Finning have secured a deal to supply Flannery Plant Hire with £65,000,000 worth of Cat® machinery in 2025. Over the past four years Finning UK & Ireland, the world’s largest dealer of Cat machines and equipment, have supplied long-standing customer Flannery with over £250,000,000 worth of Cat machinery. The company’s most recent multi-million-pound investment includes 100 Catexcavators, 70 Cat Bulldozers, 86 CatADT Trucks and 20 Cat Rollers, demonstrating that demand for plant hire shows no signs of slowing down. Similarly, demand in the construction industry itself shows no signs of waning as Glenigans Construction industry Forecast predicts a growth of 8% by the end of 2025. The industry is poised for progression, with government initiatives, housing market recovery and improved economic conditions all set to drive further need for hard-working heavy machinery. Their 15-year partnership with Finning has seen the company make significant investments in Cat machinery, technology and support services, to ensure quality, efficiency and sustainability in their fleet. Patrick Flannery, Managing Director at Flannery Plant Hire said: “As a result of the growth in the industry we are seeing increasing demands for efficient, sustainable and reliable plant machinery that can service the breadth of the industry. “The Cat XE models in particular have shown us a significant return on investment, not only are they hard-working machines, but they are incredibly efficient, saving up to 35% on fuel compared to other models. We are committed to achieving our sustainability goals and having machines with lower fuel consumption helps us reduce our carbon footprint as well as save money in the long-term. “We know from our relationship with Finning that Cat machines are more than capable of tackling the challenges of modern construction. We service the whole industry and need machines to be robust for work in a variety of heavy-duty applications. “Our recent investment shows our commitment to servicing the industry with versatile and innovative plant hire options but also represents our assurance to customers that we will continue to provide efficient and sustainable machines to suit their needs.” As the government continues to invest in large-scale infrastructure projects and housing developments, access to a variety of plant equipment is integral to the industry’s success this year. Rory Gregory, Key Account Manager at Finning UK & Ireland says: “It is vital companies keep up with industry demand and Flannery have a long history of providing a reliable, efficient and robust selection of Cat machinery for their customers. “Along with the machines themselves, which were delivered with comprehensive technology to increase efficiency, we are providing full service and warranty packages to safeguard Flannery’s investment long-term. We are thrilled to not only have the opportunity to continue to work with Flannery but to provide them with such a significant investment to help continue their legacy for many years to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Bobcat is presenting several new developments at LogiMAT 2025 as part of a comprehensive display of the company’s material handling product lines, including diesel, LPG and electric forklifts, reach trucks and warehouse equipment such as pallet trucks and stackers. Bobcat is showing three new developments in the range including: Introducing Bobcat Lithium (Li-ION) Batteries At LogiMAT 2025, Bobcat is announcing the upcoming launch of the company’s new Li-ION battery range, available in various capacity options. This reliable, high-quality battery technology has been developed by Bobcat and will be installed in each series. With a lifespan 2–3 times longer than lead-acid batteries – plus fast, efficient charging – lithium battery power can ensure that work can be kept flowing more flexibly. Moreover, with a 5-year/10,000 hour warranty and seamless forklift integration, Bobcat’s lithium batteries deliver lasting value for any application. Key specifications include: •           400 and 600 Ah available for each voltage •           Integrated with truck CANBUS, no need for a separate display •           Cell chemistry: LiFePO4 (LFP) = Lithium iron (ferro) phosphate •           Heat management system applied •           Monitoring and diagnostics app available New Bobcat Li-ION Chargers The battery range is complemented by new Li-ION Chargers from Bobcat. The chargers are optimised for quick and reliable charging, ensuring equipment is powered and running efficiently. Where the customer needs a rapid stand-alone charger, Bobcat Li-ION Chargers provide the flexibility and performance to keep operations running smoothly. New Warehouse Equipment (Class 3) Bobcat is updating its warehouse equipment portfolio with three new product series. In addition, the company’s current LSM12N-7 and BSL12/16N-7 stackers are now available in initial lift versions. The new warehouse products will also be available with Li-ION batteries from production. New warehouse product series: •           BPM16/20N-7: pedestrian powered pallet trucks: 1.6 & 2 t capacity •           BPR20/25N-7: powered pallet trucks with platform: 2 & 2.5 t capacity •           BSR12/16N-7: powered platform stacker trucks: 1.2 & 1.6 t capacity •           BSR16N-7i: powered platform stacker truck with initial lift: 1.6 t capacity The new BPM16/20N-7 pallet trucks are the perfect match for all kinds of applications in and around SMEs, manufacturing and warehousing. The long tiller arm provides optimal, highly ergonomic operation. It requires less effort, and the operator maintains an optimal distance from the truck. Top-quality components, robust construction, a travel speed up to 6 km/h, and simplified maintenance make the pallet trucks in this series reliable partners for every task.  The BPR20/25N-7 powered platform pallet trucks feature a travel speed of up to 8 km/h, ensuring the trucks are built for optimal horizontal transportation over extended distances. Equipped with Electric Power Steering (EPS), these trucks offer ergonomic and safe operation. The suspension flip-down platform minimizes body vibrations, and the sideways protective arms provide additional stability and protect the operator during turns. In walking operation mode, the platform and arms are folded compactly within the truck’s outline, conserving space. The 1.2 and 1.6 t capacity BSR12/16N-7 powered platform stacker trucks are designed for high efficiency, excelling in storage and picking operations involving heavy weights. The ergonomic, suspension flip-down platform – paired with protective arms – greatly enhances operational efficiency. These trucks are capable of reaching lift heights up to 5.5 m and they are also perfect for tasks over extended distances. Thanks to the robust 8 mm metal skirt, strong chassis, durable mast and metal battery cover – along with premium components from leading suppliers – these models lower service costs and ensure constant readiness for professional use. The EPS system, coupled with the proportional lifting function, enables smooth and effortless stacking operations. Bobcat’s First Li-ION 3-wheel Forklifts The company is introducing the BNT series, Bobcat’s first Li-ION 3-wheel forklifts, designed for light to medium-duty applications. These models — B16NT, B18NT and B20NT — offer a cost-effective, eco-friendly solution tailored to the growing electric forklift market. The new range extends Bobcat’s electric counterbalanced line-up. Manoeuvrability is the key aspect in the design of these forklifts, making them ideal for use in tight environments. Despite their compact size, these forklifts boast an ergonomic design that ensures large leg room and exceptional operating comfort for the operator. Setting a new standard in confined space material handling, these forklifts provide a smooth ride and high stability in every job. Three different load capacity models are available: •           B16NT – 1.6 t load capacity at 500 mm •           B18NT – 1.8 t load capacity at 500 mm •           B20NT – 2.0 t load capacity at 500 mm Key Highlights •           Dual Drive: equipped with 4.5 kW dual-drive motors to boost productivity •           Maintenance-free 51.2V 300 Ah Li-ION (LFP) battery and 150A charger (380V) •    Comfortable dimensions: designed for compact environments, while still offering comfortable spacious dimensions for the operator Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

To help businesses streamline heavy lifting operations with safer, more efficient, and cost-effective solutions, Hendrik Veder Group UK has strengthened its strategic alliance with Lift-Tex®. This partnership will ensure that industries reliant on heavy lifting across the UK, including maritime, shipping, construction, oil and gas, and renewables, will gain direct access to the Lift-Tex® advanced Extreema® round sling product line, known for its superior strength, flexibility, and ease of use. As a key supplier of Lift-Tex® Extreema round slings in the UK, Hendrik Veder Group UK has reinforced its position as a provider of premium heavy lifting solutions. This collaboration is particularly valuable for the growing renewable sector, where the slings play a critical role in handling and transporting the blades used in offshore wind farm foundations. Manufactured in the Netherlands, the Extreema® slings incorporate cutting-edge ‘parallel laid fibre technology,’ making them up to eight times stronger than steel on a weight-for-weight basis. They also reduce overall weight by up to 80% compared to wire rope, making lifting operations safer, more flexible, and more cost-efficient. By integrating these high-performance slings into its offering, Hendrik Veder Group UK enhances its ability to support businesses in achieving safer and more efficient lifting operations. Bertwin Zonneveld, Managing Director of Hendrik Veder Group UK, commented: “This collaboration is a strategic step forward for our customers. By bringing Lift-Tex®’s innovative Extreema® slings to the UK market, we provide industries with a lifting solution that is lighter, safer, and more durable than traditional alternatives. Whether for long-standing marine and shipping clients or those developing the UK’s renewable energy infrastructure, this partnership ensures that our customers receive the best lifting technologies available. We look forward to connecting Lift-Tex® products to our loyal customers.” Bert Snel, Director of Lift-Tex added: “We are committed to supporting lifting requirements worldwide, and the long-term partnership with Hendrik Veder Group allows us to do just that. Our Extreema® slings have already proven their value across Europe, and through Hendrik Veder Group UK’s strong network, we are confident they will make a difference to UK industries, particularly in the fast-growing renewables sector.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Bobcat, a brand of Doosan Bobcat, has won a significant order for 90 PA7.2 portable air compressors from Speedy Services, one of the UK’s leading providers of tools, equipment and plant hire. This latest order underscores Speedy’s confidence in Bobcat’s outstanding service, strong existing relationship and industry-leading reputation. Speedy Services has been a long-term partner of Bobcat, choosing the brand not only for its high-quality products but also for its commitment to reliability, innovation and sustainability. The PA7.2 compressor from Bobcat provides a free air delivery of 2.0 m³/min (70 cfm) and is built for high performance and durability. The compressors at Speedy Services have been supplied with fully bunded bases to ensure complete spill protection and compliance with the latest environmental regulations. This latest deal highlights Bobcat’s position as a trusted supplier in the equipment hire industry, providing market-leading products backed by exceptional service and environmental responsibility. In addition to this order, Speedy Services has also chosen to incorporate Bobcat’s ECOmizer technology into its fleet, ensuring that all new compatible models it purchases in the future from Bobcat will feature this fuel-saving innovation. The Bobcat ECOmizer system automatically adjusts engine speed during periods of low demand, significantly reducing fuel consumption, emissions and operating costs. Depending on the idle time of the machine, the ECOmizer system can deliver fuel savings of up to 70%, helping Speedy Services further enhance its environmental and cost-efficiency goals. By making ECOmizer a standard across its fleet where compatible, Speedy is reinforcing its commitment to sustainable operations and smart fleet management. Nick Kealy, UK Sales Manager for the Bobcat Portable Power range, expressed his enthusiasm about the deal, stating: “We are delighted to strengthen our relationship with Speedy Services through this major order. Their continued trust in our brand reflects our reputation for delivering high-quality, reliable and environmentally responsible equipment. Speedy’s decision to implement ECOmizer across all compatible models further demonstrates their commitment to sustainability, and we look forward to supporting their operational needs in the future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

His Majesty The King visited JCB’s World Headquarters today as part of the company’s 80th anniversary celebrations, getting a first-hand look at the future of hydrogen-powered machinery. During his tour of JCB’s Innovation Centre in Rocester, The King was introduced to the company’s latest breakthrough – a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine. Chairman Anthony Bamford showcased one of the first JCB diggers to run on hydrogen, demonstrating how the machine can be refuelled in just minutes. The visit also marked another milestone for JCB – the production of its one-millionth backhoe loader. This iconic machine revolutionised construction worldwide by replacing manual labour with mechanised earthmoving. Lord Bamford expressed his gratitude for the royal visit, stating: “It is a real honour for us all that The King has visited JCB to help us celebrate 80 years in business. It was also a great pleasure to show The King the progress we are making with hydrogen-powered machines. Today was an occasion that will live long in the memories of everyone who was present.” The King was welcomed by Lord and Lady Bamford, George Bamford, and JCB CEO Graeme Macdonald before touring the backhoe loader production line, where he even helped fit a wheel to a JCB digger. During the tour, His Majesty met several JCB apprentices, including Eleanor Pitt, only the second female welding apprentice at the company. He also spoke with long-serving employees, including Richard Williams, who has worked at JCB for 38 years, following in his father’s footsteps. Richard’s wife Sarah, son Josh, and daughter Kaitlan – all JCB employees – were also introduced to The King. The visit concluded in JCB’s main reception, where His Majesty was shown the one-millionth backhoe loader and greeted by over 60 guests. Among them were members of two families with nearly 1,000 years of combined service to JCB. Bill Boot, who started working at JCB in 1949, was joined by nine current Boot family employees, including his great-grandson Leigh. Ken Harrison, aged 100, one of the last surviving members of the 1953 team that built the first backhoe loader, was also in attendance with his family. Former JCB Academy student Rhys Bradbury, now JCB’s Regional Sales Manager for Central Europe, Austria, and Switzerland, reflected on the visit: “It was fantastic to be involved in today’s visit and a great start to JCB’s 80th anniversary year.” Olympic silver medallist Adam Burgess, a JCB-sponsored athlete, also attended the event. Before departing, The King unveiled a plaque to commemorate his visit and was met by thousands of JCB employees, who lined the route waving flags and cheering in celebration of this historic occasion. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

GAP Hire Solutions, the UK’s largest independent hire company, has launched its new Hoist Services Brochure, showcasing an expanded range of lifting solutions designed to improve efficiency, safety, and productivity on construction sites. With demand for reliable hoisting solutions at an all-time high, GAP has strengthened its offering with a comprehensive selection of GEDA construction hoists capable of lifting up to two tonnes or transporting up to seven people. These high-performance hoists provide construction teams with the power, precision, and reliability needed for modern projects, ensuring seamless vertical transportation while reducing downtime and enhancing site safety. GAP’s specialist hoisting division operates nationwide, providing full installation, maintenance, and expert support to meet the varied demands of construction sites across the UK. Karen Greenshields, Managing Director – Technical and Environmental Services, commented, “This is another exciting development for GAP Hire Solutions. We own more than 100 of our depots nationally and remain family-owned. This allows us to plan for the long term with the flexibility to continue to diversify and meet our customers’ demands, which is unique in our industry. Hoist Services is the latest example of GAP’s commitment to investment in people, premises and products. We have been delivering lifting and up to 850kg hoisting solutions for over 10 years, so bringing a fleet of new Goods and Passenger Hoists up to 2T into the market is exciting for both our customers and our expanding Hoist Services Team.” Explore GAP’s brand-new Hoist Services Brochure here. For more details, contact GAP on 03330 094 096 or email hoist.services@gap-group.co.uk.   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

VINCI Building has seen the first of two tower cranes go up on Sheffield Forgemasters’ Brightside Lane site last week. Each crane, a WOLFF 355 B Luffing Jib Crane from WOLFFKRAN of Germany, is fully electric and has the capacity to lift of 28 metric tonnes. The two WOLFF 355 Bs are the first wholly owned by VINCI Building and together represent an investment of around £2.5m for a full package and a significant commitment to the strategically important work at the £138m project at Sheffield Forgemasters to build a 13,800 sqm building to house the UK’s largest open-die forging facility, as the MoD-owned company drives its substantial recapitalisation programme forward. The cranes will be used to construct the press pit foundations – a key element in the works – a 40-metre-high superstructure, erect gantries, chimneys and redistribute materials. The second WOLFF 355 B will be on site in the middle of 2025, and both will be working until early 2026. The two tower cranes, ordered by VINCI Building, are driven by all electric motors – in line with VINCI Building ambitions to provide zero emission electricity to complement their carbon reduction roadmap and journey. Craig Fisher, Programme Director at Sheffield Forgemasters, said: “The arrival of tower cranes on our new Forge site will be one of the first external indicators of the large programme of work we are undertaking and marks a step forward in the delivery of the Forge building.” The WOLFF 355 B travelled across Europe from the WOLFFKRAN Plant in Heilbronn, southern Germany. The journey took almost a week and setting up the first tower crane took around 48-hours – all of which you can follow via videos on social media and VINCI Building (vinci-building.co.uk). Transporting the WOLFF 355 B is both cost-effective and convenient. The crane’s slewing elements can fit easily on standard trucks, optimising space, and reducing transportation costs. The WOLFF 355 B is designed for ease of assembly on site: its components are divided into separate latticework sections, keeping the total mounting weight low. Chris Winspear, VINCI Building regional director, said: “These cranes are a first for us – we own them outright and the arrival and set up of the first WOLFF 355 B is a major landmark for Sheffield Forgemasters and particularly for us at VINCI Building. It marks an investment in the project and our business. We are optimistic for 2025 and this all-electric crane proves our intent to deliver on major schemes of benefit for the UK economy and to do it in as sustainable a manner as possible. We are grateful to the WOLFFKRAN team for all their assistance in the specification and delivering it to our team.” Adrian Hawkins, WOLFFKRAN Ltd. Sales Director, said: “We are incredibly proud and privileged to be VINCI Building’s chosen supplier. Witnessing the cranes being erected in Sheffield, is a special moment for us. Both WOLFF 355 B tower cranes will receive comprehensive service and maintenance from WOLFFKRAN under our maintenance agreement for many years to come. We eagerly anticipate collaborating closely with VINCI Building on the Sheffield Forgemasters project and future endeavours where these cranes will play a vital role. We sincerely thank VINCI Building for their confidence in WOLFFKRAN products, and we look forward to building a more sustainable future together with this partnership.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals