Taylor Wimpey North East welcomed MP Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education, and students from Harry Watts Academy to its Burdon Manor development for an immersive construction careers experience. The visit began with a presentation at the school, delivered by Ben McKie, Trainee Assistant Quantity Surveyor, and Ellen Page,
The Construction and Engineering team at Burges Salmon has advised independent construction company Benniman Limited on a series of significant projects across the UK. Led by director Christian Mulvihill, the firm provided legal support on large-scale developments for leading names in the logistics and industrial sectors. Notably, Burges Salmon advised
Technicians suspended nearly 140 metres in the air carried out tests on the concrete and steel of St Johns Beacon in Liverpool using specialist rope access techniques. RSK Group company CAN Structures was contracted to carry out a defect survey and concrete testing of the iconic Grade II listed communications
Dr David Crosthwaite, BCIS – chief economist, said: There is a risk that schemes built around compliance or sanctions place young people into roles that do not align with their skills, interests or longer-term aspirations. For construction, which already faces persistent challenges attracting and retaining new entrants, the priority should
London could be on the brink of a major office construction surge, with developers arguing that the right conditions are finally lining up – provided the planning system becomes more flexible. Fresh analysis from the London Property Alliance and Knight Frank suggests that modernising the capital’s ageing office stock could
With climate extremes increasing and urban drainage networks under growing stress, ACO Building Drainage has published the second volume of its Blue Roof Guide to help architects, engineers, specifiers and contractors design resilient, multi-functional roofscapes. The new guide explains how blue and blue-green roof systems can store and manage rainfall
When the power goes out in Texas, it can shut down more than just lights. From home air conditioning to business operations, you depend on electricity every minute of the day. With Texas’s unique grid setup and unpredictable weather, having a plan for what to do in an emergency is
Roughly a third of all workplace fatalities in the construction industry stem from falls, with scaffolding-related incidents accounting for a substantial portion. Beyond the human cost, these accidents trigger insurance claims that can reach hundreds of thousands of pounds, often resulting in premium increases that burden businesses for years. Proper
Construction projects often struggle to keep track of tools and equipment as jobs grow larger and more complex. Crews move between sites, schedules change, and assets shift hands many times. Projects lose track of assets when systems, visibility, and accountability fail to keep pace with daily operations. This article explores how
For residential and commercial wastewater treatment companies, grinder pumps are essential assets. They protect infrastructure and ensure reliable wastewater processing in various environments. Choosing the right manufacturer can help ensure long-term service and cost efficiency. These companies are some of the most well-established in the industry, enabling smooth operations and
Taylor Wimpey North East welcomed MP Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education, and students from Harry Watts Academy to its Burdon Manor development for an immersive construction careers experience. The visit began with a presentation at the school, delivered by Ben McKie, Trainee Assistant Quantity Surveyor, and Ellen Page, Assistant Engineer and representative from the Young Persons Forum. Students then took part in a full site induction, before exploring the site and seeing the different stages of construction in action. Accompanied by Ben McKie, Ellen Page and Bridget Phillipson MP, students gained insight into the range of career opportunities available within the industry. The day concluded with an informal question-and-answer session over lunch, giving students the chance to speak directly with industry professionals. Ben McKie, Trainee Assistant Quantity Surveyor at Taylor Wimpey North East, said: “The students gained a real insight into life on a live construction site, from their induction, through to exploring the showhomes and seeing different roles in action. It was a great opportunity to showcase the variety of careers available, and we’re looking forward to continuing our partnership in 2026.” Martin Thompson, class teacher at Harry Watts Academy, said: “The visit was an outstanding experience for our students and something they will remember for a long time. They came away with a far better understanding of what it is like to work on a construction site and the range of career opportunities available within the industry. The real-world experience they gained goes far beyond what a classroom can offer.” The initiative reflects Taylor Wimpey’s ongoing commitment to supporting young people and promoting careers in construction across the North East region. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Construction and Engineering team at Burges Salmon has advised independent construction company Benniman Limited on a series of significant projects across the UK. Led by director Christian Mulvihill, the firm provided legal support on large-scale developments for leading names in the logistics and industrial sectors. Notably, Burges Salmon advised Benniman on the creation of three new logistics and distribution facilities at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT) in Northamptonshire. Totalling 618,000 sq ft, the schemes will deliver high-quality space and strengthen DIRFT’s position as a key hub for rail-connected logistics, supporting efficient supply chain operations and sustainable freight solutions. Further advice was provided across three other projects including on the construction of a c. 50,000 sq ft best-in-class industrial and warehousing estate in Reading, the development of eight industrial units in Milton Keynes totalling 200,765 sq ft., as well as recent work delivered for property developer Clowes Developments. The team also advised Benniman in relation to the construction of three industrial units in Birmingham on behalf of Coltham as well as a 57,000 sf ft unit in Worcester Six Business Park for Stoford. Christian Mulvihill, director at Burges Salmon, says: “We are delighted to have supported Benniman on these projects, which demonstrate the strength of the UK logistics and industrial sectors. Completing five transactions back-to-back within a short timeframe required careful co-ordination and a thorough understanding of contractual and regulatory issues. It is a testament to the strength and agility of our team that we were able to deliver seamless advice across multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring our client could move forward with confidence and efficiency.” Paul Barfoot, Commercial Director at Benniman, comments: “Delivering major projects concurrently was a significant undertaking, and Burges Salmon’s ability to manage the legal complexities was outstanding. Their proactive approach, responsiveness and sector expertise gave us the confidence to progress each development without delay.” With over 40 specialist lawyers working across the firm’s Built Environment, Infrastructure and Energy & Utilities sector groups, Burges Salmon has one of the largest construction and engineering legal teams in the UK and is a first port of call for highly complex and innovative projects. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Technicians suspended nearly 140 metres in the air carried out tests on the concrete and steel of St Johns Beacon in Liverpool using specialist rope access techniques. RSK Group company CAN Structures was contracted to carry out a defect survey and concrete testing of the iconic Grade II listed communications tower following previous inspections in 2011 and 2015. Work was carried out on the 138-metre-high St Johns Beacon, originally built in 1969, through the night over the course of nine days so that the streets below could be closed during the works. CAN Project Manager Louis Thomas said: “We carried out acoustic hammer tests – tap tests – on the entire concrete façade of the tower. Defects were recorded and depth of carbonation and covermeter tests were taken. The steelwork at the top of the tower and the windows to the ‘doughnut’ also received a full visual inspection. “Access to the underside of the ‘doughnut’ proved particularly challenging. Initial access was gained through lighting openings on the underside of the tower, and we then put up rigging between the adjacent openings. The staging platform we call ‘CAN-Span’ was then winched up from ground level to enable technicians to get within touching distance of the underside of the tower to carry out their inspections.” Louis explained that, for safety, a considerable cordon was necessary. Several roads, footpaths and pedestrian areas within an extended footprint of the tower were closed by Liverpool City Council. Munroe K Asset Management manages the building. Director Roger Fulford said: “The Beacon tower is iconic in Liverpool and, like all buildings, needs to be inspected and maintained. For most buildings, the view while doing so is significantly less dramatic. The information gathered during this inspection will be used to assess maintenance schedules and inform us of the condition of the structure so that it can be future-proofed, ensuring it remains an integral part of the city’s skyline for many years to come.” St Johns Beacon is a notable feature of the city’s skyline and a popular destination for tourists, with the building’s first floor giving visitors 360° panoramic views of the city. It was refurbished between 1999 and 2000 and has been used as a revolving restaurant, a communications tower, offices and a tourist site. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Dr David Crosthwaite, BCIS – chief economist, said: There is a risk that schemes built around compliance or sanctions place young people into roles that do not align with their skills, interests or longer-term aspirations. For construction, which already faces persistent challenges attracting and retaining new entrants, the priority should be creating conditions that make the sector a positive and deliberate career choice rather than a default option. There is also the practical concern of placing inexperienced young people on potentially dangerous work sites without adequate training. Fundamentally, the industry is suffering from a skills shortage rather than a shortage of general labour, so the focus should be on building capability, not just filling labourer vacancies. At the same time, there could be clear benefits for employers. Many construction firms have stopped replacing workers or paused plans to grow their teams because of cost pressures and uncertainty in the market. If government programmes provide meaningful support with hiring and training costs, this could help firms take on young people they might otherwise be unable to afford to recruit or develop. That could strengthen early-career pipelines at a time when workforce capacity is one of the biggest constraints on delivery. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
London could be on the brink of a major office construction surge, with developers arguing that the right conditions are finally lining up – provided the planning system becomes more flexible. Fresh analysis from the London Property Alliance and Knight Frank suggests that modernising the capital’s ageing office stock could generate an £84 billion economic uplift and release £262 billion in investment value. Their new report, Space for Change: Office space dynamics in central London, highlights the scale of the challenge: between 2018 and 2023, London’s central activities zone (broadly the area covered by Underground zone 1) lost around 14 million square feet of office space. Over the next five years, the capital is expected to face an 11 million square foot shortfall. Much of the existing stock is no longer fit for purpose. The report notes that 56% of central London offices – around 147 million square feet – are rated as secondary space, offering ageing, lower-quality environments that will fall short of mandatory sustainability requirements by 2030. As a result, upgrading or redeveloping these buildings is becoming increasingly urgent. Vacancy rates for prime space have tightened considerably. Availability of top-tier offices is near historic lows, with just 0.8% of prime and 1.7% of Grade A space currently unoccupied. Only a dozen very large single-floor offices above 40,000 square feet – the sort favoured by major firms consolidating staff – are on the market. Demand from occupiers is strong. Companies are actively searching for 10 million square feet of space, around 7% above the long-term average, propelled chiefly by financial and professional services firms. While 15.4 million square feet of new offices are due to complete between 2025 and 2029, a significant share is already pre-let or situated outside the high-demand areas of the City and West End. This pipeline not only falls short of replacing space lost since 2018, it also fails to meet current or future requirements. Representing central London’s leading developers and investors, the London Property Alliance is calling for a shift in approach, arguing that major office projects should be treated as essential economic infrastructure. They say planning and regulatory processes should be streamlined to improve development viability. Developers report that viability is one of the biggest barriers they face, made worse by a complex and often costly planning framework. They want planning authorities to simplify regulations, reduce obligations and lower the financial burden placed on new schemes. Ross Sayers, chair of the City Property Association and head of development management at Landsec, noted that rising construction, labour and finance costs, combined with growing planning obligations, are putting many projects under pressure. He stressed the need for collaborative, pragmatic solutions to ensure central London remains a world-class business hub. James Raynor, chair of the Westminster Property Association and chief executive of Grosvenor Property, warned that ageing office stock threatens future supply without intervention. He believes that modernising these buildings through flexible, forward-looking planning policies could unlock significant economic growth while supporting net-zero goals and local communities. Shabab Qadar, Knight Frank’s head of central London research and author of the report, described a systemic problem in the office market: demand for high-quality space continues to rise, but supply cannot keep up as buildings are repurposed and planning hurdles restrict redevelopment. He argues that the case for upgrading London’s older office stock has never been stronger. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With climate extremes increasing and urban drainage networks under growing stress, ACO Building Drainage has published the second volume of its Blue Roof Guide to help architects, engineers, specifiers and contractors design resilient, multi-functional roofscapes. The new guide explains how blue and blue-green roof systems can store and manage rainfall on site, reduce peak flows to overstretched sewers and support passive irrigation and biodiversity on roof areas. The guide, titled ‘ACO Blue Roof Guide – Vol 2’, follows the success of ACO’s first volume of its Blue Roof Guide, launched in October 2024, and builds on the criteria established for safe and sustainable drainage. Sustainability is a core principle of ACO’s work and this has been recognised in the company’s appointment as United Nations ambassador for Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. The second volume of the Blue Roof Guide is evidence of ACO’s commitment to clean water, sustainability, and supporting the construction industry in creating an eco-friendly future. Volume 2 sets out the principles of off-membrane storage and offers practical design and delivery advice for architects, engineers, specifiers and contractors. It highlights blue roofs as an increasingly important tool in urban developments by storing water temporarily and releasing it slowly to lessen flood risk while enabling green and biosolar roof functions to coexist without compromising waterproofing. Technical sections go into detail about ACO’s patented RoofBloxx system: a shallow, high-strength geocellular attenuation layer designed to sit independently of the roof membrane. Implementation and installation are also discussed, including together with the proper use of flow restrictors, access and diffuser units, capillary wicks and reservoir trays. When combined, these components manage run-off rates, support passive irrigation for sedum and planted systems, and reduce the need for heavy ballast by stabilising insulation. Neill Robinson-Welsh, who has led more than 750 blue roof projects during his 14 years with ACO, said: “Blue roofs are no longer an optional extra but a practical response to the twin pressures of heavier rainfall and growing water stress. Our approach uses ACO RoofBloxx to store water off the waterproofing layer, simplifying integration with green and biosolar elements and reducing the risk of membrane failure. The new guide reflects what we’ve learned on real projects and sets out design and maintenance steps that make blue roofs reliable.” Practical chapters focus on early-stage coordination, addressing outlet positioning, roof slope and structural implications, as well as maintenance-friendly design through permanent access chambers and twice-yearly inspections, and emphasising the importance of accurate hydraulic calculations to meet planning limits while preserving architectural constraints. ACO stresses that designers need to treat blue roofs as system integration exercises, and by coordinating landscape, photovoltaics and other services early it will help to avoid late, costly revisions. Volume 2 is positioned as a hands-on resource for teams planning multifunctional roofs where water management, ecology and service access must all be reconciled. To download the guide, see ACO.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
When the power goes out in Texas, it can shut down more than just lights. From home air conditioning to business operations, you depend on electricity every minute of the day. With Texas’s unique grid setup and unpredictable weather, having a plan for what to do in an emergency is essential. The Growing Need for Emergency Power in Texas The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) oversees the state’s independent power grid. However, while Texas can regulate its own electrical market, it cannot get power from nearby states when the grid is under stress. The consequences were evident during Winter Storm Uri in 2021, when power plants and gas supply froze, and millions lost heat and electricity for days. In the years since, extreme summer heat has created its own strain as record demand pushes the grid close to its limits during peak afternoons and evenings. The weather is just one factor. Outages can happen due to aging infrastructure, equipment failures and line damage. Demand is also rising fast as data centers, industrial facilities and population growth increase electricity use. The U.S. Energy Information Administration projected that national retail electricity sales to end users could rise about 2.2% per year in 2025 and 2026, after averaging only 0.8% growth from 2020 to 2024. The agency attributes much of this increase to rapid demand growth in the ERCOT region, where usage is expected to rise by roughly 11% across 2025 and 2026. A study ranks Texas second in the U.S. for summer outage risk based on events affecting more than 5,000 customers from 2019 to 2023. Over that period, the state had 7,164 summer outages, and the highest total hours without power per year at around 35,440 hours on average. For homeowners, losing power can quickly lead to health and safety issues when cooling or heating is unavailable. Medications can spoil and security systems can go offline. For businesses, every hour of downtime can mean lost revenue, damaged inventory and disruptions to operations. What to Look For in an Emergency Power Company You need a partner that understands your needs and can respond when it matters most. Start by thinking about your usage needs. Some companies only want a piece of equipment, such as a standby generator for an industrial facility, and have internal staff manage everything else. Many homeowners and small businesses prefer a full-service provider that handles assessment, sizing, installation, permits, fuel setup and long-term maintenance. If you’re thinking of renting for outages, confirm that the provider has a structured deployment process in place. Look for companies that already work with established manufacturers and provide equipment that meets current standards and codes. Local presence also matters. Providers with service teams in the area know more about the hazards of bad weather, what permits are necessary and how to ensure compliance. They can also reach you more quickly for service calls, fuel issues or emergency repairs. Those that regularly service residential, commercial and industrial clients tend to have a broad view of load profiles and critical systems. 7 Best Providers for Emergency Power Solutions in Texas Seven companies stand out in terms of their strong Texas network, range of services and brand reputation. This list includes providers covering homes, businesses and large industrial or utility customers. 1. Sunbelt Solomon Sunbelt Solomon is a major electrical equipment and services provider, focusing on transformers and power distribution gear. It specializes in new and reconditioned equipment and offers field services, rentals and repairs. With multiple locations and service territories that include Texas, it helps utilities, industrial plants and large commercial facilities keep power systems running. Its teams support everything from planned upgrades to immediate replacements. For emergency power, Sunbelt Solomon offers transformers for transmission and distribution voltages, substation-class switchgear, circuit breakers and related control equipment. These components are central to restoring service when utilities need temporary capacity. It also offers short-term and long-term power equipment rentals, plus field testing, repair and installation support. The company stands out because it functions as a single point of contact for complex emergency power solutions. Instead of coordinating with several vendors, you can work with a single partner that understands the entire system. This model is especially useful for clients who cannot afford extended outages. 2. Generac Generac is one of the most recognized names in home and light commercial standby generators. It is widely used in Texas neighborhoods and supplies smaller commercial systems suited for offices, small retailers and similar sites. Its products are designed to be approachable to homeowners while still providing dependable automatic backup during outages. The company offers automatic home standby generators that connect to your natural gas or propane line, starting automatically when grid power fails. It also makes portable generators for smaller loads or temporary use. Many models can be tracked through the Mobile Link remote monitoring platform, which lets you and your service provider check the generator’s status through an app or web portal. Generac’s main advantage for homeowners is familiarity and support infrastructure. There is a large network of authorized dealers and installers throughout Texas trained to size, install and maintain these systems. 3. Cummins Cummins is a global power technology company best known for its diesel engines and generator sets. It provides backup and prime power systems, ranging from residential units to large industrial plants, including systems made for critical infrastructure. Its generators are commonly used in hospitals, manufacturing plants, data centers and other facilities that require high reliability. Cummins manufactures diesel and gas-filled standby generators for residential, commercial, and industrial sites. For larger customers, it offers integrated power systems that include generator sets, automatic transfer switches, switchgear, advanced load management and paralleling controls. Durability and continuous-duty performance are its core strengths. Many businesses choose it when a power interruption is unacceptable, especially in mission-critical environments. Its global network also supports complex projects, such as multi-megawatt installations for industrial or institutional campuses. 4. Power Field Services Power Field Services is a Texas-based company that focuses on generator
Roughly a third of all workplace fatalities in the construction industry stem from falls, with scaffolding-related incidents accounting for a substantial portion. Beyond the human cost, these accidents trigger insurance claims that can reach hundreds of thousands of pounds, often resulting in premium increases that burden businesses for years. Proper safety protocols are more just regulatory compliance — they’re financial protection. The Financial Impact of Scaffolding Failures When scaffolding collapses or workers fall from temporary structures, the immediate costs include emergency response, medical treatment, and work stoppage. However, the long-term financial implications extend far beyond initial expenses. Major incidents typically affect insurance premiums substantially. Industry data suggests that serious claims often lead to premium increases ranging from 30% to 50%, though the exact impact depends on factors including claims history, company size, and specific insurer policies. For small to medium-sized construction firms operating on tight margins, such increases can create serious cash flow challenges. While specialist construction insurers understand these risks, businesses across sectors — from those working with Westminster Insurance on professional liability cover to dedicated construction underwriters — face similar scrutiny of their safety procedures during policy renewals. Pre-Installation Verification Requirements Before any scaffolding goes up, specific checks must occur to prevent structural failures. Ground conditions require assessment by a competent person, with particular attention to load-bearing capacity and drainage patterns that might compromise stability over time. Underground services must be located and marked, as striking gas or electrical lines during foundation installation creates liability exposure beyond standard construction risks. The scaffolding design itself needs formal documentation for certain configurations. Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, scaffolds must be designed by a competent person where their complexity, height, loading, or configuration exceeds what can be safely erected using recognised standard configurations (such as those in TG20:13 guidance). These documents serve dual purposes: they guide safe erection and provide evidence of due diligence should incidents occur. Daily and Weekly Inspection Protocols Regular inspections form the backbone of claim prevention. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 mandate inspections at specific intervals: These inspections require documentation in an inspection register, recording the date, inspector’s name, identified issues, and corrective actions taken. Inadequate or missing records create significant difficulties when defending claims. Critical Component Checks Certain scaffolding elements demand particular attention during inspections because their failure typically results in the most serious incidents. Base plates and sole boards distribute loads to the ground and must remain level, fully engaged, and free from settlement. Standards (vertical tubes) require checking for plumbness, damage, and proper splicing where joints occur. Ledgers and transoms connecting standards need secure fitting with all clips properly tightened. Platforms must be fully boarded according to the scaffold system’s specifications, properly supported, and equipped with appropriate edge protection at any location where falls exceed 2m. For standard scaffold boards in typical configurations, 150mm overhang (4x thickness for 38mm boards) and supports should be placed at intervals appropriate to the board rating, commonly around 1.5m, though specific systems may vary. Tie patterns securing scaffolding to structures deserve particular scrutiny. These connections prevent toppling and must be installed according to design specifications. Inadequate or damaged ties are one of the most common factors in scaffolding collapse claims. Weather-Related Precautions British weather patterns create specific risks for temporary structures. Wind loading affects scaffolds differently based on height, sheeting coverage, and tie strength. Many manufacturers and guidance documents recommend ceasing work when wind speeds approach or exceed 23 mph, though specific thresholds depend on scaffold configuration, sheeting levels, and loading conditions. Training and Competency Documentation Claims investigations commonly examine whether workers held appropriate cards and whether refresher training was current at the time of the incidents. Companies should maintain training matrices showing qualification dates, renewal schedules, and specific competencies for each scaffolder and supervisor. This documentation demonstrates a systematic approach to competency management and supports the defence position when incidents do occur. Record Keeping That Protects Your Position Detailed records play a valuable role in managing insurance claims effectively. Photograph scaffolds at key stages: foundation preparation, after erection, during use, and post-incident if problems arise. Inspection registers should contain specific observations rather than generic statements. When claims arise months or years after incidents, detailed contemporaneous records carry considerably more weight than reconstructed accounts. The investment in rigorous safety protocols and documentation typically represents good value when measured against the costs associated with serious claims.
Construction projects often struggle to keep track of tools and equipment as jobs grow larger and more complex. Crews move between sites, schedules change, and assets shift hands many times. Projects lose track of assets when systems, visibility, and accountability fail to keep pace with daily operations. This article explores how gaps in tracking, communication, and maintenance create blind spots that lead to loss and downtime. It also shows how outdated processes and unclear responsibility make it harder to know what assets exist, where they are, and who should manage them. 1) Inadequate asset tracking systems Many construction projects rely on basic or outdated tracking systems. Teams often use spreadsheets, paper logs, or manual checklists to record equipment and materials. These tools cannot keep up with fast-moving job sites. Manual systems increase the risk of missing or wrong information. Workers may forget to log equipment moves or update records on time. As a result, managers lose clear visibility into where assets are and who is using them. Inadequate systems also limit real-time access to data. Project leaders cannot quickly confirm asset availability across multiple sites. This gap can lead to duplicate rentals, idle equipment, or work stoppages. Older tracking tools often fail to support maintenance planning. Without accurate usage data, teams miss service schedules or inspections. Equipment may break down unexpectedly, which further disrupts project timelines. When tracking systems do not scale with project size, asset control weakens. Large projects with many tools and machines need centralized, reliable tracking. Without it, asset loss and inefficiency become more likely. 2) Lack of real-time visibility on equipment Many construction teams do not see where equipment is or how crews use it during the workday. They rely on calls, paper logs, or delayed reports. These methods lag behind real site activity. Without real-time visibility, teams miss early signs of risk. A machine may sit idle at one site while another crew rents the same item. This gap raises costs and slows schedules. Poor visibility also makes loss harder to detect. Teams may not notice theft, damage, or misplacement until days later. By then, recovery options shrink. Limited tracking affects planning and decisions. Managers struggle to assign the right tools to the right jobs at the right time. They react to problems instead of preventing them. Real-time data helps teams act faster and with more accuracy. When teams lack it, assets drift out of control across sites and projects. This issue often grows as projects scale and locations multiply. 3) Poor scheduled maintenance practices Poor scheduled maintenance causes assets to move without records. Crews pull equipment for repairs, then return it late or to a different site. Teams lose track when no one updates logs or systems. Missed maintenance also leads to breakdowns. When equipment fails, managers rush to replace it. They rent or borrow assets and skip proper check-in steps. Inconsistent schedules add to the problem. Different teams follow different plans, or none at all. Assets move between projects with no clear owner. Manual tracking makes this worse. Paper logs and spreadsheets fall out of date fast. They do not show real-time location or condition. Clear maintenance schedules help control asset flow. When teams plan service in advance and follow one system, assets stay visible and accounted for. 4) Inefficient communication among teams Construction teams work across offices, yards, and job sites. When teams share updates late or not at all, tools and equipment move without records. This gap makes assets hard to find and easy to misplace. Field crews may swap tools to keep work moving. If they fail to log the change, the office loses visibility. Paper logs, calls, and texts often miss details or arrive too late. Poor communication also causes rework and delays. When teams cannot confirm what equipment sits on site, they order or rent duplicates. This adds cost and clutters the job site. Clear asset tracking reduces these problems. Tracking labels give each item a visible ID that teams can read fast. When crews scan or note a label, they share the same data. Durability matters on busy sites. Metal labels resist weather, heat, and wear, so IDs stay readable. With durable, metal labels on equipment, teams communicate through consistent labels and keep assets accounted for. 5) Failure to update asset logs promptly Asset logs lose value when teams delay updates. Crews move tools and equipment between sites every day, and records fall behind. When logs lag, managers cannot see where assets are or who uses them. Many teams rely on manual entry at the end of a shift. Busy schedules and tight deadlines push updates aside. As a result, records reflect plans, not real conditions on the job site. Delays also affect maintenance and inspections. When logs miss recent use or damage, equipment may skip service. This increases downtime and raises safety risks without warning. Real-time visibility matters in active construction work. Several project failures show that planning alone is not enough once work begins. Without prompt updates, asset tracking breaks down and errors spread across schedules, budgets, and handovers. Over time, small delays compound. Missing or outdated entries make audits harder and increase loss, theft, and underuse. Accurate logs require timely updates to stay useful. 6) Overreliance on manual inventory methods Many construction teams still rely on paper logs, spreadsheets, or memory to track assets. These methods depend on constant updates, which often fail during busy workdays. Missed entries and outdated counts become common. Manual tracking also increases the risk of human error. Workers may record the wrong item, skip a step, or enter data late. Small mistakes add up and make asset records unreliable. Job sites change fast, but manual systems do not update in real time. Materials move between locations, crews, and projects without clear records. Managers then struggle to know what is on site and what is missing. Manual methods make it harder to spot loss or theft. Without clear history or traceability, teams cannot track when or where an asset disappeared.
For residential and commercial wastewater treatment companies, grinder pumps are essential assets. They protect infrastructure and ensure reliable wastewater processing in various environments. Choosing the right manufacturer can help ensure long-term service and cost efficiency. These companies are some of the most well-established in the industry, enabling smooth operations and easier maintenance. 1. Zoeller Pump Company Zoeller Pump Company is widely recognized in the wastewater industry as one of the most trusted names for grinder pumps. Its decades of manufacturing and service experience and strong focus on quality control have helped it serve professionals and homeowners alike with reliable pumping solutions. This company’s grinder pumps are designed to handle demanding conditions, with an ability to make hundreds of thousands of cuts a minute while fully submerged. Zoeller Pump Company uses durable materials and consistent testing to ensure reliability in the field. Key Features 2. Liberty Pumps Liberty Pumps is another U.S.-based manufacturer known for its high-quality grinder pumps and wastewater solutions. It focuses on well-engineered systems and robust quality control, with machines designed and assembled domestically. Grinder pumps from this company come in different sizes and setups, accommodating smaller residential and complex applications. Liberty Pumps’ product designs emphasize ease of installation and service access. Key Features 3. Myers by Pentair Myers, a brand under Pentair, brings robust engineering expertise to the grinder pump and wastewater industry. Its grinder pumps are used across a wide range of applications, from residential to commercial and community systems, which is a testament to their reliability. With Pentair’s global resources, Myers products benefit from extensive research and testing, as well as expert training and customer service. Key Features 4. Little Giant by Franklin Electric Little Giant is part of Franklin Electric and is well known for its wide range of pumps serving residential and commercial markets. It even offers systems designed for rocky or challenging terrains, enhancing the accessibility of wastewater processing. This brand offshoot prides itself on providing dependable pumps for HVAC contractors and plumbing professionals while also offering an extensive pool, hydroponic and water garden product line. Key Features 5. Excel Fluid Group Excel Fluid Group focuses on engineered pumping systems, including submersible grinder pumps for commercial, municipal, military and many other wastewater environments. The company works closely with engineers and industry experts to deliver application-specific solutions. The company’s grinder pumps utilize a wide range of materials, installation styles and impeller types to ensure proper wastewater processing for various environments and industries. Key Features 6. Environment One Corporation (E/One) E/One has established a strong reputation for its uniquely engineered sewer systems and grinder pump technology. Its products are deployed across municipal, commercial, industrial and residential settings. It has a wide variety of grinder pump models, some operating wet while others have a dry accessway, allowing wastewater facilities with different needs to find the best pump for their project. Key Features Grinder Pump Providers at a Glance Manufacturer Key Model/Series Horsepower Range Zoeller Pump Company M807 Grinder Pump 1-4 HP Liberty Pumps LSG200 Series 1-5 HP Myers by Pentair VR2 Series 1-5 HP Little Giant by Franklin Electric 16G Series 1 HP Excel Fluid Group SGV Series 1-5 HP Environment One (E/One) D-Series 1 HP Methodology for Ranking Top Grinder Pump Manufacturers The team assembled this list using criteria that best match the needs of wastewater professionals. Manufacturing Quality Quality starts with appropriate material selection and engineering, such as through the use of heavy-duty metals and corrosion-resistant components that are most appropriate for demanding wastewater environments. Providers should ensure adequate testing and check for performance consistency in conditions similar to those of wastewater plants for longer life expectancy in the field. Product Innovation Innovative companies often come up with more efficient pump mechanisms and reduce operational problems. This category evaluated advancements in cutter and grinding mechanisms and the ability to process solid-heavy wastewater with minimal clogging. The team also considered motor efficiency and thermal protection, as well as its ability to integrate with modern control panels and sewer systems, as these structures have also evolved to accommodate modern comforts and sanitation standards. Industry Reputation Industry reputation is often indicative of real performance and trust earned through consistent results. These rankings considered adoption by licensed contractors and municipal utilities. Manufacturers with a sustained market presence and strong word-of-mouth credibility came across as more dependable and ranked accordingly. Range of Applications Versatility is essential when serving the wastewater industry. Manufacturers were evaluated on their ability to support a wide range of applications, from residences and small commercial buildings to municipal infrastructure and sewer systems. Available horsepower and adaptability to various site conditions also influenced these scores. Customer Support There always exists a risk of downtime in grinder pump systems. Strong customer support helps minimize these disruptions. The team assessed the quality of available technical documentation, parts availability, warranties and responsiveness of technical support teams. How to Select the Right Grinder Pump for Your Application Selecting the right grinder pump is a critical decision that affects the system’s long-term performance. Wastewater processing applications can vary, and it’s always important to find the right machine for the job. Assess the Application Start by clearly defining where and how you are going to use the grinder pump. A pump serving a small residence usually experiences less heavy use with predictable patterns, while commercial facilities may generate higher volumes of wastewater with tougher solids. Complex sewer systems present an additional challenge, as pumps will need to perform consistently within a shared network. Analyzing the expected usage, peak flow periods, terrain and whether the pump will work alone or with a larger system is an important step. This evaluation helps match the individual pump’s capacity to the right application and prevent premature issues. Analyze the Waste Material The characteristics of the waste can affect the proper selection of your grinder pump. Evaluate the usual solids content of a site’s wastewater, such as sanitary products, grease or debris that can enter the system. Some applications, such as restaurants or commercial facilities,