Nationwide Platforms, the UK’s leading provider of powered access for working at height, has recently announced its new game-changing tracking service, HireTracker. HireTracker allows a customer to track their hire through every stage of the rental process, with a live tracking link that remains active from the moment the order
Erith Contractors Limited is investing in a fleet of new Cat® excavators as it aims to lower its carbon emissions by improving fuel efficiency. The national demolition expert has already taken delivery of six new excavators from Finning since March 2022, the world’s largest Cat dealer, with more expected to be
Commissioning machine rebuilds is already an integral part of Heidelberg Materials UK’s fleet management plan. This month the company welcomed a rebuilt Cat® 988K XE with electric drive back to its Whatley asphalt plant following a Cat Certified Powertrain Rebuild, giving it a new lease of life and many more
Employees from Finning recently spent the day volunteering at specialist rehabilitation centre, Willowdene as part of its commitment to support community initiatives. The volunteers, who chose to support the Social Enterprise in recognition of the work it does to help both men and women in getting their lives back on
AUMA Actuators Limited (AUMA UK), a world leader in electric valve actuation technology, has successfully extended its Service Level Agreement (SLA) with Anglian Water until 2028. AUMA UK and Anglian Water worked in partnership to develop and deploy a new and unique process to service, maintain and replace a range
Prolec Safety Systems Unveils: Game-changer “One Screen” Solution Redefining Safety and Productivity (2D) in Construction. Meeting Industry Demands: In response to the time-sensitive nature of the construction sector, Prolec, Europe’s largest manufacturer of plant safety equipment, is set to make waves once again. Just over a year ago, Kinshofer’s acquisition
L75 and L85 updated with features from the Top-of-the-Range… In 2021, Bobcat launched the company’s first compact wheel loader (CWL), the L85. In 2022, the company added the L75 value model and in 2023, Bobcat launched its top-of-the-range premium model, the L95. As part of Bobcat’s continuous improvement programme based
Adopting a new approach to service operations has seen Finning UK & Ireland score a 75 per cent first time fix rate for customer equipment faults – achieved by leveraging condition monitoring technology and historic data from over 5500 remote diagnostic sessions. The remote services and diagnostic team at Finning,
Europump (the European Pump Association) which represents 15 National Associations across the continent of Europe is delighted to be staging its 2024 Annual Meeting in the UK. Hosted by the British Pump Manufacturers Association (BPMA) and sponsored by WEG, this three-day event will take place at the spectacular De Vere
Industrial engine supply and service specialist Finning UK & Ireland is highlighting the important efficiency benefits – such as increased availability and reduced risk – of the Cat® Remote Fleet Vision (RFV) performance monitoring platform by introducing a new entry level pricing structure for those looking to trial the technology. Offering 24-7 insight
Nationwide Platforms, the UK’s leading provider of powered access for working at height, has recently announced its new game-changing tracking service, HireTracker. HireTracker allows a customer to track their hire through every stage of the rental process, with a live tracking link that remains active from the moment the order is placed all the way up until the machine has been collected at the end of its hire period. The customer can check in on the delivery at any time by clicking on the link, which will direct them to a screen displaying real-time updates on the progress of the hire. The new tracking system is something that Nationwide Platforms’ customers have requested via customer feedback in the past. Many clients reported that more accurate delivery timings would enable them to plan projects more efficiently, which in turn would boost productivity across the industry as a whole. Customers who already have a machine out on hire when HireTracker goes live needn’t worry about missing out. Even orders that are midway through being prepared will begin to receive HireTracker updates as soon as the system is online. With HireTracker, there is a guaranteed three-hour delivery window. As with other courier systems, once the hire is out for delivery, customers can see the driver’s location in real-time. In addition, the tracking system informs the customer when they are the next stop away, as well as when the delivery has been made and the machine is ready to be used. HireTracker works on collections too, meaning a customer can also use the same system to ensure their machine has been picked up by the courier. Daniel Smith, Chief Operating Officer at Nationwide Platforms, said: “We make every effort to take on board customer feedback, and HireTracker is a direct answer to many customer requests. “Knowing the precise arrival time of a machine enables you to plan your day more efficiently. You’re no longer left waiting around all day, nor are you forced to rearrange your schedule for a vague delivery window. Instead, through real-time updates and accurate delivery estimates, HireTracker empowers you to make informed decisions about how to best manage your time and resources. Whether your machine is being dispatched or only a few doors away, you’ll be the first to know.” For more information on Nationwide Platforms, please visit: https://www.nationwideplatforms.co.uk/en-gb Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Erith Contractors Limited is investing in a fleet of new Cat® excavators as it aims to lower its carbon emissions by improving fuel efficiency. The national demolition expert has already taken delivery of six new excavators from Finning since March 2022, the world’s largest Cat dealer, with more expected to be delivered during 2024. All the machines already on site have been optimised with the support of Finning engineers to allow fast and efficient attachment use – including pre-programming the weight of equipment – and have been fitted with guards to help protect against the tough working environment. To date three Cat 352 50 tonne excavators, one Cat 336 35 tonne excavator and two Cat 325 excavators have been delivered to Erith, with investment in a further eight machines in the pipeline for this year. The machines are backed by a service plan to minimise any downtime. Due to the nature of demolition work, Erith upgrades its fleet frequently and works closely with Finning to ensure its Cat machines are running as economically and efficiently as possible. Recently representatives from the firm were invited to the Caterpillar demolition tools manufacturing facility in Den Bosch, Holland. Shaun Bean, Plant Director at Erith, said: “We conducted our own site test where we benchmarked one of the new Cat machines against one of our other machines on the same task. Based on the fuel savings made by the Cat machine, together with the high resale value, the investment will be recouped within a relatively short space of time. “Prior to these new excavators, we were running two Cat dozers and the support we’ve had with those from the team at Finning meant I was confident in investing further with them. I haven’t been disappointed yet with the service we’ve had, and the assistance they have provided in setting up our machines has been second to none.” The new Cat machines have been fitted with bespoke guards, including belly guards, ram guards, cab guards, lighting and camera guards, as well as a removable screen guard to make cleaning easier. Ryan Trafford, Territory Account Manager at Finning UK & Ireland, said: “Erith are the third biggest demolition company in the world, so we’re delighted to be supporting them in the replacement of their demolition fleet. “Each of the excavators has been fitted with a quick coupler on the front for fast and simple tool attachment, and our team has supported Erith in measuring and weighing these tools and inputting the data into their machine controls. This makes it as simple as possible for operators to switch between tools while working, and to access all the safety features, allowing them to use the machine to its optimum. “The fleet team at Erith also have complete peace of mind when it comes to minimising machine downtime as every machine is covered with our 36-month premier warranty and CVA service package. This was key for Erith as being able to get repairs and parts quickly is essential to their business and they wanted a full bumper to bumper solution.” For more information on optimising your demolition fleet with Finning UK & Ireland go to www.finning.com/en_GB/industries/industrial/demolition.htm Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Commissioning machine rebuilds is already an integral part of Heidelberg Materials UK’s fleet management plan. This month the company welcomed a rebuilt Cat® 988K XE with electric drive back to its Whatley asphalt plant following a Cat Certified Powertrain Rebuild, giving it a new lease of life and many more hours of operating capability. The electric drive machine has been operating at the plant in Somerset since 2018 when the company bought it from Finning, the world’s largest dealer of Cat equipment and parts. It was purchased with one of the top-level warranty packages offered by Finning, which included a full servicing and maintenance programme and remote asset condition monitoring so any faults could be identified and fixed before the machine is at risk of failure. As the machine began to reach 18,000 hours, the operational team began discussions with Finning to identify the best solution for replacement that fulfilled both the company’s commercial needs and sustainability objectives. Having had a full service and maintenance programme meant the machine was in good condition to be rebuilt. “Finning guided us through the process of comparing the benefits of buying a new machine with having the machine rebuild instead,” explained Luke Morgan, Fleet Manager for Heidelberg Materials UK. “We carefully considered all the benefits and concluded that the rebuild was the best option for us at this time. Doing so not only supports our company-wide commitment to sustainability and enables us to reduce our carbon footprint, but crucially, choosing to have the machine rebuilt also meant we could have it back operating on-site within 12-weeks. Finning was also able to provide a five-year warranty giving us reassurance that the machine will continue to operate effectively during its next life.” The Cat 988K XE was first launched in the UK in 2017 and is the first wheel loader from Caterpillar® fitted with an electric drive. It makes use of switched reluctance technology –an electric motor that runs by reluctance torque, and is equipped with a powerful Caterpillar engine, providing up to 579 horsepower enabling the operator to drive the machine at up to 40km per hour. It also provides optimised performance and serviceability, allowing operators to move material on site efficiently and safely at a lower cost per tonne. The 988K XE also emits up to 37% less CO2 an hour than its predecessor – the Cat 988K – and 45% less CO2 per tonne of material used. In 2022, Cat launched an upgraded version of the Cat 988K XE. The newer version can deliver up to 10% faster downhill speeds, improved rim pull, and increased hydraulic breakout force resulting in a further increase in productivity on the previous model of around 5%. The latest version also improves cycle times in load and carry applications and offers faster manoeuvrability as a result of having an optional counterweight which increases stability. Mark Tudball, Engine & Drivetrain Product Manager at Finning explains the additional benefits of choosing a rebuild for this machine: “The electric drive transmission in the Cat 988K XE means there are fewer moving parts than on a manual transmission. This means there are less components – around 20% fewer – and therefore less moving parts to recondition and replace as part of the rebuild process. “Although there are more electrical inspections needed once the rebuild is done, a large proportion of the electrical components, such as the power inverter and drive motors, can be removed from the original machine and reused making it a more circular, sustainable option for customers. Caterpillar reuse and salvage guidelines ensure we can offer a second life to components if they pass this process. “A further advantage is that the rebuilt machine benefits from having the latest engineering updates, which may include parts or electronic software. So despite being built originally in 2017, the rebuilt machine has the same functionality and performance of the later 2022 model, ensuring maximum longevity and efficiency.” “Rebuilding the latest technologically advanced machines shows a rebuild is not purely for older machines, the rebuild offering is aligned with newer technologies and is moving with the times to ensure the latest new machines sold have a rebuild solution in place when needed”. Gary Huxley, Product Support Sales Manager at Finning, said: “Managing machines throughout their operational life is a key part of Heidelberg Materials UK’s fleet management approach. We’ve worked with the company for more than 20 years with Cat machines making up a large proportion of its total fleet. “They typically take advantage of the engineering support and warranty packages we offer to ensure their machines are maintained and serviced and kept operating effectively, while minimising unexpected downtime. “Rebuilt machines are becoming a mainstay in the company’s fleet. Between 2021 and 2023 they have had 14 machines rebuilt, including a Cat 988K that had a Cat Certified Powertrain rebuild at 17,000 hours and is still going strong at 28,600, and a Cat 988H which has been rebuilt several times and is still operating with 47,000 hours on the clock. The company has also previously commissioned rebuilds of a Cat 972, five Cat 980s and seven Cat 775s. “The success of previous rebuilds was certainly a factor in their decision to choose to have this latest machine rebuilt and they have already commissioned the rebuild of their second Cat 988K XE machine operating at the asphalt plant in Whatley.” Luke Morgan, Fleet Manager for Heidelberg Materials UK, said: “Sustainability is at the heart of our operations. We have set ourselves ambitious targets and we are already making significant gains, having reduced our operational CO2 emissions by more than 50% since 1990.” “ We’re always looking for new processes and technologies that will enable our transport and heavy equipment fleet to be more efficient. A big part of this is increasing the use of products that have a lower carbon footprint.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Employees from Finning recently spent the day volunteering at specialist rehabilitation centre, Willowdene as part of its commitment to support community initiatives. The volunteers, who chose to support the Social Enterprise in recognition of the work it does to help both men and women in getting their lives back on track, helped out with day-to-day tasks on the working farm and training centre, as well as learning more about the initiatives run by the trust. Set up in 1988, Willowdene, in Bridgnorth, puts in place innovative training and rehabilitation schemes to help people who have faced difficulties in their lives – and to work to identify and address issues that can be a contributing factor in offending. Together with their support, they can pave the way towards a brighter future. In addition, Willowdene has been commissioned by the Ministry of Justice to help women gain the specialist support they need to overcome challenges in their life that can play a factor in offending, such as abuse, exploitation, housing issues and mental health issues. The Prison Reform Trust states that more than half of the women in prison in the UK report having suffered domestic abuse, and 53 per cent suffered abuse in their childhood, while half of women leaving prison have no settled accommodation. Willowdene aims to work with women to address past trauma and put in place steps to help them make a fresh start. Finning, the world’s largest dealer of Cat® equipment, parts and services, provides time for its employees to support charities. The company’s marketing team, based at the headquarters in Cannock, Staffordshire, chose Willowdene as their charity of choice, particularly in recognition of its work to help women. Marketing Manager Tracey Earp said: “As we approached the end of last year, we all decided that we would like to join forces to show our support for a local charity and get involved if we could. “It’s so insightful to see from the inside the amazing work that Willowdene does to pick people up when they need it most and to help them see that they can make a positive change in their lives. “Their work to support women is something that really resonated with us, and we wanted to raise awareness of that within the company as well as take time out to support Willowdene.” Matthew Home, CEO at Willowdene said: “We were extremely grateful for the support that Finning staff provided during their day with us. They helped further our social enterprise activities which generates income to directly support women on our programmes to tackle the trauma of their past. “Their generous donations to our clothing bank were also gratefully received. It was a pleasure to work alongside Finning staff who put 100% into their time with us to make a tangible and direct difference to those most in need.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
AUMA Actuators Limited (AUMA UK), a world leader in electric valve actuation technology, has successfully extended its Service Level Agreement (SLA) with Anglian Water until 2028. AUMA UK and Anglian Water worked in partnership to develop and deploy a new and unique process to service, maintain and replace a range of actuators throughout the Anglian Water region. This extended SLA continues to provide Anglian Water with access to AUMA’s unique ‘rapid response’ service to replace both AUMA and other manufacturers’ equipment, as well as a ‘replacement in advance’ for critical actuators. Cliff Marriner, Head of Integrated Maintenance Engineering, Anglian Water Services, says: “Speed of response is essential to our operations. Given current global supply issues, AUMA’s ability to source and supply locally is a major benefit to us. They have been proactive in their approach which has helped us deliver our service to our customers. They have also introduced a number of added value innovations that demonstrate a willingness to go the extra mile for our benefit.” Anglian Water’s key objective is to maximise availability of actuated valve operations throughout its region. The size and operating parameters of each installation varies, with a wide range of combinations of actuator, controls and drive coupling required to be available at short notice. AUMA’s extensive range of high performance actuators is designed using a modular approach to actuator components. Actuators can be quickly combined to provide a bespoke actuator assembly constructed to the exact requirements of applications. Paul Hopkins is AUMA UK’s Managing Director. He says: “We have worked closely with Anglian Water over a number of years now to refine and shape the service we are able to offer, creating the SLA that we have been able to put in place as part of our supply contract with them. “This collaborative approach has enabled us to shape our service to closely match the needs of Anglian Water. We have also introduced a number of innovations – from reducing our environmental impact through the use of sustainable packaging, to improving health and safety by reducing time on site undertaking repairs. In addition, we have created a unique online Anglian Water Knowledge Base, which is accessible to all registered Anglian Water engineers and technicians. This provides 24/7/365 access to essential information, video tutorials and technical information.” Under Anglian Water’s SLA, AUMA undertakes to receive a faulty unit along with its drive coupling and replace it either from new or from service exchange stock, along with a newly machined drive coupling, within the agreed parameters of the SLA. AUMA offers a ‘Replacement in Advance’ service for critical installations, where AUMA provides a complete replacement unit in advance of the return of the faulty one. Paul Hopkins continues: “Reactive maintenance can lead to all sorts of issues, such as repairs that require ongoing attention. That’s why a scheduled service programme offers a range of benefits – from preventing issues before they happen to better time management.” AUMA is also providing full training to Anglian Water maintenancestaff through its AUMA Certified Engineering (ACE) training. Delivered on-site, on-line or in AUMA’s dedicated training suite at its head office in Clevedon, Somerset, ACE is a structured programme that trains Anglian Water technicians to install, operate, maintain and troubleshoot AUMA actuators, meeting asset management obligations to maintain equipment in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Accredited ACE Technicians are provided with ID cards to prove their level of competency. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Prolec Safety Systems Unveils: Game-changer “One Screen” Solution Redefining Safety and Productivity (2D) in Construction. Meeting Industry Demands: In response to the time-sensitive nature of the construction sector, Prolec, Europe’s largest manufacturer of plant safety equipment, is set to make waves once again. Just over a year ago, Kinshofer’s acquisition of Prolec marked a significant move in the industry. Today, 06th of February, Prolec is poised to take the construction industry by surprise once again. In a remarkable initiative, Prolec will become the first in the industry to seamlessly combine Safety and 2D Guidance on a single screen. Overview of Prolec Safety Systems: For the past 40 years, Prolec Safety Systems has been dedicated to engineering cutting-edge solutions that prioritise safety without compromising on productivity. Our unwavering commitment to innovation, reliability, and customer satisfaction has led us to become a trusted leader in the industry. Prolec Safety Systems integrates Height and Slew Limiters with RCI (Rated Capacity Indicators) for comprehensive safety control. Our safety systems are designed to ensure operators maintain control within defined parameters, setting the standard for reliable and precise plant safety solutions. A Shift in Dynamics: Prolec Safety Systems brings forth a transformative shift, replacing the complexities of dual screens with an all-encompassing solution. Imagine seamlessly integrating safety and productivity with automatic stops to prevent costly damages and cutting-edge 2D guidance. Overview of Prolec 2D Guidance: Prolec 2D Guidance, a state-of-the-art technology, enhances construction productivity with unparalleled precision. The system provides real-time 2D guidance, empowering operators to achieve optimal digging accuracy. Prolec 2D Guidance minimises errors and enhances efficiency, reducing project timelines and costs, making it an indispensable tool for construction professionals aiming for unmatched precision. Global Debut: Prolec 2D Guidance Options for PME400 and PME500 We are thrilled to announce the global debut of our groundbreaking integration, set to take place on the 6th of February. Kinshofer Prolec will become the first in the industry to seamlessly combine Safety and 2D Guidance on a single screen. This revolutionary system will be available for firsthand experience at INTERMAT in Paris. Prolec 2D Guidance options include: Unparalleled Advantages: Why Prolec Stands Out: Prolec PME Safety and 2D add-in solution removes the need for moving hardware between machines. It utilises existing, securely anchored hardware for safety across all tasks, offering a cost-effective choice. This shift ensures safety and productivity seamlessly integrate, going beyond a checkbox approach. The system halts the machine automatically when hazard thresholds are reached, ensuring an unprecedented level of safety for both personnel and infrastructure. Endorsement from CTA Training Academy: Upgrade in the Field Option: For those already benefiting from Prolec safety, our upgrade in the field option maximises cost-effectiveness, utilising current hardware and preparing the machine for diverse projects. Trusted Distribution Network: Prolec Safety Systems has collaborated with trusted distributors across the UK who are well-equipped to support with new sales and existing customer upgrade inquiries. For their contact details, please reach out to Prolec directly. Prolec – Where Safety Meets Efficiency: This isn’t just a product; it’s a game-changing advancement. Prolec offers a dedicated safety ECU. There is a clean separation between safety and guidance functions. Lead the industry in combined efficiency and safety on a singular screen, making it not just a smart investment but a commercial triumph. Prolec – Elevating Safety to Priority #1: Experience an all-in-one-screen solution, encompassing Height & Slew limiters, RCI, and 2D Digging Guidance in a single, user-friendly interface. Prolec Safety Systems is setting a new benchmark for safety and productivity in the construction domain. For enquiries, please contact: Marketing@prolec.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
L75 and L85 updated with features from the Top-of-the-Range… In 2021, Bobcat launched the company’s first compact wheel loader (CWL), the L85. In 2022, the company added the L75 value model and in 2023, Bobcat launched its top-of-the-range premium model, the L95. As part of Bobcat’s continuous improvement programme based on customer feedback, the company has announced annual updates for the L75 and L85 for model year 2024, allowing owners of the latest versions of these machines to benefit from some of the advanced features that were introduced last year on the L95. Award-Winning Wheel Loaders The Bobcat compact wheel loader range continues to win awards. The L85 was announced as a Product discipline winner in the 2021 edition of the world-renowned iF Design Awards. In September last year, the L75 and L85 won in the Product Design category in the international BIG SEE awards promoting unique and original creative achievements. With the award-winning designs of all three models, Bobcat has ensured that they share the same high level of standard features, providing high operator comfort and ease-of-operation, including: New features on the L75 and L85 (2024 model year) Power Bob-Tach (NEW) – factory option for L85 This provides a high-performing Bobcat attachment connection for applications in which maximum capacity for load and carry by bucket and pallet fork is not as important as connectivity to multiple Bob-Tach compliant attachments shared on the same job site with Bobcat skid-steer and compact track loaders. Heated Air Suspension Cloth Seat (NEW) – factory option The cab seat now offers a higher back rest with a head rest, together with air suspension set-up, lockable floating and left-hand adjustable arm rest, providing a new level of operator comfort on the L75 and L85. The cloth surface of the seat with heating added improves the operator’s comfort all year round − in both cold and hot weather. The seat also includes a sensor to indicate operator presence and to enhance safety (by inactivating auxiliary flow). Advanced Attachment Control (Improved) – standard configuration in L85 / factory option in L75 Bobcat has improved the advanced attachment system by adding new features that make the operator’s life easier. The new flex-drive feature allows the operator to change the engine’s RPM by manual throttle, independently from the foot throttle, at any time during operation. With this change, Bobcat has also provided auto-idle functionality when the machine is not in use for four seconds to reduce fuel consumption. Automatic Ride Control (Improved) – factory option To further enhance driving comfort at higher speed as well as with higher loads, Bobcat has improved this feature to meet customer expectations based on their feedback. The automatically activated loader boom suspension improves the operator’s comfort and helps protect the transported material from spillage when driving with a bucket or pallet forks. There is also more stability while moving up and down with a load/weight. Display logic has also been updated to indicate ride control activation-inactivation status. High Flow (Improved) – factory option This industry-unique feature adapted from other Bobcat loaders brings a 100 l/min flow to run high-flow attachments, such as snow blowers and planers. To further improve high flow attachment performance, Bobcat has increased the pressure from 200 to 225 bar. With this change, Bobcat has also reduced by 50% the time for automatic derate, set to protect hydraulic components when the machine is cold. Joystick Control (Improved) – standard configuration Based on customer feedback, Bobcat has improved the forward-reverse response time, together with improved lift and tilt multi-functionality to enhance productivity and operating experience. Machines already in the field can be updated simply by downloading new software – this is another Bobcat competitive advantage. Left-hand Arm Rest Upgrade for Suspension Seat (NEW) – Aftermarket orderable item For greater seating comfort and left hand support. To update the current suspension seat in the field, this feature is offered via the Aftermarket services from Bobcat. For more information about Bobcat and Bobcat products, visit the website www.bobcat.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Adopting a new approach to service operations has seen Finning UK & Ireland score a 75 per cent first time fix rate for customer equipment faults – achieved by leveraging condition monitoring technology and historic data from over 5500 remote diagnostic sessions. The remote services and diagnostic team at Finning, the world’s largest Cat® equipment dealer, has introduced the new approach to its service operations using data from machine telematics, which is then cross referenced with historic service data to diagnose the problem remotely. This approach has radically improved the first-time fix rate for its customers – minimising machine down time and ensuring their engineers’ time is used most effectively. Over the last three years the team has facilitated a shift from offering a reactive service and support function to one that is fully proactive. Drawing on data from real-time remote diagnostic sessions – with the team conducting up to 300 each month – the engineers use this information to accurately predict asset faults and issues remotely. This enables them to take the necessary action – such as ordering the right part or parts – so that the engineer visiting the site can resolve the issue during just one site visit, ensuring the customer’s assets are returned to operations as soon as possible. Strategic Operations Manager for Finning UK & Ireland, Nikolaos Kakoudakis, said: “Having the ability to remotely diagnose an equipment fault is crucial for both us and the customer operating that equipment. For us, being able to identify the precise nature of the fault means that when the engineer goes out to site, they have the correct parts and can resolve the issue quickly for the customer. This ensures any downtime is kept to an absolute minimum, which can be costly and cause project delays. It also reduces operational inefficiencies on site. “There’s a real sense of pride among the team, who genuinely want to give our customers the very best level of servicing support and expert guidance. Everyone in the team should feel very proud of the hard work and exemplary work ethic.” The new approach has been so successful that Caterpillar®, during a recent visit to the company’s Leeds branch, awarded the team a certificate recognising their ‘excellence in condition monitoring and remote services’. Speaking about the award, Lavanya Ajesh, Managing Director at Caterpillar Commercial, Northern Europe, said: “We are focused on leveraging and optimising remote services and condition monitoring to accelerate customer satisfaction and services growth. The dedication of the Finning team towards using these tools to improve first-time fix and to drive service growth is highly commendable. Their work is helping pave the road in this journey. Congratulations and well deserved on the recognition as a best practice dealer in this field globally.” Commenting on the achievement, Chris Hepworth, General Manager for Service Operations at Finning, said: “Over the last three years, the technology and remote services team has delivered transformational results demonstrating improvement month-on-month. The team provides services to exceed our customers’ needs, from breakdowns to proactive interventions preventing failure. These results have been achieved through teamwork and collaboration with the wider service operations team. Well done to everyone involved.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Europump (the European Pump Association) which represents 15 National Associations across the continent of Europe is delighted to be staging its 2024 Annual Meeting in the UK. Hosted by the British Pump Manufacturers Association (BPMA) and sponsored by WEG, this three-day event will take place at the spectacular De Vere Beaumont Estate near Windsor in the Royal County of Berkshire, from 22nd – 24th May. Reflecting the current Europe-wide legislative agenda, as well as numerous other topic areas of significant importance to the international pump sector, the BPMA, on behalf of Europump, has been working hard to deliver a comprehensive programme of meetings and presentations that will offer both intellectual and practical value to pump manufacturers. In addition to sessions dedicated to the activities of the various Europump Commissions – Technical, Standards, Marketing, SME, and Blueprint – several invited speakers will also share their thoughts and expertise on a range of topical issues including Digitisation and AI, Sustainability, the post Brexit political landscape and the economic standing of the worldwide pump market. The first of these invited speakers to be announced is Stephen Phipson CBE, Chief Executive at Make UK. Taking to the stage on the morning of Friday 24th May, immediately before the General Assembly, Stephen will provide an overview of the political arena in the UK and its impact on the manufacturing sector both at home and abroad. In a somewhat timely fashion, the implications of the impending General Election in the UK will also be considered. The second speaker to be announced is Kiran Ahmed, Lead Economist, Global Industry Services at Oxford Economics. Kiran will present the key findings from the 2024 World Pump report, including the macroeconomic and industrial backdrop and how it impacts upon the international pump market. This presentation will take place during the afternoon of 23rd May as part of the Marketing Commission session. Commenting on the engagement of these headline speakers, BPMA CEO, Wayne Rose, said: “We are delighted to be hosting the 2024 Annual Meeting on behalf of Europump and look forward to welcoming our international pump colleagues to this world-famous location. We have a superb business programme in place, supported by a complement of renowned expert speakers. I have no doubt our audience will be captivated by the political and economic overviews presented by Make UK and Oxford Economics, and I look forward to announcing further keynote speakers in due course, who will be addressing some of the other key topics currently affecting the pump industry.” Running in tandem with the business agenda across the three days, will be an equally engaging partner programme, which includes full use of the wonderful grounds and leisure facilities the venue has available, a visit to Windsor Castle, a river boat trip along the Thames, and two sumptuous gala dinners. Sponsored by WEG – a world leader in motor, drive, and asset management systems technology – the 2024 Annual Meeting will prove to be a must-attend event for those senior pump executives looking to successfully navigate their way through the complexities of pump manufacturing and distribution over the coming months and years. Full details on the event, including further information on the venue, its location and travel arrangements can be found on the dedicated website. The online booking system is now live, allowing delegates, and their partners, to secure their places. A promotional video, fully illustrating all aspects of the event is also available to view on the website – www.Europump2024.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Industrial engine supply and service specialist Finning UK & Ireland is highlighting the important efficiency benefits – such as increased availability and reduced risk – of the Cat® Remote Fleet Vision (RFV) performance monitoring platform by introducing a new entry level pricing structure for those looking to trial the technology. Offering 24-7 insight into asset performance, the Cat RFV platform gathers a wide range of data points from within the engine and connects these to a single remote platform for analysis – customised to individual business needs. The Cat RFV can also be connected to datapoints across the piece of equipment the engine is installed in, allowing owners to build a full picture of performance and decide how uptime can be optimised. Now Finning has made access to this technology even easier with low-cost entry level pricing. Matt Bryan, Product Support Lead – Industrial at Finning, explains: “The RFV platform is proven to offer important performance benefits for Caterpillar customers around the world. Industrial customers can benefit from an unparalleled level of visibility into how their engine is running, allowing them to make timely decisions on performance adjustments, as well as diagnose faults and share error codes with Finning to facilitate quick, first-time fix maintenance. “Alongside this fantastic depth of engine data and insight, the flexibility of the system allows it to be used to monitor key performance indicators across an entire piece of equipment – from a water pump to a rock crusher and all points in between. This means owners have just one consolidated platform for monitoring their assets.” Aggregate Processing and Recycling Limited (Agg-Pro), one of the UK’s largest suppliers of crushing, screening, washing and recycling equipment, has recently benefitted from fitting Cat RFV equipment to all engines that pass through its workshop in Tamworth. The installation of PL542 remote monitoring systems on various Cat engines, from C4.4 to C9.3, in the company’s crushing and screening units enables monitoring of engine performance, run hours, and load factors. This capability replaces the previous methods of estimating, contacting customers, or dispatching engineers for data collection. Tony Gadsby, Service Manager at Agg-Pro, expressed his delight at the benefits realised: “Having an accurate picture of engine performance and run hours makes a big difference to optimising the reliability and uptime of our operation. Whilst previously this has been difficult to obtain, the support from Finning in supplying the Cat RFV platform has made it a reality – and given us a ready-made way of offering something that our competitors can’t. “Alongside being able to give our customers better advice on engine performance, it is now possible to remotely troubleshoot issues to further minimise downtime and track assets wherever they are across the country. We are now planning on expanding the use of the platform to all new Cat engines in use across the company and upgrading the fleet in the field too.” Bryan concludes: “It’s never been easier to trial the system given the highly competitive pricing levels we have introduced. Installation is straightforward with Finning experts on hand to support every step and advise on how to maximise the platform’s benefits – and crucially, get more from your equipment.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
