the appropriate level of Bank Rate—the official base rate of interest in the UK. The MPC also updated its forecasts for economic growth and inflation. The latest forecasts show UK economic growth picking up steadily over the next few years, after a sluggish 2019.

That pickup chimes with the early signs of a rise in business confidence we’ve seen in surveys and in the conversations I and my fellow agents have had with contacts at businesses in the North East and across the UK in recent weeks. Our contacts report they are more likely to make positive decisions on investment, now that their Brexitrelated uncertainty has fallen. Some survey indicators of output have also increased recently, likely reflecting this fall in uncertainty, as well as signalling a pickup in growth.

The MPC expects Brexit-related uncertainty to fall further, driving an increase in investment and output, as more detail on the UK’s future trading relationships comes out. Lower uncertainty also appears to have been boosting activity in the housing market. And with unemployment at its lowest level in over 40 years, households are generally confident about their own finances and the wider economy.

The outlook for the UK also reflects encouraging signs in the world economy.

Helped by some easing of trade tensions and the loosening of monetary policy by many central banks, world growth looks to have stabilised and is forecast to strengthen, supporting economic activity in the UK. As the UK economy recovers and the impact of falls in energy and utilities prices fades, inflation is forecast to rise to the MPC’s 2% target by the end of next year. In light of these encouraging developments, and what they mean for growth and inflation, a

24 SPRING 2020

majority of the MPC decided that it was appropriate to keep Bank Rate at 0.75%.

But the MPC noted a number of risks around its forecasts. The world economy is not guaranteed to strengthen: a renewal of trade tensions, or the emergence of other threats, such as that posed by the coronavirus, could cause growth to weaken. In the UK, too, the forecast economic pickup is not a certainty. Uncertainty is still higher than usual; and if it takes a long time for more detail about the UK’s future trading relationships to come out, it could increase again.

In the near term, the MPC may need to loosen its monetary policy if the UK economy does not pick up as expected or if inflation does not rise. Looking further ahead, if the economy does recover as the MPC expects, some modest tightening of policy may be needed over the coming few years to keep inflation from rising above target.

No matter what happens, the MPC—chaired from March by incoming Governor Andrew Bailey—will continue to set policy to keep inflation stable and support jobs and growth for the good of all the people of the UK. Gareth presented at the first meeting of the CEA Management Council in 2020. ■

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ConstructionWorX Digital

The Digital Environment Paul Ross, a former President of the CEA and director of Caterpillar UK – and CEA director and representative of Ricardo, a leading strategic engineering consultancy, shares his thoughts on all things digital…

The word Digital appears to be at the centre of everything at the moment and encompasses such a wide range of activities. We are at a unique point in time and the rapid increases in technological capability have been referred to as the Digital Revolution and compared to that of the Industrial Revolution.

The scale of efficiencies to be gained and the associated benefits are huge and full adoption of latest technologies will transform our industry beyond recognition, delivering tangible benefits at a machine and construction site/application level. At the 2019 CECE Congress there was a focus of attention on the DigiPlace project which is an EU funded programme to map a single European Digital Platform for Construction.

This digital platform is aimed at integrating the different technologies, applications and services currently existing in digital construction whilst facilitating the development of further activities in this space.

Having recognised that this is happening around us, how do we benefit and what are some of the specific technologies available today and being developed for tomorrow?

EQUIPMENT DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE Equipment design focuses on delivering reliable quality products that enable efficient and productive operation whilst being cost effective and environmentally friendly. The basis of optimum cost manufacturing will obviously continue but is complimented by efficiency gains that can be achieved by optimum control management and having a fully integrated machine control system. Optimisation and management of individual components will give better performance, less fuel consumption and less peripheral waste of energy (hydraulics etc).

Fully integrated Smart Machines will provide the necessary analytics that link to construction site management tools to attain the goal of a “Connected Workplace”.

CONSTRUCTION SITE MANAGEMENT AND OPTIMISATION Having a smart site enables the possibility of managing and analysing all data from individual assets (equipment or fixed utilities) to provide

a fully integrated and Connected Workplace. These technologies will continue to develop and ultimately facilitate a Digital Twin of the site.

In addition to the obvious benefits of asset tracking and management, new technologies will increase overall performance via machine learning and availabilities will be increased by prognostics and on-board diagnostics giving predictive failure data.

Further developments in Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality and Autonomous Operation will also transform the current Construction Site. In these areas the adoption of the technology is more likely to be limited by social and regulatory factors rather than the technology itself.

We are all aware of autonomous mining trucks operating in a semisterile environment such as a mine site, but this is a different issue when the site is not as controlled.

SAFETY AND SECURITY The combination of Smart Machines and Smart Sites automatically provides a better degree of protection for operators and site workers with additional technologies that enhance both safety and security.

Proximity sensors and recognition systems fitted to equipment can detect personnel and provide a new degree of protection. The output signal from such devices can be used for a range of options from audible visual warning to shut-down or reduced performance of the equipment. Further enhancements such as e-fencing areas of high risk (live motorway lanes etc) are readily available now. Site security and machine operation can further be enhanced by creating safe zones when access is only permitted by recognition of individuals with the correct certification and authority and controlled by digital methods.

In summary, Digital Technology helps improve asset and personnel communication, collaboration, content management, access to analytics data as well as improving business cohesion, equipment performance, and ultimately customer experience. As an industry the majority of manufacturers and customers are endorsing change and actively engaging to increase momentum in these areas. The benefits are huge and the results will position our individual businesses as part of a leading industry. ■ More to follow....

SPRING 2020 25

Autonomous Vehicles ConstructionWorX Komatsu has now put Smart Construction and intelligent Machine Control into effect on more than 8,000 sites worldwide

Komatsu’s World of Autonomous Operations Companies like Google’s Waymo and Elon Musk’s Tesla make it look like autonomous vehicles are something of the near future. With concept cars being tested out on the road people are starting to wonder why has this technology not found its way to other industries like construction?

Komatsu’s Richard Clement, deputy general manager Smart Construction delves deep into the reality of autonomous machines…

Currently there is no existing road ahead on how autonomous operation can be integrated into the construction industry. But we at Komatsu believe that just creating autonomous machines isn’t going to be sufficient. Having a total overview not just visually but also in the form of data is needed to bring safety, efficiency and great implementation to the jobsite.

In the past decade, our Autonomous Haulage System (AHS) has been responsible for moving over two billion tons of material. It’s an achievement that has proven the practicality of autonomous operations.

With the experience and knowledge we have gained creating this system - which started six years before GPS was commercially available - we want to start focusing on the next big innovation in autonomous operations.

AUTONOMOUS HAULAGE Technically, our Autonomous Haulage System isn’t meant for construction. It was created specifically for the repetitive operations in the mining sector. Where the production process is relatively predictable and there is consistency of haulage routes etc. On these job sites there are strict rules and measures in place to keep pedestrians and non-production vehicles out of harm’s way. Mining is an industry where autonomous technology was able to be deployed for use in an enclosed, tightly managed environment. Construction is not. For that reason, it’s not possible to simply transplant the AHS technologies to the very different circumstances of the construction world.

So, we are not attempting to directly do this. We are taking a

26 SPRING 2020

different approach. We’re still pursuing technological advancements in autonomous machinery, but at the same time we find it important to investigate how we can evolve the jobsite and processes used in a construction environment.

SMART CONSTRUCTION This way of thinking led Komatsu to the development of a set of Smart Construction solutions. With this innovation we aim to bring a digital transformation of processes to current job sites. One easy to grasp example is drone surveying, an effective way for your employees to measure the terrain safely, accurately and efficiently. There’s also intelligent Machine Control (iMC), which aims to help the excavator or dozer operator to be more accurate and to improve the speed of new recruits being able to operate with their more experienced peers. You can see that beside an increase in safety and efficiency these are tiny but strong steps towards the digital transformation of the construction environment.

By combining our experience from the development of products for autonomous operations with what we learnt from developing the Smart Construction solutions, we at Komatsu developed a strategic roadmap for the transformation of (autonomous operation) products and (digitally transformed) job sites. Following this vision, products, on the horizontal axis, will be designed to operate with increasing autonomy.

At the same time, the job site will undergo a transformation. It will become increasingly digitalized. The core message of this approach?

The road to optimal performance incorporates a combination of autonomous product development and digital transformation.

ConstructionWorX Autonomous Vehicles

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THE ROADMAP We believe in a synchronous digital innovation of the construction jobsite and machinery. The proof is in the pudding, our intelligent Machine Control Level 2 products can be found on thousands of today’s job sites, iMC dozers and excavators are helping operators work on complex surface designs as we speak. Now this is just Level 2 machinery, but we are currently working on all kinds of prototypes we aim to launch in the future. The moment when job sites reach Level 5, the digital transformation of the job site will have created an environment that allows customers to use the autonomous capabilities of the products to their full potential.

We’ll see an environment that offers benefits similar to those of the mining world. The technology will be able to perform to its full potential because the job site environment will be tuned into the needs of this technology. The increased accuracy will allow for better insight into job costs. The use of increasingly autonomous machines will allow the operators to avoid working in the higher risk areas around machines and potentially treacherous terrain. Customers will have the safety, efficiency and insight they need to optimize the benefits of autonomous operations.

One common denominator to achieve this is communication.

Customers use many different tools and machinery - that aren’t Komatsu products - on a job site to deliver the highest quality construction output. And we want to support our current and future customers in the most efficient and safe way of working. We care about construction productivity so we will focus on both the process improvement as well as product usage.

Komatsu has now put Smart Construction and intelligent Machine Control into effect on more than 8,000 sites worldwide. The lesson learned from this? A job site must complement the technology being used.

Otherwise the vehicle automation technology will not perform at optimal

efficiency. Take a look at intelligent Machine Control. It offers benefits in any situation. But if you want to optimize the potential? You need to work with 3D data (Design and Terrain). Once you’ve managed this, you’ll be able to look at moving even further forward to perform to even higher standards.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE Although it is specifically for the mining world, the Autonomous Haulage System has given us a window into the future. It’s encouraged us to imagine what’s possible in construction. However, the Autonomous Haulage System has already been around for ten years. A decade in which technology has moved ahead in leaps and bounds. It’s perfectly fine to dream of a similar level of autonomy in the construction industry. There’s no saying exactly what other doors will be open to us when we reach that level. ■

Drone surveying is an effective way for employees to measure the terrain safely, accurately and efficiently For more information contact: Richard Clement, Deputy General Manager Smart Construction Telephone: +44 1914925444 | mobile: +44 7734684671 Email: richard.clement@komatsu.eu

SPRING 2020 27

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ConstructionWorX Autonomous Vehicles

Is construction ready for automation?

The controlled environment of construction sites makes them the perfect playground for exploring automation – bringing real-life benefits in terms of productivity, safety and fuel efficiency. But how far advanced is construction automation? Johanna Huggare, manager Intelligent Machine Platforms, at Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) explains more…

The construction industry has been automating processes for decades.

The automatic gearbox and climate control are just two examples, relieving operators of the responsibilities of changing gear or turning the heating up and down. But these are not the processes that spring to mind when we hear the word automation. No, we think futuristic, driverless. As the technology continues to mature at a rapid rate, just how close are we to adopting these futuristic concepts on tomorrow’s construction sites?

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE DATA Over the last few years, we have seen machines fitted with increasingly advanced systems that are less dependent on operator skills but are not yet fully autonomous, ones that support operators with guidance or control primary functions. Take the Volvo Co-Pilot and its range of intelligent Assist applications that help operators deliver higher quality outcomes, in less time and with lower effort. For example, Volvo CE’s excavation machine control system – Dig Assist – allows operators to take measurements from inside the cab. The system automatically calculates exactly what material has been taken, from where, and what the current levels are. This represents savings in time and money, as well as improving safety.

Furthermore, the construction industry has also been drawing on more advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) to aid automation. AI allows a new level of sophistication to be reached – where machines ‘talk’ to each other in a bid to boost total site productivity. However, AI needs

large amounts of data in order to work, which is partly why industries like finance, banking and entertainment have been some of the more successful early adopters.

Yet construction is catching up. The industry is starting to capture more and more data out of machines and that is what is now allowing us to build the infrastructure needed to develop advanced algorithms.

At Volvo CE we’ve made huge advances in after-market, customer support and mobile applications. And now with even more data at our disposal, we are starting to use AI for more things, such as automation and driver support systems. Combine this with the controlled environments of today’s jobsites and you have the perfect playground for making automation a reality.

But data is no use if you don’t have the guaranteed network connection to safely and effectively manage this technology. To address this connection issue, we are one of the lucky few to test a 5G network for industrial use. We are currently teaming up with Telia and Ericsson to test remote-controlled machines and autonomous solutions in a real application. This is allowing us to explore the boundaries for automation and see what challenges and benefits arise as a result.

ELECTRIFYING SHOWCASE We first showcased the potential for driverless automation in 2018, when we partnered with our customer Skanska, to create the world’s first ‘emission-free’ quarry. Drawing on the electromobility and automation expertise of the Volvo Group, we electrified each transport

SPRING 2020 29

Autonomous Vehicles ConstructionWorX

stage of the quarrying process – from excavation to primary crushing, and transport to secondary crushing. As well as electric wheel loaders and excavators, the project also involved eight HX02 autonomous, battery-electric concept load carriers. These machines were fitted with a vision system, which allowed them to detect humans and obstacles in their vicinity and also follow a pre-programmed GPS path.

The Electric Site demonstrated how the level of operator assistance is transforming the overall productivity of machines. And it’s not just productivity that was enhanced – safety increased as accidents caused by human error were eliminated. Autonomous machines also perform repetitive tasks more efficiently and precisely than human operators.

And because machines operate in the most efficient way, customers benefit from improved performance, productivity, fuel efficiency, and durability. The results were tangible. During the 10-week project there was a 50% increase in fuel efficiency, 40% reduction in operator cost, a 70% cut in energy costs and a 98% reduction in carbon emissions.

CHANGING ATTITUDES We can clearly see the benefits that automation brings. But what of the challenges? One of the main issues is attitude. In a survey – carried out on behalf of Volvo CE – almost half of construction workers we spoke to feared safety could be put at risk by automating tasks. Here at Volvo CE we are working hard to address these concerns. The Electric Site project highlighted the reduction in accidents when humans were taken out of dangerous working environments. But removing humans from the equation raises other concerns.

For example, the same study highlighted concerns about how automation would affect job security. Machine operator roles were perceived to be most at risk – according to almost half of the respondents (48%). However, experts agree that while the job of an operator will change with increasing automation, some tasks are so complex and unpredictable that the operator needs to feel what’s happening, and in those cases, we will always need operators controlling the machines.

In addition, as machine autonomy increases, the operator will generally act more in a supervisory capacity. In fact, there is actually a shortage of trained skilled operators, so instead of taking away jobs, automation could create safer, less stressful and more interesting work for operators, with perhaps several machines being controlled remotely by one operator at a time, thus boosting efficiency for the customer.

BRINGING AUTOMATION TO LIFE Ensuring our customers are benefitting from our research and development – and working together to test its potential – is the key to making automation a success. From next month, Volvo Autonomous Solutions will deploy a fleet of concept autonomous haulers in a commercial pilot with customer Harsco Environment. Although, the technology is not yet available to the market it is one step closer toward industrialization.

It’s clear that fully autonomous machines will not suddenly arrive.

The journey, in the construction industry at least, will come in stages.

Currently, we are working on creating machines that can perform a number of simple, largely repetitive, applications fully autonomously, while other applications remain semi-autonomous for the foreseeable future.

It’s not just the machines that are changing. As we move into a more autonomous future, we will see changes in work site layouts and working hours. Autonomous machines will be able to facilitate 24/7

30 SPRING 2020

and 365 days a year working. Operators will no longer need to work in harsh and sometimes remote environments – they’ll be able to control machines from the comfort of an office that is maybe hundreds of miles from the site itself. With technological advancements we will be able to customize the behavior of the machines to fit specific applications.

Who knows, maybe we’ll see autonomous Volvo CE equipment used for off-earth space mining.

But let’s come back down to earth for a moment. To make automation work, customers have to want it. Some of our customers would be happy to use autonomous machines today, while others prefer to wait until the technology is more mature. Until now, it has been difficult to build a compelling business case for automated construction equipment, largely because the technology that sits behind it is expensive. Current trials are highlighting the benefits that automation brings to the construction industry. But for fully autonomous construction equipment to become commonplace, we’ll need to see acceptance and trust in the technology, a reduction in cost and an increase in the pace of technological change.

It’s safe to say this is the same amount of change as when dedicated construction machines were first invented a century ago. It’s at that same level of disruption and it’s a wonderful time to be part of it.

The road to optimal performance incorporates a combination of autonomous product development and digital transformation. ■

Johanna Huggare is manager Intelligent Machine Platforms at Volvo CE. She and her team of 20 people are working to explore, develop and industrialize the technology of the future. In order to find their way among all the information, Johanna and her employees work closely with a number of universities, research institutes and partner companies around the world. They are in contact with technical experts and futurologists and work closely together with customers and suppliers. They also play a key role in spreading and building knowledge within the organisation.

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MPA ConstructionWorX

Generating financial support for digital investment The MPA Group is a CEA partner. Iain Warburton from MPA is looking at ways that they can help members with their R&D and development activity The impact of technological advancement is changing the landscape for many businesses across all sectors. It’s no surprise that the construction industry is moving under the spotlight as construction equipment begins to face the same digital disruption felt in the automotive and commercial-vehicle sectors.

Machines are becoming increasingly automated and connected, enabling operators to deploy them more efficiently. As customers adopt building information modelling (BIM) this will accelerate the deployment of smart, connected heavy machinery. The challenge is how to fund the investment in this innovation.

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Expert advice at no cost

As part of the drive to make the UK more competitive globally, HMRC is happy to cut your tax bill or pay you cash if you can satisfy their technical requirements. Over £4.3 billion was ‘paid out’ in R&D tax credits in the last reported statistics with an average SME claim value of £50,000.

Irrespective of whether you are claiming or not, we can provide valuable advice to help. If you’d like specialist advice on R&D Tax opportunities in your business at no cost, then contact our advisor Iain Warburton on 07519 070636. Iain.Warburton@mpa.co.uk

Less than 1% of SMEs in the broad construction sector (around 1,800 companies) are claiming R&D tax credits and given that construction represents around 7% of GDP and that there are more than 250,000 construction SME’s this seems too low. Nervousness about what activity qualifies and the risk from HMRC’s quality drive could be at the core of this. Activity qualifiers are covered by simple phrases: “attempting to resolve a scientific or technological uncertainty” and so technical expertise as well as tax expertise is required to make a successful claim.

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UK market – no clear 2020 vision The CEA’s market analyst, Paul Lyons, provides his insight into what is happening in and around the construction equipment market…

Construction equipment sales fell by 6% in 2019 Retail sales of construction and earthmoving equipment in the UK market fell by 12% in the last quarter of the year, compared with the same quarter in 2018. This continued the trend during 2019 of quarterly sales declining at increasing rates through the year compared with 2018. This significant fall in sales in the final quarter of the year resulted in sales for the whole of 2019 showing a 6% reduction on 2018 levels, reaching just over 32,000 units. A decline in sales in 2019 had been expected for some time, after reaching peak levels in 2018 following a number of years of growth. However, the downward path expected in 2019 was added to by the uncertainty caused by Brexit, and also uncertainty regarding the future of some major infrastructure projects, particularly HS2.

The graph below shows quarterly sales of equipment on an index basis from the construction equipment statistics exchange *, using Q1 2018 as 100. The fall in sales during 2019 was mainly driven by two of the most popular machine types, mini/midi excavators and

crawler excavators (over 10 tonnes), which showed reductions in sales of 11% and 4.5%, respectively. Strongest sales amongst the high volume equipment types has been experienced by telehandlers (to the construction industry), which showed a 7% increase in 2019. This was a result of very strong sales in the middle two quarters of the year.

Analysis of sales by region in the UK market in 2019 showed a very distinctive pattern. Compared with 2018, growth in sales was focused in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and the North East of England. In contrast, most other regions in the south and east of England recorded declining sales. This was particularly the case in London, recording close to a 25% decline in equipment sales compared with 2018.

Off-Highway Research will be publishing an updated forecast for equipment sales in the UK market in the coming months. The last forecast published in 2019, anticipated that sales would show a further fall in 2020, with a forecast of a 6% reduction. At this stage, it seems likely that recovery from Brexit/election uncertainty, and a clear outcome for the HS2 project review might not provide any improvement in the equipment market until the second half of the year.

UK exports remained strong in 2019, but beginning to ease back UK exports of construction and earthmoving equipment showed a modest declining trend in the first three quarters of 2019, after peaking in the last quarter of 2018. Despite this, exports in the first nine months of the year were still 6% ahead of 2018 levels, during the same time period, at £2,678 million. A declining trend for exports is consistent with reports of demand falling in many of the major overseas markets last year, after peaking in 2018.

The USA remained the top destination for UK exports in the first three quarters of 2019, accounting for 29% of total exports at £767 million. This represented a 3% increase on 2018 levels, when share of exports to the

*The UK construction equipment statistics exchange is operated by Systematics International Ltd. This scheme is run in partnership with the CEA, and allows publication of quarterly bulletins on equipment sales in the UK market.

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USA was 26%. Exports to EU28 countries have shown a 9% increase in the first nine months of 2019, compared with the same period in 2018, reaching £1,239 million. This took the share of overall exports to over 46.5% for EU28 counties, compared with 44.5% for the whole of 2018.

UK imports dip in Q3 after showing strong growth in the first half of 2019

Imports of equipment fell back in Q3, after being at their highest levels for at least six years in the first half of the year. At £1,444 million, imports in the first three quarters of the year were 10% above 2018 levels, during the same time period.

Japan remained the leading source of imports in the first nine months of 2019 at £295 million, accounting for 20% of total imports, a similar share to 2018. Imports from EU28 countries showed significant increases in the first three quarters of the year, reaching £939 million, and accounted for 65% of total imports. This was 3% higher than the share achieved in 2018. Germany remains the leading EU28 import source, and is second only to Japan as the leading country, and accounted for over 17% of total imports in the first nine months of the year.

Construction orders showing a downward trend in 2019 The latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) for new orders in the construction sector shows a 1.6% decline in the first three quarters of 2019, compared with the same period in 2018. Only the civil engineering sector showed an increase (+16.1%), with most other sectors showing a decline. In spite of this, construction output has been relatively stable in 2019, and showed modest growth. In the period from January to November 2019, output was 2.2% higher than the same eleven months in 2018. Within this, output for new work showed a 3.1% increase, while repair and maintenance work was only up 0.4%.

Infrastructure (+6.0%) and housing (+5.7%) were the strongest sectors for new work.

The latest UK construction Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) published by IHS Markit in February is shown below. This shows that

the index in January recovered to 48.4, after reaching 44.4 in December.

While the index remained below the 50.0 “no change” level, this was the best result for the survey for eight months, since May 2019.

Respondents to the survey commented on how demand from clients was showing signs of improvement, after political uncertainty was receding. House building was the strongest performing sector in the survey, and civil engineering was the weakest in January. Looking ahead, the survey suggested that construction companies are now the most optimistic about their growth prospects since April 2018. A number of firms noted that clients' willingness to spend had picked up after the general election, which should translate into rising workloads over the course of 2020.

Glenigan published their latest forecast for the UK construction market in December. This measures market activity in terms of the value of new project starts. The latest update shows that new project starts fared better than anticipated in 2019, showing a 1% increase on 2018 levels. This was a welcome stabilisation in demand after project starts had shown 8% declines for the two previous years. The latest forecast for 2020 is for further modest improvement in the market, and anticipates a 2% increase in project starts. The strongest sectors in 2020 are expected

to be private housing and civil engineering, with the latter being the strongest sector in 2019. Further growth in civil engineering activity is expected in 2020 as road rail and water investments gather momentum.

Existing major infrastructure schemes are also forecast to lift activity, with the main uncertainty remaining over HS2, until the Government review is complete. Overall, weak economic growth is forecast to constrain construction activity in 2020 and 2021. Manufacturing activity in particular, is under pressure from weak domestic demand and uncertain export prospects until the Brexit agreement is completed. (www.glenigan.com). ■

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ConstructionWorX International

Growing Asian market It may not be the first market to spring to mind in South East Asia, but the Philippines has seen good growth in equipment sales over the last three years. According to Off-Highway Research, commitments on infrastructure spending could see demand rise further… after a few bumps in the road.

The last two or three years has seen an expansion of the Filipino economy including long overdue infrastructure and construction investment. This has helped lift construction equipment sales.

Despite a slowdown in 2019 caused by delays in approving the country’s budget, an issue which was only resolved in mid-April, the appetite for equipment remains high, as does the realisation that the country requires an enormous amount of construction work if it is to maximise its economic growth potential.

The main beneficiary of this expansion has been the crawler excavator, which accounts for nearly 50 per cent of sales in unit terms.

Major gains have also been registered by other equipment associated with infrastructure work in general and road building in particular, such as compaction equipment, crawler dozers, motor graders and wheeled loaders.

One of the most salient features of the last five years has been the trend towards the purchase of new machines in preference to used equipment imported from Japan. In the wheeled loader and mobile crane sectors, in particular, much of the growth in sales is the result of the influx of much cheaper new machines from China, coupled with the declining availability and rising prices of used Japanese equipment. Some tender contracts under the current government’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ investment plan also make the use of new machinery a pre-requisite.

The ongoing policy of funding a vast array of infrastructure projects would suggest a bright outlook for sales of construction equipment.

Indeed, if the recent approach is enshrined in a law to ensure a minimum proportion of GDP is invested in infrastructure on an annual basis as planned, the industry could enjoy a period of sustained growth and stability.

Another encouraging sign that the current administration has been successful in translating grand promises into action through its ‘Build, Build, Build’ mantra. That said, the political volatility that could yet undermine the recent good work never seems too distant. The delay in approving the budget for 2019, only resolved in mid-April this year, is evidence of how such disagreements can undermine market investment and confidence.

Further ahead, the Presidential elections scheduled for 2022 are likely to have an impact on investment certainty and therefore machinery sales.

CONSTRUCTION The construction market in The Philippines is experiencing a considerable boom. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, average annual growth in the sector for the four years to 2017 was 9.6%.

Impressive though this is, it was outdone by expansion in 2018 of the order of 15.9%. Overall, the value of the industry rose from an estimated $38.5 billion to $44.3 billion.

The main catalyst for this rapid expansion has been the increase in government infrastructure spending. This rose 49.7% in 2018, a clear manifestation of the ‘Build, Build, Build’ mantra of the Duterte administration. Through this scheme, the government intends to invest PHP 8 trillion (US$ 155 billion) in infrastructure up to 2022, the year of the next Presidential election.

In tandem with the government’s spending plans, the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP) has recently launched a 10-year road map, detailing investment plans of PHP 40 trillion (US$ 780 billion) from 2020.

SPRING 2020 37

"Recognised by Government, Valued by our Members" The CEA represents over 140 companies in the construction equipment industry...

CEA MEMBERSHIP LIST A & Y Equipment Ltd www.aandygroup.com Adams Cundell Engineers Ltd (ACE Plant) www.aceplant.co.uk Advanté Ltd www.advante.co.uk Airboss Ltd www.airbosstyre.com Air-Seal Products Ltd www.air-sealproducts.com Amber Valley Developments LLP www.amber-valley.com AMI Group Ltd www.amigroup.co.uk Armcon Ltd www.armcon-online.com Ashtree Vision & Safety Ltd www.avsuk.co ATG Ltd www.atg-global.com ATP Industries Group Ltd www.atp-group.com AVID Technology Ltd www.avidtp.com BAV Crushers Ltd www.bavcrushers.co.uk Beckers Industrial Coatings Ltd www.beckers-group.com Becool Radiators / Gallay Ltd www.gallay.co.uk Bergstrom Europe Ltd www.bergstromeurope.com BKT Europe SRL www.bkt-tires.com Blackwood Engineering www.blackwoodengineering.co.uk Bobcat Company www.bobcat.com Bomag (GB) Ltd www.bomag.com Brendon Powerwashers www.powerwashers.co.uk Brigade Electronics Group Plc brigade-electronics.com British Steel Britishsteel.co.uk BSP International Foundations Ltd www.bsp-if.com Cab Glazing Services LLP www.cabglazing.com Cabcare Products Ltd www.cabcare.com Caepro Ltd www.caepro.co.uk Caldervale Group Ltd www.caldervalegroup.com CanTrack Global Ltd www.cantrack.com Caterpillar (UK) Ltd www.cat.com Charles & Dean Ltd www.charlesanddean.com CLM Construction Supplies Ltd www.clm-supplies.com CNH UK Ltd www.cnhindustrial.com Configit Ltd configit.com Con Mech Engineers Ltd www.conmecheng.com

Cummins Engine Co Ltd www.cummins.com Darchem Engineering Ltd www.darchem.co.uk Dawson Construction Plant Ltd www.dcpuk.com Deutz AG – UK & Ireland www.deutzuk.co.uk DF Capital www.dfcapital.co.uk Digbits Ltd www.digbits.co.uk Doosan International UK Ltd www.doosanequipment.eu Echo Barrier Ltd www.echobarrier.com elobau UK Ltd www.elobau.com Eminox Ltd www.eminox.com Engcon Ltd www.engcon.com Enigma Telematics www.enigmatelematics.com Fablink UK Ltd www.fablink.co.uk Fozmula Ltd www.fozmula.com Friction Marketing Co Ltd www.frictionmarketing.co.uk FuelActive Ltd www.fuelactive.com Fuelwood Ltd www.fuelwood.co.uk G&M Radiator Manufacturing Co Ltd www.gm-radiator.com Gate7 Ltd www.gate7.co.uk Geith International Ltd www.geith.com Giant Crushing Ltd www.giantcrusher.com GKD Technik Ltd www.gkdtechnik.com Gomaco International Ltd www.gomaco.com Gordon Equipments Ltd (Durite) www.durite.co.uk Hewitt Robins International Ltd www.hewittrobins.com Hill Engineering Ltd www.hillattach.com Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV www.hcme.com Holmbury Ltd Holmbury.com Husco International Ltd www.huscointl.com Hydreco Hydraulics Ltd www.hydreco.com Hydrema (UK) Ltd www.hydrema.co.uk Hydrema Denmark A/S www.hydrema.com HYTORC Industrial Bolting Systems hytorc.com Hyundai Construction Equipment Europe UK www.hyundai.eu

James Fisher Prolec www.prolec.co.uk JCB Sales Ltd www.jcb.co.uk John Deere, Worldwide Construction and Forestry Division www.deere.com KAB Seating Ltd www.kabseating.com Kawasaki Precision Machinery (UK) Ltd www.kpm-eu.com Kay-Dee Engineering Plastics Ltd www.kaylan.co.uk KHL Group www.khl.com Knibb, Gormezano and Partners www.kgpauto.com Kocurek Excavators Ltd www.kocurek.com Komatsu UK Ltd www.komatsu.com Kubota UK Ltd www.kubota.co.uk Leica Geosystems Ltd www.leica-geosystems.co.uk Linde Hydraulics Ltd www.lindehydraulics.co.uk LiuGong Machinery Europe www.liugong-europe.com Manitou UK Ltd www.uk.manitou.com McCloskey International Ltd www.mccloskeyinternational.com Mecalac Construction Equipment UK Ltd www.mecalac.com Merlo UK Ltd www.merlo.co.uk Miller UK Ltd www.millergroundbreaking.com Molson Equipment Services Ltd www.molsongroup.co.uk Morris Site Machinery Ltd www.morrismachinery.co.uk MP Filtri UK Ltd www.mpfiltri.co.uk National Fluid Power Centre Ltd www.nfpc.co.uk NC Engineering www.nc-engineering.com Nylacast Ltd www.nylacast.com/construction Off-Highway Research Ltd www.offhighway.co.uk OnGrade Ltd www.ongrade.com Parker Hannifin - ECBU (Sweden) www.parker.com PEI-Genesis www.peigenesis.com Perkins Engine Co Ltd www.perkins.com Phoenix Engineering Co Ltd www.phoenixeng.co.uk Rayco-Wylie Systems www.raycowylie.com Red Dot Europe Ltd www.reddoteurope.com Red Rhino Crushers (UK) Ltd www.redrhinocrushers.com Ricardo plc www.ricardo.com

For more information, visit www.thecea.org.uk

Rima UK Ltd www.rima-uk.com Route One Publishing Ltd www.ropl.com RSP UK Suction Excavators Ltd www.rsp-uk.co.uk Rubbernek Fittings Ltd www.rubbernek.co.uk Sandhills East www.resaleweekly.com Sandvik Construction www.construction.sandvik.com Screen Services (NE) Ltd www.screenservices.co.uk Selwood Ltd www.selwood.co.uk SKM Asset Finance Ltd www.skmassetfinance.co.uk SMT GB www.volvoce.com Southco Manufacturing Ltd www.southco.com Steelwrist UK Ltd www.agcon.co.uk Strickland MFG Ltd www.stricklanduk.com Syncron UK Ltd www.syncron.com Takeuchi MFG (UK) Ltd www.takeuchi-mfg.co.uk Tata Steel Europe Ltd www.tatasteeleurope.com Taylor Construction Plant www.tcp.eu.com Taylor’s Trailers Ltd www.taylors-trailers.com Technical Services (UK) Ltd www.technical-services.co.uk Telestack Ltd www.telestack.com TeletracNavman (UK) Ltd www.teletracnavman.com Terex Materials Processing www.terex.com/en/materials-processing/ Terex Trucks www.terextrucks.com Thwaites Ltd www.thwaitesdumpers.co.uk Topcon Technology Ltd www.topconpositioning.com Total UK Ltd – Lubricants Division www.total.co.uk TriMark Europe Ltd www.trimarkeu.com Veethree Technologies www.veethree.co.uk Webster Technologies Ltd www.websterequipment.com Webtec Products Ltd www.webtec.co.uk Weston Body Hardware www.westonbodyhardware.com Wightman Stewart Waterjet Ltd www.wightmanstewart.com Winget Ltd www.winget.co.uk WWL ALS Ltd www.abnormal-loads.com

Correct as at time of going to print

ConstructionWorX International

10,000

Wheeled excavators 3% Crawler dozers 4%

9,000 8,000 7,000 6,000

Others 9%

Motor graders 6%

5,000

Crawler excavators 48%

4,000

Ride-on compaction equipment 12%

3,000 2,000 1,000 0

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Sal es

Wheeled loaders…

Forecast

Indeed, the CIAP is also pushing for legislation to enshrine the via the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Instead, the Official proportion of the country’s budget spent on infrastructure, both to Development Assistance (ODA) mechanism is now being more widely underpin private investment plans and to prevent a hiatus as every new adopted, as a means to gain access to cheaper loans and overcome administration re-appraises previously announced projects, or swaps to some of the delays reported in previous PPP schemes.

Wheeled its own pet schemes.

Within this shift, however, there has also been an acknowledgement excavators As is so often the case, the confidence engendered by government of the importance of foreign direct investment by contractors.

3% dozers has prompted strong growth from the plans to investCrawler in infrastructure Accordingly, the proportion of project ownership available to foreign Others 4% private sector. In particular, residential and commercial projects have contractors has increased from 25 to 40%.

9% proliferated, and investment in educational facilities has also followed The recent peak in construction equipment sales was just over 7,500 Motor graders suit. In 2018 residential units sold in 2018. Although there was a dip last year due to issues 6%construction was the largest single component of construction activity, accounting for 33.3 % of investment. around approval of the national budget, sales stayed above 7,000 Crawler Unsurprisingly, infrastructure investment came next, excavators accounting for machines. Off-Highway Research forecasts that sales should rise above Ride-on 48% in the 21.5 %. If this is combined with the 15.6 % of investment made 8,000 machines this year, with further growth in 2021. ■ compaction equipment energy and utilities sector, the combined total 12% of infrastructure under a broader definition Wheeled would by 37.1 %. Commercial building loaders… accounted for 17.5 % of the total, with the Off-Highway Research’s 156-page report on the remainder made up of institutional building construction equipment industry in The Philippines is work (7.0 %) and industrial construction now available to buy from www.offhighway-store.com (5.2 %).

The study includes coverage of 14 equipment It is also worth noting a shift away from types and discusses the market size, market shares, the previous preference for funding schemes distribution, machine population and models available in The Philippines, as well as providing five-year sales Contributed by Chris Sleight, forecasts. managing director Off-Highway There is also a distributor profile section, covering Research who generously make their the major participants in the industry, along with reports and market information background information on the economy and its available to the CEA. growth drivers.

All sections included detailed data tables and indepth analysis of trends. The report is in .pdf format, with all data tables provided in Excel format.

An update on Off-Highway Research’s best-selling 2014 study on The Philippines, this latest report is believed to be the most extensive and in-depth study ever produced on the country’s construction equipment industry. The Construction Equipment Industry in The Philippines can help OEMs, component suppliers and aftermarket participants alike identify growth opportunities for the profitable expansion of their businesses.

NEW REPORT

For more information about their services, visit www.offhighway.co.uk SPRING 2020 39

In the Lobby ConstructionWorX

CEA and the Brexit transition period Now Brexit has finally happened, the CEA acts as a conduit between Government departments, industry bodies and our members to facilitate consultation opportunities, ensuring the sector’s voice is heard.

CEA members report drowning under a sea of post Brexit consultation requests. The CEA is sifting out the essential information from the irrelevant, sending regular communications so you don’t miss important deadlines. The CEA’s Brexit Portal, https://www.thecea.org.uk/brexit/ hosts key information helping your business navigate the UK’s transition from the EU. The CEA is represented on many consultation groups including: ● • Automotive Brexit & Trade Sector Panel (BEIS ((Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy), DExEU and DIT). ● • BEIS Business Readiness Team (SED) ● • BEIS Automotive Unit regulatory and technical consultation ● • Department for International Trade (DIT) UK: US Free Trade Agreement consultation. ● • DIT Global Tariffs consultation ● • DIT Freeport consultation ● • Make UK Chief Executives’ Group ● • Manufacturing Alliance Brexit Task Force

Alok should have some understanding of our sector having been the Prime Minister's Infrastructure Envoy to India and Minister of State for the Department for Communities and Local Government with responsibility for housing. Other roles were Minister of State for Employment and Secretary of State for International Development. We expect some positive ministerial engagement in the months to come.

2020 CABINET RESHUFFLE SEES NEW MINISTERS FOR THE CEA

The USA won a WTO ruling in October 2, 2019 when it was authorized to take countermeasures on $7.5 billion in goods after a victory in its unfair trade practices case against the European Union, France, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

Although the dispute was between aircraft manufacturers, some of the countermeasures were applied to certain types of construction equipment. In particular, tariffs on imports from the United Kingdom and Germany falling under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) subheading 8429.52.50, “Self-propelled machinery with a 360 degree revolving superstructure, other than backhoes, shovels, clamshells and draglines” and subheading 8429.52.10, “Self-propelled backhoes, shovels, clamshells and draglines with a 360 degree revolving superstructure” The CEA has been making representations through its membership of CECE who issued a joint statement with AEM, the American trade association asking for the removal of tariffs on all listed equipment used in construction, mining and agriculture.

On 18 March 2020, the WTO have authorised an increase in tariffs on aircraft to 15%, but have not altered tariffs on construction equipment.

The next scheduled tariff review is 180 days from 18 March. The EU will review increasing their countermeasure sanctions in June.

CEA members are asked to contact the DIT Trade disputes team with examples of how the tariffs are negatively impacting our trade. Especially important is evidence of how the tariffs are affecting our US counterparts which is thought to have a greater impact on the US negotiators. Send to tradedisputes@trade.gov.uk and copy in paul.lyons@thecea.org. ■

The CEA welcomes the appointment of the Rt Hon. Rishi Sunak MP as Chancellor or the Exchequer. It’s a case of local boy made good in that Rishi is the MP for the constituency of Richmond North Yorkshire which includes Northallerton, where the CEA’s head office is located. Rishi is known to several members of our team and we congratulate him on his meteoric rise to high office.

We very much hope that he follows the government agenda in regards to the infrastructure plan.” Rob Oliver, Chief Executive.

The CEA’s sponsoring department in government is BEIS (Business Energy and Industrial Strategy) who see a new Secretary of State, Alok Sharma MP. Alok’s brief also includes heading up the COP 26 UN Climate Change Conference in November so he will certainly have very full portfolio.

40 SPRING 2020

UPDATE; US TRADE TARIFF MEASURES BOEING V AIRBUS

ConstructionWorX Bullet points

Bullet points A quick skip through some of the activities and events in and around the Construction Equipment Association… ● At time of going to press, coronavirus (COVID-19) is having a growing impact on lives and livelihoods. The Samoter trade show in Verona has been postponed until May – and supply chains and market sentiment is being affected worldwide. Check the CEA website (www.thecea.org.uk) for updates. ● CITS Vice-Chair Ian Elliott (of Clancy Docwra) has accepted nomination to the CEA CESAR Committee which allocates funding for police-related projects. As DC Elliott, he was the driver behind the original police anti-plant theft unit within the Met Police. ● In February the government announced that it had accepted the principal recommendation of the Oakervee Review to proceed with HS2. The project will now fall under closer ministerial supervision from Andrew Stephenson MP, Minister of State at the Department for Transport. ● The Heathrow Expansion is now under further threat due to the recent Court of Appeal ruling that the project had not considered climate change implications. This may, in turn, jeopardise progress on other construction projects, notably the roads programme. ● James Heath is the new Chief Executive Officer of the National Infrastructure Commission . He joins from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) – and was previously Director of Policy at the BBC. ● Caepro are amongst the latest companies to join the CEA. The company provides design and analysis services for companies involved in manufacturing on and off highway vehicles and components. The company was originally established in India, but also has a UK subsidiary. See www.caepro.co.uk.

● Distribution Finance (DF) Capital has joined the CEA. They are a financial services company who are increasingly focusing on the construction equipment sector. They provide finance to support companies with inventory sold through distribution channels, and also to support activities like stocking and demonstrating equipment. See www.dfcapital. co.uk/. ● CEA membership subscription scales for 2020 were frozen for a further year. This meant that the cost of membership has fallen in real terms for over 7 years. The minimum annual subscription remains at just £640. ● A workshop on the DigiPLACE project is scheduled for 25th March, in Oslo. CECE are one of the delivery partners for this European Commission funded initiative to provide a road map for digital construction in Europe. To participate, see www.cece.eu. ● The Management Council have embarked on an update of the CEA’s Strategic Plan . Originally titled “Vision 2020”, the freshened document will help the Association to focus on the next 5 years. This is linked to a review of how services to members are best delivered going forward. ● The CEA Management Council welcomed a new member at the January 2020 meeting. Damien McCormack, MD Nylacast Engineered Products Ltd. Who has a BSc. and MSc. in Polymer Engineering & Processing. Damien has 26 year career in engineering and manufacturing, predominantly in engineering polymers.

SPRING 2020 41

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Dates and venue announced for Plantworx 2021 The Construction Equipment Association (CEA) has announced the venue and dates for the next Plantworx trade show. The 5th biennial construction machinery exhibition will be held on 15-17 June 2021, at the East of England Arena and Events Centre, Peterborough.

The CEA took the decision to host the Plantworx show, once again at the East of England venue, following positive feedback from exhibitors and visitors who attended the 2019 event, which was deemed a resounding success.

The permanent exhibition facilities offered by the East of England Arena provided the perfect platform for exhibitors to showcase their products, equipment and services - introducing the latest plant and technology to the UK construction industry.

Visitors also applauded the Plantworx show’s new home, praising the ‘all weather’ venue as a ‘definite winner’, with its permanent walkways, good communication signals and wifi facilities – which allowed visitors to ‘do business – while doing business’!

The 2021 event is predicted to attract over 450 exhibitors from the world’s leading machine manufacturers, suppliers and service providers. Over the three-day event visitors can expect to see the very latest in technological advancements and innovations which will impact on the future of construction.

The show, which will be the ‘largest working’ event in 2021, is planning a comprehensive demonstration programme where exhibitors can put their machines through their paces in ‘real-site’ conditions.

CEA, chief executive Rob Oliver said, “Plantworx 2021 promises to be the best yet. At an established exhibition venue, great support from our loyal exhibitors, and a targeted visitor programme, we are confident of delivering, once again, a memorable and valuable experience.”

Mr Oliver continued, “Plantworx isn’t about three-days in June next year. This year, the show is teaming up with the CEA for an awards evening on 11th June and planning a technology conference and showcase event at the Manufacturing Technology Centre, Coventry

in November. It’s all part of our commitment to providing a rolling programme for the audience of construction professionals to receive the information and inspiration to grow their business.”

Simon Frere-Cook Plantworx event director said, “Planning for Plantworx 2021 is now well underway as we build on the successes of 2019. With so much importance being attached to the working demonstrations we have undertaken an extensive survey of the grounds at the East of England Arena, so that we can spread the demonstration plots and thus improve the footfall throughout the site. During the winter we have also been improving the website and streamlining our procedures so that all will be ready for when stand sales start after Easter.”

The 2021 site plan is being finalised following the results of the survey and stand sales begin following Easter on April 21st, 2020.

Plantworx sales manager, Angela Spink is anticipating a high demand for stands following the site plan release date! She said, “Confirmation that the show will return to the East of England Arena will be welcome news to previous exhibitors following the encouraging feedback from 2019. We are also very confident that new and old exhibitors will join us in 2021.”

Mrs Spink added, “The comprehensive digital site survey has been invaluable in identifying new site opportunities for demonstration plots and a new and interesting layout. I am very much looking forward to getting Plantworx 2021 underway.” ■ For further information contact angela.spink@plantworx.co.uk Visit www.plantworx.co.uk

SPRING 2020 43

Simon Frere-Cook Plantworx event director and Stuart Favill Plantworx site manager and the MK Surveys team ‘going underground’ for Plantworx.

Going Under Ground!

Plantworx reveals what’s underground for its 2021 show – Peter Haddock reports for Construction Worx Even though the weather at last year’s Plantworx show was challenging thousands of visitors made the pilgrimage to the event which proved to be a great success. This was thanks in part to its move to the East of England Showground, with its permanent walkways and a muchimproved infrastructure for visitors.

But for a few exhibitors, it was this very infrastructure which caused a few issues, as demonstration equipment buckets ruptured water pipes and unearthed cables. But according to site records, these utilities shouldn’t have been where they were digging.

It might have been fun for the ducks when a hole became a pond, thanks to a water main strike, but it certainly wasn’t for the exhibitor.

Although these incidents didn’t cause any major problems for the Plantworx team, headed by event director, Simon Frere-Cook MBE, they were enough to put a very different plan in motion to ensure they never happened again.

This involved the commissioning of a ‘whole site’ survey with MK Surveys, who used Leica Geosystems ground penetrating radar and cable detection surveying equipment, to reveal just what was underground and where. The project itself took a team of three surveyors over two weeks to complete, before all the information was then put into a 2D and 3D model.

Talking to Simon at the showground, he explained why his team were

44 SPRING 2020

‘going underground’ and how the survey was going to allow them to change the show in 2021.

Simon explained, “When we made the move to East of England showground, the first thing we needed to do was determine how we could put on the type of Plantworx show that visitors expect. The main part of this, of course, involves seeing plant and equipment in action, in our dig zones. In order to create that live dig area experience that everyone enjoys, we looked at the site plans and determined the best location for these activities to take place.

With the plans showing where the underground utilities were on the site, we decided to locate the dig zone into one area that was free from any of these pipes or cables. Of course what we discovered at the show was the site plans were not up to date or accurate. We also recognised that concentrating all of the live demos into one area was not ideal for the way in which people visited the show.”

Simon continued, “This was because the flow of visitors tended to focus on these areas. So, following a review of the 2019 show, we wanted to change this and of course avoid any potential incidents in the future, by investigating what was actually underground and where. In doing this we knew we could use the information to reshape the show, by opening up areas for demonstrations and distributing them more widely around the showground. This in turn would help us to improve

In order to build a factual and accurate underground model, the MK Surveys team brought a suite of Leica Geosystems surveying equipment onsite. the experience for visitors and exhibitors alike.”

In order to build a factual and accurate underground model, the MK Surveys team brought a suite of Leica Geosystems surveying equipment onsite, gathering information to be used to complete a comprehensive survey of the whole showground. In December 2019, I joined the MK Surveys team, headed by Gordon Livie onsite, as they were updating Simon and his site manager Stuart Favill on the project’s progress. As part of my visit, I wanted to find out what was involved in the survey, how the equipment actually worked and what was involved with creating the final model.

When I got to site, Gordon and his team were busy working with a range of Leica Geosystems equipment in a grid formation on a grassed area that makes up part of the 250 acres of outside space at the showground.

Talking to Gordon, he explained what the team had to do to create the survey and how the different pieces of kit were being used on site.

Gordon said, “Before we even got to site with our equipment, we had to do a lot of research to collate and study the existing plans of the site, which would give us a guide of what to expect. This process included collecting plans from the East of England showground and the statutory undertakers”.

“On looking at the plans, it became clear that over time, they had been altered with various degrees of accuracy, from pencilled in lines to more detailed drawings. But as we got onto site surveying, we soon learnt that although these documents showed some of the utilities, there were many more hidden below ground that hadn’t made it onto the plans.”

“Of course, the problem comes with this type of site when you have both historic utilities like metal pipework and then newer utilities like plastic pipes. This is because the standard metal detection systems you can use, don’t work with plastic utilities. In order to ensure we captured everything accurately, we had to combine the use of the Leica Ultra Electromagnetic Locator metal detection system, its smaller Leica DS2000 Ground Penetrating Radar and its larger cousin, the Leica Stream C Ground Penetrating Radar.”

“In order to create the site model, we used all of the detection equipment to detect the underground utilities first. Then all location equipment was used to map the positions of the detected utilities. All the ground penetrating radar (GPR) data was then collected using GNSS tracking, so the positions of any utilities were recorded in the exact location as we carried out the survey.”

“For anyone not familiar with how GPR equipment works, basically the technology uses a transmitter and antennas which emit electromagnetic energy into the ground. When the energy encounters a buried object or a boundary between materials the receiving antenna is able to process this and create a model by recording the variations in the return signal. So, if a plastic pipe or other utility is in the ground, this will show up on the readings. This means we are able to collect accurate depth, and size information of the utilities, that is then put together by our software modelling experts. This, in turn, allows them to build an accurate model of what is underground, creating a 2D and 3D version of this.”

When I asked Gordon about what the team discovered after the survey was finished, he has some quite startling revelations, with some utilities up to 10 metres in the “wrong” location. The large fuel main which crosses the site has also now been properly mapped as the location of this was a very grey area.

With Gordon and the team already booked up for an exhibitor plot at Plantworx 2021, he assured me that any areas proposed to be excavated would be cleared before any ground is broken. After all, with 18 months passing between the survey and the event, there is no telling if someone had installed a new utility that was not picked up this time.

I know one lot of visitors that won’t be happy though in 2021 and that is the ducks. Unless anyone has decided to make a 3D pond for their stand of course. ■ Plantworx 2021 will take place from 15th – 17th June at The East of England Arena and Showground. Stand sales begin on 21st April 2020. For further details contact Plantworx sales manager Angela Spink at angela.spink@plantworx.co.uk

GPR equipment technology uses a transmitter and antennas which emit electromagnetic energy into the ground.

SPRING 2020 45

Get That Winning Feeling Introducing the inaugural CEA Awards for Excellence 2020 held in association with Plantworx – the awards that make excellence visible recognising both corporate and individual brilliance!

The highly successful 4th Plantworx Innovation Awards took place after the CEA annual conference last year at the East of England Arena. The awards were presented during a glittering ceremony to an audience of 200 distinguished guests from the construction and related industries.

The awards were such a success that the CEA took the decision to host the awards again, in association with Plantworx, in 2020 – but with varied categories that are not specifically product related and open to companies who believe that their projects and teams should be recognised for their achievements.

An award win can boost staff morale creating a real ‘buzz’ - not forgetting the networking opportunities at the award ceremony - where there are good prospects of meeting potential new customers and industry influencers! The brand-new CEA Awards for Excellence in association with Plantworx ticks all of these boxes and more.

There is no charge associated with entering the awards, so companies can reap the rewards that could be gained from being a winner of a CEA Award for Excellence – the only investment you need make is time.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY: The deadline for entries 24th April 2020. The winners and shortlisted companies will be invited to a ‘Black Tie’ awards ceremony on the evening of Thursday 11th June 2020 at the East of England Arena in Peterborough – save the date!

CEA Industry and Awards Dinner organiser, Joanna Oliver MBE, said “The CEA is very pleased to be hosting the new CEA Awards for Excellence, in association with Plantworx, during their annual industry dinner on 11th June. The dinner draws high level guests from major OEMs and the construction equipment supply chain, putting Award winners in front of potential customers – they really are a fantastic way to raise the profile of your business.

Award nominees and winners will also be able to attend the CEA’s conference during the day before donning a dinner suit and black tie and hoping to secure one of the top awards. Celebrity speaker, Shaun Williamson, will be presenting the awards at this year’s event.” ■

For full details on how to enter the Awards, a list of the categories and entry criteria – please visit the Plantworx website at plantworx.co.uk For further information on the awards please contact Louise Carney on 07730 617258 or email louise@louise-carney.co.uk

CATEGORIES FOR THE CEA 2020 AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE HELD IN ASSOCIATION WITH PLANTWORX ● ● ● ● ●

● ● ●

Young Apprentice of the Year - Leaders of the Future Training & Skills Development Programme Community Engagement Initiative Environmental Champion Marketing and Promotion Campaign of the Year – SME and Large Company Best Use of Technology - to include Digital Innovation Health, Safety and Wellbeing Security Initiative

46 SPRING 2020

MEET THE JUDGES: ● ●

● ● ● ●

●

Margo Cole – Engineer and Journalist Paul Whitehead – Highways England Category Manager for Construction Plant Peter Brown – CPA Technical & Development Manager Ian Elliott – UK Group Head of Security, Clancy Docwra Mark Lawton – Skanska Chief Engineering Surveyor Carol Hardingham – Environmental Lead Skanska A14 Integrated Delivery Team Heather Bryant – Health Safety Environment and Sustainability Director - Balfour Beatty

STEM

by Stealth in Peterborough!

The CEA and the Plantworx event have been supporting the Primary and Secondary Engineer STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) programme since 2017, alongside CEA members and Plantworx exhibitors, when the inaugural collaborative ‘celebration event’ took place at the show.

This year the CEA’s has formed a new working partnership with Primary Engineer, Kids Country, the education arm of the East of England Agricultural Society, and the AEA (Agricultural Engineers Association), the voice of the agricultural and outdoor power equipment sectors.

The Primary Engineer STEM programme, alongside its new partners, is working with primary schools in the Peterborough and surrounding areas to deliver a whole-class, curriculum-mapped engineering project, this year’s event will focus on an agricultural machinery theme for Key Stage 1 and 2 pupils.

The programme began with a course, which took place last month at the East of England Arena, and was attended by around 20 teachers, who following an enjoyable day of training, left with all the skills and materials to engage with their pupils in this exciting STEM project.

Using mathematics, literacy and design technology teachers will encourage their pupils to design and construct an agricultural themed vehicle. The safe and correct use of tools and materials is also encouraged and for Key Stage 2 children, basic electrics will also be taught.

The ‘celebration event’, where the participating school teams will come together to showcase their projects and take part in the competition, will be hosted at the East of England Arena on Tuesday 16th June 2020.

Rob Oliver, CEA chief executive said, “Primary Engineer was started some 12-years ago. This means that some of the pioneer young school students who ‘got with the programme’ then are now, we hope, enjoying burgeoning careers in engineering. Primary Engineer is all about planting seeds to encourage an interest in practical problem solving using basic engineering principles. By teaming up with the CEA and our partners, both teachers and students can benefit from the experience. What is certain is that both the construction and agricultural equipment industries in the future will continue to need skilled and motivated people to make and tend the machines that build Britain, no doubt with a little help from robots and artificial intelligence.”

Sandra Lauridsen, education manager for Kids Country, said: “We are really happy that Primary Engineer, CEA and the AEA have partnered with us to bring technology and engineering in agriculture into local schools. This project builds on a new technology focus we had at our

flagship event, the Food and Farming Day, in 2019. We know there is a real appetite for understanding this side of agriculture.”

Sandra continued: “The really exciting thing about this programme is that teachers will be able to deliver this project for years to come after their training, making generations of children aware of the opportunities to enter careers in agriculture that they may not have thought about before.”

Ruth Bailey, CEO and director general at AEA, also commented on the new collaboration, “As the Agricultural Engineer Association, we are delighted to be involved in the CEA Primary Engineer Programme 2020.

The focus for us is to attract new engineers to the industry and bring Agriculture to the younger generation as a possible career path. This is an exciting hands-on way to demonstrate to young children what the Agricultural Engineering sector can offer both in terms of technology and a great path to a future career. It’s a really positive way of showcasing the industry to children.” ■ There are sponsorship opportunities available for this years’ CEA and Primary Engineer project and the CEA would be delighted if Members and associated companies would like to be involved.

Please contact Louise Carney on 07730 617258 or email louise@louise-carney.co.uk for further details.

SPRING 2020 47

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ConstructionWorX Technical

Dale’s Diary The past few months have been a hectic period of regulatory activity at both a European and UK level. The CEA’s Senior Technical Consultant, Dale Camsell, was deeply involved in this activity and provides a brief overview of some of the key topics…

Air Quality (1) – London Low Emission Zone

remapping) of the engine control unit. This involves the installation of

The Greater London Authority (GLA) has reactivated its non-road mobile machinery (NRMM) committee. The committee has not renewed the block exemption on fixed speed engines (e.g. mobile generators). This means that any fixed speed machine, that is not already covered by an exemption approval from the GLA, will now need to be at Stage V rather than the previously allowed Stage IIIA in order to operate in central London. All existing exemptions remain valid.

CEA raised the matter with DfT and I'm pleased to report that they are

Air Quality (2) – Aftermarket tampering of engines

the research is to establish an understanding of the current UK NRMM

Aftermarket tampering includes third-party reflashing (also known as

for the foreseeable future. DEFRA has developed an online questionnaire

diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) emulators that trick the control system into thinking that the DEF tank is full, removal of aftertreatment devices, etc. very keen to pursue this matter. After a series of meetings, the objective is likely to be the development of a regulation that will criminalise this type of activity.

Air Quality (3) – UK emissions inventory DEFRA is creating an updated UK-wide emissions inventory. The aim of fleet in order that its total emission contribution can be estimated. This inventory will form part of the basis of DEFRA’s emissions related policies

SPRING 2020 49

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ConstructionWorX Technical

to which CEA members have responded. The data that CEA members contribute will be a significant factor in the development of the inventory.

Next moves: for up to date information on air quality issues, members should sign up to the CEA’s General Technical Committee (GTC) mailings – contact the CEA office for details.

Machinery Directive revision – Differences remain The revision of this core piece of safety legislation progresses via meetings of the European Commission’s Machinery Working Group (MWG). This is the forum where open exchanges take place between the European Commission and stakeholders such as member state representatives, market surveillance authorities, notified bodies and trade associations, including CECE. The hottest topic of discussion was if/how the revision deals with new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, software updates, cybersecurity, etc. Some stakeholders are concerned that the current version of the Machinery Directive focuses solely on manufacturers’ responsibilities at the time of placing their products on the market. They are concerned that AI could bring about a change in the function of a machine, hence the safety measures that were installed at the time of manufacture might not be sufficient in the future. The question being asked is “how should this be dealt with?” The majority of member states are firmly of the view that the revised Machinery Directive needs to include measures as to how to deal with new technologies, whereas the majority of industry associations believe that the current legal text is perfectly adequate to deal with these matters.

Next moves: your views on the Machinery Directive revision can be channelled via the CEA/CECE representatives on the MWG. Further information from the CEA office.

The long road - Road Circulation of Machinery At the end of 2019 the European Commission hosted a workshop to discuss the creation of a new regulation that would harmonise the requirements for the circulation of machinery on the public highway.

Publication of such a regulation would be very welcome by CEA members since, at present, there is no pan-European regulation covering the road circulation of machinery; at present it is left to member states to decide their own national requirements. The publication of a single, pan-European piece of legislation would harmonise requirements such as braking, steering, visibility, lighting, machine marking, etc. This would reduce manufacturing complexity and allow greater flexibility for machine owners to transfer their equipment across borders for contract work in other countries. As previously reported in these pages, this initiative has been in development for many years, but its progress has recently accelerated thanks to industry taking the lead and developing a proposal for the legal text of the regulation. CECE has been a major

contributor to this process and CEA members continue to form part of the core CECE group that is dealing with this task.

The European Commission is keen to promote the development of the legislation, since it helps facilitate the smooth functioning of the EU single market. During 2019 the European Commission held a consultation with member states and discovered that the vast majority are in favour of the principles of this proposal, but they are split about how it should be approached. Further workshops are planned.

Next moves: progress on the approach to formulating this legislation may be made during the first half of 2020. The UK may not have a final say in this, but the continuing importance of the EU market makes this a key initiative which will benefit all manufacturers.

Brexit – Transition to?

Finally, no regulatory update would be complete without mention of Brexit. The UK left the EU on 31st January and entered the so-called transition (or implementation) period. UK/EU trade now falls under the terms of the ratified Withdrawal Agreement, which, from a regulatory perspective, means that there will be no immediate product compliance related implications for UK-based manufacturers. This is because for the remainder of 2020, certificates issued by UK-based notified bodies will continue to be recognised in the, as will type-approvals issued by UKbased type-approval authorities.

As for EU recognition of UK certificates after 31st December 2020, product compliance requirements will depend entirely on the outcome of the trade negotiations. If no trade deal is agreed, then UK certificates will not be recognised in the EU from 1st January 2021. If a deal is struck, then the compliance requirements will depend on the specific terms of the deal. As for UK recognition of certificates from EU-based entities, the UK has pledged to continue to recognise any EU27-based approvals for a time limited period after the UK’s withdrawal. To date, the duration of this period has not yet been announced.

Regarding the UK’s preparations for the negotiations of the long-term trade deal, CEA is currently engaged with BEIS as they gather data in support of the development of UK policy and positioning during the negotiations. BEIS has developed a questionnaire that has been circulated to GTC members that asks questions regarding the implications of UK regulatory divergence from the EU on so-called new approach directives, such as the Machinery Directive. Questions asked include the current cost of compliance, expected future cost if UK regulations diverge, sales volumes, etc. BEIS will compile the data and use it when briefing ministers.

For type-approval regulations, such as Stage V, CEA now participates in the VIPER panel. This is the formal interface between BEIS and UK manufacturers that rely on type-approvals for accessing the EU market; it is dominated by the automotive sector. The GTC Chair, Jason Ong, and I represent CEA at this meeting – which means that NRMM interests are represented on this key body. ■ Next moves: keep abreast of all things Brexit via the CEA’s special web portal at www.thecea.org.uk.

The Power of Social Media – embrace the opportunities If you have a new post that the CEA can help circulate then tag us in your post and we can repost (if appropriate). The CEA social media channels are:

 ConEquipAssocia

 linkedin.com/groups/4257141

 thecea.org.uk SPRING 2020 51

A Day in the Life ConstructionWorX

A day in the life Riccardo Viaggi is the CECE secretary general, responsible for articulating the construction equipment manufacturing voice in Europe….

My life in EU-centric Brussels-bubble is a tragicomedy made of losing battles with obtuse eurocrats and their existential need to regulate the length of cucumbers and dictate how citizens toast their bread in the morning. Good thing I eat croissants!

Now that I got your attention – and hopefully a laugh – I hope you can sympathise with me on the sad coincidence of writing this piece for this magazine on Brexit day. And I can assure you, not all my days at work are like the 31st of January 2020.

At 39 years of age, I lead the small, young and motivated team of CECE, the Brussels-based industry organisation representing construction equipment manufacturers towards the EU institutions.

This is a privilege and of course a responsibility. In the European capital of lobbying, where every sector of the economy and society has a permanent office, it’s challenging to be listened to and not just heard.

This is why, a key part of my job is to meet decision-makers in Brussels. From the European Commission to the European Parliament, there are several people involved in all the policy areas that affect our industry and its stakeholders. The extreme heterogenous character of these policies is what makes it hectic, but also extremely engaging and stimulating. On a typical day, at 10am I am at the European Commission discussing the machinery directive, at 1pm it’s time for a working lunch with other industry organisations to draft a common paper on digital construction and at 3pm I am meeting a Member of the European Parliament on a piece of legislation currently discussed at the Environment Committee about engine emissions.

What I enjoy particularly in my job is the communication side of it – I always tell my colleagues “If we don’t tell the world that we did it, it’s as if we have not done it”. Boosting our industry’s visibility on social media is a key priority of CECE and I like to personally get involved in this by regularly checking and engaging on what Brussels politicians and

52 SPRING 2020

influencers have to say about what goes on in the city.

With a wide range of internal members’ meetings taking place in our premises, it’s important for me to use these chances as ways to meet and connect with our affiliates. Thankfully, my colleagues organise and run these meetings, but I like to pop in and listen to what is worrying the industry and how we can solve their issues.

Luckily, I regularly get to leave the grey clouds of Brussels behind and travel for professional reasons. From a project meeting in Milan to a trade show in Munich, from a presentation on the CE market trends in Paris to moderating a debate on emissions reduction in Stockholm, these are welcome occasions to be closer to our members’ realities and concerns.

What relaxes me the most is cooking – at the end of a long day, preparing a good risotto is the best way not to think about that amendment that was not carried or that point I was not able to make in that meeting. There is no surprise that I really like to host dinner parties with friends. After all, I have been calling Brussels my home for over 13 years, but I come from Italy and I still believe that all good things happen around a kitchen table!

My private life in Brussels still features a key aspect of my whole education: the Scout movement. I serve as a leader in a local Scout group which – as many other things in this city – is a true intercultural mix with kids between 12 and 16 years old that can say “hello” in 20 languages. I always hope that the President of the European Commission will not fix a meeting with CECE during the first two weeks of July because I cannot read my emails during the summer camp in a tent in the middle of the Belgian woods. ■ For more information on CECE, see www.cece.eu

ConstructionWorX CESAR

2020 success for CESAR Scheme The CESAR plant marking and registration scheme clocked up its 300,000th machine registration in 2019. In 2020 it has already made three big strides forward in gaining further OEM support, not least for its Emissions Compliance Verification (ECV) initiative on behalf of the industry…

JCB roll out standard fit of CESAR Emissions Compliance Verification (ECV) A JCB Hydradig was the first machine to be equipped with the Emissions Compliance Verification (ECV) label at the CEA’s Plantworx show in June 2019. With Clean Air Zones and emissions restrictions becoming increasingly common in cities and on major construction projects across the UK, ECV allows site personnel to simply scan a QR code with a smart phone, or call a 24-hour helpline, rather than having to access engine data plates to check build details.

JCB have now confirmed that CESAR ECV will be fitted as standard JCB makes CESAR ECV Standard - LtoR Kevin Howells, managing director Datatag, Rob Oliver CEO, on every JCB EU Stage V and Construction Equipment Association and Charles Stevenson general manager JCB electric machine for the UK market.

ECV is a second CESAR label, which Hitachi adopts new CESAR ECV initiative can easily be scanned to verify a machine’s emissions compliance and is positioned alongside the existing CESAR triangle. UK projects already Hitachi Construction Machinery (UK) have also signed up to CESAR trialling the scheme have found that less time is being lost on delivery to and confirmed the standard fitting of CESAR (with ECV) for every mini, site and there are fewer air quality inspections required for equipment medium and large excavator, wheeled loader and wheeled excavator. in operation. Electric machinery, like JCB’s innovative 19C-1E mini The ECV feature, using evident colour coded labels with a unique alpha/ excavator, will be equipped with a white triangular ECV label, while EU numeric code is linked securely to a machine’s unique CESAR identity Stage V diesel-powered equipment will use a green ECV sticker. and ensures complete integrity of the system.

JCB UK and Ireland sales director Steve Smith said: “JCB is leading the David Roberts, CEO of Hitachi Construction Machinery (UK) said, way in clean engine and electric drive technologies, reducing harmful “Helping our customers to protect and optimise their Hitachi machines emissions to improve air quality. Now we are making identification easier is an increasingly important element of our value proposition, and in for customers working in sensitive, urban environments and in enclosed conjunction with our online Global e-Service telematics system which spaces. We are delighted to be the first to embrace ECV marking as has GPS location capability, the addition of CESAR gives our customers standard on all of our EU Stage V and electric equipment in the UK, as we even more peace of mind. CESAR is not only a proven theft deterrent, did with the original CESAR scheme in 2006.” it also provides an accurate and efficient proof of identity to the Police The CEA’s Rob Oliver welcomed the continued commitment of JCB when they need to trace stolen machines, which has been an industryto the CESAR scheme, “JCB’s involvement with CESAR right from the get wide issue for years. Our customers also require a quick and easy way go has been terrific. They piloted the ECV add on to ensure it was fit to identify which stage of the EU emission regulations their machines for purpose and have provided invaluable feedback. Particular thanks comply with, as more sites control and monitor their carbon footprint. are due to Charles Stevenson at JCB who immediately saw the value of The addition of the Emissions Compliance Verification or ECV to the providing a practical tool for site managers and enforcement agencies on CESAR programme gives our machines a visible and traceable identity in air quality issues.” regard to which emission stage they comply with.”

SPRING 2020 53

CESAR ConstructionWorX

Stephen Creaser, director of product support at Hitachi Construction Machinery (UK) commented, “Having taken the decision to security mark all new machines with the CESAR security system, we also want to offer the same peace of mind to our existing customers. From early 2020 the CESAR security system will be available to existing customers as an aftermarket retrofit kit that can be installed at the customer’s premises or job site by a fully trained Hitachi engineer.”

Rob Oliver, chief executive of the CEA said, “The Emissions Compliance Verification (ECV) application for CESAR is the single biggest Hitachi celebrate adoption of CESAR - LtoR: Andy Huddleston - superintendent of Northumbria Police, David Roberts - CEO of HCMUK, Kevin Howells - CEO of Datatag, Rob Oliver - chief executive of the CEA, development since the scheme was Rachel Hamilton - business development executive of Datatag, and Phil Patterson of Northumbria Police. launched as an anti-theft device initiative in 2007. Today there is an Hyundai Enrols in the CESAR Club urgent demand for quick identification of the certified emission levels The advent of 2020 sees Hyundai Construction Equipment Europe of machines and in developing ECV we have had some great input commit to CESAR for all its range of Hyundai excavators and wheeled from the industry as well as HS2, the Energy Savings Trust and London loaders imported into the UK and Ireland, from its South Korean factory. boroughs. The ECV’s easy to see and scan visual label reduces the The fitting of CESAR is being undertaken by Hyundai’s shipping agents workload for construction site managers and local authorities alike.”

MK Shipping, at Tilbury Port, Essex, having undergone training by Andy Huddleston, Superintendent of Northumbria Police said, “As the CESAR-approved specialists. national Police lead for Agricultural Machinery theft I am delighted that Commenting on the adoption of CESAR, Hyundai’s regional sales Hitachi CMUK, one of the industry’s leading companies, has chosen to manager UK and Ireland, Tony Reeves said, “We are delighted to security mark all their new machines sold in the UK. We know that by announce the adoption of the CESAR Scheme on all of our excavators doing this the chance of recovering these high-value machines is higher and wheeled loaders distributed in the UK and Ireland, we see this as and makes life harder for criminals. We hope that all manufacturers will a significant benefit for our customers. Our network of UK and Irish adopt this approach.” dealers also sees the adoption of the identification scheme as the obvious step for Hyundai in the fight against machinery theft and protecting customers assets.”

Reeves added, “Our customers’ investment is instantly protected from would be thieves by the CESAR antitheft ID. The Scheme is a proven Crime Prevention Product, reducing the likelihood of theft by in the region of 10-times. There’s also the added benefit of reduced insurance premiums.”

Rob Oliver, CEO of the CEA said, “It is good that another leading brand has joined the CESAR programme. It is recognised that the scheme now offers great asset management opportunities to add to its success as an anti-plant theft initiative.”

A further benefit to customers of brands fitting CESAR to their machines is that many leading insurers provide insurance Jack Couch shipping agent MK Shipping, Tony Reeves Hyundai UK and Ireland sales manager, premium discounts of up to 20% off for all Rachel Hamilton business development executive Datatag and Rhys Hymas operations protected and registered equipment. ■ manager MK Shipping - with the first machines fitted with Datatag CESAR marking at Tilbury Port, Essex.

54 SPRING 2020

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