the uk & ireland’s free to read magazine • construction...

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The UK & Ireland’s FREE to read magazine • construcon • demolion • quarrying • mining Vol 2 No 1 • On Top of the World • 100+ year old quarry invests in new plant and diversifies • Sharp Fall Expected for Construction 2012 • Plant Theft Costing £80 million a year • Delivering on a promise for quarry operator • JCB adds top of the range telehandler and more • Small loaders from Volvo • LaFarge Quarrymen Quit • Small loaders from Volvo • Two mew booms from Snorkel • New Dozers and pipelayers from Caterpillar • Plantworx - shaping up the show with demonstrations Daily view for the crane operator at the top of the highest building in Europe - The London Shard - liſting Unic Crane into posion to help with panel liſting dues

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The UK & Ireland’s FREE to read magazine • construction • demolition • quarrying • mining

Vol 2 No 1

•OnTopoftheWorld

•100+yearoldquarryinvestsinnewplantanddiversifies

•SharpFallExpectedforConstruction2012

•PlantTheftCosting£80millionayear

•Deliveringonapromiseforquarryoperator

• JCBaddstopoftherangetelehandlerandmore

•SmallloadersfromVolvo

•LaFargeQuarrymenQuit

•SmallloadersfromVolvo

•TwomewboomsfromSnorkel

•NewDozersandpipelayersfromCaterpillar

•Plantworx-shapinguptheshowwithdemonstrations

Daily view for the crane operator at the top of the highest building in Europe - The London Shard - lifting Unic Crane into position to help with panel lifting duties

Page 2 Contractors World - UK & Ireland Vol 2 No 1Page 2 Contractors World Vol 3 No 1

Together let’s build the future

16 - 21 April 2012Paris-Nord Villepinte - France

www.intermat.frPromosalons (UK) LtdJean-Baptiste HouelleuTel: 020 82 16 31 [email protected]

To read the QR code, download the application compatible with your mobile phone.

1,500 exhibitors200,000 visitors375,000 sqm exhibition

International exhibition for equipment and Techniques for construction and materials Industries

an event by

Page 3Contractors World - UK & Ireland Vol 2 No 1

EDITORIAL CONTENTS4 Editorial Comment - A new year . . .a new beginning . . or is it?

5 LondonFirst images of 30 tonne Olympic Park artwork show scale of spectacular project

5 Felixtowe Dock Development - VIDEO SITE REPORT

6 London - Tunnelling to start in less than 100 days

7 Cannock - Modified telehandler for Biffa’s new ‘Super’ Anaerobic Digestor

8 LondonNationwide Platforms at centre stage of striking Covent Garden PR stunt

9 LaFarge Quarrymen quit

10 Mendips: ADTs and shovels for Keltson Sparkes Group

10 Wolverhampton - Five Doosans for JPE

12 Scotland-JamesJamiesonConstructiontakes13CatsfromFinning

13 Precastunitsspeedupdevelopment

14 London - On top of the worldThose watching the skies around the south side of the River Thames in London recently may have been surprised to see GGR’s compact mini crane being lifted to an incredible height of 283 metres onto the roof of The Shard.

16 100+ year old quarry company invests in loader & moves into paving18 ConstructionNews-Economy-Business-Regulation

• 18 Sharp Fall Expected for Construction in 2012 • 19 New Entrants Essential if Green Deal to Work• 20 The Business Of Health & Safety• 21 KPMG: Autumn Statement 2011: Government’s National Infrastructure

Plan to enhance UK’s competitiveness• 21 Plant Theft costing UK Construction Industry over £800 Million a Year• 23 TUC: Survey on Personal Protective Equipment• 23 New website for JCB Insurance Services• 24 CIRIA announced new SuDs and SABs facilitation workshops• 24 2012 Challenging Year for Contractors - VIDEO PRESENTATION

25 JCBaddstop-of-the-rangetelescopichandlerandmore

26 Smaller loaders from Volvo ready for every terrain

27 TheVolvoPL3005Dadvancedpipelayer.

28 Two new booms coming from Snorkel

28 ArcGen Hilta to introduce new LED tower

29 PLANTWORX-shapingtheshowandhowdemonstrationsarekey.

32 CompaniesFeatured

Editorial CommentA new year . . .a new beginning . . . or is it?Welcome to 2012 and our first issue in this OlympianYear.Sowhoisgoingtowinthegoldmedals and who is going to fall short and fail miserably?

One winner for certain, if the industry really gets behind them and gives a lot of support is the Lighthouse Club who deserve a medal for the good work they do in helping the less fortunate in the construction industry.

A favourite for a gold medal must be the Government with their initiatives for HS2, infrastructure works, rural broadband, apprentices schemes and more. They could be the bookies favourite but, then again, politicians have been known to procrastinate and they do not like difficult ground conditions. Because of this, they may even fail to finish - especially in the hurdles or high jump. More likely to win the marathon than the sprint events.

What about Boris? Many think his scheme for a Thames estuary airport all pie-in-the sky if you will excuse the pun, but now others are seeing some sense in the idea and even the Government is showing an interest. However, Boris Johnson has yet to qualify and he may be ousted by Ken Livingstone, whose enthusiasm for the scheme has been somewhat muted. A possible for the high-jump or the pole vault if he can get enough support.

Never mind national government, what about local authorities? There is a desperate need for new builds and the construction industry would welcome such initiatives, but they have under performed in recent times although promising much. A lot of uncertainty here and while the leaders are well financed, it has to be seen if this leaves sufficient funds to put up a challenger in any track event . . .even for bronze. However, could be worth an each-way-bet because they could score high in synchronized swimming as they all try to stay afloat

The banks and finance companies have everything it takes to be a winner in more than one event but in recent times they have seriously failed to live up to expectations. They remain something of a dark horse and may yet show their true strength and become deserved winners of several gold medals - but do not bet on it. Could be very good in the diving?

Finally, the European Union. Has always shown a lot of potential in the relay and team sports, especially with hockey as they are very good at playing foul when it’s appropriate. But if they are going to win a medal this year it will be in something that attracts a lot of attention - not the 100 m because that is too fast for them. More likely to be volley ball - looks good. They were a contender for the synchronized swimming but several members became too bloated and the ability to remain above water is in doubt.

One gold winner for certain, is the construction industry - they champion all sorts of races in difficult conditions and all too often against the clock. One bet you can depend on to deliver a good return.

Basically, 2012 promises a lot . . . but don’t hold your breath..Oh, by the way happy New Year!

Published byVVV LimitedPublisher: Roger LindleyEditor Roger LindleyEditorial Assistant:

Colleen Lindley

©VVV Ltd. 2011 All Rights Reserved

CONTRACTORS WORLDCML House7 Bell MeadSawbridgeworthHerts CM21 9ESUKTel: +44 1279 600598Email: [email protected]:www.cwmags.com

Contractors World, CP&E - Contractors Plant & Equipment and other CW magazines and supplements are independent publications published under contract by VVV Ltd.

The mention of companies and/or products within the editorial pages or in advertisements does not infer any endorsement by the publisher or editors. All editorial is freely given, without conditions and at the sole discretion of the editor.

Dimensions and specifications are given for guidance only and working practices illustrated are not endorsed by the publishers or necessarily meet specific local regulations.

Copying and reproduction of specific editorial content is allowed provided acknowledgement is given to the source and the content is not altered or edited.

Except for the above, copying, reproduction, decoding or disassembly of any content or computer code by any means of any part of the publication or the web site is prohibited unless prior approval is provided by VVV Ltd. in writing and confirmation received of agreement with any terms and conditions applicable.

PDF versions can be downloaded and distributed provided this is without charge. No part of the publication can be used for promotional purposes without prior permission.

Items may be linked to content on our servers but not embedded into other pages. Roger Lindley

Publisher & Editor

Page 4 Contractors World - UK & Ireland Vol 2 No 1

London First images of 30 tonne Olympic Park artwork show scale of spectacular projectWork has started on installing an iconic artwork in the Olympic Park that was inspired by popular music – including the songs of Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young.

RUN, created by internationally-renowned artist Monica Bonvicini, wi l l be the largest standalone artwork on the Olympic Park and will be situated on the plaza on the

6,500 capacity Copper Box (the new name for the London 2012 Handball Arena).The artwork is set to become a significant point of interest both during the Games and for years afterwards, when

the Olympic Park is opened up as Britain’s largest urban park for over a century. It forms part of the ODA’s Art in the Park programme and is funded by the London Development Agency and the Greater London Authority.

It features three 9 m tall letters forming the word RUN in capital letters, each weighing ten tonnes. The letters are constructed from steel and reflective glass – producing a mirrored effect during the day and a playful glow at night, through the innovative use of LED lighting that will reflect off a series of internal curved mirrors. It will take around six weeks to fit all the components to the letters, including the glass and 305 metres of energy efficient LED lighting. [CWMAGS]

Video Site Report (5 minutes)

Felixstow Dock Development

click above

if video does not

play

Page 5Contractors World - UK & Ireland Vol 2 No 1

London Tunnelling to start in less than 100 daysEurope’s largest construction project has unveiled the first of eight, 1,000 tonne tunnel boring machines (TBM) that will construct the new Crossrail tunnels under central London.

The 140 metre long, fully assembled tunnel boring machine (TBM) is currently undergoing factory testing. The machine will shortly be dismantled and shipped to London where it will be re-assembled at Westbourne Park ahead of tunnelling commencing from Royal Oak in March.

To construct the 21 km of twin-bore tunnel required for Crossrail, eight tunnel boring machines will be required and will undertake ten individual tunnel drives to construct the 6.2 m diameter tunnels. At 140 metres, each TBM would fit just inside the boundaries of a cricket oval.

The TBMs will bore the tunnelled section of the 118 kilometre rail line that will link Maidenhead and Heathrow in the west with Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east. When completed, Crossrail will bring an extra 1.5 million people within 45 minutes journey of London and reduce cross London journey times.

The TBMs wi l l run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week stopping only for scheduled maintenance.

As the TBMs advance forward, precast concrete segments will be built in rings behind the TBMs. Construction of the concrete segment factory for the western running tunnels between Royal Oak and Farringdon is now complete at Old Oak Common. The plant will begin manufacturing over 70,000 segments for the western tunnels from January.

Chris Dulake, Crossrail’s Chief Engineer said: “Crossrail tunnelling will get underway in March 2012 when the first of eight tunnel boring machines will begin burrowing below the streets of London. Work is continuing across the Crossrail route to prepare for construction of the major new rail tunnels. The new Tunnelling and Underground Construction Academy has welcomed its first students and will train at least 3,500 people with the skills required to work below ground while the first of the tunnel segment manufacturing plants will shortly commence full operations.”

The eight Crossrail TBMs are being manufactured by Herrenknecht AG, Germany who also manufactured tunnel boring machines for the Jubilee Line Extension and the Docklands’ Light Railway (DLR) Extension to Bank.

Following the launch of the first TBM in March 2012, a second TBM will be launched from Royal Oak a few weeks later. The remaining TBMs will be launched from Limmo Peninsula in the Royal Docks heading towards Farringdon in late 2012; from Pudding Mill Lane and Plumstead in 2013 and from Limmo Peninsula to Victoria Dock in 2014. [CWMAGS]

Page 6 Contractors World - UK & Ireland Vol 2 No 1

Cannock Modified telehandler for Biffa’s new ‘Super’ Anaerobic Digestion facilityBiffa’s Cannock based anaerobic digestion facility have taken delivery of a Cat TH407 telehandler with specialist air filtration unit to handle the 120,000 tonnes a year of food waste that comes through their brand new facility. The machine was supplied and modified by Caterpillar dealer, Finning.

Commenting on the deal. Joe Schofield, Business Development Manager for Industrial, Waste & Recycling at Finning said, “After visiting and surveying the new site, we met with Biffa to understand their needs and discussed which machines would be ideally suited to this innovative new facility. We recommended the Cat TH407 Telehandler.”

“The new site is the future of waste. It takes food that could once only be sent to landfill and turns it into energy that goes back into the grid, which is something of great value on a truly industrial scale. The telehandler will be tasked with general duties including loading hoppers and cleaning.”

Commenting on operating the telehandler, Mark Wright, a multi-skilled operator for Biffa said, “It’s a fantastic piece of equipment and it does the job extremely well. The attachments, such as the bucket, clamps and lifting forks, are great additions and make our job a lot easier.”

“When the lorries come in and tip the material on the floor against the push walls, we use the Cat TH407 to pick up the waste, then using the extendable boom arm we can tip it into the bunker bins. The ventilation system keeps the air clean and smelling nice inside the cab, when the doors are shut. It is very important as we can be operating the machines for up to two hours at a time.”

“The visibility from the cab is also great. You have a 360° view all around the machine and extra mirrors so you can see the bucket and other important spots around the machine. It’s a great piece of equipment and makes doing the job a lot easier for the operators.”

Reducing material to landfillBiffa is the leading nationwide integrated waste management business. It provides collection, treatment, recycling and technologically driven energy generation services.

The new facility in Cannock, which is the biggest in the UK, process up to 120,000 tonnes of food waste from homes and businesses every year to produce enough renewable energy to power 6,000 homes and a soil improver that can be used in the same way as compost.

Anaerobic Digestion (AD) is a treatment process for organic, biodegradable material such as waste food. The process utilises naturally occurring micro-organisms already present in the waste to break it down in the absence of oxygen, producing a fibrous ‘digestate’ similar to compost and a methane rich ‘biogas’ used for the generation of renewable energy.

The Cannock facility is the latest in a long line of commitments from Biffa to handle more of the UK’s food waste. It forms part of Biffa’s expanding network of AD plants and follows on from the launch of its National Food Waste Recycling Service for businesses earlier in the year.

Clickhereformoreinformation>>> Cat Telescopic Handlers

Page 7Contractors World - UK & Ireland Vol 2 No 1

LondonNationwide Platforms at centre stage of striking Covent Garden PR stuntThe action of an extravagant PR stunt taking place in the heart of London has been captured thanks to a truck mounted platform supplied by Nationwide Platforms’ Specialist Vehicles division.

Public Relations specialists The Ministry of Fun, who are known for their creation of unique publicity stunts, utilised the powered access platform to photograph and film 200 people in flesh-covered body suits creating the shape of a gigantic human hand.

The stunt, which took place in Covent Garden at the end of last year to raise awareness of Dupuytrens Disease (a condition that affect the hands), was commissioned by Pfizer; and the video of the event gained over 40,000 hits on YouTube in its first week.

Nationwide Platforms deployed a 27 metre Ruthmann truck mounted platform from their market leading fleet to allow the agency to capture all the action from above.

The machine also came with its own operator, al lowing photographers to concentrate on securing the perfect shots whilst the p lat form was

manoeuvred into the perfect position.James Lovell, Managing Director of The Ministry of Fun, said: “The

machine provided to us by Nationwide Platforms was ideal for helping us capture this stunt in a short space of time. We hired the machine over two days, taking the opportunity to have a test run on the first day before the stunt was completed on the second day.”

With the event taking place in London, a specialist truck mounted platform was ideal because of its mobility, meaning it could be quickly driven onto and away from the site as required.

Providing access to a working height of 27 metres, the machine was also ideal for allowing a film crew and photographers to capture the ‘hand’ from the kind of aerial angle that really captured its life-like movement.

This event is one of the latest examples where Nationwide Platforms has provided powered access for photography, broadcasting or cinematography, having recently supplied equipment for the 2011 Golf Open Championship, the latest Harry Potter film, RAF Fairford, and the Royal Wedding broadcasts.

Clickhereformoreinformation >>>NationwideRuthmanntruckmountedplatforms

Page 8 Contractors World - UK & Ireland Vol 2 No 1

New image but same objectiveThe Lighthouse Club has given itself a make-over with new logo and colour styling. Although the look may have changed their work is never ending and the same as always - caring for those who, through no fault of their own - are effected by an severe injury or death in the construction industry.

To do this valuable work, they need the support of the industry. Donations are easily made - allittakesistoclickhere. Whyshouldyoumakeadonation?BecauseitcouldbeyouwhotheLighthouseClubishelping.

Clickhereformoreinformation>>>>LighthouseClub

Page 9Contractors World - UK & Ireland Vol 2 No 1

Flooring for new headquarters for York CouncilOver 12,500 m² of Kingspan access flooring is being installed in a new civic headquarters and customer service centre for York Council on the site of a grade 2 listed former railway station within the walls of the historic city.

Northern Access Floors – a K i n gsp an p ar t n er co ntracto r – i s i n s t a l l i n g 1 2 , 5 0 0 m ² o f p a r t i c l e b o a r d a n d s t e e l encapsulated panels for the new-build element of the scheme and areas of the former railway station which are being redeveloped.

About 25% of the flooring has been installed to date and the remainder is due to be completed by Spring 2012. Miller Construction are the main contractors for the project.

N o r t h e r n A c c e s s F l o o r s Director Steve Robson said: “The access flooring in the areas being redeveloped had to be installed over listed floorboards, so a low cost, fit-for-purpose flooring system was requi red and K ingspan’s particleboard panels met those needs perfectly. The new build element of the project will have much more usage and the panels will be installed on concrete, so steel-encapsulated panels were specified there.”

The particleboard panels were installed with a f inished floor height ranging from 60 mm to 150 mm, and the FFH of the steel encapsulated panels was 250 mm.

Moreinformation>>>Kingspan Access Flooring

Aidan Page (left with the dark glasses) and Mick Hoey

Quarrymen quit saying “Snub it out”Determined workers at Lafarge’s Mountsorrel Quarry are looking forward to a healthier and wealthier 2012 after stubbing out their cigarette habit.

Six staff showed true grit by giving up following a health screening day run by Leicester city’s smoking cessation team. Father of two, Mick Hoey, who lives with his wife in Narborough, packed in a 35-year, 20-a-day habit and is feeling fitter for it.

Mick, 49, said: “I started smoking as a kid at 14 – I guess it was peer pressure, everyone else seemed to be smoking and in those days it was still regarded as ‘cool’. There weren’t the warnings of the dangers of smoking around so much in those days.”

“In my job as an electrician I’m working in lots of different locations on site and it was starting to get difficult for me to climb stairs and generally get about without feeling out of breath all the time.

“I didn’t like to admit it to myself but deep down I knew it was because of the fags.”

Mick’s realisation happened to coincide with news of a visit from the NHS smoking cessation team invited in by quarry operator Lafarge Aggregates & Concrete UK.

After meeting and chatting with the team Mick decided he’d do his best to give up. Along with colleagues he attended fortnightly group sessions where the cessation team gave advice and did general health checks and the quarry workers shared experiences.

“I’ve never really been that into all this group session business but it actually was a worthwhile thing to do. You felt you were getting support and the team were really taking on board your concerns and listening to you rather than thinking you were just moaning.

”It was also good to know that the company was behind us and that our managers here were really enthusiastic about us taking steps to improve our lifestyle.”

Mick has now been a happier, healthier non-smoker for more than five months and is feeling the benefits.

“My cravings have gone now and I feel stronger and fitter in myself and I don’t get out of breath climbing stairs or doing anything strenuous.

“Giving up has been a really positive experience for me. I know there might be some people out there who made a New Year resolution to quit and might be faltering, but my message to them is keep going – you’ll be glad you did.”

[cwmags]

Wolverhampton Five Doosans for JPE Wolverhampton-based JPE, one of the leading suppliers of primary, secondary and recycled aggregates, clays and soils in the Midlands region of the UK, has taken delivery of five new Doosan wheel loaders and excavators from Murley Construction, the Doosan dealer for the West Midlands, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Shropshire, Herefordshire and Staffordshire.

JPE has purchased new Doosan DL450 and DL420 wheel loaders and new Doosan DX225LC and DX380LC crawler excavators for use in the company’s recycling and waste handling operations across the Midlands.

The arrival of the new equipment is part of the latest phase of development in JPE’s business which has been steadily growing in the areas of aggregates, groundworks and site clearance services over a period of more than 20 years.

Page 10 Contractors World - UK & Ireland Vol 2 No 1

ADTs and shovels for Keltson Sparkes GroupThe Kelston Sparkes Group h a s m a d e a s i g n i f i ca nt investment in Volvo with the purchase of new articulated haulers, excavators and loading shovels.

In all a total of six A40F articulated haulers, two EC480D excavators and two L110G loading shovels have been purchased for several prestige contracts currently

being undertaken in the close proximity to the company’s headquarters. Says Managing Director Alan Sparkes; “We’ve been very fortunate to secure mid to long term contracts within the extractive industry in the south west of the country and in particular the Mendips. As a major contractor to several established companies we are committed to work as a team with our clients in delivering a quality service with experienced personnel and first class products. In turn we rely on known and trusted suppliers such as Volvo to help support our endeavours as we recover, as an industry as a whole, from the recent unprecedented recession.”

The six trucks have been deployed on a major contract within one of the largest quarries in the Mendips and join an existing mixed fleet of twelve of Sparkes’ A30E’s and A40E’s. The 42 week contract entails the re-siting of approximately 4M tonnes of scalpings from the quarry’s old tip to a worked out area of the site which involves a 2.5 kilometre round trip. This will expose a fresh reserve of urgently required stone. Elsewhere in an adjacent part of the quarry Kelston Sparkes is engaged in loading and hauling blasted limestone from the face to the quarry’s mobile crusher which involves hauling 1.4 million tonnes of rock on a rolling five year contract.

“Historically we’ve built up our reputation for high quality contracting from numerous nationwide contracts,” continued Alan Sparkes. “Having weathered the turmoil of the last couple of years however we’ve thought long and hard about the Group’s future and concluded that providing a sound, solid service concentrating on the extractive industry in the south west of the country with reliable kit and product support is the way forward. And we’re pleased that in doing so we continue our long standing partner relationship with the team from Volvo CE.”

The Kelston Sparkes Group is based at Stanton Drew near Bristol and provides a first class contracting service including earthmoving, extraction, crushing and screening as well as general plant hire.

Formoreinformationclick >>>>KelstonSparkeGroup

>>>VolvoConstructionEquipment

Page 11Contractors World - UK & Ireland Vol 2 No 1

Over this time, the company has been involved in many of the leading projects in the Midlands area, including the Black Country Route, Trent Valley Four Tracking Project (TV4), the M6 Toll Road and the M6 hard shoulder strengthening.

Perfect FitSteve Birch, Managing Director at JPE, said: “We were very impressed by the 5 machine package offered by Murley and Doosan. The Doosan range of equipment provides the performance and specifications required for the large majority of the work we carry out and this has been supported by excellent back-up from Murley.”

Dave Rogers, Operations Manager at JPE, reinforced the point by saying: “Our operators are very pleased with the new machines and have remarked on how comfortable and smooth they are to drive and the excellent hydraulics on the machines. The machines will offer a very good return on investment.”

The new DL420 wheel loader is being used for loading work at the JPE operation at Tamworth in Warwickshire, where the company runs a washing plant producing a range of fully washed recycled aggregates including sand and 40, 20 and 10 mm gravels from fully sustainable sources.

Steve Birch commented: “With a bucket capacity of 4.0 m³, the DL420 is the perfect machine for this job and offers an excellent combination of high productivity, ease of handling, power, serviceability and durability.”

The 22.3 tonne loader is powered by the 10.8 litre, 6 cylinder turbocharged Cummins QSM11 diesel engine, developing 209 kW (284 HP) of power at 2000 rpm and a maximum torque of 148 kg.m at 1400 rpm, for optimal traction and breakout force in loading-transport-handling applications.

Breakout force is among the highest in its category at 210 kN, an important feature for a machine of this Z kinematic class, which provides a higher stripping force when working in the hardest materials. The DL420 offers fast acceleration and is able to reach 90% of the maximum speed of 38 km/h in 2.3 seconds.

The loader has a static tipping load with bucket of 18.9 tonnes (at maximum reach with a straight frame) and a height at bucket pivot point of 4.35 m. Equipped with a standard bucket tipped forward at 45°, the dump height is 3.08 m and the dump reach is 1.27 m. The turning radius at bucket edge is 6.98 m at the maximum steering angle of 40°.

Working together at the Tamworth operation, are the two new Doosan DL450 wheel loaders for general material handling in the stockyards and lorry loading areas at the company’s Midlands locations. With 224 kW (301 HP) of power at 1900 rpm provided by the Cummins QSM11 diesel engine and equipped with a large bucket, they offer a maximum capacity of 4.5 m³.

Excavators for earthmovingThe new Doosan DX225LC and DX380LC crawler excavators are currently being used for recycling work on a major earthmoving project in the area.

The DX225LC is powered by a 6-cylinder Doosan turbocharged diesel engine providing 110 kW (148 HP) at a maximum governed speed of 1900 RPM; operating weight of 21.5 tonnes and a maximum digging depth of 5.76 m.

At 37.9 tonne, the DX380LC has added extra versatility for JPE with its ability to cover all types of heavier placing, loading and breaking applications. Digging force over the bucket is 21.7 tonne, while that over the arm is 17.3 tonne. Use of power boost increases both forces by about 5%, which, Doosan claim, are the highest forces of any excavator in this class.

Before purchasing the new excavators, Dave Rogers and his team were guests of Murley Construction at a Heavy Days event held by Doosan Infracore Construction Equipment in the Czech Republic, where they were able to fully examine and try out all the machines from Doosan in realistic conditions.

Clickhereformoreinformation:Doosan Wheel Loader & Excavators

Scotland

James Jamieson Construction takes 13 Cats from FinningNorth East Scotland’s newest plant hire company, James Jamieson Construction Ltd, has recently purchased an entirely new plant hire fleet of 12 pieces of Caterpillar plant from Finning. The fleet includes two Cat 308Ds, two 312Ds, a 315D, two 320D and a Cat 336DL excavator, two Cat D6 LGP track-type tractors, a Cat CS 54XT surface compactor, a Cat 323DL medium sized hydraulic excavator, and a Cat 972H wheel loader.

Commenting on James Jamieson Construction Ltd’s brief history and its decision to invest in Caterpillar plant from Finning, managing director, James Jamieson said: “James Jamieson Construction Ltd, as a business, is still very much in its infancy but myself and my father Jim Jamieson have a lot of experience in plant hire. We made sure to give the business its best start possible by investing in Caterpillar equipment with the support, advice and guidance of Finning.”

“When we were looking to setup the new business, we looked at fleet options and talked to Finning, who came up with a great package. It was really important to us that we had the right equipment, service and support. With Finning we could get all the parts and service repairs we need to complete our job successfully.”

The machinery’s residual value also plays a large part in the decision to make an investment in Caterpillar plant as a plant hire business. The company will be looking into acquiring new machinery on a regular basis.

“The fleet needs to be comprised of the latest equipment, as this is what customers expect when they hire the equipment and services of a plant hire specialist. The business also needs to be able to sell on used equipment for a good price rather than equipment that does not retain its value after its initial purchase and use.”

The company is impressed with Finning’s ‘VisionLink’ equipment monitoring system, which is fitted to the Cat 320DL, Cat 323DL, Cat 336DL hydraulic excavators and the Cat D6N LPG and Cat D6T LPG dozers.”

“VisionLink is useful to the business for some very important reasons. It enables the company to monitor its machines in a way it would not be able to do without this kind off assistance. It can now monitor data from its equipment quickly and simply from almost any location, as it is all done over the Internet with an easy to use interface.”

“First and foremost VisionLink allows us to know exactly where equipment is at any given time, which is a major bonus for a plant hire firm as the machinery can be in many different places,. It is important to keep track of the business’s assets, and the tracking function is even adaptable to the extent that you can instantaneously track single machines as well as particular groups of machines on specific jobs.”

VisionLink is also ideal for looking after the security of the machines as you can easily set up site boundaries and security alerts to limit unauthorised equipment usage. This can do a lot to limit theft or unqualified staff operating machines.

Filling a gapJames Jamieson Construction Ltd came into existence in early 2011 out of an opportunity to satisfy a sudden gap left in the plant hire market in North East Scotland, previously filled by numerous competing businesses, now all currently in administration.

Page 12 Contractors World - UK & Ireland Vol 2 No 1

The new company is confident it can succeed where others have failed because, as James says “In the past a significant amount of business in the Aberdeen area and the North East of Scotland was carried out by the main contractors in the region, leaving little room for other companies to compete in the crowed market place.”

“However since their departure from the market earlier in the year in January 2011 there has been a significant void that a plant hire and contracting firm with the right knowledge and experience behind it could step into and fulfil the need for these services to be carried out as and when they arise; this is just what James Jamieson Construction Ltd has done.”

Clickhereformoreinformation: >>>JamesJamiesonConstructionLtd

>>>Finning

Page 13Contractors World - UK & Ireland Vol 2 No 1

Precast units speed up developmentPre-cast concrete headwal l s by special ist drainage manufacturer Kijlstra have helped civil engineering contractor Volker Fitzpatrick minimise costs and reduce construction times on a business park development in Kent.

The Kingsnorth Commercial Park, a 115 acre greenfield site on the Isle of Grain, is being developed by property firm Goodman to provide up to 2 million sq ft of industrial and commercial space. But its location on the marshy island means that surface

water drainage is a significant challenge which requires an extensive network of ditches and ponds.As part of its contract, Volker Fitzpatrick is installing culverts and approximately 150 headwalls – small retaining walls

placed at the outlet of a stormwater pipe or culvert – as a vital element of the drainage system. Instead of adopting the traditional approach of building headwalls by hand out of brick or in-situ concrete, Volker

Fitzpatrick chose Kijlstra’s precast units which could be delivered to site just-in-time and quickly lifted into position. “On a project of this scale it makes sense to use pre-cast components rather than hand-build each one” says Volker

Fitzpatrick sub-agent Eleni Gkolfinou. “In terms of labour, time and materials, it is far more efficient”. The contract for the pre-cast products was worth approximately £300,000.

“We believe in doing as much off-site as we possibly can” comments Kijlstra technical manager Weiger Faber. “We fit everything in the factory so that the site simply becomes an assembly line where you lift the finished product into place and move quickly on to the next one”.

Replacing on-site activity such as bricklaying and formwork erection with factory production reduces construction times, minimises labour costs and optimises product quality. “The up-front cost is marginally higher, but those costs are fixed” explains Mr Faber. “The contractor can budget accurately and – with all the other advantages of speed and quality, there are significant overall cost savings”.

Clickhereformoreinformation>>>Kijlstra precast units

London

On top of the worldThose watching the skies around the south side of the River Thames in London recently may have been surprised to see GGR’s compact mini crane being lifted to an incredible height of 283 metres onto the roof of The Shard—making it the highest ever compact crane in Britain.

The 6 tonne capacity Unic URW-706 mini spider crane was dismantled into two and lifted by a Terex Comedil tower crane onto the 87th floor of the building which is due to be completed later this year. Designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano and being developed by Sellar Property Group, the Shard will reach a staggering 310 metres in height and accommodate a hotel, offices, apartments, restaurants and a viewing gallery.

GGR’s Unic mini crane and specialist operators will be working from the rooftop for the next few months to lift glass panels from a storage unit on the 62nd floor onto the levels above on the north and west sides of the building. A total of 11,000 angled glass panels will eventually cover The Shard’s façade which has been specially designed to reflect the London skyline.

The Unic URW-706 compact crane was chosen to work at the summit of the skyscraper thanks to its proven experience with rooftop lifting. The 1.67 m wide crane can be easily dismantled , weighs just 7.9 tonnes yet provides 6000 kg of lifting power, making it a cost effective and flexible alternative to traditional tower cranes.

The variable outrigger positions of the crane made it an ideal choice to work within the limited space of The Shard’s spire construction.

The outriggers were moved with millimetre precision via radio remote control before the crane was lowered onto the building’s four main support columns, with

Contractors World - UK & Ireland Vol 2 No 1

little margin for error. The boom was then lifted up to the 87th floor and reattached to the crane, ready for work to commence.

The GGR team who managed the lift were treated to an amazing bird’s eye view of the capital and were elated to witness the start of what will be a record breaking job for them.

There are two GGR operators on site, 1 during the day and 1 during the night as work continues around the clock. The glass panels weight some 300 kg each and the Unic will use its 16 m outreach to ensure the panels are lifted with minimum risk of hitting the structure.

The mini crane is being used to speed up the lifting work, thereby allowing the tower crane to continue lifting duties on the other side of the building. This method has been adopted to ensure that The Shard exterior is completed and cranes removed before the London 2012 Olympic Games open.

GGR Group’s Managing Director, Gill Riley, comments, “This iconic landmark is going to make a big impact across the London skyline and we are thrilled our cranes have been a part of this exciting project. It’s definitely the highest point we’ve ever taken one of our Unic cranes to, luckily our operators that are working on site have a good head for heights!”

Clickhereformoreinformation>>> GGR Group Unic Spider Cranes

Sellafield announces preferred bidders for latest contract.The preferred bidders are; the Progressive alliance, led by Babcock, Scott Wilson/URS and AXIOM, a joint venture between Jacobs, Amec, Assystem and Mott MacDonald.

Final contract award, of up to 15 years, will take place following the standard period of contract considerations.This is a significant milestone in the way Sellafield Ltd does business and is the first time the company has entered

into a true alliance style framework contract with our supply chain. The aim of this is to bring certainty and security to the supply chain at all levels. We believe that this certainty will allow long term investment in local infrastructure and resources.

The new alliance partners have been chosen to support Sellafield Ltd by providing specialist design, engineering and safety case assessment services.

Todd Wright, Nuclear Management Partners’ Managing Director for Sellafield Ltd, said: “Effective supply chain engagement through long term collaborative alliances is key to Sellafield Ltd delivering and exceeding commitments made in our performance plan.” [CWMAGS]

Page 15Contractors World - UK & Ireland Vol 2 No 1

100+ year old quarry company invests in new loader and moves into pavingWhen an aggregate supplier has been established for over 100 years, they acquire a vast knowledge in how to maximise efficiencies in producing and delivering a product whose value can fluctuate alarmingly in a construction market going through challenging times. John Wainwright & Co Ltd is one such company.

In any quarry, equipment selection is critical and has to be balanced to productivity demands. The Mendips based, independent extractive company has taken delivery of a new Volvo L180G, as its prime stock handling loading shovel, together with a new ABG6870 for its Surfacing Division.

The loader is working at the Moon Hill quarry which the company has operated continuously since 1897. It covers and area of approximately 240 acres. The quarry produces high quality basalt aggregate.

The company today concentrates on producing aggregate from the Andesite beds which as an aggregate is generally considered the highest quality for use as roadstone. After processing, the basalt is supplied both dry and coated to precise specifications.

The processed material is stored in large bins in a stocking out area, where the new L180G is primarily working. It has many specified options to ensure it meets the high levels of safety and efficiency the company insists upon. The loader is equipped with a 5.6 m³ rehandling bucket complete with a straight

edge. This, coupled to a set of Goodyear RL5K wheel and tyre assemblies, additional rear counterweight and boom suspension, has made a significant increase in output over its predecessor dispatching a 29 tonne articulated bulker to the weighbridge in just three passes.

One safety feature that emphasises the company’s focus on safety is an automatic door opening device. By flicking a switch on the key fob, the operator can open the door to the cab automatically thereby avoiding the hazard of swinging the door open at height.

The machine is also fitted with an Ogden reverse system, hi viz pulsating lights and LED

John Wainwright (left) with George and Purnell Luff in the background at the Newbury Colliery in 1911.

“Stone Getters” so much of the process of quarrying in the early 20th century was manual.

Contractors World - UK & Ireland Vol 2 No 1

side markers. A further feature that Wainwright chose from the option list was independent cab heating which runs off the engine’s hot water.

“This is our fifth loading shovel from Volvo and whilst our selection this time around was a close run thing with competitive machines we chose the offering from Volvo based on our strong relationship and past good experiences with the previous machines,” said quarry manager Kevin Sargant. “We’ve enjoyed excellent service from the previous models running up to in excess of 25000 relatively trouble free hours and we are expecting the new G model to live up to that heritage,” he continued.

The loader specificationsThe L180G which features a 13 litre Tier IIIB compliant 333 hp engine, optishift transmission and axles, all designed and manufactured by Volvo, has a full turn tipping load of 17.2 tonnes and boasts a 20% increase in lifting force and 10% increase in breakout force over its predecessor. This coupled to the engine output with high torque at low engine rpm has resulted in faster cycle times and increased productivity.

Two stronger, variable displacement load-bearing axial piston pumps and hoses have been introduced to handle the increased pressures. These provide superior control of the load as well as high breakout force, faster lifting and tilt functions. A new hydraulic cooling system has been designed to reduce the working temperatures by up to 20°C over the F series model.

Moving in to road surfacingSpearheading Wainwright’s drive into the road surfacing business is a new Volvo ABG6870 wheeled paver, supplied in white livery denoting the fact that Wainwright are members of the industry’s paver safety group. Won after fierce competition during the tender stage, the new machine has been immediately put to work on what will become a diverse range of paving applications from small private driveways to large motorway and trunk road re-surfacing contracts.

Heading up Wainwright’s surfacing division is Geoff Shearn who has many years of experience in the surfacing industry and with Titan ABG’s in the past. “In my opinion, the ABG pedigree is definitely at the top end of its class being both flexible and most importantly – reliable,” he comments. “We have restructured our surfacing division and are confident that the new paver from Volvo will continue to build our reputation for quality surfacing projects going forward.”

The wheeled paver is the first machine to feature continuous independent traction control over all six wheels. Powered by a Tier III 122 Kw engine, the operator is able to use the ‘Smart Power’ setting to vary the power output depending on the conditions of the application. Running nominally at just 1600 rpm it has significantly low noise emissions besides being highly fuel efficient.

The 6x6 ‘Smart Drive’ technology ensures good traction. Even on difficult bases, tractive effort is automatically adjusted according to ground condition and the weight of material available in the machine’s 12 tonne capacity hopper. As an added safety feature John Wainwright & Co has specified the fitment of traction isolator switches which are mounted on either side of the hopper. In an event of an emergency the isolator switch will, when activated, stop the machine immediately. The machine has an ‘Active Steering’ feature with an inside turning radius of just 2.5 metres. This coupled to individual suspension struts means the paver can overcome obstacles in one go that, according to Volvo, competitive models can only do after several complicated manoeuvres.

The ABG6870 has a variable screed width of between 2.5 and 5 metres in standard configuration but can be fitted with optional extensions to provide a generous width of 9 metres. With an output potential of up to 700 tonnes per hour, the machine can continuously pave up to 40 metres per minute. Whilst a normal layer thickness of 50 mm at high speed

is easily achievable, the paver can, for certain applications lay up to a maximum thickness of 300 mm.

Formoreinformation,click here:

>>JohnWainwright&CoLtd

>>VolvoCE

Page 17

Page 18 Contractors World - UK & Ireland Vol 2 No 1

Sharp Fall Expected for Construction in 2012Construction output is forecast to fall by more than 5% next year and remain flat throughout 2013 according to the latest forecasts, published by the Construction Products Association. It will be 2014 before the industry is expected to see any significant signs of recovery, by which time output will be 12% lower than at its peak in 2007.

Commenting on these forecasts, Michael Ankers (retiring) the Chief Executive of the Construction Products Association said: “For the construction industry to return to growth there needs to be a strong private sector recovery, but this is just not happening. Continuing uncertainty about the future of the euro zone and a lack of consumer confidence in the UK are holding back important investment decisions. As a result the largest area of construction activity - private commercial work- is forecast to fall by a further 5% in 2012 and remain at that level in 2013.

“At the same time the cuts in public sector construction activity are really beginning to bite, with construction work on schools, hospitals, and other non-housing work forecast to fall by 23% compared with 2011. Despite the encouraging announcements on public sector investment on infrastructure projects in the Autumn Statement, capital spending on construction will still fall 30% by 2013.

“Although new housing starts in the private sector are set to continue their slow recovery, in the short term these are more than offset by the sharp fall in public sector housing. As a result the number of new homes started in 2012 is forecast to be 5000 fewer than this year, and at just 113,000 this is less than half the number of homes needed to accommodate the additional number of households expected to be created over the next 12 months.”

Other key findings in the Forecasts include:• Public Sector construction to fall 18% between 2011 and 2014• Education construction to fall by one quarter in 2012• Health construction to decrease 15% in 2012• Infrastructure construction to rise 20% by 2015• Energy construction to increase threefold by 2015

Construction Products Association Announces Appointment of New Chief Executive Dr Diana Montgomery, who is currently the Deputy Chief Executive at the Chemical Industries Association, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of the Construction Products Association. She will take over from Michael Ankers who retires at the Association’s AGM in April.

Diana graduated from Oxford University with a chemistry degree and was subsequently awarded a Doctor of Philosophy for her work on Environment and Waste Resources at the Imperial College, London. Before joining the CIA in 2006 she was Group Head of Environment at Centrica, and prior to that worked with the Automobile Association and Johnson Wax.

Commenting on the appointment, the Association’s Chairman, Bill Bolsover, said; ‘I am delighted that we have been able to appoint such a strong candidate to take over as the Association’s Chief Executive. Diana brings a wealth of relevant experience to this role and we look forward to her leading the Association and taking forward the strategic development programme that we developed last year.’

Diana Montgomery said of her appointment; ‘I am delighted to have this opportunity to lead the Construction Products Association and relish the prospect of representing the construction products community at a time of great economic challenge and opportunity. Its members have a vital role to play in leading and sustaining our country’s economic recovery and helping the government to deliver its low carbon strategy.’

Construction Output Remains SubduedIn a further statement issued mid-January, the Construction Products Association said that latest figures from ONS for November Construction Output show no change from the low levels recorded in October. However, output is 1.6 per cent lower than in November 2010 when the industry was severely affected by bad weather.

Commenting on these figures, Noble Francis, Construction Products Association Economics Director said: ‘Construction output remains extremely subdued having fallen for three of the previous four months and output in the fourth quarter of the year is now likely to fall, mirroring the recent disappointing economic news from the manufacturing sector.

‘The recovery in private sector construction is still very sluggish and with the anticipated sharp falls in public spending

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Page 19Contractors World - UK & Ireland Vol 2 No 1

on construction in 2012, the industry is now expected to see a fall in output of over 5 per cent this year, with no sign of recovery until 2014.’

Exports help product manufacturersThe Construction Products Association’s latest State of Trade Survey shows that manufacturers, particularly on the light side, are benefiting from an increase in export activity to off-set the subdued level of construction activity in the domestic market.

34% of light side and 17% of heavy side manufacturers recorded growth in overseas sales during the past year and a further 55% and

71% respectively maintained export levels in a competitive global marketplace.Commenting on the figures, Construction Products Association senior economist, Kelly Forrest said: ‘Against a difficult

domestic backdrop, it is encouraging to see that exports are growing strongly, especially considering that export growth is a fundamental part of the government’s economic strategy. Furthermore, construction product manufacturers have invested heavily in developing trade links beyond the eurozone and, in Q4, 35% of light side manufacturers with export links sold products into the Asian market, a very high proportion by historical standards.

‘Future prospects for the UK industry, however, remain very uncertain, as cuts to public sector capital budgets impact on the ground and weak economic growth constrains the private sector recovery.

‘Strong input cost inflation also added to the pressures on manufacturers as price increases in raw materials, energy and fuel all had a significant impact on manufacturing costs.

‘Manufacturers of heavy side products, typically used in the early stages of the construction process, reported that conditions were challenging in Q4 but 2011, as a whole, was a better than anticipated year, due largely to publicly-financed work in progress feeding through more slowly than expected and strong growth in export activity. However, the cuts to public sector capital budgets are now having a tangible impact on the industry and demand from the eurozone, our largest trading partner, remains highly uncertain.’

Other key points include:• -22% of heavy side manufacturers, on balance, reported that sales fell in Q4 (compared with Q3) and 35%

reported no change in activity• In contrast, +22% of light side manufacturers reported sales growth in Q4• In the next 12 months -3% of heavy side firms, on balance, expect sales to fall, whereas +20% of light side foresee

growth• 47% of light side and 82% of heavy side firms expect unit costs to increase in the next 12 months, largely due to

further fuel and energy price inflation• 81% of light side manufacturers expressed concern about the strength of future demand

New Entrants Essential if Green Deal to WorkResponding to the Government’s Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation consultation, the Construction Products Association has acknowledged the enormous potential Green Deal could bring in improving the energy performance of UK buildings, but gave a cautionary warning that there were some fundamental issues that still needed to be addressed.

Responding to the consultation, John Tebbit, (right) Industry Affairs Director at the Association said: ‘We all know that Green Deal has the potential to be a real game changer, but government must accept this is a long-term solution and not a quick fix opportunity.

“It is essential that the Green Deal allows new companies and organisations into the market, such as distributors, builders, manufacturers and installers. This will avoid any one part of the supply chain enjoying a dominant position in energy efficiency work; it will bring greater competition and encourage diversity.

“There must also be a process for ensuring product and installation quality allows innovative products and solutions to be introduced to the market whilst ensuring performance. Products and systems that already meet British and European standards, or are certified to reputable third party schemes, must not face additional testing or registration costs.

To make the Green Deal work, targeted fiscal incentives will need to be brought in and the Association has long

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Page 20 Contractors World - UK & Ireland Vol 2 No 1

held the view that a reduction in VAT to 5 per cent, both on Green Deal work and Green Deal equivalent energy efficiency work, is vital to send the right signals to the consumer as well as making the Golden Rule more achievable.

“The Association welcomes the proposal for a cash back scheme for homeowners, based on the degree of improvement as measured by EPCs. However, in the longer term the government should base the level of stamp duty for the purchase of homes both on price and EPC rating. Such a system is already used with company car tax where both price and CO2 emissions set the taxable benefits and this has radically changed company car choice over a number of years. There seems to be no reason why such a dual price and environmental performance based system, could not have the same impact on home purchases, albeit over a longer period of time.

“Finally, there must be further work carried out on a transition process between the existing CERT scheme and ECO. As things stand, there will be a catastrophic collapse in cavity wall and loft insulation work at the end of this year when the CERT scheme finishes. It is essential that the new ECO arrangements provide for a short period of continued support for cavity wall and loft insulation, whilst the Green Deal becomes established.”

CBI say an opportunity but . . In its response to the Government’s consultation on

The Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation, the UK’s leading business group said making the Green Deal as consumer-friendly as possible will be critical to its success, especially at a time when household budgets are tight.

The CBI welcomes the Government’s allocation of £200m to incentivise early adoption of the Green Deal, and believes a simple voucher for early adopters, similar to the successful boiler scrappage scheme, could help to give it a kick-start.

Rhian Kelly, (left) CBI Director for Business Environment, said: “Without demand we haven’t got a Green Deal. Businesses are ready to work with the Government to excite and incentivise consumers, by emphasising the cost-saving as well as the carbon-saving benefits.

“ The Green Deal has the potential to play a key part in the

UK’s transition to a low-carbon economy. If successful, the Green Deal will be a win-win policy, delivering cost-effective emissions reductions and driving private-sector growth.”

The CBI is calling on the Government to make cost-effectiveness a priority when implementing the Green Deal and ECO. This will help enable the Green Deal to meet the “Golden Rule” - that anticipated cost savings for consumers will be greater than or equal to annual Green Deal charges.

Striking the right balance between consumer protection

The Business Of Health & SafetyConstruction industry professionals and ICE members gathered in London in December to discuss the business case for improved health and safety in the workplace at the ICE & Costain 2011 Health & Safety Lecture.

Hosted by Costain’s Environment Managing Director, Alan Kay, speakers from Government, regulat ion and employers discussed whether investment in occupational health brought universal benefits to individuals, businesses and the taxpayer, and whether health and safety actually improved operational performance by reducing the propensity for accidents to happen on site.

Speakers included Dame Carol Black, Professor of

Rheumatology at UCL and the first National Director for Health and Work whose Department of Works and Pensions review “Working for a Healthier Tomorrow” found that ill health amongst the working population costs the UK £100 billion a year.

Also speaking was Philip White, the HSE’s Chief Inspector of Construction and formerly an advisor at the DWP, and Lawrence Waterman, the Head of Health & Safety at the Olympic Delivery Authority, who was previously Occupational Health Advisor to Heathrow Terminal 5, and a founder-member of Sypol, a risk management services company specialising in health and safety.

Commenting on the event, Alan Kay said: “I would like to thank the speakers and everyone who attended the lecture for making it a success. The health and general wellbeing of a workforce is at the forefront of what we do as a business and fostering a safe working environment is imperative for protecting all stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers and the general public.”

Clickhereformoreinformation: >>>Costain

Pictured left to right: Lawrence Waterman; Philip White; Dame Carol Black; Mike Napier, Costain Business Development Manager; Alan Kay, Costain’s Environment Managing Director and Richard Coakley

Construction News - Economy - Business - Regulation

Page 21

Autumn Statement 2011: Government’s National Infrastructure Plan to enhance UK’s competitiveness Richard Threlfall, (right) head of infrastructure, building and construction at KPMG comments on the government’s national infrastructure plan: “Infrastructure investment took centre stage in the ‘autumn statement’ as the Government’s proposed antidote to lower growth forecasts and rising unemployment levels. This is a positive step toward enhancing the UK as a competitive place to do business on a global platform. In years to come this will boost UK businesses and continue to attract foreign investment and players to the UK.

“However, none of the long list of schemes reeled off with relish by the Chancellor is new in conception, but the Government’s decision to reduce revenue spending and increase capital by £5bn over the next 5 years will allow a number of schemes to go ahead which had previously been frozen by the austerity measures.

“A £20bn pension investment concept was announced as expected, but with no detail as the understanding with pension funds is at a very preliminary stage. A further £1bn for the regional growth fund will also feed through to smaller schemes in the regions, and the £400m construction fund will be a small but helpful boost to new housing starts.

“Overall the announcements are likely to be welcomed by the construction industry and project promoters, but will take time to feed through to economic growth.”

Clickhereformoreinformation: >>>KPMG

and business regulation is key to keeping costs down.Ms Kelly said: “While the CBI supports a rigorous accreditation system for assessors, providers and installers, the

Government must not allow the pendulum to swing too far towards costly regulation.“This could lead to higher costs for the consumer, and we don’t want costs to start outweighing savings, as this would

undermine the whole scheme.”Under current ECO proposals, the majority of consumers will only be able to obtain subsidies for solid wall insulation,

while subsidies for loft and cavity wall insulation will come to an end for many.The Government’s own predictions suggest an annual drop in the number of cavity wall installations when the current

subsidy regime comes to an end. So, to maintain demand and support a smooth transition to the Green Deal, the CBI wants loft and cavity wall insulation to be included within the carbon-saving element of ECO for a limited period of time.

Clickhereformoreinformation: >>>ConstructionProductsAssociation

>>>CBI

Plant Theft costing UK Construction Industry over £800 Million a Year Insurers own records indicates theft of construction plant to be over 24,000 pieces of equipment with a depreciated cost of equipment stolen per annum of over £70 million

A review conducted by leading insurer Allianz Cornhill, reveals that over £70 million of construction plant, including excavators, compressors and even cranes, has been stolen from construction sites in the last year, despite initiatives by the Government to encourage plant manufacturers to improve in-built security features.

It estimates that the UK construction industry is now losing over £800 million a year when other costs associated with plant theft are taken into account. These costs include plant replacement costs, hire of

Construction News - Economy - Business - Regulation

Photo: Garretttaggs

Photo: Garretttaggs

Contractors World - UK & Ireland Vol 2 No 1

replacement equipment, loss of business and increased insurance premiums. The insurer has also discovered that thieves have become more sophisticated in the methods they employ, even posing as plant manufacturers maintenance workers in order to remove vehicles from site.

The problem, in part, stems from the tight deadlines which many construction projects operate under. Ease of use is of primary importance and the equipment needs to be available for operation immediately, without the need to disable immobilisation systems or search for unique keys. This has led manufacturers to develop plant with a single common key operation system, leaving much equipment on site wide open to thieves who can easily obtain

keys. The rate of theft is often made worse by the common practice on building sites of leaving keys somewhere in or near the equipment. Of those pieces of equipment that are locked up, a large majority are secured with a small chain and padlock that are easily removed.

Thieves are also attracted to plant because of the very low recovery rates – less than 10% compared with motor vehicles, which enjoy a recovery rate of around 55-60%. This is because items of plant have few identifying marks that can be readily and easily seen and lack of registration documents mean it is difficult for the police to identify stolen plant and return it to the owner.

In 2000, the Home Office set up the Plant Theft Action Group (PTAG) with the objective of combating plant theft. The group brought together representatives from manufacturers, plant hirers, insurers and the Police. It also includes The National Plant and Equipment Register (TER), a company who operates a national database of owned and stolen plant – something that is essential if recovery rates are to improve. PTAG’s work is starting to make a difference but the construction industry themselves are key to improving theft rates.

The CESAR scheme promoted by the Construction Equipment Association (CEA) is also proving to be an effective tool in recovery of plant. Contractors World also notes that more and more equipment is being fitted with active tracking systems which are not only used to allow plant owners to track where equipment is being used but at what time. They can also ring-fence the equipment to work within certain areas and at certain times without setting off and alert.

Deterrents are no reason to relax measuresAlan Harris, Allianz Cornhill Engineering Director, said: “The UK construction industry can ill afford to continue to lose equipment to theft at this rate. We knew the problem was bad but had not realised the massive economic impact this must have on the industry.

As the commercial and residential property markets slow and the construction industry sees increasing pressure on profits, it cannot sit back and let more and more equipment be snatched from under its nose.

”Construction companies must wake up to the fact that small investments in security and registration with the TER can pay dividends. Money spent on security measures such as physical locking devices, covert identification marking of equipment and effective site and depot security can quickly be recovered through insurance discounts, reduced claims and less downtime. This will mean lower rates of theft and, ultimately, a lower cost to the industry”

Clickhereformoreinformation: >>>AllianzCornhill

>>>CESAR

Finning, the UK’s sole supplier of Caterpillar® equipment, fits the official CESAR plant registration and security system to all new Caterpillar machines that it supplies.

Construction News - Economy - Business - Regulation

Page 23Contractors World - UK & Ireland Vol 2 No 1

New website for JCB Insurance ServicesA new website has been launched by JCB Insurance Services to help companies buy their insurance quickly and securely online.

The site offers a wide range of insurance products including ‘all risks’ plant insurance and hired-in plant insurance, both with optional road risks’ cover and extensions. Also offered online is public liability and employers’ liability insurance specifically designed for plant hirers, groundworks contractors and civil engineering contractors with exclusive features such as an eight metre depth limit. There is also the option to spread the payments using a secure direct debit payment system.

Michael Gregory, Director and General Manager said: “Our new website was developed with our customers firmly in mind. It aims to take care of the insurance needs of a large number of companies quickly, easily and securely. We have however made sure that there is full support from our Head Office team for customers who still prefer to speak to someone about their quote before buying insurance online.”

E xc l u s i ve to J C B I n s u ra n c e , Hiremaster short term hired in plant insurance has been refreshed and is also available to purchase up to 30 days cover online and for the first time,

A s a n i n s u r a n c e b r o k e r recommended by the Contractors Plant Association (CPA), JCB Insurance has worked closely with the industry to ensure the new website gives customers the insurance products they need as quickly and simply as possible.

Clickhereformoreinformation:JCBInsurance

Survey on Personal Protective EquipmentContractors World believe that site safety can never be over stated and, as such, is pleased to ask readers to support the survey request from the TUC.

We believe that most of our readers will be compliant with regulations and, therefore, encourage you to get your workers to complete the survey to provide a balanced report that shows that most companies are fully compliant but that there is still some companies that are not applying the law as required.

As we have seen in so many instances, Government all too often rushes through legislation to enforce a regulation but without thinking of the impact that it has on the industry as a whole, which is compliant.

The TUC is conducting an on-line survey among workers that use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). In the survey the TUC wants to find out whether employers are supplying it and who is paying for it. The TUC will use the information both to increase awareness of the problem and also to try to get the HSE and Local Authorities to take action against employers who are breaking the law.

PPE includes all equipment which is intended to be worn or held by a worker to protect him against risks to his health or safety. Examples are safety helmets, gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear and safety harnesses, overalls, sunscreens, etc. Due to the nature of construction work most workers in our sector will be wearing one or more items of PPE in the course of a working day.

You might be aware that an employer cannot charge an employee for PPE, whether it is returnable or not. This includes agency workers if they are legally regarded as employees.

The survey is very simple to fill in and should not take more than a couple of minutes. It can be found at by clicking here.

PHOTO: Safety Nets WB

In the UK & Ireland, site safety is taken seriously but that is not the case around the world. How many infringements can you spot in this construction site in Burundi?

(Note: the men stand around while the women do all the work!)

Construction News - Economy - Business - Regulation

Page 24 Contractors World - UK & Ireland Vol 2 No 1

CIRIA, has announced a range of new SuDS and SAB facilitation workshops in a bid to help local authorities prepare for legislative changes.

The Flood and Water Management Act 2010 introduced a range of new responsibilities for local authorities around sustainable drainage systems (SuDS). With the schedule relating to SuDS likely to be enacted later this year, lead local flood authorities will become responsible for setting up SuDS Approval Bodies (SABs) which evaluate and approve SuDS in new developments as well as adopt and maintain SuDS serving more than one property.

The one-day facilitation workshops will help local authorities prepare for their new responsibilities of approving, adopting and maintaining SuDS schemes to meet the draft national standards for sustainable drainage, which are currently being consulted on.

Commenting, Mr Richard Wills, Executive Director, Lincolnshire County Council, said:

“It is crucial that local authorities are equipped with the skills that they need to tackle these vital legislative changes.

“These workshops will make an important contribution to providing practical guidance that will work on the ground.”

Video Presentation2012 Challenging Year for Contractors

Andrew Wyllie, Costain Group Chief Executive answers the questions on what they and the industry in general can expect this years and what companies need to do.

Click image to play or icon above

if video does not

play

Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) are drainage solutions that provide an alternative to the direct channelling of surface water through networks of pipes and sewers to nearby watercourses.

By mimicking natural drainage regimes, SuDS aim to reduce surface water flooding, improve water quality and enhance the amenity and biodiversity value of the environment. SuDS achieve this by lowering flow rates, increasing water storage capacity and reducing the transport of pollution to the water environment.

Provision for SuDS and the national standards required for their design, construction, maintenance and operation is included in the Flood and Water Management Act 2010.Image & Text courtesy of Natural Environment Research Council

CIRIA announced new SuDs and SABs facilitation workshops

Construction News - Economy - Business - Regulation

Site Equipment

JCB adds top-of-the-range telescopic handler and more JCB has added the high capacity 550-80 Loadall to its telescopic handler line. This high capacity telehandler brings the range to 15 models ranging from the extremely compact 515-40 with a lift capacity 1.5 t to 4 m to the 550-80 which can lift 4.99 t. to 8.1 m powered by a 97 kW DieselMax engine. This new models also benefits from a 140 litres/min variable flow hydraulics and Hi-flow pipework for optimised cycle times and auxiliary service performance.

The 8.1 m lift height, 4.99 tonne maximum lift capacity machine has been developed in direct response to customer demand for a machine with greater lift performance at reach. With servo controls as standard, operators benefit from low lever efforts and excellent ergonomics. On options is the Smooth Ride System which offers improved load retention and increased comfort in load and carry operations.

With loading operations in mind, high dump and roll-back angles of 46° and 34° respectively, ensure excellent material retention and stockpiling for efficient lorry or hopper loading.

The inner boom uses a splayed nose design to maximise structural integrity while also incorporating Z-bar bucket linkage. This system provides 6.5 tonnes of breakout force – an increase of more than 50 per cent on the current 541 Wastemaster.

New mini-excavators fills the gapTo meet customer demand and fill a need between the 8025 ZTS and 8030 ZTS mini-excavators, JCB is introducing the 8026 CTS. This is a 2.7 tonne machine which joins the 8025 ZTS in the line-up, offering a conventional layout with a trailer towable transport weight and increased lifting capacity. Contractors World has been told that the 8026 is scheduled to go into production around April although dealers are promoting it now and will begin taking order shortly.

The latest mini features short pitch tracks and auto kick-down, with 11% increase in travel speed; a new valve block with 17% longer spool travel offering increased precision control and undercarriage designed for easier cleaning

It neatly sits alongside the zero tailswing 8025 ZTS, offering customers the alternative of compact design with corresponding increased digging capacity.

The machine uses a dedicated boom and dipper arm, offering, according to JCB, greater digging and lifting performance than competitive models. Increased efficiency allows the 8026 CTS to use the same engine family as the 8025 ZTS, with a similar torque output, but with a lower power rating providing a 14% efficiency gain.

This is partly due to the introduction of the new efficient auto kick down track motors. In addition the hydraulic system now features full control isolation when the left hand armrest is raised improving safety on site.

Operators will find easier cab access with more leg room and a further 50 mm of seat adjustment for increased comfort. The improved cab stowage and the option of air conditioning further improve the cab environment. Customers can opt for electro-proportional auxiliary controls and the bucket to grab changeover option increases machine versatility with a wide range of attachments.

Smaller loaders from Volvo ready for every terrainThe latest introduction from Volvo are smaller models to the new G-Series - the

new compact L45G and L50G. The objective in the new design from Volvo is to increase versatility not only to work with a wide range of attachments but

also in all ground conditions.These machines are fitted with a hydraulic attachment

bracket for quick tool changeovers.Both models feature the latest emissions-compliant

engines and, to deliver high breakout force and parallel movement throughout the entire lifting range, Volvo’s

patented TP Linkage. T h i s combination gives high tilt-back torque and lifting power, thereby increasing productivity

when loading or rehandling, while the progressive lift helps retain loose bucket material and minimizes disturbing the load when lifting pallets. The combination of stable load and high-reach of the linkage design allows dumping into high-sided trucks.

They share the same modern stylistic redesign of the rest of the G-Series range. The compact Volvo wheel loaders are smaller in size than many competitor machines because the shorter frame is achieved by siting the engine conversely. The compact size obviously provides for higher manoeuvrability in restricted work areas.

Higher torque – with lower emissions The L45G and L50G are fitted with Volvo’s four-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged off-highway diesel engine, which features cooled gas recirculation and a particulate filter with active regeneration. The active-type diesel particulate filter (DPF) temporarily holds the particulate matter and then incinerates it, further reducing emissions. This process is conducted without any loss of performance during operation.

Producing between 73 and 85 kW (99-116 hp), Volvo claim that the D4 engine leads the industry in terms of fuel efficiency, reliability and noise. The production of torque and power at low engine speeds, combined with load-sensing hydraulics, removes the need to overrun the

Model L45G L50GEngine D4H D4HMax.powerat 24.2 r/s

(1450r/min) 24.2 r/s

(1450r/min)SAE J1995 gross 75 kW 87 kW ISO9249,SAEJ1349net 73 kW) 85 kW )Breakoutforce 66 kN 74 kNStatic tipping load at full turn

5,500 kg 6,050 kg

Buckets 1.3-2.0 m³ 1.4-2.5 m³Operatingweight 8.5-9.1 t 9.3-9.7 tTyres 15.5-25 17.5-25

Page 26 Contractors World - UK & Ireland Vol 2 No 1

LiveLink Connectivity on 80% of productsJCB has also announced its sophisticated LiveLink telematics system is to be fitted as standard on 80% of its products sold across Europe from January 2012.

The company has been steadily increasing both the number of machines and the number of countries covered by the advanced telematics systems. From January 1, JCB’s 3CX and 4CX backhoe loaders, side-engined telescopic handlers and tracked and wheeled excavators will all be fitted with the system. It is also standard across Europe on all wheeled loading shovels above 8 tonnes operating weight.

Tim Burnhope, JCB Chief Innovation and Growth Officer, said: “The benefits of JCB LiveLink are many-fold: not only does it offers customers improved visibility of their fleet, it also provides detailed performance and operational information which allows business owners to run their operation even more efficiently and cost-effectively.

More importantly in many areas. Tim Burnhope goes on to say “It also protects machines from theft and this enhanced level of security can result in reduced insurance premiums as well as greater peace of mind.”

Clickhereformmoreinformation: >>>JCBTelehandlers

>>>JCBMiniExcavators >>>JCBLiveLink

Site Equipment

Site Equipment engine, which in turn extends engine life, lowers fuel use and reduces noise.

The engine cooling fan allows the engine to reach optimum working temperature faster, operating only when needed. The fan is also reversible, automatically blowing air back through the cooling pack in order to remove debris drawn into the radiator.

Engine and drivetrain: better togetherIn their presentation, Volvo say that the engine’s drivetrain,

axles, hydraulics and lifting systems are all designed for improved productivity, higher rimpull, lower emissions, greater smoothness, serviceability and operator comfort. Both models come with an infinitely variable hydrostatic transmission.

Available in both High and Low Speed variants depending on application, maximum rimpull is available at all speeds, regardless of the direction of travel. And, being fully automatic, operation couldn’t be simpler. For work in wet and/or heavy conditions, 100% differential locks in the heavy-duty axles allow all wheels to turn simultaneously. The rear axle is allowed to oscillate, increasing stability of the machine by maintaining ground contact and providing optimum traction in difficult terrain.

High productivityAll manufacturers are striving to maximise productivity from their new models and Volvo is no exception in recognizing that operator comfort is a key factor.

The latest generation ROPS/FOPS Volvo cab is both spacious and offers improved visibility to either side and to the rear as well as right to the bucket edge. A centrally located instrumentation panel is also convenient.

To encourage operators to work smoothly an ‘eco’ accelerator pedal applies an appropriate amount of mechanical back-pressure, encouraging low fuel consumption operating techniques. Fuel use is also reduced, due to a load-sensing steering system that only activates when the wheel is turned. An inch brake pedal allows further machine control. Applying light pressure on the pedal slows the machine using the hydraulic transmission only, while firmer pressure engages the axle brakes – useful if working on an incline.

Servicing & supportThe G-Series comes with advanced electronic monitoring diagnostics that are designed to prolong machine life, enhance uptime and maximize productivity. Contronics monitors functions in real time and alerts the operator if problems occur. MATRIS, meanwhile, charts and analyzes data on machine handling and operation. VCADS Pro is a system that allows a machine to be fine-tuned to specific applications, further improving performance. Finally, the CareTrack system is Volvo Construction Equipment’s telematics solution, which allows machine location and operating data to be securely viewed via the Internet from anywhere in the world; aiding fast decisions on maintenance and repairs.

Servicing is made easy with daily pre-start items quickly checked and scheduled service items conveniently grouped together. The engine cover also provides good ventilation of the engine compartment. It gives good access for fast and easy cleaning or servicing duties. And consumables like filters are easy to reach and easy to replace. The rear axles are supported on maintenance-free cradles and include greased-for-life bearings and bushings that reduce service requirements.

Clickhereformoreinformation>>>Volvo new wheel loaders

The Volvo PL3005D advanced pipelayer.The new Volvo PL3005D recently joined the Volvo Construction Equipment line of pipelayers. The excavator-based design allows for 360° performance, versatility and transportability over traditional pipelayers with a side boom. The patented design of the pipelayer represents a major technological advancement when compared to traditional sideboom dozer based pipelayers.

To ensure a solid footing in most conditions, the 23.6-inch (600 mm) single grouser track pads can be upgraded to 29.5 inches (750 mm) optional single grouser and 31.5 inches (800 mm) optional triple grouser shoes. (Read more in Contractors World - International - Vol 3 No 1 )

Clickhereformoreinformation>>>Volvo pipelayers

Page 27Contractors World - UK & Ireland Vol 2 No 1

Page 28 Contractors World - UK & Ireland Vol 2 No 1

Two new booms coming from SnorkelSnorkel dealers already know about the two new booms that the company is to introduce. They should be available mid-year.

The Snorkel A62JRT is an 18.8 m platform height, articulated boom and the T66JRT is a 20 m platform height telescopic boom. Both are built on Snorkel’s common Polaris chassis.

Richard Tindale, Global Sales & Marketing Director for Snorkel, said: “The launch of the A62JRT and T66JRT continues the redevelopment and enhancement of Snorkel’s mid-size boom lifts.”

The A62JRT, which will replace the Snorkel AB60JRT, offers improved drive and lift capabilities (particularly “up-and-over” clearance) and eliminations of tail swing compared to the older model.

The company claims that this lift offers best-in-class maximum platform height at 18.8 m - up from 18.3 m; the best up-and-over clearance at 9.0 m; the largest platform cage in its class, at 2.4 m x 1.0 m - at 2.4 m² .According to the company, it achieves the tightest inside turning radius of any

two-wheel steering unit in the industry, at 1.37 m - significantly less than the 2.4 m of its predecessor. This tight turning radius, in conjunction with zero tail swing, has obvious benefits in restricted working areas.

Another change to the range is the T66JRT, a 20 m platform height, telescopic boom with a 1.8 m jib - without the jib the model is reclassified as the T60RT. These lifts replace the old Snorkel TB66JRT and TB60RT lifts.

Snorkel say “The T66JRT has by far the best inside turning radius of any 2-wheel-steer machine in its class– at 1.37 m. A very compact lift, it has the lowest stowed height in its class, at 2.5 m and a transport length of just 8.5 m.“

ClickhereformoreinformationonSnorkelaccessplatforms

The new Snorkel A62JRT is an 18.8 m platform height, articulated boom

ArcGen Hilta to introduce new LED towerIn February, at the Executive Hire Show, ArcGen Hilta will show case their latest products and a prototype which is still under development.

ArcGen Hilta’s new LED lighting tower, a development of the market leading SMC TL-90, offers customers up to 288 hours of uninterrupted illumination. The 4 x 180 W LED light assemblies provide 720 W of lighting power and gives up to seven times the operating life of a metal halide bulb, offering considerable cost savings to users.

The company is also introducing the brand new solar powered SP-55 concept lighting tower (right), offering all the user benefits of the acclaimed TL-90 LED. Being powered by solar panels, the new lighting tower is as green as it can be. With no fuel required, emission free renewable energy and silent running capabilities, the new concept is a forerunner in environmentally friendly lighting solutions, and will offer users significantly reduced running costs.

New Hilta PumpAlso new is the Hilta C150 ‘Pro-Flo’ 6 inch centrifugal self-priming pump which is a low pressure/high volume machine, developed to offer increased performance for customers. Designed for use in any application for the moving or removal of high volumes of water, the latest ‘Pro-Flo’ boasts an improved flow and head.

Users of the new pump will benefit from easy transportation, low noise levels and an adjustable front wear plant, as well as high performance from low fuel usage, offering cost savings.

Clickhereformoreinformationon ArcGen Hilta

Site Equipment

Page 29Contractors World - UK & Ireland Vol 2 No 1

PLANTWORX - shaping the show and how demonstrations are key.Despite the usual quiet time for business over the Christmas and New Year periods, the PLANTWORX team remained busy developing the event and selling exhibition space. With just sixteen months to go until the inaugural event takes place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire (14-16 May 2013) the show’s organisers had their work cut out for them over the festive season, and whilst enjoying the odd mince pie or two, shaping the event and its zones remained priority!

PLANTWORX exhibition director, Simon Frere-Cook reported on the latest developments from the organisers’ camp, “As a team we are delighted and very grateful for the support that we continue to receive throughout the industry and as we head towards the end of January we have 50 exhibitors committed to the event and Angela Spink (PLANTWORX sales manager) is being kept very busy dealing with inquiries from others - space is selling fast, so I would encourage those of you who are not yet committed - not to delay too long in making your decision to join us.”

Space is indeed selling fast - to-date over 43% of the show stand space has now been sold. The demonstration areas of the show have also proved incredibly popular, with key exhibitors securing their plots well in advance of the show. Such has been the early interest in displaying kit in operation at PLANTWORX that 79% of the demonstration

plots in the ‘Dig Zone’ have already been snapped up.

‘Meaningful’ demonstrations are planned for PLANTWORX 2013The official description of PLANTWORX 2013 is ‘The UK’s Dedicated Working Construction Exhibition’. Here the operative word is ‘working’ and the intention is to create a really profitable day, away from the site or office for visitors, by presenting meaningful demonstrations of the latest machines and attachments.

The Dig Zone at PLANTWORX will provide plenty of opportunity for the newest earthmovers and site equipment to be evaluated in action. Exhibitors with demonstration plots will be actively encouraged to stage realistic displays to show exactly how their products can make sites safer and more productive. A particular focus will be on promoting the correct selection and use of attachments and instrumentation to carry out

different tasks much more efficiently.Having visited construction equipment shows since 1963 as a student, plant advisor (with a major UK contractor)

and member of the construction press, Nick Johnson has established strong views on what constitutes a worthwhile exhibition demonstration. He has agreed to help the PLANTWORX organisers work closely with those companies taking demonstration plots to ensure that this valuable resource is best used to really highlight the operational and economic benefits of new products.

Nick Johnson (right) says, “It is very easy to attract attention by having well known machines ‘dance’ or build ‘mountains’. But an exhibition presents an excellent opportunity to really help get new concepts noticed and established. The trick is show off new products operating continuously in a realistic setting so that, when visitors stop and watch, their full practical advantages can be immediately grasped.”

PLANTWORX intends to capitalise on its ability to provide visitors with the chance to evaluate many new ideas and concepts in action. By publicising the ‘demonstration delights’ in advance

A Contractors World exclusive article - proud to be a media partner with the Plantworx event

Site Equipment

Site Equipment

Contractors World - UK & Ireland Vol 2 No 1

in the trade media and the show guide, a most convincing argument will be made that a trip to the Stoneleigh Park venue on the 14th, 15th or 16th May next year will simply be unmissible!

C o m p a n i e s n o w a r m e d w i t h demonstration plots in this popular part of the exhibition site already include Ammann, Avant Tecno, Auger Torque, Case, Cautrac, CETA, Hill Engineering, Hyundai, JCB, NC Engineer ing , New Hol land, Scanlaser, Takeuchi, Terex, U-Mole, Volvo and Wacker Neuson. As PLANTWORX

follows on after Bauma 2013 in Germany, there should be plenty of new earthmoving products ready to get their UK exhibition debut at Stoneleigh Park.

Wacker Neuson was one of the first companies to commit to the show and part of ‘the working group’ which helped shape the event. Wacker’s Chris Pearce said, “Wacker Neuson is delighted to be part of PLANTWORX 2013 because an exhibition based around working demonstrations is an ideal environment to highlight the advantages of its equipment and is a great draw for the audience. Well located, with plenty of space, Wacker Neuson feel that it will be a notable success for visitors and exhibitors alike.

Pearce added, “We committed to the show when it was still in its infancy as we believed that our industry needed this style of showcase. Plenty of foot fall of suitable prospects that are otherwise difficult to reach will guarantee the show is a success.”

Robert Brown, managing director Ammann has committed to exhibit at PLANTWORX 2013 and also reserved a demonstration plot in the ‘Dig Zone’ he said, “Whilst Hillhead certainly fills the requirement for the heavy extractive market, we needed something similar, running in tandem, for the earthmoving market.

“The ethos of PLANTWORX was always to be a show for our industry, run by our industry - therefore if we all collectively

support the show then it will be a success. “We are in the dig zone because we

supply excavators and we know that our customers and prospective customers want to see these machines working at something they were designed to do. Everything can look good in a brochure, or sitting polished on the grass, but these machines are designed to work and that is what we want to do with them at PLANTWORX.”

The right type of demonstration is a message Plantworx is driving home to exhibitors.

With over 40% of space already sold, the exhibition is filling up fast. Companies such as Volvo Construction Equipment and Takeuchi ,as well as other companies, large and small, who recognised the opportunity provided.

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Rick Still, Hyundai Heavy Industries Europe Regional Sales Manager UK & Ireland is also a keen PLANTWORX supporter, “We immediately recognised the benefits of the new show, a no nonsense approach that will be for the industry by the industry,” said Still.

“At Hyundai we want bums on OUR seats! – Hyundai feels that our machines have operational advantages – and what better way to prove it – than an excellent demonstration, with customer access to our machines!

“To make PLANTWORX a real success – let’s keep it simple; cater for visitors in a way that makes it an enjoyable and informative visit.”

Experienced operators will show just what today’s machine can doA number of highly experienced plant operators are also following the show’s progress with keen interest and keeping

up to date with the event’s progress. Tom Aspin, who had a long and illustrious career as a demonstration operator with the former Caterpillar dealership H. Leverton and made two appearances on the ITV game show ‘You Bet’ showing off his operator skills, is one of the ‘operator crew’ keeping tabs on PLANTWORX. He said, “It is very important to demonstrate new machines to customers in realistic site conditions. It can show what the machines can achieve and the changes in the specifications, which change so fast.

“It is also important to let the public operators get ‘hands on’ - you get a lot of feedback from operators which is very important. I have found since my days of demonstrating and instructing for Fiat Allis, Blackwood Hodge Terex Zettlemeyer, Leverton Caterpillar, all world-wide, that ‘Dancing Diggers’ are OK for the public to watch, but it doesn’t prove what and how they dig it’s just showmanship. A real useful demonstration is to see the kit in real working conditions.”

‘One Year To Go’ EventThe PLANTWORX team is keen to keep the momentum and excitement going leading up to the show and involve exhibitors and potential exhibitors every step of the way. With this in mind a special event has been organised, which will be taking place on 24Maythisyear,thePLANTWORX-OneYearToGo’event/presentationatStoneleighPark- this will include an update on progress with PLANTWORX, a report on developments and happenings at Stoneleigh Park (including the proposed HS2 railway from London to Birmingham) and other interesting topics. Put the date into your diaries - more details will be published in due course.

Comfort ZoneWhile trade events are invaluable to people in the industry, it can be tiring walking around, trying machines, talking with potential suppliers and others along the way, so Contractors World Magazines will have a ‘comfort zone’.

You will be most welcome to come to the Contractors World Lounge to relax, a meeting point, and, if necessary, catch up with emails and other information on the internet as it will also be an internet cafe . . . and an opportunity to meet the people behind what has become the world’s leading e-magazine for the construction and related industries.

Clickhereformoreinformation>>> Plantworx

Tom Aspin, machine demonstrator with many years experience is just one of the band of people lending their support to the Plantworx team

to ensure the event meets everyone’s expectations.

Takeuchi is another supporter of Plantworx who will be demonstrating the versatility of their range.

COMPANIES FEATURED

Allianz Cornhill

ArcGen Hilta

Bobcat

Caterpillar

CBI

CIRIA

Construction Products Association

Costain

Doosan

Finning

GGR Group

Herrenknecht AG

James Jamieson Construction

JCB

JCB Insurance

JPE

Kelston Sparkes Group

Kijlstra

KPMG

LaFarge

Lighthouse Club

Nationwide Platforms

Plantworx

Ruthmann

Snorkel

Takeuchi

Terex Comedil

Unic

Volker Fitzpatrick

Volvo Construction Equipment

Construction Equipment Association

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