Products & Materials : Tools & Equipment News
MILWAUKEE® Provides Complete Solution for Fully Cordless Service Calls

MILWAUKEE® Provides Complete Solution for Fully Cordless Service Calls

MILWAUKEE® introduces the M18™ Brushless Recovery Pump, delivering a breakthrough solution for HVAC professionals. Designed for residential and light commercial technicians, this cordless recovery machine transfers refrigerant out of HVAC systems so that repairs can be made. By eliminating the need for external power sources, MILWAUKEE® enables a fully cordless

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MILWAUKEE® M18™ Lift Air Fan

MILWAUKEE® M18™ Lift Air Fan

MILWAUKEE® introduces its latest addition to the job site the M18™ Lift Air Fan, built for versatility and quick adjustments. Built for demanding job sites, this fan delivers powerful personal cooling with full airflow control, a quick‑adjust scissor lift mount, and all‑day versatility on the MILWAUKEE® M18™ battery platform. The

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BW rolls out raspberry hi-vis to strengthen site visibility and accountability

BW rolls out raspberry hi-vis to strengthen site visibility and accountability

BW: Workplace Experts (BW) is introducing mandatory raspberry hi-vis for subcontractor operatives across all its new fit out projects, creating a standardised identification system which is currently spanning 14 live sites and 137 supply chain partners. The London-based fit out contractor is implementing the raspberry hi-vis for all subcontractor operatives

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Dräger showcases advanced respiratory protection at Hillhead 2026

Dräger showcases advanced respiratory protection at Hillhead 2026

(Hillhead 2026, 23-25 June) Dräger, an international leader in medical and safety technology, will showcase a range of Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) designed to protect construction and quarrying workers from harmful particles, gases and vapours. Central to Dräger’s lineup is the X-plore 8000. A versatile, customisable system, the X-plore 8000 combines a choice of blower

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MILWAUKEE® Tools partners with JTL to address the skills shortage facing construction

MILWAUKEE® Tools partners with JTL to address the skills shortage facing construction

Leading tool manufacturer strengthens commitment to workforce development through comprehensive learner training programme MILWAUKEE® Tools has partnered with JTL, one of the UK’s largest work-based learning providers, to help address the growing skills shortage across the construction and building services engineering industry. The partnership will support apprentices in England, beginning

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Smarter tool choices to keep sites moving all summer

Smarter tool choices to keep sites moving all summer

The long days of summer should mean maximum output — but heat, fatigue and stretched schedules can just as easily grind productivity to a halt. Here’s how the right kit transforms the season’s challenges into your biggest opportunity.  Summer is a double-edged sword on any construction site. Daylight runs from

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10 Must-Have Industrial Handling Tools for Efficiency

10 Must-Have Industrial Handling Tools for Efficiency

In warehouses and factories, a regular day involves moving heavy and bulky items from one place to another. Doing all this manually is challenging and, sometimes, virtually impossible. That is where industrial handling tools come in. These tools make lifting, moving and storing of materials faster, safer and more efficient.

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Latest Issue
Issue 342 : Jul 2026

Products & Materials : Tools & Equipment News

MILWAUKEE® Provides Complete Solution for Fully Cordless Service Calls

MILWAUKEE® Provides Complete Solution for Fully Cordless Service Calls

MILWAUKEE® introduces the M18™ Brushless Recovery Pump, delivering a breakthrough solution for HVAC professionals. Designed for residential and light commercial technicians, this cordless recovery machine transfers refrigerant out of HVAC systems so that repairs can be made. By eliminating the need for external power sources, MILWAUKEE® enables a fully cordless workflow that optimises speed and run time for service calls. The M18™ brushless recovery pump delivers instant power and no hassle, giving HVAC technicians complete cordless convenience on the job. By removing the need to search for outlets or manage extension cords, this solution streamlines service calls and maximises productivity. The recovery pump is A1, A2, and A2L compatible, reinforcing MILWAUKEE®‘s commitment to providing dedicated HVAC solutions that tackle core challenges without compromise. Pairing the M18™ Brushless Recovery Pump with the existing M18 FUEL™ Vacuum Pump 5 CFM delivers a fully cordless service calls, unlocking productivity for HVAC technicians. Eliminating the need to search for outlets, ask customers for access to power, or drag extension cords onto a roof; this combination saves time and reduces job site frustrations. Both solutions are A1, A2, and A2L compatible to meet the refrigerant standards, giving technicians confidence while working with modern refrigerants. This solution is equipped with a digital display for visibility in any environment. Helping protect equipment and ensure efficient operation, the self-purge feature removes refrigerant residues. A balanced carrying handle enables single-handed transport, making it easy to move the machine between service locations. These thoughtful design elements combine to deliver a solution that prioritises convenience, safety, and efficiency for HVAC professionals. MILWAUKEE® remains unwavering in their commitment to delivering disruptive innovation by working alongside trade professionals to identify challenges and provide solutions that are unparalleled in enhancing job site safety and productivity. Specifications M18™ Brushless Recovery Pump M18 BLRP-121 Kit Includes: (1) M18™ Brushless Recovery Pump, (1) M18 FB12 Battery pack, (1) M12-18 FC Charger, (2) filters  To find out more about the new M18™ Brushless Recovery Pump see video footage of it in action or find your nearest store, please visit www.milwaukeetool.eu Visit Milwaukee Tool UK’s Instagram and LinkedIn for further information. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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MILWAUKEE® M18™ Lift Air Fan

MILWAUKEE® M18™ Lift Air Fan

MILWAUKEE® introduces its latest addition to the job site the M18™ Lift Air Fan, built for versatility and quick adjustments. Built for demanding job sites, this fan delivers powerful personal cooling with full airflow control, a quick‑adjust scissor lift mount, and all‑day versatility on the MILWAUKEE® M18™ battery platform. The integrated variable speed dial provides precise control, allowing users to adjust airflow to suit the application and job site conditions. Featuring up to 350° of horizontal fan head rotation and up to 210° of vertical tilt, this fan delivers exceptional control to direct airflow exactly where it is needed. A quick adjust clamp design enables fast, secure mounting to any scissor lift, reducing setup time and keeping airflow where operators need it. Designed for maximum compatibility, the quick adjust clamp securely mounts to both square and round rails, allowing the fan to be installed in seconds on any scissor lift. An integrated tether point allows attachment of a tool lanyard, providing added security when used at height. Engineered with an impact‑resistant housing and protection against dust and water ingress, the fan is built to withstand demanding job site conditions. Powered by a high‑performance brushless motor, this fan delivers airflow speeds of up to 30 km/h and a volume of 1.274 m³/h, optimised for personal cooling in demanding commercial job site environments. Delivering dependable run time, the fan operates for up to 3.5 hours on high and up to 8 hours at 75% speed when paired with an M18™ 5.0 Ah REDLITHIUM™ battery. Specifications M18™ Lift Air Fan M18 LAF-0 Kit Includes: (1) M18™ LAF To find out more about M18™ Lift Air Fan see video footage of it in action or find your nearest store, please visit www.milwaukeetool.eu. Visit Milwaukee Tool UK’s Instagram and LinkedIn for further information. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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BW rolls out raspberry hi-vis to strengthen site visibility and accountability

BW rolls out raspberry hi-vis to strengthen site visibility and accountability

BW: Workplace Experts (BW) is introducing mandatory raspberry hi-vis for subcontractor operatives across all its new fit out projects, creating a standardised identification system which is currently spanning 14 live sites and 137 supply chain partners. The London-based fit out contractor is implementing the raspberry hi-vis for all subcontractor operatives working across its new project sites, forming part of a three-colour identification system. BW project teams wear black hi-vis, visitors wear white, and subcontractor operatives wear raspberry. In the past 30 days alone, more than 1,660 operatives from 137 partner companies have signed in across BW sites, accounting for almost 19,000 individual site entries by its supply chain. On active fit out and refurbishment projects, where multiple trades and subcontractors often work simultaneously, clear identification plays an important role in supporting day-to-day coordination, emergency response and workforce wellbeing. BW’s colour-coded system gives site teams an immediate reference point to understand who is on site and their relationship to the project. Lorna Killick, Head of Business Transformation at BW: Workplace Experts, said: “On a busy site, you can have dozens of people from different companies working in the same space. Knowing who is on site, who they work for and whether they’re supposed to be there is an important part of running a safe, well-managed project. “We wanted a system that reinforced our commitment to Defect Free project journeys by enhancing the full site experience from day one. Where safety messages sometimes blend into the background, particularly in environments where people are exposed to the same visual cues every day, raspberry is an unmistakeable signal of a BW site member. It stands out. “This isn’t about changing hi-vis for the sake of it. It’s about creating consistency across our projects and supply chain. The colour is becoming a shorthand for accountability, familiarity and looking out for each other.” Unlike project-specific branded PPE, which is commonplace in the industry, the standardised raspberry hi-vis can be used by operatives as they move between BW projects. This creates a consistent experience for returning supply chain partners while reducing the waste associated with single-project PPE that cannot be used elsewhere. To mark the roll-out of the initiative, BW has launched a ‘Raspberry Week’ campaign from 22-26 June 2026, turning its logo, website, sites and support centre raspberry to highlight the thinking behind the policy and encourage conversation about visibility and accountability in live construction environments. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Dräger showcases advanced respiratory protection at Hillhead 2026

Dräger showcases advanced respiratory protection at Hillhead 2026

(Hillhead 2026, 23-25 June) Dräger, an international leader in medical and safety technology, will showcase a range of Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) designed to protect construction and quarrying workers from harmful particles, gases and vapours. Central to Dräger’s lineup is the X-plore 8000. A versatile, customisable system, the X-plore 8000 combines a choice of blower units with headpieces including hoods, face shields,  helmets, and welding visors, as well as a comprehensive selection of filters, charging options, carrying solutions, and accessories.   The newly launched X-plore 8300 will be another important element of the Dräger’s stand. The smallest and lightest PAPR in its class, the 8300 is designed for safe and intuitive operation and easy cleaning. The rugged unit provides reliable respiratory protection, even in the demanding environments seen in construction and quarrying, and also offers excellent wearing and breathing comfort.  Visitors will also be able to see how the Dräger X-plore 8500 blower unit provides respiratory protection and comfort without breathing resistance. Built for daily use in tough industrial environments, it combines robust construction with low-maintenance operation. A wide range of accessories makes the system fully customisable to specific workplace needs, and safety functions help minimise user errors while ensuring reliable protection.   For hazardous atmospheres, the Dräger X-plore 8700 Ex is engineered for environments with flammable or combustible substances and potentially explosive atmospheres. ATEX-certified, the unit is approved for use in Ex zones 1, 2, 21, and 22. Encapsulated electronics, anti-static materials, and smart supervisory controls ensure both safety and operational reliability in the most demanding conditions.   Tom Pearson, Marketing Manager (Industry) Breathing Systems & Engineered Solutions at Dräger says Hillhead provides an excellent platform to demonstrate the breadth of Dräger’s expertise in respiratory protection: “Our X-plore PAPR range is built to deliver reliable, comfortable, and flexible protection for workers exposed to dust and hazardous particles, reflecting our commitment to safety in industrial environments.”  Dräger’s stand is located at RC7 in the registration Pavillion. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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MILWAUKEE® Tools partners with JTL to address the skills shortage facing construction

MILWAUKEE® Tools partners with JTL to address the skills shortage facing construction

Leading tool manufacturer strengthens commitment to workforce development through comprehensive learner training programme MILWAUKEE® Tools has partnered with JTL, one of the UK’s largest work-based learning providers, to help address the growing skills shortage across the construction and building services engineering industry. The partnership will support apprentices in England, beginning with a pilot of the partnership at JTL’s Birmingham and new Thames Valley training centres, giving learners access to high-quality training, equipment and real-world experience. The partnership helps ensure the next generation of highly-skilled tradespeople are prepared for the demands of modern construction, mirroring what they will use on site and improving confidence, competence and safety. JTL has a network of 17 specialist training centres, and also partners with a number of colleges and other delivery partners, supporting around 8,000 electrical and plumbing apprentices. Expert-led training from experienced tradespeople Rather than simply supplying tools, MILWAUKEE® is also bringing its team of Job Site Solution Specialists to JTL apprentices. These experts will deliver regular, practical, on-site sessions across select training centres and colleges; complimenting the high-quality day-to-day training apprentices receive from JTL’s site-experienced Tutors and Training Officers. These sessions will give apprentices the chance to further get to grips with professional-grade tools, while also building confidence around safety and practical guidance in realistic working environments. This initiative also aims to challenge outdated perceptions of the trades. By introducing apprentices to modern technology, like the MX FUEL™ battery platform, M18™ and M12™ cordless systems, it highlights how construction today is driven as much by innovation as it is by skill. JTL Apprentices will also have the opportunity to visit MILWAUKEE®’s UK Experience Centre in Aylesbury, where they can explore the full range of tools and take part in specialist training sessions, competitions and events. Building confidence from day one For training providers, MILWAUKEE®’s collaboration helps reduce equipment costs and broaden access to high quality training. Independent Training Providers (ITPs) like JTL face significant funding constraints and are not directly funded for tools and equipment. For learners, it means learning with the same tools they’ll use on site, helping them feel job-ready from the very start. “The skills gap in construction isn’t just a recruitment problem, it’s a perception problem,” said Dan Abley, College Programme Manager at MILWAUKEE® Tools. “Young people need to see that the trades offer genuine career progression, with powerful technology, and career paths that rival any office-based role. This partnership puts professional-grade equipment in learners’ hands from day one, proving that construction is as innovative and technology-driven as any other sector. When you learn on the tools you’ll actually use in the field, you build the right habits and standards from the beginning, and that shapes your entire career.” “The construction sector is constantly evolving, with new technologies and tools reshaping how we work.” said Chris Claydon, Chief Executive Officer of JTL. “This partnership with Milwaukee ensures our apprentices continue to learn using first‑class, industry‑leading equipment. JTL’s training expertise, combined with the innovative solutions Milwaukee brings, will support our apprentices to develop the skills electrical employers need now and in the future.” Following a visit to MILWAUKEE®’s UK Experience Centre in Aylesbury, JTL’s Delivery Team Manager for the Western region, Kirstine Ginger, said: “It was fantastic for our delivery team to visit Milwaukee’s Experience Centre in Aylesbury and see first-hand the breadth of innovation shaping the electrical industry. Experiences like this really bring learning to life, giving staff greater knowledge and confidence with new tools and technologies to pass on to the next generation of apprentices, while reinforcing the practical skills they are learning in training with JTL”. By stressing the importance of education, mentorship and hands-on learning rather than focusing on product donation alone, MILWAUKEE® Tools and JTL are creating a sustainable model that benefits apprentices, education providers and the wider construction industry. There are also plans to expand the programme to more colleges and partners as it grows. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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120 Sunbelt Rentals teammates complete Cumbrian Challenge in support of veterans

120 Sunbelt Rentals teammates complete Cumbrian Challenge in support of veterans

120 teammates from Sunbelt Rentals UK and Ireland successfully completed the Cumbrian Challenge in the Lake District, held across Friday 15th – Saturday 16th May, raising £19,000 to date for Walking With The Wounded. As headline sponsor of the charity’s flagship fundraising event, the business joined organisations, businesses and individuals to take on the challenge in support of veterans and their families. Now in its 6th year of participation, Sunbelt Rentals continues to demonstrate its commitment to the armed forces community through this event. Colleagues from across the business took on one of three routes: Across all routes, teams navigated challenging terrain and conditions, demonstrating strong collaboration and determination throughout. The Cumbrian Challenge brings participants together each year for a team-based event in the Lake District, raising funds to support veterans as they transition back into civilian life. Funds raised contribute to employment support, mental health services and care coordination. Leanne Casey, Project Lead Cumbrian Challenge, said:“It’s been a privilege to lead such a committed and collaborative team at the Cumbrian Challenge. Working alongside Walking With The Wounded, colleagues have not only taken on a physical challenge but also made a meaningful contribution to a cause that truly matters – an achievement I’m incredibly proud of. A huge thank you to everyone involved for your dedication, teamwork and support in making this such a success.” Joel Oxberry, Chief Operating Officer, Walking With The Wounded, said:“The support shown by Sunbelt Rentals throughout this year’s Cumbrian Challenge has been nothing short of outstanding. Not only did they come on board as headline sponsors, but they also brought an incredible 30 teams to the event and helped raise nearly £20,000 in support of veterans and their families across the UK. Their energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the Armed Forces community was visible throughout the weekend, and we are hugely grateful for the partnership, generosity and team spirit they continue to show Walking With The Wounded.” Participants supported one another throughout, with a strong sense of camaraderie from start line to finish. Sunbelt Rentals is proud to support Walking With The Wounded and the work they do to help veterans and their families move forward, and looks forward to supporting the challenge again in the future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Smarter tool choices to keep sites moving all summer

Smarter tool choices to keep sites moving all summer

The long days of summer should mean maximum output — but heat, fatigue and stretched schedules can just as easily grind productivity to a halt. Here’s how the right kit transforms the season’s challenges into your biggest opportunity.  Summer is a double-edged sword on any construction site. Daylight runs from before five in the morning to gone nine at night in parts of the UK and Ireland, and every hour of that window is an invitation to get ahead. But ask any site manager who’s lived through a heatwave in July or watched a team of groundworkers wilt by noon on a south-facing plot, and they’ll tell you the gains only come if you plan for them. “We hear the same thing every September from contractors who’ve had a good summer,” says Darren Binns, National Sales Manager at Jefferson Tools. “The ones who made the most of the long days weren’t working harder – they’d just made sure their kit matched their ambition. The ones who struggled were still running the same setup they use in February.” Light the edges of the day Early starts and late finishes are summer’s greatest gift, but they only pay off if the site can actually see. Temporary or inadequate lighting doesn’t just slow work – it creates risk. Jefferson Tools’ new 7,000-lumen portable site light is built precisely for this kind of flexible working. It runs off mains or directly from major power tool batteries — Milwaukee, DeWalt, Bosch, Makita — meaning no generator dependency if your crew is working at the far end of a plot before the compressors are running. The tripod extends from 800mm to 2,400mm, the head swivels 280 degrees and tilts 90 degrees, and it doubles as a power bank for phone charging. For tighter spaces or interior work, the 4,500-lumen runs on internal battery or mains, has six lighting modes including warm and cool colour temperatures, and fits into a storage pouch when the day’s done. “The battery compatibility was a deliberate decision,” says Binns. “If your crew is starting at five-thirty, you don’t want them waiting on a generator. Plug straight into the battery pack on the van and you’re lighting the job before the kettle’s boiled.”  Keep air moving, keep people working Heat fatigue is one of the most underestimated productivity killers in construction. Once core body temperature starts climbing, concentration dips, decision-making slows, and the risk of accidents rises sharply. The HSE is unambiguous on the duty of care and the practical answer on most sites isn’t air conditioning, it’s airflow. “People underestimate how quickly heat affects performance,” says Binns. “A good industrial fan on a confined site or in a welfare unit costs very little against the risk of someone making a bad decision at two in the afternoon in thirty-degree heat.” Jefferson Tools’ industrial rotomould drum fans are built to handle the dust, debris and rough handling of a working site. Available in 24-inch and 36-inch diameters in both 110V and 230V, the 36-inch model moves up to 16,200 cubic metres of air per hour, and units can be hooked together for combined airflow where a single fan won’t cover the area. For smaller enclosed spaces – welfare units, plant rooms, mezzanines – the 24-inch high-velocity drum fans offer a more portable option at an accessible price point. Compressors: Built for the long shift Summer is peak season for continuous compressor use. Pneumatic tools run longer, more operatives are on site simultaneously, and there’s less tolerance for an unexpected shutdown. This is not the moment to be running a machine beyond its duty cycle. Jefferson Tools’ V-pump compressors are designed for sustained output. The 270-litre tandem unit pairs two 3HP motors for large-volume air generation, while the screw air compressors, available with integrated refrigerated dryers, are engineered for high-capacity continuous industrial use. The refrigerated dryer matters more in summer than any other season: warm air carries more moisture, and that moisture in compressed air lines causes real damage to pneumatic tooling over time.  Pressure washers: Don’t let grime dictate the schedule End-of-day cleaning, plant washdown, surface preparation – summer brings more of all of it, and a pressure washer that can’t keep up with demand quickly becomes a bottleneck. Jefferson Tools’ petrol-powered range covers everything from daily site tidying to serious plant cleaning. The 7.5HP is the bestseller for good reason: 3,200psi maximum pressure, a direct drive triplex pump, and a turbo nozzle delivering up to 3,600psi effective cleaning power. Step up to the 13HP with an Annovi Reverberi triplex pump and 15 litres per minute flow rate for the heavy-duty work that larger sites demand. Both models collapse for storage and transit — a small detail that matters when every cubic foot of a van or welfare unit is accounted for. The Bigger Picture None of this is complicated kit. What it represents is the infrastructure that allows a site to actually use the hours summer provides rather than losing them to heat exhaustion, poor visibility, equipment failure, or slow cleans. “The sites that finish early and finish on budget in September are almost always the ones that got the basics right in May,” says Binns. “It’s not glamorous – fans, lights, a decent compressor setup. But that’s what keeps a programme moving when everyone else is struggling.”  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Nixon Hire brings modular buildings to Scotland with Dundee launch at ScotPlant 2026

Nixon Hire brings modular buildings to Scotland with Dundee launch at ScotPlant 2026

Nixon Hire is pleased to announce that it will be exhibiting at ScotPlant 2026, Scotland’s largest construction equipment exhibition, taking place on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 April at the Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh. Modular buildings launch in Scotland In a significant milestone for the company’s Scottish operations, Nixon Hire will use ScotPlant to unveil its new Modular Buildings Centre of Excellence at Dundee – the first dedicated modular hub across its five Scottish depots. Supported by the company’s Renewable Power Centre of Excellence in Glasgow, the new facility represents a major investment in Scotland and underlines Nixon Hire’s commitment to bringing its full range of sustainable site solutions to Scottish customers. A live sustainable site setup Visitors to the Nixon Hire stand will find a fully operational, live sustainable site setup, running in real conditions exactly as it would on a customer site. At its centre is an eight-bay modular building, demonstrating the thermal performance and build quality – a reflection of Nixon Hire’s higher spec modular range. Alongside it, on show will be Nixon Hire’s largest and most powerful battery storage unit to date, designed to support larger sites with clean, reliable power, as well as a fully refurbished 12′ Smart Air Solar mobile welfare unit – rebuilt entirely from existing materials. Monitoring the setup behind the scenes will be a working replica of Nixon Hire’s Renewable Energy Hub, a sophisticated control centre designed, configured and run by its in-house Technical Support Team. Pulse: the new customer portal Visitors will be able to experience Pulse, Nixon Hire’s recently launched online customer portal – the result of an 18-month, seven-figure investment. The browser-based platform gives customers autonomous insight into energy use, carbon impact and cost performance across their renewable energy equipment on hire. By replacing the manual collation and estimates that have traditionally been the norm across the sector, Pulse enables teams to report quickly, compare performance across locations and make more informed decisions about how equipment is deployed and operated. Brian Cornett, CEO of Nixon Hire, commented: “Nixon Hire has supported customers across Scotland for more than 40 years, and ScotPlant is an exciting opportunity to demonstrate the breadth of our offer there today. The opening of our new Dundee Modular Buildings Centre of Excellence reflects our continued investment in the region and our focus on delivering more sustainable, full-service site solutions closer to where customers need them. “We look forward to engaging with customers and industry stakeholders at ScotPlant and discussing how Nixon Hire can support the changing needs of sustainable site projects across Scotland.” Visit Nixon Hire at ScotPlant 2026 at Ave D No 3 on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 April at the Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh. To book a walkthrough with one of the company’s senior team, please contact Rose Docherty at rose@almastrategic.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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10 Must-Have Industrial Handling Tools for Efficiency

10 Must-Have Industrial Handling Tools for Efficiency

In warehouses and factories, a regular day involves moving heavy and bulky items from one place to another. Doing all this manually is challenging and, sometimes, virtually impossible. That is where industrial handling tools come in. These tools make lifting, moving and storing of materials faster, safer and more efficient. In this article, we will look at the 10 most important handling tools that every industrial space needs to ensure smooth operations. 1. Forklifts Forklifts are perhaps the most popular industrial handling tools. They are commonly used for lifting and moving loads that no one wants (or can’t) carry. In an industrial setting, you will need them for tasks like loading trucks, stacking pallets and moving bulk goods. They provide serious lifting power, which speeds up operations. 2. Safety Gear Safety gear refers to essential warehouse protection equipment designed to protect workers while handling materials. They include things like high-visibility vests, steel-toe boots, helmets and safety netting. You will find them everywhere work is happening. These equipment are an essential addition to industrial workspaces because they minimise the risk of injuries in case of accidents. For example, a helmet can prevent serious injury to the head if a box falls on a worker’s head. 3. Pallet Truck Pallet trucks (also pallet jacks) are useful for lifting and moving heavy loads over short distances. You can use it to lift pallets slightly off the ground so you can just roll them to a different location. They are quick and simpler to use – perfect for working in smaller areas where forklifts can’t fit. However, pallet trucks can’t replace forklifts (especially when it comes to loading tasks). 4. Hand Trolley Hand trolleys (also called dollies) are like pallet jacks but for boxes. In an industrial setting, you use these to roll your boxes instead of carrying them. They are great for tight spaces where you need to move several boxes. Dollies save your back from unnecessary suffering by making movement low-effort. You can stack boxes once and move everything in one single trip. 5. Conveyor Belt Conveyor belts are indispensable when it comes to moving items seamlessly from one place to another. Industries used them to cut down on constant walking back and forth. You will find them in different use cases, including packing lines, sorting areas and production lines. Since items move on their own, they reduce the number of workers needed for moving stuff. It also speeds up tasks like packing and sorting. 6. Crane Cranes are commonly used to lift extremely heavy or awkward items vertically. You will often find them in construction areas and heavy manufacturing zones. Some loads are simply impossible to lift manually. For example, a machinery part that weighs more than a car. In such a case, you will need a crane – it handles extreme weights seamlessly and safely. 7. Lift Tables Lift tables are used for raising and lowering items to a comfortable/ergonomic working height. You will commonly find them in shelving, packing and loading areas. Workers will love this equipment because it reduces the need for bending and unnecessary strain during work. For example, they can use it during the assembly of items, ensuring better ergonomics and safety. 8. Industrial Racking (Shelving) Industrial racking is basically shelves that you can use to store items. They are essential for keeping everything organised and accessible – you will find them everywhere (whether in a warehouse or in a factory). Without these shelves, you might have to stack everything on the floor. And finding anything in such a storage setup is a nightmare. So, instead of piling everything on the floor, install these racks and have a place for each item. 9. Barrel Handler If you run an industrial space that deals with barrels or drums, barrel handlers are a must-have. That’s why they are common in industrial storage areas where workers move chemicals and oils. Can you imagine trying to lift a barrel full of chemicals by hand? They are not only heavy but also annoying to control. A barrel handler makes handling such loads less awkward. 10. Packaging Tools Packaging tools do exactly what their name suggests – secure items so they stay in place during transport. In an industrial setting, you will often find them in packing and shipping areas. They are essential because loose goods can easily get damaged while in transit. Conclusion With the important role each plays, these tools are not just ‘nice to have’, they are what keep your daily operations moving. Some of the benefits of investing in them include saving time, reducing effort and improving safety. They can make a huge difference in terms of workflow and productivity. Remember, the right equipment can turn hard, slow work into something manageable and efficient.

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MSA Safety welcomes harmonisation of EN 17235 permanent anchor device standard

MSA Safety welcomes harmonisation of EN 17235 permanent anchor device standard

MSA Safety, Inc., a global leader in the manufacture and distribution of PPE and safety systems, welcomes this week’s harmonisation of EN 17235, a European test standard for permanently installed anchor devices used in horizontal construction applications. EN 17235 sets out a comprehensive testing methodology for anchor devices that are permanently fixed to a structure, assessing not only the device itself, but also its fixings and the base material to which it is attached. The standard was harmonised on 9 February, 2026, with an 18-month transition period. After the transition period, manufacturers across the UK and Europe will be required to test products to EN 17235 in order to produce a Declaration of Performance and apply CE marking. The harmonisation of EN 17235 is expected to significantly improve safety levels industry wide by requiring consistent, robust testing across the built environment, and by preventing the use of inadequately tested products on construction projects. MSA Safety has long been an advocate for rigorous, up-to-date testing of all safety devices and welcomes the move to make compliance mandatory. Tim Bissett, technical expert at MSA Safety, is part of the working group that developed this standard. He comments: “This harmonisation of EN 17235 is a major step forward for safety in the construction sector. By making robust testing a legal requirement, the standard helps to level the playing field and helps make sure that anchor devices are properly assessed as complete systems, not just as individual components.” MSA’s development approach already reflects many of the principles now set out in EN 17235. For instance, its Constant Force Post range has long been tested as a complete system, looking not just at the anchor device itself, but also its fixings and the substrate it’s installed into. That mirrors the standard’s focus on assessing products in realistic installation conditions, helping give a clearer picture of how they’ll perform in practice. The company is now progressing a programme to test both new and existing products directly to EN 17235, with its next-generation Constant Force Post among the first scheduled. MSA has historically carried out equivalent testing through the German DIBt approval process, whose methodology aligns closely with EN 17235 requirements, meaning many of its established testing practices are already consistent with the new framework. “Testing to the latest standards has always been fundamental to how MSA designs and validates its safety solutions,” Bissett added. “EN 17235 formalises best practice and provides greater confidence for specifiers, installers and end users alike. Our mission is to send workers home safely to their families at the end of each day, and this helps us to do it.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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