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

SITECH® UK & Ireland, an authorised dealer of Trimble® Civil Construction Field Systems, has announced a new partnership with Foxdown Construction Ltd. This collaboration will see Foxdown Construction utilising technology on Vistry Group’s Gateway development project in Bexhill-on-Sea in the South East of England. As part of this partnership, Foxdown Construction has acquired seven Trimble® Earthworks machine control kits, two Trimble R750 base stations with Internet Base Station Service (IBSS), Trimble® Business Center software and Trimble® WorksManager software. This suite of advanced technology – with a combination of hardware and software working hand in hand – will be deployed to enhance efficiency and accuracy on the Gateway project, which spans a considerable land area and is set to provide a range of housing options. Phillip Matchett, Technical Sales Consultant at SITECH UK & Ireland, commented on the partnership: “We’re thrilled to be working with Foxdown Construction on this project. The Trimble solutions are designed to address the complex challenges faced in large-scale developments like the Gateway project. The combination of machine control systems and software solutions will enable Foxdown to work with precision and efficiency.” The Trimble Earthworks Grade Control Platform is designed for excavators and dozers. It offers operators real-time guidance on the position of the machine’s blade or bucket relative to the desired grade, improving accuracy and efficiency. “One of the key advantages of Trimble Earthworks system is its ability to maintain accuracy in areas where other GPS systems struggle,” added Matchett. “This means Foxdown can keep their machines operating efficiently, even when working close to buildings or in areas with dense tree cover. The system’s advanced signal processing and error modelling called Trimble® ProPoint provide robust protection against interference, ensuring consistent performance across the entire project site.” The Trimble® R750 GNSS Modular Receiver provides connectivity, flexibility and scalability to meet the exact needs of GNSS-based workflows. Used as a permanent or semi-permanent base station, it provides GNSS corrections for site measurements and machine control. It also uses the latest Maxwell™ 7 GNSS technology to track all-in-view GNSS constellations and signals, enabling more reliable coverage to keep machines and people up and running. Complementing the hardware, Trimble Business Center is a powerful office software that transforms field data into high-quality deliverables. It enables surveyors to process data from various sources, including GNSS receivers, total stations, and laser scanners, in a single environment. Trimble WorksManager, meanwhile, is a cloud-based application that facilitates seamless data transfer between the office and field, allowing for real-time project updates and efficient resource management. “What’s exciting about this partnership is the opportunity it presents for innovation in the housing development sector. As projects grow in scale and complexity, the need for advanced technology becomes increasingly critical. Our solutions not only improve accuracy and reduce rework but also provide valuable data insights that can inform decision-making throughout the project lifecycle,” said Matchett. Dave Hiscock, Managing Director at Foxdown Construction, expressed enthusiasm about the new technology: “This is our first venture into GPS machine control, and the journey has been extremely positive. SITECH’s support throughout the process has been outstanding, with instant assistance at every step. The training provided to our novice operators has resulted in competency within a day, which is a testament to both the intuitive nature of the Trimble systems and the expertise of the SITECH team. “The ability to work continuously, regardless of satellite visibility or environmental obstructions, has significantly boosted our productivity. We’re now able to tackle areas of the site that would have previously caused delays or required alternative methods. This technology is transforming how we approach our earthworks and is providing invaluable insights on a project of this scale.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Field service engineer Tom March has taken the lead in the technical assessment of the Caterpillar® Global Dealer Technician Challenge and progressed to the next stage of the competition. The competition is a new global Caterpillar initiative that recognises excellence in the field of engineering and Tom’s performance to date puts him in with a chance to compete with the best-of-the-best at the competition’s final, at the CONEXPO trade event in Las Vegas. Finning UK & Ireland, the world’s largest dealer of Cat® machines, parts and aftermarket services, used their Staffordshire headquarters as the base for the first round of the competition which saw seven engineers take part in three timed technical challenges. The next stage of the first round will see Tom complete a written assessment set by Caterpillar as well as a five-minute video interview. Tom was delighted to emerge victorious from the first stage, as he says the competition was extremely close: “I was up against some excellent engineers, some with a little bit more experience than me, and none of the challenges were straightforward, so I was honoured to be considered as a front runner.”  The Caterpillar Global Dealer Technical Challenge builds on the success of the Global Operator Challenge which sees huge CONEXPO crowds flock to see the world’s best plant machinery operators. Caterpillar see this new initiative as equally important, as Christina Pritchett, Learning and Development Lead in Engineering and Technical, at Finning UK & Ireland explains: “It’s great that Caterpillar is recognising the exceptional work that engineers in the dealer network do, and also promoting what an amazing career you can have as an engineer both in field service, or the workshop.” Tom March certainly agrees on this second point, and says that taking part in this competition is the latest in a series of remarkable experiences in his career so far: “I began my career working for Finning in Canada, which involved a lot of travel, working in some incredible places. Having settled down I am now lucky enough to be working as a field engineer in the North-West where I grew up. Every day is different, and I get to meet some interesting people and solve problems for them. I’m delighted to still be in with a chance to compete in this global competition, and I’m looking forward to what comes next.” Subject to a written exam and video submission, Tom will go forward to the next round of the Global Dealer Technician Challenge: the European regional qualifier, which will be held next March at the Caterpillar Demonstration and Learning Center in Malaga. To find out more about a career in engineering here Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Takes Security to the Next Level for Bobcat Customers Bobcat has added a new Remote Engine Disable/Enable feature on the company’s Machine IQ telematics platform. The new feature allows customers in Europe to remotely enable or disable their machine’s engine through the Owner Portal or Machine IQ app.  With Remote Engine Disable/Enable, operators and owners can shut down their machine with a few clicks, deterring theft and aiding in quick machine recovery. Machine IQ, launched last year in Europe, allows connected-machine owners to monitor the health of their Bobcat machine and remotely track information that enhances maintenance, security and performance. The new Remote Engine Disable/Enable feature represents the first two-way update for the telematics system, allowing operators to both send commands to and receive data from the machine. Remote Engine Disable/Enable via Machine IQ can be activated in Bobcat skid-steer and compact track loaders, mini-excavators and compact wheel loaders connected to the system. “Enabling advanced theft deterrence provides critical peace of mind for our Machine IQ users, and Remote Engine Disable/Enable allows our European customers to protect their equipment and allow only authorised usage. This feature also demonstrates our ability to interact with machines via two-way communication using telematics. Today marks another major milestone for what Bobcat continues to do – to empower our customers to accomplish more,” said Tomas Plechaty, Machine IQ Senior Program Manager at Bobcat EMEA. Simple and User-Friendly Available with Premium Machine IQ subscriptions, this innovative solution empowers customers to remotely prevent theft and unauthorized use in just a few clicks. If unauthorized use is suspected, customers can log into their Bobcat Owner Portal or Machine IQ app to select the asset, and click ‘Remote Engine Disable/Enable’ in the sidebar. Only administrative users can access this feature, and all Remote Engine Disable/Enable activity is tracked in the asset’s history table. Upon executing the disable command, any attempt to start an engine in an off state will fail. If the machine is in operation, the engine will shift into de-rate mode. Benefits With Machine IQ, customers have 24/7 access to crucial machine information on their smartphones or computers. Equipped with this information, customers can optimize machine use and plan jobs for maximum profitability by keeping idle times to a minimum and tracking fuel consumption. Service planning is made easy with maintenance notifications, saving operators time and money by allowing them to efficiently schedule machine maintenance and manage job sites during planned downtime. Choosing the Right Package Dealers and customers can choose from two options: a Standard package with basic telematics and a Premium package with additional advanced features. According to Tomas Plechaty, the subscription options let users tailor their experiences and access the level of connectivity and insights that best suit their needs. “With a focus on simplicity for the user, we are confident that the packages will meet the needs of customers and dealers across the globe, and help them grow their businesses,” he said. Connecting to Machine IQ Machine IQ comes factory-installed with many equipment models and can easily be installed on compatible Bobcat machines in the field. Customers should contact their local dealer to check compatibility. Bobcat customers can access Machine IQ by visiting my.bobcat.com, creating an account and logging in. Alternatively, the mobile app for Machine IQ can be downloaded from Google Play/Apple Store. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Europump President, Luboš Michlík, highlights the vital role of pumps in powering the drive for a sustainable future. As the global push for improved energy efficiency and sustainability intensifies across manufacturing, commerce, transportation, housing, and public services, pumps remain the unsung heroes at the heart of these transformations. Today, Europump, the European Pump Association, shines a spotlight on the critical yet often overlooked role that pumps play in shaping a more sustainable, energy-efficient world. From powering industrial processes and climate control in buildings, to enabling clean water and sanitation systems, pumps are essential in nearly every aspect of our daily lives. In this era of climate change and environmental responsibility, their significance in achieving Europe’s sustainability goals cannot be overstated. The Backbone of Energy Efficiency in Manufacturing and Industry In the manufacturing sector, where energy efficiency is a growing imperative, pumps are quietly driving progress. They facilitate vital processes such as cooling, heating, fluid transport, and circulation, all while consuming a sizeable portion of industrial energy. Yet, innovations in pump technology are helping industries cut down energy usage, reduce operational costs, and minimize their carbon footprint. “Industrial pumps represent a key opportunity for energy savings, given that they account for up to 20% of global electricity consumption. By embracing more efficient pump systems, manufacturers can drastically reduce energy consumption, making a major contribution to global sustainability efforts.” Building Services: Supporting Sustainable Cities and Infrastructure In the built environment, pumps are integral to efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, water distribution, fire safety, and waste management. As smart cities and green buildings become the blueprint for future urban development, pumps are pivotal in enabling the technologies that make modern infrastructure energy-efficient and sustainable. “Smart, energy-efficient pump systems are not just improving performance in individual buildings but are transforming how we manage water, heating, and cooling across entire cities. They are key enablers in the transition to sustainable urban living.” Transportation and Public Services: Powering Cleaner, Greener Mobility Pumps are critical in the transportation sector, particularly in electric vehicles (EVs) and public transit systems. They support battery cooling in EVs, enable more efficient fuel use in conventional transport, and ensure safe operation in air, rail, and marine travel. In public services such as water treatment and power generation, pumps keep essential services running efficiently and sustainably. “From electric vehicles to wastewater management, pumps are at the heart of ensuring that transportation and public services meet modern efficiency and environmental standards. Their role in enabling cleaner mobility and smarter services is vital to achieving Europe’s sustainability targets.” Driving Innovation in Renewable Energy Pumps are also key players in the renewable energy revolution. Whether it is through circulating fluids in geothermal systems, powering hydraulic mechanisms in wind turbines, or managing cooling in solar power plants, pumps are crucial to the smooth operation and efficiency of renewable energy technologies. “The future of clean energy depends on the efficiency of every component, and pumps are no exception. They are essential to scaling up renewable energy solutions and achieving Europe’s net-zero carbon targets.” A Hidden Hero in Every Household Beyond industry and public services, pumps impact our daily lives in more personal ways. Every time we turn on the tap for fresh water, adjust the thermostat, or rely on modern appliances, pumps are working behind the scenes to make these conveniences possible. In residential homes, pumps ensure the efficient delivery of water, heating, and cooling—keeping households comfortable, safe, and sustainable. “From individual homes to massive industrial plants, pumps are an often unseen yet essential part of daily life. They are indispensable to modern living and key to the sustainable, energy-efficient world we are working to build.” Europump: Leading the Way Towards a Greener Future Europump and its members are at the forefront of promoting high-efficiency pump technologies and advocating for policies that support sustainability and innovation. Through collaboration with industries, regulators, and other stakeholders, Europump is committed to driving the adoption of innovative solutions that reduce energy consumption and environmental impact. Ecopump is its flagship project, embodying the organisations energy reduction commitment. In 2004 the Europump Council endorsed the Ecopump initiative as the very cornerstone of the European pump sector’s energy and environmental policy. The Europump website now carries a dashboard that provides a real time illustration of the energy savings being made. Since 2016, these endeavours have resulted in the saving of 233 million MWh of electricity and a reduction of 163 million tons of CO2 emissions. Additionally, the incorporation of the Extended Product Approach into the upcoming revision of EU Regulation 547/2012 for water pumps could unlock a further 35 TWh in energy savings. “In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, it is crucial that pumps—often the unseen workhorses—are recognised for their potential to deliver significant energy savings and environmental benefits. Together, we can ensure that pumps continue to be a driving force behind the green transition in every sector.” For more information about Europump and the work it undertakes on behalf of the European pump sector, please visit https://www.europump.net/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

DiPerk Power Solutions, the sole authorised distributor of Perkins engines in the UK and Ireland, has supplied Stage V-compliant Perkins 1204J engines to Regency Power Generators for use in the HS2 high-speed rail project. The compliance to high emission standards means the 1204J qualifies to work in the clean air requirements of London and other regulated development centres and as a result, two of these engines have already been delivered to a site on the outskirts of London, ready for commissioning. The Perkins engines will be integrated into generator sets (gensets) by Regency Power Generators and supplied to Skanska Costain, a contractor for the HS2 project. These gensets will be strategically placed at the ends of tunnels along the London to Birmingham route, serving as critical emergency power units. They will ensure continuous power supply for essential systems such as tunnel lighting in the event of any blackouts. Wayne Vincent, Head of Distribution Sales at DiPerk Power Solutions, said: “The HS2 project demands the highest standards of reliability and environmental performance, which is why we specified and delivered the Perkins 1204J engines to Regency Power Generators. These engines are known for their reliability and meet environmental requirements with their Stage V compliance, which is crucial for operation in London’s stringent emissions control areas. The engines also offer enhanced electronic control for precise emissions management, making them ideal for this critical infrastructure project.” The UK-manufactured gensets are designed to be mobile, enabling easy lifting and relocation as needed during different phases of the HS2 project. This flexibility is crucial as the project involves building extensive viaducts from Birmingham to London, with the gensets needing to be positioned at various points along this route. The engines’ emissions control also positions these units as a versatile solution for the project’s evolving power needs. Steven Bussey, Business Development Manager at Regency Power Generators, commented: “In addition to integrating the Perkins 1204J engines, we’ve enhanced the gensets with bespoke features to meet Skanska Costain’s specific requirements. This includes fitting special quick-fit connectors and designing a custom frame with a reinforced canopy. These modifications provide ease of use and added protection.” He added: “We chose to work with DiPerk because of their expertise with Perkins engines and their ability to supply the Stage V compliant models we needed. Their support throughout the application and installation process has been invaluable in helping us meet the exacting standards of this high-profile project.” For more information about DiPerk visit www.diperk.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals