Finning celebrates 100 years of Caterpillar® excellence at PlantWorx 2025

Finning celebrates 100 years of Caterpillar® excellence at PlantWorx 2025

Cutting-edge innovation and historic achievements will be celebrated by Caterpillar® dealer Finning as it marks the iconic brand’s centenary year at flagship machinery exhibition PlantWorx. An outdoor cinema will form the centrepiece of the Finning UK & Ireland stand, showcasing the story of construction equipment manufacturer Caterpillar and its future developments. There will also be an impressive array of Cat machines on display along with the chance to win an excavator or genset as part of Finning’s year-long milestone celebration. PlantWorx is the largest working construction equipment show, bringing industry experts together to champion the latest machinery, systems and technology. Running from September 23 to 25 at Newark Showground, Finning will use the opportunity to mark a century of success for Caterpillar, and its own 92-year partnership with the brand. Tim Ballard, General Manager Retail and Marketing at Finning UK & Ireland, said: “While acknowledging 100 years of advances in the field of construction equipment, power and technology, we want to embrace the future with Caterpillar too. “At the heart of our stand will be the customer area, viewing platform and Finning cinema where visitors can watch a commemorative film produced as part of the Caterpillar Next 100 Years campaign. It will take viewers back to Caterpillar’s origins, tracking its role in major global infrastructure projects like Palm Island in Dubai and the Trans-Amazonian Highway, before looking ahead to the future of autonomous sites, remote control, and advanced technology.” The star of the show will be the Cat 444 Centennial Backhoe Loader. The special edition machine, painted Centennial Grey to reflect the original Caterpillar branding, is one of only 10 limited edition models produced globally. It has been on display outside of Finning’s Staffordshire HQ, commemorating their shared history over the decades as well as 40 years of backhoe loader production in Leicester. The strong line-up of equipment on display also includes the Cat 285 compact track loader (CTL). The CTL is new to the UK, offering 50 per cent more torque than the Cat 299D3 model, greater lift height and a roomier cab. A rebuilt Cat D6 Dozer will give visitors the chance to explore the Finning workshop expertise as well as its engineering, parts, service and maintenance offer, and a Cat M315 Wheeled Excavator with Tilt Rotator will shine a light on Caterpillar’s distinct ability to deliver high performance alongside ease of use. In addition, a Cat Generator and Cat C3.6 industrial diesel engine will display just some of the power range capabilities on offer from Caterpillar. The Finning ‘Win Big’ giveaway is aimed at giving more people the chance to benefit from the Finning combination of technology and expertise. Visitors to PlantWorx can enter the first-of-its kind giveaway for free at the show or via the Finning website where, to be in with a chance of winning a 301.6 Mini Excavator or DE110E2 generator, participants must answer the following question: ‘How would winning a Cat machine or generator help you build something that lasts?’ Tim said: “We are encouraging customers old and new to enter the competition, as well as those that have always admired Caterpillar equipment from afar, but have not had the chance to own one yet. “Throughout the last century, Caterpillar has had a significant impact on UK industry, establishing major manufacturing facilities, employing thousands, and supplying machines to support multiple sectors including construction, mining and power generation. “At Finning we are looking ahead to the next century of Caterpillar and urging those from all backgrounds and applications to enter the competition and become part of our legacy and reputation for industrial excellence.” Entrants have untilDecember 31, 2025 to enter. In addition to being entered into the Win Big prize draw, all participants will be automatically included in monthly prize draws for a chance to win branded merchandise, parts vouchers, and even an exclusive trip to Malaga. Visit http://www.finning.com/winbig to enter for free and share how winning a Cat machine or generator would help you build something that lasts. Highlighting its impact on the UK construction equipment industry, Finning are proud to be the headline sponsor of The PlantWorx Innovation Awards Dinner, which takes place on 23rd September and celebrates the brightest, and boldest minds in construction innovation. Find out more here: https://plantworx.co.uk/awards Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Aggreko Strengthens European Industrial HVAC expertise with two strategic appointments

Aggreko Strengthens European Industrial HVAC expertise with two strategic appointments

Global leader in energy solutions Aggreko has bolstered its industrial HVAC and process temperature specialist support with two appointments across its European team. With over four decades of cross-sector experience at Aggreko between them, Andreas Essmann is now Business Development Manager for Temperature Control and HVAC in Europe North, while Christophe Chihaoui is Head of Temperature Control for France, and supporting Europe South. They join recently appointed Head of Temperature Control for the UK, Chris Smith, on Aggreko specialist industrial HVAC and process temperature control team working across a range of sectors, including the construction industry. This includes providing temporary and supplementary cooling, heating and dehumidification solutions to support with on-site maintenance works, system upgrades, temperature spikes and unexpected outages throughout the year. The appointments come following prolonged periods of extreme and unpredictable weather over the summer, including record temperatures reached during heatwaves[1]. Such conditions have been cause for concern for safety on sites and potential for operational and process temperature challenges. The prolonged periods of heat have led to growing strain on HVAC systems across industries, resulting in further demand from businesses and their appointed contractors for reliable and efficient temporary alternatives during critical maintenance and upgrade schedules. Early forecasts for the coming winter have conversely predicted colder than normal temperatures to face Europe with areas over the North-West and Southern Europe set to experience above average rainfall[2]. Responding to this, Aggreko is warning HVAC contractors and engineers, facilities managers and businesses across sectors to ensure they have plans in place to mitigate challenges caused by changing weather throughout the year. To support construction sites to remain resilient through unpredictable and extreme weather across the year, Aggreko has invested significantly in its fleet. Through its new team of specialists leveraging Aggreko’s extensive energy expertise, customers will also be able to receive integrated assistance using the company’s innovative power and temperature control fleet to boost efficiency and resilience. This includes accessing the latest offerings from Aggreko’s Greener Upgrades™ portfolio, such as hybrid temperature control solutions using battery energy storage systems alongside Stage V generators to save fuel, reduce emissions and improve reliability. On his appointment, Andreas said: “I am pleased to be leading the charge working with across Europe North to satisfy their temperature control needs. With rising temperatures and increasing demand for reliable, efficient HVAC systems, it is more important than ever that we support businesses with solutions capable of adapting to not only the changing weather patterns, but their evolving needs too. At Aggreko, we have made significant investment in our expertise and solutions meet the demands of industrial customers in Europe North and I look forward to leading our expert engineering teams to deliver this.” Christophe said: “Extreme weather conditions we have been seeing across France can have a significant impact on HVAC systems, and customers are finding themselves in need of additional capacity, fast. As part of this team, we have the expertise to help these companies plan for their requirements throughout the year and implement the correct technologies quickly. I’m excited to get started and help our customers futureproof their industrial HVAC, process temperature and efficient power solutions so they are prepared for anything.” Robert Wells, Europe President at Aggreko, said: “We are committed to ensuring our solutions and expertise respond to the changing needs of our customers to deliver the efficiency, reliability and sustainability they need on site. As unpredictable European weather continues to pose challenges, the appointment of two experienced experts into a dedicated team aimed at supporting our customers with their evolving industrial HVAC and process temperature is a central part of this. Alongside Chris Smith, Head of Temperature Control for the UK and Ireland, Andreas and Christophe bring together over six decades of on the ground experience across our key sectors in Europe and can ensure we can bring deep local knowledge backed by our global expertise.” Click the link for more information about Aggreko’s industrial HVAC and process temperature control solutions [1] https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/13/temperature-records-heatwave-europe-france-croatia-wildfires [2] https://www.severe-weather.eu/long-range-2/winter-2025-2026-early-forecast-la-nina-polar-vortex-cold-pattern-united-states-canada-europe-fa/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Affordable HVAC Systems for Rental Properties

Affordable HVAC Systems for Rental Properties

Every rental property needs a high-performance heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system to keep tenants cool and comfortable. Choosing a system that balances cutting-edge technology with affordability is key to making a sound investment that lowers monthly utilities and prevents complaints.  The question is where to find the most cost-effective options for rental dwellings. Whether you are equipping a single-family unit or a multifamily complex, these brands have the right system for optimal well-being. Ingrams Water & Air Equipment (IWAE) delivers a wide range of complete HVAC systems, components and accessories at wholesale prices. As a supplier, it provides units from reputable brands like Goodman and MrCool, each supported by manufacturer and IWAE warranties.  The team is an excellent resource for helping customers decide on an appropriate product that fits their property and budget. The company prides itself on customer satisfaction and helping you save money.   Ordering is easy online with secure checkout. IWAE aims to ship products within 24 to 36 hours. You can also return or replace faulty purchases within 30 days for a full refund, provided you pay a 15% restocking fee and return shipping costs when sending back unwanted items. In addition to an array of free resources — including how-to manuals, buying guides, and other articles and videos — IWAE offers complimentary technical support throughout your product’s lifetime. You can contact the support team by phone for setup instructions, troubleshooting or other guidance. Key Features 2. AC Direct AC Direct offers a 125% low price guarantee and free shipping on HVAC unit purchases over $1,500. It carries brands like Daikin, Goodman, Honeywell, Aprilaire and Nest. While some suppliers provide additional services like sizing and installation, AC Direct focuses more on discounted prices — you will need to contact a local contractor to assist with the rest.  This online wholesaler ships throughout the United States, except Alaska and Hawaii. You can expect delivery within five to 10 business days, excluding holidays and weekends. Items eligible for returns are subject to a 15% restocking fee, and you are also responsible for insured freight costs. All items sold by AC Direct come with a manufacturer’s warranty, which you can read about under each product listing or look for on the individual manufacturer’s website. To ensure coverage, you must register your equipment as soon as a contractor installs it, sending proof of installation to AC Direct within 45 days.  Key Features 3. Amana  Amana has created quality HVAC products since 1934. It manufactures and tests its products in its 4.2-million-square-foot facility in Texas to guarantee they exceed customer expectations. Through its website, you can easily search for expert dealers who have undergone comprehensive training on Amana equipment. Your brand dealer can service your HVAC equipment based on the product, your regional codes and climate needs. Once you register your purchase, your system could be eligible for a 10-year unit replacement limited warranty, a 99-year heat exchanger limited warranty and a 10-year parts limited warranty. You can also opt for the extended warranty policy through Asure.  No one knows Amana products better than its in-house specialists. If you have questions about its inventory, you can contact a representative by completing the online form or calling the primary office.  Key Features 4. YORK YORK is a renowned brand for heating and cooling systems for residential and commercial properties. In addition to its quality products, YORK’s life cycle services include 24-hour equipment repairs and proactive maintenance. Opt for a tiered service plan that fits your budget, including regular service schedules, routine diagnostics and complete retrofits to maintain various components. Over 3,000 YORK dealers in the U.S. are trained on its equipment. This allows it to provide superior service and support for your rental property’s HVAC system. On its website, you can search for a Certified Comfort Expert near you.  Many YORK products are eligible for energy efficiency rebates, helping you save money and improve your building’s sustainability. All YORK products also come with standard warranties and extended coverage options for specific equipment when you register your system within 90 days of purchase.  Key Features 5. Lennox Lennox is a popular commercial and residential HVAC brand known for its cutting-edge climate solutions. Enter your ZIP code to search for a dealer. Independent partners maintain North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification and have completed 40 hours of factory training. Its award-winning products come with SilentComfort technology for quieter operation and two-stage cooling that is more even and longer-running.To match superior engineering efficiency with affordable pricing, Lennox distributors typically offer rebates and financing options to help lower costs.  Landlords of multiple multifamily properties can use the manufacturer’s National Account Services program for preventive maintenance, repairs and replacements. All products come with a basic five-year warranty. However, you can also choose the extended warranty for another five years of coverage. Key Features 6. Carrier Carrier has raised the bar in HVAC innovations by improving indoor comfort with climate solutions and building automation. Authorized dealers are experts in local weather patterns and brand inventory, helping you decide the best products for your property. Its online system recommendation tool suggests several options that would work best for you.  With Carrier, you can benefit from more balanced humidity and moisture management. The Ideal Humidity System technology removes up to 400% more air moisture than similar systems. Its product designs include compressor sound blankets and rubber compressor isolation grommets for 50% quieter operation. This manufacturer tests each product rigorously under extreme conditions to ensure long-lasting performance and durability, including salt spray, high humidity, and significantly high and low temperatures. Carrier offers a 10-year parts replacement warranty on registered products to further guarantee their quality.  Key Features 7. American Standard  American Standard has an extensive inventory of heating and cooling equipment, ductless systems and packaged systems to ensure optimal air quality and comfort at your rental property. This brand stands out for installing over 5 million units and rigorously testing products at its Systems Extreme Environmental Testing laboratory. Search

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Momentum at the Mersey: Peel Waters files plans for Mea Park West

Momentum at the Mersey: Peel Waters files plans for Mea Park West

Peel Waters has submitted three planning applications to Wirral Council for the next phase of its Wirral Waters regeneration, setting up a fresh wave of employment space at Mea Park West. The largely vacant brownfield site, on the corner of Wallasey Bridge Road and Beaufort Road, is earmarked for advanced manufacturing, logistics and innovation uses, and sits within the Wirral Waters Freeport area. The proposals cover enabling infrastructure across four plots: site remediation to address historic dockside conditions, three new access roads to improve circulation, an on-site energy sub-station to shore up power capacity, and sustainable urban drainage systems to manage runoff and build climate resilience. Alongside this groundwork, Peel Waters is seeking permission to deliver a 45,000 sq ft manufacturing and logistics unit on a speculative basis, backed by £16m of investment. In total, the four plots at Mea Park West are planned to yield around 171,400 sq ft of new employment floorspace. This will sit alongside the conversion of the 42,000 sq ft Mobil building into a factory for building components and prefabricated elements, strengthening regional supply chains and supporting modern methods of construction. The mix of new-build and adaptive reuse reflects a pragmatic approach to regeneration: bring redundant assets back into productive use while offering modern, flexible space for incoming occupiers. Freeport status adds to the site’s appeal, with potential tax incentives and customs reliefs for eligible businesses. That package could prove decisive for manufacturers with high upfront capex or logistics operators planning significant fit-out, particularly where speed to market matters. A speculatively built first unit is intended to capture that demand and signal confidence in the location. Richard Mawdsley, director of development at Wirral Waters, said: “This planning application represents an important step forward in the delivery of Mea Park West – a key employment hub within Wirral Waters. By creating the infrastructure and high-quality space for a wide range of modern manufacturing and logistics businesses, we can attract new investment, support local supply chains, and deliver hundreds of new jobs for the immediate area. It’s another strong signal that Wirral Waters is gathering real momentum.” If approved, the enabling works would unlock phased delivery across the plots, moving Mea Park West from concept to construction and accelerating the wider Wirral Waters vision. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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McLaren secures landmark industrial scheme for Panattoni in Swindon

McLaren secures landmark industrial scheme for Panattoni in Swindon

McLaren Construction (Midlands & North) has been appointed by Panattoni to deliver a major new industrial and logistics facility at Panattoni Park Swindon, marking the company’s first scheme with the developer in the South West region. The design and build contract set to complete in January 2026, will see McLaren deliver Unit 4, a 545,414 sq. ft state of the art warehouse and distribution facility at the former Honda site in Swindon. The project is already well underway with the steel works completed and roofing and cladding progressing well. The scheme will include two storeys of office accommodation and a decked car park, along with all associated site and external works including roads, service yards, car parking, hard and soft landscaping, drainage and building services. Set to achieve BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and EPC A+ (offices) / A (warehouse) ratings, the scheme will target net zero carbon for upfront carbon emissions, with a performance goal of under 300kgCO₂/m². Historically, the site was used as brownfield land before being an airfield during World War II, and then later it was redeveloped for car manufacturing by Honda in the late 20th century. This regeneration is part of Panattoni’s wider plan to bring new life and jobs to the area following the closure of Honda’s operations in 2021. The project team comprises UMC Architects as the architect, KAM Project Consultants as the quantity surveyor, and BWB Consulting as the structural and civil engineer. Construction CDM Services is appointed as the principal designer, with C3 Design Approvals overseeing building control. Panattoni Park Swindon is poised to deliver high-quality industrial space in a location with excellent connectivity and legacy infrastructure, further strengthening Swindon’s position as a key logistics hub in the South West. Luke Arnold, Regional Director at McLaren Midlands & North, said of the contract award: “We’re extremely proud to be working with Panattoni on this flagship industrial scheme in Swindon. It’s a significant step in our growth across the South West and an opportunity to deliver a building of real environmental ambition. Our team is focused on meeting the fast-track programme and supporting Panattoni’s vision for the site’s transformation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Sea change in Hove: Willmott Dixon picked to deliver seafront leisure revival

Sea change in Hove: Willmott Dixon picked to deliver seafront leisure revival

Hove’s long-awaited replacement for the ageing King Alfred Leisure Centre has taken a major step forward, with Willmott Dixon named as preferred contractor for the scheme. The move follows Brighton & Hove City Council’s decision in 2022 to retire the pre-war complex, which no longer meets modern standards and would be prohibitively difficult and costly to refurbish. Alliance Leisure, appointed earlier this year to oversee design and construction, has assembled the professional team with GT3 Architects leading the design. Together with Willmott Dixon, they have been refining proposals for a contemporary sports and leisure destination that makes the most of its seafront setting. The concept places pools, fitness suites and a café to capture sea views, while new landscaping will stitch the building into an enhanced public realm along the promenade. Costing remains under discussion. In March the project was described as a £48m scheme; the council is now proposing capital investment of up to £65m. Subject to further cabinet approval, a planning application is expected to be submitted by the end of the year, enabling a start on site in 2026 and completion in 2028 on the existing beachfront plot. For Willmott Dixon, the commission builds on deep sector experience. Richard Poulter, managing director for Willmott Dixon Construction South, said the company is “excited to be appointed as the preferred contractor for this transformational project,” noting its recent work at Brighton Metropolitan College and extensive track record of leisure delivery nationwide. “The new King Alfred Leisure Centre presents an exciting opportunity to create a world-class facility that maximises its unique seafront location through innovative design and sustainable construction practices,” he said. Citing more than 160 leisure facilities delivered, including 108 swimming pools, he highlighted expertise in complex waterfront schemes, environmental resilience, sustainable technologies and accessibility innovations. “Working alongside Brighton & Hove City Council and Alliance Leisure, we’re committed to delivering not just a building, but a community hub that will serve residents and visitors for generations to come.” Alliance Leisure director Tom Fairey welcomed the appointment, calling it “another big step forwards” for a project intended to provide a modern, sustainable centre that meets local needs for years ahead. Alliance will continue to lead the pre-construction phase at pace, coordinating input from design and delivery partners to lock down the brief, performance targets and procurement. The redevelopment answers a long-standing civic challenge. The existing King Alfred complex, a familiar presence on the Hove seafront, has struggled to keep pace with contemporary expectations around accessibility, energy use and user experience. Rebuilding on the same site allows the council to retain a popular location while replacing tired fabric with a facility designed for current and future demands, from inclusive changing provision to low-carbon operation. The design ambition reaches beyond the building footprint, with public-realm improvements intended to open routes, encourage active travel and create a more welcoming interface between the centre, the beach and neighbouring streets. If approved as planned, the programme sets out a clear trajectory: planning by year-end, a two-year build starting in 2026, and doors opening in 2028. Between now and then, the team’s focus will be on certainty—refining scope, locking in supply chains and value-engineering the scheme to balance quality, sustainability and cost. With Willmott Dixon on board and GT3 Architects shaping the design, Hove’s next chapter on the seafront is edging closer: a resilient, accessible leisure hub designed around its coastal context and the everyday needs of the community it serves. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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