WHITBURN-based ground engineering contractor Ground Developments Ltd (GDL) has spoken of its experience of using machine control technology.
Eleven years ago, SITECH UK and Ireland, a distributor of Trimble, started to supply GDL with hardware and software designed to improve measuring accuracy and increase operational efficiency.
GDL operates a large plant fleet including excavators, dozers, and heavy compaction equipment. In 2010, the firm started adding machine control to its fleet after SITECH invited the business to Newcastle for a demonstration of various solutions.
The company initially purchased the Trimble 3D GCS900 grade control system, which it installed on its Cat dozers. GDL also purchased Trimble Base and Rover systems.
Since then, the business has continued adding heavy construction Trimble GCS systems, Trimble earthworks and Trimble base stations to its fleet, as well as geospatial solutions.
“The type of work we were pursuing, and the constraints required in delivery, meant that we needed increased precision while gaining efficiency,” explained Julius Newman, technical director at Ground Developments Ltd. “The original methodology wasn’t adequate, and this was an issue for us. Therefore, we were looking for a partner that knew about construction solutions and who understood us as a business. We found that partner in SITECH and the relationship has continued to grow.”
Wayne Barr, project director at GDL, added, “Because of our partnership with SITECH, we’ve already seen productivity increase immeasurably. As well as being able to monitor data from our sites, we’ve won repeat work because clients are happy with what we deliver. This has been vital to our business during the pandemic.”
Brian Core, key accounts manager at SITECH, said, “We understood the challenges of varying topographies and knew why Ground Developments wanted to upgrade to machine control. With its portfolio of site positioning and machine control software, the company can carry out stabilisation and earthworks projects quicker and more efficiently.
“This means it can quantify more accurately than beforehand and win more tenders — giving it a competitive advantage.”
