High-tech simulator will be just the ticket for training academy
GOLDCAST Academy has revealed to Project Plant that it is in the process of launching a simulator as part of a multi-million-pound project which...
Don’t let HAVS take hold of tool operators
By Martin O’Boyle, technical compliance manager at VJ Technology, suppliers of fasteners, tools, fixings and associated products to the UK’s construction and civil engineering...
New depot gives Scot JCB flexibility for future
SCOT JCB is confident the firm’s new Edinburgh depot will give the business an extra edge in an increasingly competitive job market.
The firm recently...
Getting to know… Tim Wadsworth
TIM Wadsworth is sales director of Hydrema UK, having initially joined the business to work with his father some 33 years ago.
Since then, he...
Getting to know Alistair Hodge
Alistair Hodge founded Hodge Plant 30 years ago with just one machine. Today the business has a substantial fleet of premium equipment for sale...
Mini machines fill the final gap in JCB range
JCB is expanding its Next Generation line of mini and midi-excavators, with the launch of two 2.5-tonne models. Here, Dan Gilkes gives his take...
The unsung heroes of the Covid pandemic
HOUSEHOLD waste has increased during the Covid-19 pandemic. According to the Environmental Services Association (ESA), every household in the country produces an estimated one...
Island stay provides a welcome antidote
ORGANISERS of FINROCK 2021, a live virtual exhibition for plant operators, construction professionals and heavy equipment enthusiasts, have hailed the event a roaring success.
Hosted...
Optimum bearing selection for mines and quarries
Mining and quarrying are among the toughest of industrial environments, with dust contamination posing a real threat to plant and machinery. David Oliver, channel...
Getting to know…Gordon Cameron
Gordon Cameron has been involved in the plant industry for many years now, working his way up to become managing director of Hardox Wearparts...
Miller time
AFTER purchasing a machine to carry out drainage on their family farm in rural Aberdeenshire in the 1960s, the Miller family began completing contracts...
“People will put their money where it makes sense”
ACCORDING to Andy Black, founder of Relentless Plant Services, breakers now make up about 40% of the flourishing firm's business.
This is partly due to...
On the Hunt for ‘durability and service’
HUNTSMANS have chosen another Atlas Copco HB 5800 breaker for primary breaking in its Cotswolds quarry.
The quarry has been operating since 1918 and now...
The right side of the tracks
AFTER joining his father's drainage company as a machine operator straight from school, Gareth McLaughlin is now Sales Manager for Kilwinning-based Kattrak International Limited.
Specialising...
As good as gold: Taylor & Braithwaite mark 50 years in business
TODAY, Cumbria-based Taylor & Braithwaite services the north of England and Scotland, with a Hyundai excavator dealership for the north of England and crushing...
Honesty is best policy for Hardox Wearparts Stirling
“IT’S great to be part of an organisation that’s actively trying to grow and capture new opportunities as the mists of the recession start...
Empteezy does it
Livingston-based spillage containment firm Empteezy recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. Project Plant’s Fraser Rummens met with founder Bruce Wishart to discuss the history of...
Getting to know… John McGrath
John McGrath recently retired from his role as senior lecturer in plant mechanics at Glasgow Kelvin College.
John, who’s also chairman of the Glasgow branch...
Five benefits of going green on-site
SITES in the construction sector are turning green in order to combat the challenges climate change presents to our society. Alongside the environmental concerns...
Staying safe while working at height in poor weather
Matthew Bailey, divisional manager for inspection and certification at HCL Safety, explores what those working at height, and those responsible for their safety, need...
Family values remain at the heart of Young Plant
BRIAN Young has revealed it’s been very much business as usual at Young Plant Sales despite selling to the Molson Group.
Brian, who has agreed...
Anatomy of a quality steel
One breaker steel looks much like another, so it can be difficult to make sensible judgements about quality. Linlithgow-based Rock Force shared some of...
Murphy’s law
ADRIAN Murphy was appointed CEO at Blue Group last year, tasked initially with bringing increased coordination across the various businesses.
Having held senior role at...
Kubota enjoys last laugh with historic milestone
When mini-excavators were first introduced to the British market in the 1970s, some scoffed at the concept. As Kubota celebrates its 50,000th excavator sale...
Quick off the mark: latest X-Series model treads well-worn path
JCB has expanded its X-Series crawler excavator portfolio with the launch of the 145XR – a second reduced tailswing model. Here, Dan Gilkes gets...
Getting to know…Adam Bruce
ADAM Bruce, managing director of AB2000, founded the plant hire company back in 1995. Despite vowing at the time to have a fleet of...
Getting to know…David Marshall
David Marshall was appointed Worsley Plant’s area sales manager for Scotland after impressing MD Sean Heron when he worked on the attachment specialist’s stand...
Live, Move and Fight: life in the Army Reserves Plant Division
HAVING started as a private soldier in the Army Reserves in 1994, Dave Hanley, now Capt. Dave Hanley, has managed to turn his beloved...
A moment to ‘Take’ in 20 years of progress
Takeuchi UK has come a long way since establishing a home in Rochdale, Lancashire in 1996. Gary Moug reports on how the firm has become a...
Breaking new ground: a year with 71 Engineer Regiment
71 Engineer Regiment is made up of three Squadrons including Paisley-based 102 Field Squadron, which specialises in construction plant and combat infrastructure.
They’ve had a...
