Global Crane Services has strengthened its heavy-lift capability with the arrival of a fourth 700-tonne class mobile crane at its Scottish operations. The business has taken delivery of another Liebherr LTM 1650-8.1, expanding its capacity to support large-scale lifting projects across the civils, renewable energy, ports and offshore sectors. The new eight-axle crane will operate across Global Crane Services and Global Wind Projects, both part of Global Port Services Scotland Ltd. Delivered to the company’s Aberdeen depot, the crane underwent operator familiarisation training delivered by Liebherr Great Britain’s training team before being deployed straight into active service. The LTM 1650-8.1 offers two telescopic boom configurations, with a 54-metre base boom extendable to 80 metres. When paired with its 90-metre luffing jib and Y-shaped guying system, the crane achieves a maximum hook height of 152 metres and a working radius of up to 112 metres, making it well suited to demanding wind and heavy-lift applications. Global Crane Services general manager Gordon Harper said the latest addition would play a key role in supporting ongoing and future projects. He noted that the LTM 1650-8.1 has already proven itself as a reliable and versatile performer within the fleet, particularly on complex wind energy and heavy-lift operations. The delivery forms part of a wider programme of fleet investment. Global has already placed orders for two 250-tonne Liebherr LTM 1250-5.1 cranes, which are scheduled to arrive later this year. During the past year alone, the company added seven new mobile cranes ranging from 70 to 250 tonnes. Global Crane Services now operates a fleet of more than 70 cranes, almost entirely Liebherr machines, including two LG 1750 lattice-boom truck cranes, each rated at 750 tonnes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Kubota (UK) has marked one of the largest single equipment deals in its history after securing a major order from GGH Hire. The Enfield-based hire firm has taken delivery of the first machines from a 150-strong order of compact excavators, forming part of a multi-million-pound investment programme. The purchase follows GGH Hire’s recent acquisition by St Albans-based Herts Tool Company and was completed through local dealer Boss Plant Sales. The order spans a wide range of Kubota mini and midi excavators, from the sub-one-tonne KX008-5 to the 8.5-tonne KX085-5, the manufacturer’s largest compact model. Around 100 of the machines will be used to fully refresh GGH Hire’s existing fleet, while the remaining 50 excavators have been earmarked to support future growth as demand continues to rise. GGH Hire was acquired by Herts Tool Company in December 2025. Both businesses will continue to operate independently, with David Shallow taking full responsibility for the Enfield operation. Former owner Gerry Gardiner remains involved with the business following the acquisition. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

With winter in full effect, Finning are seeing more customers utilising VisionLinkTM telematics to help improve safety and security on site. Building on more than a decade of condition monitoring insight, the latest iteration of VisionLink, launched in August 2023, is helping Finning customers tackle the short days and hazardous winter weather conditions that impact operational safety and efficiency during this time of year. With shorter, darker days, and wet and freezing weather conditions, a staple of UK construction conditions in the winter, VisionLink data ensures operators are aware of fault codes before they become serious safety issues, greatly reducing the risk of costly downtime. VisionLink has been developed by Caterpillar® to provide machine and fleet owners with key insights and pre-empt operational faults, highlighting key factors including machine health and operator performance as well as converting data into training assets that help managers improve safety on site. VisionLink has unique geofencing capabilities which supports both lease and inventory management, allowing owner-operators to track their machines movements. Additionally, automatic alerts signal any movement outside of the predetermined fence or permitted zone, which helps enhance the safety and security of both people and machines on site. Becky Wallis, at Finning UK & Ireland, explained: “During the colder weather it’s essential to carry out extra checks to ensure that heavy machinery continues to operate efficiently and VisionLink plays a critical role in reducing operational risk during the winter season. Its capability to support operators with consistent, reliable data helps with avoiding sudden machine failures, improving uptime, and giving supervisors greater awareness of machine status and use.” VisionLink insights provide a centralised view of the entire fleet in a unified safety dashboard, supporting safety by streamlining risk assessments. The data can be used to identify training opportunities to help enhance efficiency, productivity or compliance, and can mitigate hazards by highlighting user patterns or habits that could compromise safety.  “Access to telematic data is vital, particularly given the challenges of the winter months. The ability to proactively resolve any issues greatly reduces risk of unplanned breakdowns or safety incidents that could occur as a result of freezing weather conditions or reduced sightlines due to darker days.” VisionLink is available for owners with one machine, or large companies with an entire fleet, and is available as a mobile app to provide ease of access to daily insights and data.  Continuous developments in VisionLink technology mean customers will continue to benefit from its insights, with the backing from the experts at Finning who monitor the system to provide proactive service and customer support. To learn more about VisionLink or to arrange a demonstration, visit: https://www.finning.com/en_GB/performance/manage-your-equipment/track-your-equipment/visionlink.html Find out more about VisionLink here: https://www.finning.com/en_GB/performance/manage-your-equipment/track-your-equipment/visionlink.html Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Site managers are being urged to ensure power systems are serviced and back-up plans put in place, as forecasters predict a cold winter ahead. The Power Systems team at Finning UK & Ireland is advising facilities managers to shore up their contingency operations to protect against costly downtime caused by any future outages. Engine cold starts, increased friction, fuel gelling, and low battery outputs can all cause significant generator damage if left unaddressed. According to the Royal Meteorological Society, last winter Storm Darragh (December 2024) caused 2.3 million power cuts. And long-range forecasts for early 2026 are showing a likelihood of a colder and drier than average winter. With significant financial and functional impact at stake for businesses across sectors such as healthcare, digital infrastructure and manufacturing, establishing good generator health going into the winter months is crucial to protecting continued operations. Finning said it is never too early to prepare for blackouts and power cuts, as the cold weather puts additional pressure on an already fragile electricity grid. Rob Froome, Head of Project Delivery Contracts & Commissioning at Finning, said: “Whether it’s data centres, construction sites or hospitals, we know the cold weather will be a problem for site managers across the board. The key is to determine your power requirements, whether you plan to provide power for the entire facility or for critical load only, and then implement a temporary power solution that is tried and tested before you need it. “We know that engine wear is highest during a cold startup, with it typically associated with around 70% of engine wear. Running generators cold means increased stress on the system leading to a shorter lifespan. Generator maintenance, servicing, and planning for lower temperature use will help elongate the life of components and help to burn fuel more efficiently during these conditions.” Emergency planning is another key aspect to winter weather preparation. Having clear operational steps for loss of power will help reduce downtime. Finning Power Rental can help to prepare backup power options or provide quick response in the event of an emergency to implement backup power. Rob added: “Having the right equipment, the right emergency contacts, and a plan for fuelling is critical for cold weather running. Don’t wait for the inevitable to happen because by then it’s too late, the damage is done. Increased costs from longer downtimes and fuel usage, as well as generator damage, result from a lack of planning and maintenance. Prepare for the worst now and expect the best later.” A planning document to assist site managers is available to download by visiting: https://www.cat.com/en_US/by-industry/electric-power/electric-power-industries/rental-power/disaster-preparedness-article.html Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Bauer Technologies has been awarded the specialist piling and geotechnical works package for The Dovetail Building, a striking new 24-storey mixed-use development located in the City of London. Commissioned by Deconstruct UK Ltd on behalf of client Brockton Everlast, the project represents a significant addition to London’s premium office and retail landscape, featuring a three-level basement and high-specification tower structure designed to meet modern sustainability and performance standards. Bauer Technologies’ scope of work is being delivered in two distinct phases to facilitate archaeological investigations by the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA). The first phase, – running from November 2025 to February 2026 – will involve the extraction of redundant piles and the installation of approximately two-thirds of the new secant wall. The second phase, scheduled for June to September 2026, will focus on installing a front-of-wall cased CFA secant pile line along the party boundary, and completing the foundation and bearing piles, including temporary works for the tower cranes and gantry. In keeping with Bauer Technologies’ strong commitment to sustainable construction, the project will incorporate a wide range of carbon-reducing initiatives. These include the use of low-carbon reinforcement steel, concrete incorporating blended cement, supplied from a local batching facility, and 100% HVO fuel for all site plant. Bauer has also implemented waste-reduction measures to optimise material efficiency and minimise environmental impact throughout the project’s lifecycle. Commenting on the award, Bauer Technologies’ Managing Director John Theos, said: “We are  delighted to be working once again with Deconstruct UK on such a high-profile London development. The Dovetail Building exemplifies the type of technically challenging, sustainability-driven project where Bauer’s experience in complex urban settings and commitment to innovation can make a real difference. It’s a showcase for how deep foundation solutions can be delivered responsibly, efficiently, and in harmony with the capital’s built environment.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The construction industry is constantly seeking ways to increase efficiency, productivity, and safety on the jobsite. While excavators remain the core of earthmoving operations, attachments like the tiltrotator are significantly enhancing the precision and efficiency of traditional excavators.  James Venerus, General Manager Product Marketing at Komatsu Europe, discusses how Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) can accelerate tiltrotator adoption through deeper collaboration with leading manufacturers and simplified integration that puts operators first.  Growing Demand for Tiltrotators Long standard in Scandinavia, the demand for tiltrotators is now rapidly growing across the rest of Europe. This surge in adoption showcases tiltrotators’ ability to enhance excavator versatility, reduce manual labour and significantly improve on-site productivity.  The UK market has historically been slower to adopt tiltrotators compared to Scandinavia, but this is now changing. Multiple factors have held back adoption, including hardware costs, installation complexity, and industry mindset. As UK adoption accelerates, OEMs have a clear responsibility to address these barriers and ensure customers can adopt this technology seamlessly.  Deep Collaboration with Tiltrotator Manufacturers Driving true value for our customers means eliminating complications through closer collaboration with tiltrotator manufacturers.  By doing so, OEMs can enable quality-assured, factory-integrated solutions. This means a deep collaboration where the OEM brings their engineering expertise to design the machine’s electrical and hydraulic systems from the ground up, ensuring the excavator is built to recognise and communicate perfectly with specific tiltrotator brands.  For the Komatsu PC220LC/LCi-12, this collaboration resulted in a “smart” Plug & Play approach that requires only a small number of connections between the machine, the tiltrotator and the controller. This significantly cuts installation time and ensures reliability right from the start. In addition, the machine features programmable control levers with integrated tiltrotator functionality as standard, so no further work is required to replace the control levers.  Making Operation Intuitive Making a machine more efficient also means making the operator’s life easier. Full utilisation of the tiltrotator’s capabilities depends on intuitive control features. Modern excavators, such as the Komatsu PC220LCi-12 with Intelligent Machine Control 3.0, offer unique assistance features that simplify tiltrotator operation.  The system can control rotation and tilting while also including features such as posture hold control, which automatically maintains attachment orientation. This makes digging and grading with a tiltrotator easier for the operator, especially for those new to tiltrotator technology.  Looking Ahead: Listening to Customers and Delivering Solutions As technology advances and job sites become increasingly sophisticated, OEMs need to proactively develop machines with enhanced tiltrotator readiness. However, this must be driven by listening closely to customer needs and understanding their specific operational challenges.  The role of the OEM is to foster deeper collaboration with tiltrotator manufacturers to deliver integrated solutions that genuinely address customer pain points. By working together, OEMs and tiltrotator manufacturers can create seamless, factory-integrated systems that reduce installation complexity and costs, making the technology more accessible to customers and help them be prepared to meet future demands.  To find out more about Komatsu Europe, please visit: komatsu.eu Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Whether working in quarries, infrastructure projects or large-scale earthworks, customers choosing between Rokbak’s robust RA30 and high-capacity RA40 can rely on expert guidance from the Scottish articulated hauler manufacturer’s product team. While both models share Rokbak’s hallmark durability, product manager Graeme Blake details the differentiating factors when selecting the optimal truck for productivity and efficiency. So, which one will you choose? Rokbak articulated haulers are delivering reliable performance on tough job sites around the world. With two models, the decision over which truck to use depends on the demands of the operation. The RA30 and RA40 share Rokbak’s core DNA of durability, simplicity and high uptime. Either model can suit almost any application. Which mean the key differentiating factors lie in areas such as payload needs, site layout and the equipment already on site. The RA30, with its 28 tonne (30.9 US ton) payload capacity, is the agile and versatile option. Its compact size and strong manoeuvrability make it well suited to tighter or more challenging environments such as steep quarry routes, smaller infrastructure works or sites where ground conditions frequently change. The larger RA40 offers a 38 tonne (41.9 US ton) payload for operations where moving more material per cycle is the priority. It performs at its best in high-volume production environments such as open-pit mines, large quarries or earthmoving projects with wide haul roads and long travel distances. When a site can support bigger loading equipment, the RA40 helps customers maximise output by ensuring an efficient flow of materials and reducing the cost per tonne. Matching the truck to the job Aligning the hauler with the right excavator or loading tool is essential. A typical target is four to six passes to fill the truck body. If significantly more passes are required, the extra payload capacity is not being fully utilised and overall productivity compromised. Likewise, haul road width and site congestion should influence fleet selection. Compact European sites, such as those in France, commonly rely on RA30 trucks, while markets with larger working areas and extended operating hours, such as Indonesia, often favour the RA40. Tough and tougher Many customers choose to deploy mixed fleets, combining the nimble efficiency of the RA30 with the payload power of the RA40 to suit different areas of the same site. The RA30 is the quiet workhorse that is always delivering results, while the RA40 is its tougher big brother, built to push productivity even further. Both offer strong operator comfort and control, with the RA30 equipped with true independent front suspension as standard. More than hauling Rokbak articulated haulers are not limited to material movement. Both models have been adapted for specialist roles such as water tankers for dust suppression and scraper units for surface stripping, demonstrating their versatility. Their durable build and dependable components ensure they can operate for long hours in demanding conditions where uptime is critical. By working closely with customers to understand their requirements in detail, we’re ensuring that whether it’s the RA30, the RA40 or both, the right solution is always available. Visit the Rokbak website to learn more about Rokbak articulated haulers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

As the nation pauses to mark Remembrance Day, Mike Wheeler, Location Service Manager at Nationwide Platforms’ Warrington depot, reflects on how his decade of military experience in the Royal Tank Regiment continues to shape his leadership on and off the field. Mike joined the armed forces straight out of school and spent ten years serving as a tank operator and mentor, gaining qualifications up to the rank of corporal before leaving in 2023. “It’s a big change moving from a regiment of 500 people to a team of 20,” he says. “But the flexibility, discipline, and structure I learned in the Army have proved invaluable. Galvanising a team, maintaining morale, and planning under pressure are directly transferable, and they’ve helped our depot thrive.” Since taking on the Warrington team, Mike has transformed both morale and performance. Over the past year, the number of machines awaiting repair has reduced significantly, an improvement achieved with the same sized workforce. “It’s about getting everyone to feel they’re pulling in the same direction,” he explains. “When people are struggling, it’s easy to feel isolated, but I try to create a sense of shared purpose. We make our own bubble. It’s our team, our trench, and while we listen to the outside world and take everything on board, we don’t let it affect how we work together.” Remembrance Day remains deeply personal for Mike, who continues to keep in touch with former colleagues in the forces and regularly attends local parades. “It’s a day of self-reflection for me, a moment to pause and appreciate the sacrifices made by those before us,” he says. “The military teaches you that success is never about one person. It’s about everyone moving together.” He believes businesses can play a vital role in supporting veterans as they adapt to civilian life. “The 12-month notice period when leaving the Army can seem daunting, but it gives you time to explore and find the right path. My advice is: don’t be afraid to try different things. You might not get it right first time, but you’ll find where you belong. “There are so many veterans in powered access, construction, and the other adjacent industries. I’ve found a great sense of belonging here, and felt welcomed from the get-go” “We’re proud to have colleagues like Mike and so many others across the business whose experiences in the forces continue to enrich our culture,” said Karen Maguire, HR Director at Nationwide Platforms. “Remembrance Day is a time to recognise their service and the values they bring to the workplace, including teamwork, discipline, empathy, and a commitment to supporting others. Those qualities are woven into what makes Nationwide Platforms a great place to work, and they strengthen us as a team year-round.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Finning has tested and built a Cat® 988 wheel loader 150-metres below ground, enhancing operations for the UK’s biggest salt mine at Compass Minerals in Winsford, Cheshire.  Compass Minerals, a global leader in mineral extraction, has invested in a Cat 988 wheel loader from Finning UK & Ireland, to support demand in its salt mining operation. Sourced from the USA, the machine was assembled and tested by Finning at its Winsford workshop. Jamie Lennon, Mine Mechanical Engineer, at Compass Minerals UK said: “Our rock salt mine is the largest and oldest working mine in the UK, lying approximately 150 meters under the Cheshire countryside. When we were looking for machinery that could meet the demands of these unique working conditions the Cat 988 ticked every box for the level of durability and capability we needed, especially as we approach the uplift in the seasonal demand for salt as we look towards the UK winter season.” Last year, over 2 million tonnes of salt were spread on roads across the country to combat harsh weather conditions, it is essential its machinery can keep up with these demands. However, there were added complexities in the delivery of this machine, as the available access shafts to the Compass Minerals UK mine are only 4 metres by 4 metres. This presented a logistical challenge as the Cat 988 is a 51-tonne machine, with a maximum height of 7455 mm 24.5ft with the bucket raised, and would not be able to access the mine in its entirety.  To address the challenge, the machine was stripped down and each component was carefully lowered through the mine shaft, and then rebuilt underground by a dedicated team of Finning Field Service engineers. Once rebuilt and rigorously tested the machine was commissioned for 24/7 mining operations – where it will remain for the remainder of its life.  Though it is common for heavy machinery in mining applications to be assembled underground, the challenges this presents are numerous and include heightened safety concerns, accessibility restrictions and higher associated costs. Mike McGrady, Area Manager at Finning UK & Ireland said: “The Cat 988 is designed for demanding environments, and is expected to deliver up to 15% fuel savings, as well as achieve multiple lifecycles – essential for Compass Minerals’ 24/7 operation. However, having to perform underground assembly does bring many additional variables to this delivery.  “We were able to mitigate some of these challenges by performing robust testing to ensure the machine will perform to our exact specifications before beginning the meticulous process of dismantling and transporting it underground. “Delivering the parts for safe and efficient assembly by our Field Service engineers was our priority. The underground environment presents complex challenges including the risk of ground instability and accidents to limited visibility and manoeuvrability. However, the expertise and collaboration from both teams ensured a safe delivery and assembly, demonstrating the importance of having a reliable partner to mitigate risks and ensure operations remain safe, efficient, and sustainable.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals