With an internal commitment to becoming carbon net zero by 2030, leading wet civil engineering firm Land & Water has become the first company in the UK to invest in brand new Kobelco SK210 Hybrid 15m Long Reach Tracked Excavators. This specialist plant will add to the firms existing sustainable
Finning, authorised dealer of Cat® equipment and parts in the UK and Ireland, is giving customers an exclusive chance to talk to industry experts about the issues and challenges that are critical to their business’ success with the return of FINROCK – the virtual interactive expo and conference. FINROCK22 returns
The first lithium rough terrain LGMG telescopic booms to be delivered into the European market will be supplied by Access Platform Sales to Briggs Equipment Ireland Ltd. Briggs Equipment is taking platforms across the new all-electric telescopic boom lift range to assess their capabilities and performance against current equivalent diesel
Story Plant is a specialist plant hirer to the UK rail industry which operates a diverse fleet of road rail vehicles fitted with SITECH® Trimble Technology to ensure quality, safety, and delivery in a sector where timescales are tight, and delays are costly. Based in Carlisle, Cumbria, Story Plant have a historic relationship
M&J Evans, a groundworks and civil engineering contractor headquartered in the West Midlands, has invested over £4.5m in 52 Cat machines from Finning, exclusive UK & Ireland dealer, and is the first groundworks company to take delivery of the recently launched Cat CS12 GC vibratory soil compactor. The deal included
Story Plant is a specialist plant hirer to the UK rail industry which operates a diverse fleet of road rail vehicles fitted with SITECH® Trimble Technology to ensure quality, safety, and delivery in a sector where timescales are tight, and delays are costly. Based in Carlisle, Cumbria, Story Plant have a historic relationship
The industry’s first ‘Transparent Bucket’ system launched by Doosan Infracore Europe, has won another major award in Europe. The latest honour is the ‘Coup de Coeur’ – Jury’s favourite – Award from the Jury of the 4th edition of the Grands Prix Matériels Chantiers de France and DLR, which took
Specialist equipment rental group Vp plc formalises its environmental ethos. To help mark Earth Day on April 22nd, global specialist equipment rental group Vp plc has officially launched its Short Term Roadmap to Net Zero by 2050. The roadmap was actually initiated in 2021 and has already marked a number
After a two-year break from exhibitions due to COVID-19, SMT GB is excited to showcase a wide range of the latest Volvo machines and service solutions at Hillhead 2022. On the SMT GB stand, visitors will have the opportunity to see a host of new Volvo excavators, displayed for the
World-leading compaction equipment manufacturer, BOMAG, has appointed a new managing director in the UK to lead the company through its next phase of growth, as it launches new products built specifically for the British market. Market stalwart, Alan Batty, who had led BOMAG GB for 18 years, has retired and Stuart Truckel, a
With an internal commitment to becoming carbon net zero by 2030, leading wet civil engineering firm Land & Water has become the first company in the UK to invest in brand new Kobelco SK210 Hybrid 15m Long Reach Tracked Excavators. This specialist plant will add to the firms existing sustainable fleet which aims to reduce the carbon footprint of the projects it undertakes. The new excavators use innovative hybrid technology alongside lithium-ion batteries to power the swing motor. This, coupled with the newest and cleanest engines, brings a fuel saving quality to the end user of up to 17% in comparison to conventional ICE excavators. Land & Water’s specialist long reach and amphibious marine equipment, which can be hired through its Plant division, has been carefully chosen to ensure it has environmental capabilities, including: Paddle designs on the track of amphibious excavators to reoxygenate the water The ability to use HVO fuel which is up to 90+% carbon neutral Machine features including eco mode and machine idle cut offs reducing emissions Clean engines (Stage five) Onboard telemetry that reports carbon saving and fuel usage Machine control to ensure task accuracy, avoiding over digging and revisiting, therefore reducing the use of the machine Dan Jackson, Strategic Account Manager at Land & Water Plant Hire, said: “We are extremely excited to receive these machines and lead the way when it comes to implementing sustainable solutions. At Land & Water, we strive to offer our clients a range of excellent services that keep cost and environmental protection at the forefront of our minds. “Being the first company in the UK to invest in this new machinery is extremely poignant and we urge our industry to follow and consider ways in which it can meet the current net zero target.” The construction and civil engineering industry makes up almost 40% of the world’s CO2 emissions. Land & Water is committed towards reducing its carbon footprint and becoming Carbon Net Zero by 2030, this is making them one of the industries key pioneers. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Finning, authorised dealer of Cat® equipment and parts in the UK and Ireland, is giving customers an exclusive chance to talk to industry experts about the issues and challenges that are critical to their business’ success with the return of FINROCK – the virtual interactive expo and conference. FINROCK22 returns to screens on November 24th (2pm – 8pm) and builds on the success of last year’s live interactive event which attracted an audience of 1,000 Finning customers and industry colleagues from the construction, aggregates, and waste sectors from across the UK and Ireland. In line with feedback from visitors to the event last year, Finning has expanded the live interviews and debates taking place on FINROCK TV, which will address the most topical issues and challenges customers face today. This includes sessions on getting the most out of machine assets through condition monitoring and tailored servicing – with customers joining the team of Finning and Caterpillar experts to share their knowledge and experiences leading to business success. Promising to be bigger and better, FINROCK22 also gives customers an exclusive opportunity to ask a panel of industry experts about the issues and challenges they are facing today. The live chat will be focused on key topics such as fuel efficiency, safety, and operator training. FINROCK22 also includes two new customer zones. The first, a ‘sustainability zone’ will give customers from across all industries an insight into the many systems, approaches, and products that are available to help them reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and improve the environmental performance of their operations. These include what’s involved in switching to renewable fuels through to commissioning a rebuild to extend the operational lifespan of a machine. The second new zone will provide an in-depth look at the aftermarket expertise, products and services Finning provides to customers. It includes a spotlight on the engineering expertise that is embedded throughout the company, as well as a look at the crucial role asset conditioning monitoring plays in keeping machines fully operational, so sites are productive and profitable. “Over the last few years, we, alongside many other firms, have developed new and exciting ways to interact with customers,” explains Peter Seaman, Head of Customer Experience and Marketing at Finning. “FINROCK is a prime example of this and gives us a unique and innovative way to get closer to our customers so we can understand the issues that are important to their business success as well as their needs and challenges. We can then, as a supplier and partner, tailor the right level of expertise and support they need. “We’ve spoken to customers who took part last year and what they valued most was the opportunity to hear from experts across the industries they work in. One of the biggest talking points last year was around the ‘demolition debate’ that brought together the biggest names – and characters – from the sector to discuss issues pertinent to both contractors and operators such as the transformation to deconstruction and in driving more sustainable practices in the sector. “So, this year, we’ve extended the live TV sessions and widened out the discussions on other hot industry topics, such as the role of technology in digitising construction and waste industries, and how we’re working closely with our customers to support them in meeting their own sustainability ambitions.” The equipment showroom also returns, giving visitors hands-on experience with different machines so they can get a feel for how technologies can benefit their sites and businesses. Visitors can also consult Finning experts for machine, business, and financial advice, ensuring that they have everything they need to keep sites running, and business a success. As well as attending talks and demonstrations, visitors can browse opportunities at the careers fair and network with other attendees. Registration for FINROCK22 is completely free. Sign up today, for an exclusive opportunity to get up close and personal with the latest machines, technology and the people making the biggest impact in the construction, aggregates, and waste industries. You can register your place at FINROCK22 here: Finrock.live
The first lithium rough terrain LGMG telescopic booms to be delivered into the European market will be supplied by Access Platform Sales to Briggs Equipment Ireland Ltd. Briggs Equipment is taking platforms across the new all-electric telescopic boom lift range to assess their capabilities and performance against current equivalent diesel machines, with the strong expectation of placing further orders. APS, the UK and Ireland distributor for LGMG, is due to deliver the platforms, launched in July 2022, in the autumn. Briggs Equipment is an engineering and equipment provider with operations in Ireland and the UK. Its powered access rental operation has a combined fleet of more than 2,500 platforms. Martin Masterson, Short Term Hire Manager at the company, said: “At Briggs Equipment, we’re committed to transitioning to more sustainable options in powered access. “Our experience is that our customers want to join us on this journey, and we want to work with partners that are better positioned help us make it a success. “LGMG is the only supplier that can provide us with lithium RT booms we require for our fleet. Thanks our existing relationship with APS, the collaborative support it provides, and the success we’ve had with the LGMG platforms we already operate, we’ve decided to make this further investment in their lithium product range.” Briggs Equipment has selected three out of four of the new lithium telescopic boom models, with eight platforms ordered in the first tranche. They are the: LGMG T20JE – working height 21.8m, outreach 16.6m; LGMG T22JE – working height 23.8m, outreach 17m; LGMG T28JE – working height 29.8m, outreach 22.5m. The fourth platform in the range is the LGMG T26JE, with a working height of 27.9m and an outreach of 22.3m. Briggs Equipment has also placed orders for LGMG A14JE electric articulating boom lifts, which have a working height of 15.8m and an outreach of 7.81m. APS Northern Sales Director Shane Paver said: “We’re excited to supply the first of these platforms in Europe to Briggs Equipment. They represent the future or powered access for LGMG and for our industry. “Clearly, forward-thinking rental companies like Briggs Equipment, and their customers, are eager to embrace new technology, and current conditions in terms of high fuel costs, are reinforcing that thinking. “Being strongly placed to support innovative and sustainable choices in the access rental market is central to LGMG’s business strategy, which is why APS can fulfil these orders in a timely way.” A key reason Briggs Equipment has selected the LGMG boom lifts is the way they fill important niches in working height levels that complement standard industry working heights, creating more flexible rental options. However, it is the switch from thermal engine to electric power that is the key consideration, said Martin Masterson. “Being able to offer lithium powered rough terrain boom lifts allows our customers to streamline their onsite fleets and increase utilisation rates by using the same platforms for internal and external work,” he added. “We’ll be able to give our customers more innovative choices as they implement their own strategies to become more sustainable, low carbon businesses, at a time when ever stricter environmental regulations are becoming the norm. “Also, with increasing diesel fuel prices, the rental costs of diesel and electric platforms for our customers are beginning to equalise, which is bringing down barriers to moving to using electric MEWPs.” The new LGMG boom lifts are powered by a lithium-ion battery pack that allows the platforms to operate for two to three days at typical usage rates between charges. Each has a variety of standard charging modes that allows regular and fast charging. All models are dual capacity – 300kg unrestricted and 450kg with restricted outreach – with 3600 platform slewing. The boom lifts have 2.4m wide, triple entry baskets, four-wheel drive, four-wheel steer, with one touch wheel alignment, and oscillating axles. Platform weights range from 12 tonnes for the LGMG T20JE to 18.7 tonnes for the LGMG T28JE. www.accessplatforms.co.uk
Story Plant is a specialist plant hirer to the UK rail industry which operates a diverse fleet of road rail vehicles fitted with SITECH® Trimble Technology to ensure quality, safety, and delivery in a sector where timescales are tight, and delays are costly. Based in Carlisle, Cumbria, Story Plant have a historic relationship of using SITECH machine control systems spanning over 15 years, so when an influx of new operators and a transition from the Trimble GCS900 system across to Trimble Earthworks meant they needed training support they approached the team at SITECH. Story Plant carry out works with multiple clients across the UK, and they are now growing their customer base within the Midlands which has led to an increase in their fleet and number of operators. Mark Bruce, head of technical development at Story Plant, said: “We rely heavily on our machines and the Trimble system to get things right and we currently have six dozer machines configured with the tech. “We found that different clients want to use different configurations of the Trimble system, often our operators would only use one system for a period of time and would then require a refresher when they needed to switch to a different configuration. “Solving that skill fade was important because we need our teams to have confidence in the system they’re using. Working within the rail industry you must get the work done right first time, because timescales are tight and as there’s a closure on the rail network there are severe consequences for delays. “As well as meeting tight timescales, we place significant importance on carrying out our work safely. This involves working in areas with restricted space, such as tunnels and viaducts, so having confidence in the systems they are using allows our teams to focus on safe delivery.” “We’re also in the process of transitioning from the old Trimble GCS900 system across to Trimble Earthworks, so we approached SITECH to see if they could create a series of quick reference videos as refreshers for our operators on things like setting up the system and simple fault fixes, which they can watch on their tablet or mobile phone. “The training videos are just one example of our good relationship with the team at SITECH, as they also supported us earlier this year when we bought a Caterpillar D6K2 dozer, the largest dozer on the UK rail infrastructure. Because of the restricted space it operates in, it has a unique folding blade fitted which the SITECH team analysed to ensure the mast is located in exactly the right position when the Trimble system is in use.” To find out more about the construction technology, software and services SITECH UK & Ireland offers, visit the website https://www.sitechukandireland.com.
M&J Evans, a groundworks and civil engineering contractor headquartered in the West Midlands, has invested over £4.5m in 52 Cat machines from Finning, exclusive UK & Ireland dealer, and is the first groundworks company to take delivery of the recently launched Cat CS12 GC vibratory soil compactor. The deal included the purchase of 49 Cat 313 GC excavators, a staple for any groundworks company, offering up to 5% more fuel efficiency than competitor machines of equivalent class, and 20% less maintenance costs. M&J Evans has also bought three Cat CS12 GC vibratory soil compactors as part of the deal – two of which have now been delivered and being put through their paces on the company’s construction sites. M&J Evans plant and transport manager Philip McEvilly, a qualified machine operator, saw the compaction technology in action at a Finning roadshow and immediately recognised how the technology would significantly impact on-site productivity and increase fuel efficiency. “The technology enables the operator to input in the required level and parameters needed into the on-board computer, and then instead of the operator having to go over the area again and again until it’s compacted to the correct level, the machine does it perfectly, the first time,” he said. M&J Evans is one of the largest groundworks businesses in the UK and runs a varied fleet of over 1500 items including excavators, dumpers and rollers used on over 200 housing sites across the Midlands, Yorkshire, Northwest, South and Southwest following the opening of a Swindon headquarters. Phil added: “We decided to purchase the Cat machines from Finning because they offer a fully comprehensive warranty scheme and have excellent coverage across the UK which is important so we can ensure all our fleet of machines are serviced and maintained to keep them operational. We’re also using the company’s CUBIQ™ dealer services platform which enables us to have access to real-time data on machine use and performance which is critical to our business. “Rising diesel costs and fewer people mean idling time and wear and tear on our machines must be kept to a minimum so we’re getting the maximum utilisation from them. We also like to demonstrate to our customers that we’re being proactive in managing their costs. “Although availability of some new machines is a challenge, we’re delighted that Finning has been able to supply the Cat 313 GC excavators and the rollers within the timeframe we need.” Georgia Key, Territory Account Manager at Finning UK & Ireland, said: “We’re excited to see the first Cat CS12 GC with Machine Drive Power (MDP) going into groundworks in the UK. This is a state-of-the-art machine with soil compaction measurement technology which helps operators accurately determine the load bearing strength of the soil they are compacting. “The machine ensures customers have complete confidence that their work meets specification, allowing them to move on to the next area increasing productivity and saving time, fuel, and wear and tear on the machine. “As part of the deal, M&J has taken out a full three-year, 3000-hour warranty with Finning which provides customers with assurance and peace of mind that the machines run as productively and efficiency as possible during their lifetime. “The warranty package ensures all component machine parts are dispatched to site (wherever in the UK the machine is) in line with its scheduled maintenance and servicing plan. The customer also benefits from a full remote condition monitoring and industry-leading fluid analysis service, which enables the Finning service experts to identify any potential problems with the machines before they occur and act on it – reducing the risk of critical failure and minimising downtime. “Through the CUBIQ™ dealer services portal M&J also have instant access to invaluable machine performance information including running time, fuel usage bringing the customer closer to critical information about their assets which means they have the data to make the best possible decisions.”
Story Plant is a specialist plant hirer to the UK rail industry which operates a diverse fleet of road rail vehicles fitted with SITECH® Trimble Technology to ensure quality, safety, and delivery in a sector where timescales are tight, and delays are costly. Based in Carlisle, Cumbria, Story Plant have a historic relationship of using SITECH machine control systems spanning over 15 years, so when an influx of new operators and a transition from the Trimble GCS900 system across to Trimble Earthworks meant they needed training support they approached the team at SITECH. Story Plant carry out works with multiple clients across the UK, and they are now growing their customer base within the Midlands which has led to an increase in their fleet and number of operators. Mark Bruce, head of technical development at Story Plant, said: “We rely heavily on our machines and the Trimble system to get things right and we currently have six dozer machines configured with the tech. “We found that different clients want to use different configurations of the Trimble system, often our operators would only use one system for a period of time and would then require a refresher when they needed to switch to a different configuration. “Solving that skill fade was important because we need our teams to have confidence in the system they’re using. Working within the rail industry you must get the work done right first time, because timescales are tight and as there’s a closure on the rail network there are severe consequences for delays. “As well as meeting tight timescales, we place significant importance on carrying out our work safely. This involves working in areas with restricted space, such as tunnels and viaducts, so having confidence in the systems they are using allows our teams to focus on safe delivery.” “We’re also in the process of transitioning from the old Trimble GCS900 system across to Trimble Earthworks, so we approached SITECH to see if they could create a series of quick reference videos as refreshers for our operators on things like setting up the system and simple fault fixes, which they can watch on their tablet or mobile phone. “The training videos are just one example of our good relationship with the team at SITECH, as they also supported us earlier this year when we bought a Caterpillar D6K2 dozer, the largest dozer on the UK rail infrastructure. Because of the restricted space it operates in, it has a unique folding blade fitted which the SITECH team analysed to ensure the mast is located in exactly the right position when the Trimble system is in use.” To find out more about the construction technology, software and services SITECH UK & Ireland offers, visit the website https://www.sitechukandireland.com.
The industry’s first ‘Transparent Bucket’ system launched by Doosan Infracore Europe, has won another major award in Europe. The latest honour is the ‘Coup de Coeur’ – Jury’s favourite – Award from the Jury of the 4th edition of the Grands Prix Matériels Chantiers de France and DLR, which took place in Nantes, France, on Friday, 1st April 2022, during the recent national DLR 2022 Congress. The Transparent Bucket is the first safety system of its type for wheel loaders. Due to the blind spots caused by buckets, the area in front of wheel loaders is considered a potential risk area. The new Transparent Bucket device records images at the front of the loader using cameras placed at the top and bottom of the machine. Using a curved projection method, the system displays combined images in real time on a monitor installed in the cab. With this monitor, the driver can check at any time on the screen what is happening in the blind spots in front of the bucket and thus avoid accidents. Another advantage of the Transparent Bucket system is the increased working efficiency that a full view of the front of the machine offers, which is ideal for fast loading/unloading operations or for transporting materials such as earth, sand, aggregates and in waste/recycling operations. After receiving the new award on behalf of Doosan, Gilles Bendaoud, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Doosan Infracore Europe, explained: “As safety standards for machines and job sites continue to tighten around the world, sophisticated safety systems have become a key factor in the selection of a machine. We plan to continue to develop safety systems that protect both operators and personnel working around the machines. We look forward to being at the forefront of promoting safer and accident-free work sites.” Patents filed in Korea, North America, Europe and China Doosan Infracore is the first company in the world to develop and apply a front loading function with a transparent bucket and a full vision system for construction machines. This innovation is protected by several patents in Korea, North America, Europe and China. Doosan has also developed other advanced safety systems for the machine lines in its portfolio, such as the All-round Vision Monitor (AVM) system, which displays the entire area surrounding the machine, and an obstacle detection system behind the machine using ultrasonic sensors. Both of these systems have already met with great success with customers. Grands Prix Matériels Created in 1965, the DLR is a leading French organization that brings together and federates companies in the sectors of distribution, rental, maintenance and services for equipment intended for construction and handling. Chantiers de France is one of the leading publications serving all aspects of the construction industry in France. DLR and Chantiers de France have been awarding the Grands Prix Matériels awards every year for the past four years. These awards distinguish remarkable innovations in the field of construction equipment in six different categories: Light range, Heavy range, Small equipment and site tools, Services, Jury’s favorite and Personality of the year. Picture caption – Gilles Bendaoud (centre), Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Doosan Infracore Europe, receiving the Jury’s Favourite Award for the Transparent Bucket at the DLR 2022 Congress. For more on Doosan construction equipment, please visit the website: www.eu.doosanequipment.com
Specialist equipment rental group Vp plc formalises its environmental ethos. To help mark Earth Day on April 22nd, global specialist equipment rental group Vp plc has officially launched its Short Term Roadmap to Net Zero by 2050. The roadmap was actually initiated in 2021 and has already marked a number of milestones, including reviewing and modifying data capture procedures for greenhouse gas emissions, waste and water, committing and developing Science-based Targets for all scopes, and implementing actions from a water audit. Vp plc has also already collated group-wide environmental initiatives and promoted its sustainability report to stakeholders, switched to 100% REGO*-backed renewable electricity that has reduced Scope 2 emissions by 70%, and is conducting a comprehensive Scope 3 inventory. Between 2022 and 2023, Vp plc has pledged to optimise its fleet management by introducing PHEVs (plug-in hybrid electric vehicles) and EVs (electric vehicles) into the fleet where it is appropriate to do so. A behavioural change programme will see green driver training (most divisions have already achieved FORS Gold), travel reduced, the introduction of environmental and waste champions, and environmental toolbox talks. Last year, diversion from landfill stood at 94%, compared to 93% in 2020 and 80% in 2019. ISO 50001 will be achieved by September (2022) at all the group’s UK sites and divisions, although three of the group’s divisions – Brandon Hire Station, MEP Hire and ESS – have already achieved this accreditation. Diesel alternatives will be sourced by exploring the EV market for larger EV fleet options and HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) fuel is available to customers at all branches. To build on its work in 2021, Vp in 2022 is looking to partner with a range of wildlife and rivers trusts around the country with exemplary nature conservation and restoration projects – some reintroducing white tailed eagles, lake sturgeon and bison, others tackling sand dune restoration and community rewilding. They are also pursuing an exciting close partnership with the Wildlife Trusts – the national umbrella organisation. “At home”, it is looking at biodiversity offsets such as the planting of trees and shrubs, installing bird boxes and feeders, and replacing lawns with wildflower meadows. Then between 2023 and 2025, it will support trials and encourage the adoption of hydrogen combustion engines and actively engage its supply chain in their own Net Zero agenda. The group’s sustainability programme manager Fred Pilkington, who has a MSc in Conservation Science, said: “Our roadmap strikes a balance between ambition and realism but what makes it distinguished is we have commitment from the very top of the organisation. Added to that has been the encouragement and motivation we have received from colleagues and suppliers who are putting some real time and effort behind it. We are now grabbing the bull by the horns and shouting about it.” To view a video about Vp plc’s Short Term Roadmap to Net Zero, please go to video link is https://youtu.be/4S-benpf-jo.
After a two-year break from exhibitions due to COVID-19, SMT GB is excited to showcase a wide range of the latest Volvo machines and service solutions at Hillhead 2022. On the SMT GB stand, visitors will have the opportunity to see a host of new Volvo excavators, displayed for the first time in Great Britain. These include the EWR130E wheeled excavator, the EW200E material handler, EC530E excavator and EC300E Hybrid excavator. The multipurpose Volvo EWR130E wheeled excavator sets a new standard for powerful machine performance in an unbeatably compact package. Ideally suited for working in tight urban spaces, its wheeled drive means it can quickly move through infrastructure projects with ease. Designed especially for waste and recycling, the all-new Volvo EW200E material handler is built on the success of the larger EW240E MH and delivers outstanding results in waste and recycling applications. The Volvo EC530E crawler excavator, launched along with the EC550E in 2020, will also be shown on the SMT GB stand. Designed for heavy-duty digging, mass excavation and large site preparation, both the EC350E and EC550E boast superb operator comfort and a new generation of electro-hydraulics. Another star of the show will be the new Volvo EC300E Hybrid crawler excavator. This machine delivers the same levels of controllability and performance as an equivalent conventional machine, but with an up to 17% potential fuel efficiency improvement, making it the environmentally respectful choice for powerful performance in built-up areas. Due to be shown for the first time at Hillhead in 2020, the Volvo EC950F crawler excavator will be working in the demonstration area directly behind the SMT GB stand. The 95 tonne EC950F is the largest Volvo excavator to date and delivers maximum productivity in heavy rock or muck shifting applications thanks to its perfect combination of power, stability and breakout force. New Volvo electric compact range A specially designed “electric village” will also be featured on the SMT GB stand, which will offer Hillhead visitors their first opportunity to see the newly expanded range of fully electric compact machines from Volvo Construction Equipment. This includes the new Volvo EC18 Electric and ECR18 Electric compact excavators and the Volvo L20 Electric compact wheeled loader. The Volvo ECR25 Electric compact excavator, which was displayed for the first time at Bauma in 2019, will also be shown on the SMT GB stand. Visitors will be able see the new electric machines working in mock real-world applications during daily demo shows on the stand at 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00. Efficiency and productivity boosting solutions In addition, SMT GB will be showcasing its latest service solutions in the categories of “Efficient Sites”, “Intelligent Data” and “Flexible Maintenance and Repair”. Not only do these solutions boast the latest technologies to help boost site, project and machine efficiency and productivity, but also reduce downtime, waste and total cost of ownership for customers. The “Efficient Sites” solutions being showcased are Volvo Co-Pilot, Volvo EcoOperator training, state-of-the-art simulators and SMT Site Simulation. Having a reliable and efficient fleet of machines plays an important part in every project, but it is the performance of the operator and the efficiency boosting technology available to them that really makes the difference. This is where Volvo Co-Pilot and EcoOperator training delivered by SMT GB makes a real difference. Volvo Co-Pilot with Haul Assist provides articulated hauler operators with real-time information via a touchscreen display in the cab to improve their productivity, efficiency and safety. Using a state-of-the-art cab mounted touchscreen, Volvo Co-Pilot provides the operator with all the information they need to complete projects in less time and with more precision. Through the specially designed advanced training course provided by SMT GB, Volvo EcoOperator training teaches operators how to get the most out of their Volvo machines, while also reducing fuel consumption, emissions and wear. This is made possible thanks to the cutting-edge SMT GB machine simulators, providing operators with the ability to get hands-on with a highly accurate digital version of their machines, along with real-world feedback in a safe classroom environment to hone their skills and identify areas for improvement. The newly developed SMT GB Site Simulation solution, meanwhile, uses advanced drone technology to generate highly accurate 3D models of any site it is deployed on. This provides customers with the ability to accurately determine the current condition of a site, suggest optimal machine pairings and identify what changes will improve on-site productivity and efficiency. Actionable data at customers’ fingertips The solutions being showcased for the “Intelligent Data” area include CareTrack, ProCare, Insight Reports and MySMT. CareTrack provides customers with the ability to monitor and analyse a broad range of data on a fleet-wide basis, while SMT ProCare goes one step further to offer real-time performance data on individual machines within a fleet. Insight Reports combine the information from both CareTrack and ProCare to generate reports on fleet performance that are easy to understand and analyse. MySMT provides customers with a web browser-based portal to provide easy access to all of SMT’s intelligent data solutions, order parts and book servicing or repairs from anywhere. Maintenance made easy Lastly, the “Flexible Maintenance and Repair” solutions area will showcase the benefits of SMT GB Customer Support Agreements, as well as Volvo certified rebuilds, used parts and equipment, and the online parts portal. Recently overhauled to introduce two new levels of cover, SMT GB Customer Support Agreements provide a set of service packages to provide comprehensive machine cover and suit all customer budgets, offering customers considerable peace of mind to protect the investment made in their machinery. Thanks to the quality of refurbishment available from SMT GB’s Volvo certified rebuild programme, purchasing from new is no longer necessarily the best option available to customers. Similarly, SMT GB’s expert used equipment and parts teams provide a highly credible and cost-effective alternative to purchasing new parts and equipment. The SMT GB online parts portal provides customers with the ability to search for and order parts from anywhere 24/7 and receive free standard shipping for
World-leading compaction equipment manufacturer, BOMAG, has appointed a new managing director in the UK to lead the company through its next phase of growth, as it launches new products built specifically for the British market. Market stalwart, Alan Batty, who had led BOMAG GB for 18 years, has retired and Stuart Truckel, a former director of Bearmach – the specialist Land Rover parts supplier – has been drafted in. Alan has been instrumental in achieving market leader status for BOMAG GB in the compaction industry, having successfully navigated the pandemic and Brexit periods, and won contracts with HS2 – taking it to £37.5m turnover and a 35-person team. Now, with almost 25 years’ experience under his belt, from working within the aggregates and waste industries at Finning UK, to being responsible for export markets and product development at Bearmach, Stuart is well-placed to navigate BOMAG through its next phase of growth, as the construction markets continue to thrive post-pandemic and post-Brexit. Simultaneously, BOMAG has introduced two new products to the British market, following an extensive research and development phase, including a 1m and 2m milling machine. Experienced headhunter Simon Robinson, co-founder of Red Diamond Executive, was appointed to source Alan’s replacement, following BOMAG’s extensive search for a recruitment partner. Commenting on the appointment, Jonathan Stringham, vice president of sales and marketing at BOMAG, said: “When Alan told us he was retiring, we commenced the recruitment process straight away, to ensure that his incredible knowledge and experience could be passed over seamlessly.” Speaking about their experience with Red Diamond, Jonathan continued: “We were lucky enough to recruit two managing directors at the same time in two different markets. We were able to compare both recruitments and partners. What particularly impressed us was the seriousness, professionalism, and support from Red Diamond. “Simon took the time to understand BOMAG’s challenges, philosophy, and corporate culture. His approach is very structured, and customer focused. He was very active in finding candidates who could best meet our expectations while being able to challenge himself if necessary. Finding a successor for Alan was not easy because he has unparalleled experience in this market. We are excited by Stuart’s complementarity, his enthusiasm, and his dynamism.” Speaking about his new role, Stuart said: “Alan has left a strong legacy, which in turn leaves a very strong business and one that will sustainably embrace the new product introductions and the exciting years ahead with HS2 and other projects. “The way Simon dealt with myself during the process was second to none and what most impressed us was his understanding of the expectations BOMAG had for both the role and the person. All the way through, Simon was communicative, responsive, and concise with his feedback. I’m looking forward to leading the business through its next phase of growth.” BOMAG has a turnover of £750m globally.
