FINNING UK & Ireland has published a new guide for site managers in the quarry and aggregate sector, designed to provide practical advice on improving machine efficiency, maintaining productivity, and reducing emissions.
The Mineral Products Association has reported that demand in the sector has been falling for four consecutive years, putting site operators under immense pressure. In addition, planning timelines continue to stretch, alongside tightening environmental obligations, with the additional cost of stalling operations increasingly becoming harder to absorb.
To address these challenges, Finning UK & Ireland has published an industry guide that draws on the realities of the quarry and aggregates sector, with Finning identifying over £600,000 in operational savings at a single UK quarry site during an 18 month benchmarking exercise. These savings were reportedly made through ‘smarter use’ of existing machines.
“We understand the challenges facing site operators and we are not suggesting an entire business restructure or fleet replacement is the solution here,” said Mick Knight, head of corporate and strategic accounts at Finning UK & Ireland. “Our guide offers an achievable framework – it isn’t a silver bullet, but a practical tool for managers and operators who are looking to make progress over time with what they have available to them.”
The guide offers a series of steps that operators can take to implement changes on their sites immediately, making gains across fleet, maintenance, data use and people.
“A grand overhaul of site operators isn’t a realistic option; nor does it need to be,” Mick added. “Progress in this sector needs to come from consistency around equipment, maintenance and site processes to safeguard businesses and people now, and in the future.”
The guide also highlights how improving operational visibility and strengthening site systems can help reduce downtime, improve reliability and create safer environments.
