THE MD of East Kilbride-headquartered LCF Engineering has paid tribute to the collective desire within Scotland’s plant and construction sectors to come together to support crucial causes.
Fraser Ross’ comments come after the firm had a Dynapac CC1200 double drum vibratory roller commissioned in support of Prostate Scotland, with the machine sporting the charity’s branding alongside QR codes to donation pages.
The initiative is in collaboration with Your Equipment Solutions (YES), after the Falkirk firm began fundraising for the charity following its operations director, Alex Johnstone, being diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Rather than making a straight donation, LCF Engineering had the machine commissioned before giving it to YES to hire out with all revenue then being donated to Prostate Scotland – with hopes that it can also spark important conversations on sites, or at the very least plant a thought to be mindful of experiencing any symptoms of prostate cancer.
“Sir Chris Hoy has spoken about prostate cancer recently and he’s unfortunately terminal,” Fraser said. “There’s not any screening on the NHS until you’re a certain age, but it can affect people of all ages – and it’ll hopefully make people think if there’s anything abnormal to go and get checked.”
The machine was first engaged on the redevelopment of the Hunterston Marine Yard in Ayrshire, which would’ve seen a number of different operatives come into contact with the charity’s branding on the £150 million project.
“The idea is that we want to move it around as many sites as possible to keep the momentum going,” Fraser explained. “Albeit we’re commanding a bit of a rate for it, but people know it’s going to a good cause; as opposed to paying £150, they’re maybe paying £200 a week now and it’s all going to charity.”
Fraser said many companies have shared images of the Prostate Scotland branding on their social media pages after coming across the roller on site, with construction professionals also taking the time to scan the QR codes and donate to the crucial cause.
With the campaign having raised £11,000 already, Gregor Mabbot, branch director at YES, hailed the efforts from the construction sector, “We were absolutely thrilled when LCF contacted us to offer support to Alex’s fundraising event for prostate cancer,” he said. “The campaign itself has raised over £11,000 so far, which is fantastic and we are indebted to Dynapac for the great product itself and also the donation they made to the charity, and to our customer RJ McLeod who agreed to hire the equipment first.
“It is great to see such good cohesion and collaboration in the construction industry to support a charity very dear to our hearts. Let’s hope this creates even more awareness of prostate cancer in general.”
“Everyone has been very, very giving and helpful,” Fraser added. “It’s raised money for charity and the idea is, whoever ends up buying it, it would be good to have it permanently stickered up – because wherever it goes people will know the story behind it.”
Headquartered in the Swedish city of Karlskrona, with a UK base in Rugby, Dynapac is keen to see the machine continue raising awareness and funds.
Steven Wishart, area manager at the firm, said, “Myself and Dynapac UK are delighted to have been involved with this project and the supply of this specially commissioned CC1200 roller to support such a great cause and raise awareness of prostate cancer. Those who can, please donate to this worthy cause.”
The Dynapac range itself has proved popular throughout its time at LCF Engineering, with a number of different firms utilising the innovation. The products also attracted plenty of attention on LCF Engineering’s ScotPlant 2024 stand.
“The quality of Dynapac is very, very good,” Fraser added, before telling how the additional perks – such as its extensive safety features, GPS-ready, Seismic compaction control, and Kubota engine – prove popular with users.
LCF Engineering, which also supplies equipment from brands including Caterpillar, Hatz, CNF, and Husqvarna, recently opened a base in Kilmarnock to house its larger machinery and build on its belief that the correct solution is easier to find in-person, rather than relying solely on brochures and sales pitches.
“The Kilmarnock yard gives us more room to hold stock, so if someone comes along and asks to try a machine, they can realise the benefits,” Fraser continued. “It is right next to the A71 and 77, so a lot of cars pass and through that we’ve sold a couple machines – it’s been a good move.”
The firm is set to host an open day in early 2025 at the Kilmarnock base, where customers will have the opportunity to get a closer look at the machines.
