THE latest solutions to hit the construction equipment marketplace were honoured at the recent Plantworx Innovation Awards 2023.
The awards featured seven main categories, each highlighting advancements in various aspects of the sector including safety, efficiency and sustainability.
Presenting the awards was Shaun Wallace, AKA The Dark Destroyer from hit TV quiz show The Chase, in front of an audience of 300 guests.
The Non-operated Plant & Support Products category, sponsored by Datatag was won by Elite GSS for its Hi-Vis Ballast Block, a water-filled stabiliser system for fencing. Hydrotechnik’s Minimess Monster pressure test kit for on-site hydraulic pressure testing received the runner-up position.
In the Best Environmental Initiative category, sponsored by KGP Automotive Intelligence, Lifos was declared the winner for the company’s Lifos Fort PV power storage system, which enables off-grid construction sites to become connected sites within minutes. Auger Torque’s Cone Crusher Bucket, facilitating on-site recycling on even the smallest sites, earned the runner-up spot.
The Safety category, sponsored by Caterpillar, recognised Spillard Safety Systems as the winner for its AI Human Detection System, said to effectively prevent accidents caused by human-machine interaction. Bomag’s articulated tandem roller was runner-up, while Onwave’s OWL active geo-fencing solution, ensuring safety for lone workers and preventing accidents on-site, received a highly commended award.
The Best Use of Technology – Including Digital Innovation category, sponsored by Futureworx, acknowledged companies that harnessed technology to address industry challenges. MachineMax received a highly commended award for its sensor-based fleet management system, enhancing asset lifetime for rental companies. MP Filtri’s CMP VIEW Analysis Software, enabling simple hydraulic oil analysis, also earned a highly commended award.
The Best Security Initiative category, sponsored by the CEA Policing Fund, went to Digger Guard for the firm’s Vandal Guard cab protection system, which helps address the issue of vandalism.
The Engineering & Design category, sponsored by the Construction Equipment Association, saw two joint winners. Digga Europe’s HALO Earth Drill Alignment System, utilising LED lights to enhance auger drilling efficiency, shared the award with Mecalac’s Revotruck, a redesign of the site dumper to make material transportation safer.
In the Training & Skills Development category, sponsored by Merlo, Flannery Plant Hire and Leica Geosystems were honoured as joint winners for their respective initiatives aimed at attracting and up-skilling talent within the construction equipment sector.
The Plantworx Innovation Awards featured two Special Recognition Awards. British Steel received the first award for its Laser Detection of Surface Defects, revolutionising quality control in steel production. The second Special Recognition Award went to Xerotech for its Hibernium Battery Pack, an adaptable lithium-ion battery platform for construction and mining equipment.
The Plant and Hire Aid Alliance, a consortium of companies in the plant and plant hire industry, was presented with the Special Recognition Award for Outstanding Humanitarian Contribution. The alliance has played a vital role in supporting the humanitarian effort in Ukraine, providing essential supplies to those affected by the conflict.
