SCOTPLANT 2024 got off to a sensational start at the sun-kissed Royal Highland Centre as huge crowds enjoyed standout machines, unparalleled networking opportunities, and even a special performance by global rock sensation The Red Hot Chilli Pipers!
The most famous bagpipe band on the planet appeared on the Bulkweld stand for two stirring performances as ScotPlant visitors danced and clapped along to hits.
Bulkweld director and shareholder, Kevin MacDonald, was one of the founding members of the hit band. He said, “It’s Bulkweld’s first time at the event and we thought ‘how can we add something different and add something to ScotPlant?’ I phoned the guys last night and got a team together and we’re here having a bit of fun!”
Halfway through the first performance, Kevin shouted to the crowd that anyone who buys one of Bulkweld’s powerwashers between then and the second performance would get 15% off – attracting even more cheers from the crowd!
Elsewhere, LiuGong machines made a stunning ScotPlant debut, with the award-winning LiuGong Dressta TD-16N compact dozer in particular attracting plenty of attention. Becky Daley, sales manager at distribution partner Fox Equipment Sales, said, “We’ve found the show busy. We’re getting a lot of interest, people like the machines. You need visibility and people need to see that you’re here and invested. We’ve invested in a yard in Scotland’s central belt, and we’ve got a depot in Aberdeen. We’ve got parts, machine stock, and engineers. We’re well covered and hoping we can be set apart from competitors on the afterservice and backup.”
One of the biggest stands at ScotPlant 2024 is Molson, with machines from major brands including Finlay, Kobelco, Thwaites, Rokbak and, for the first time, XCMG excavators and wheel loaders. Molson marketing manager James Dodkins said, “It’s been a great start to ScotPlant 2024. A lot of new and existing customers have come on, lots of interaction and interest in our products. We’ve got some good, strong leads and a few deals have been done.
“Events in general are massive for the industry. We’re in a different world now where a lot of people look online and find a lot of facts out, but you can’t beat meeting people face-to-face. An event like this gives a presence for us to be able to make a statement in the marketplace. It shows how seriously we take Scotland as a market, hence the size and scale of the stand, and the breadth of product we have on display.”
Molson is teaming up with the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity at ScotPlant 2024, with representatives from the charity given a prominent spot on the Molson stand to speak to construction workers and their families about the range of services on offer.
Develon dealer Gordons Construction Equipment unveiled the new DD130 dozer at ScotPlant. The Castle Douglas-based firm’s stand included a special appearance by British Superbike rider, Rory Skinner, who Gordons provides sponsorship to. Rory said, “This is my first time at ScotPlant. It’s been good. For me, it’s a totally different thing to look at and I’m really enjoying it. The Gordons sponsorship is massive. It allows me to put everything I can into my racing and train in the best way I can.”
WM Rose & Sons is exhibiting Merlo telehandlers and Wacker Neuson diggers and telehandlers alongside compaction equipment at ScotPlant. Director Alan Rose said, “Shows like this are brilliant to get kit in front of faces. Our stand has been pretty busy this morning. It’s great to show folk new ideas and everything that’s available in the market, and show customers a good time, have a cup of coffee and a chat. We’ve been exhibiting at ScotPlant for 25 years. We love the pitch and the weather makes it when it’s like this.”
Welfare accommodation specialist Bunkabin is exhibiting at ScotPlant for the first time, showcasing the company’s luxury diner units. Business development manager Ben Rothwell said, “We’ve always wanted to do ScotPlant. We’re excited to be here and the footfall has been quite overwhelming so far! It’s novel and it’s an exciting product for people to look at and see what’s inside.
“It’s really important that we’re here to see the Scottish (construction) community. They get to touch, feel, and see the cabins – it’s better than any website. We don’t have any salespeople, we don’t have people going round telling you what you want to hear. Our principle core is this product will work for you, if you need it.”
The first Hinowa Lightlift 33.17 in Scotland has been sold to Aurora Energy Services. The machine, bought from Access Platform Sales, will be used across Scotland on the likes of wind farm and renewables projects. Aurora’s lifting and machine services director Alasdair Noble met with APS sales director Shane Paver in the morning of ScotPlant Day One to mark the landmark deal.
ScotPlant Day Two begins tomorrow – April 27 – with doors opening at 9am. To register for your FREE ticket, visit www.scotplant.com
