Insulslab SFRC Launches Approved Installer Network

Following the rapid adoption of Insulslab SFRC by a series of national housebuilders, an Approved Installer Network has been launched that will provide access to a team of fully trained, highly efficient and extremely competitive ground engineers who are qualified to work with the Insulslab system.

Insulslab SFRC is a fully integrated and super insulated foundation system that has been proven to deliver time and cost savings on-site whilst achieving superior levels of thermal insulation. Constructed of interlocking expanded polystyrene (EPS) pods, Insulslab SFRC is simply laid in place to form a rigid waffle shaped slab, with steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) then poured on top to deliver the foundation up to ground floor slab level.

Since its UK launch, BBA-approved Insulslab SFRC has grown in popularity with developers as it significantly increases speed of build, supports the thermal performance of buildings and has significant savings over traditional, deep trench and pile foundations. In response to this demand, Insulslab SFRC has developed the national Approved Network to further increase the efficiency of build for developers.

Andrew Orriss, Insulslab SFRC, explains: “Whilst an Insulslab SFRC technical engineer attends the start of all new developments where the system is used, we recognised that by having a pre-approved network of ground engineers nationwide, we will remove the vulnerability of on-site training at the start of each project. Instead, there will now be fully trained ground engineers able to hit the ground running.”

As a new programme, the Insulslab SFRC Approved Network represents an opportunity for established ground engineers to diversify their service offering and achieve competitive advantage. As a fast-track method of construction which supports sustainable insulation targets, Insulslab SFRC is set to triple in volume in the next three years.

Andrew Orriss continues: “Ground engineers who achieve accreditation early on will be at a distinct advantage over those that continue to only offer traditional groundwork services. Becoming an Approved Insulslab SFRC Installer will essentially set them apart from the competition and potentially open up new routes to work with some of the UK’s major housebuilders.”

To achieve Approval, ground engineers will need to undertake a comprehensive induction with Insulslab and SFRC manufacturer, Arcelormittal. Following on from this theory based workshop, a series of on-site inspections must be completed with Approval reviewed annually. As a nationwide network, Insulslab SFRC will provide approved ground engineers with opportunities to tender for local Insulslab SFRC projects direct with the developer or main contractor.

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FAST & iase EXHIBITIONS OCTOBER 2012

Bolt it or bond it? Rivet it or clinch it? Drill it or self-pierce it? Assemble it for subsequent disassembly or put it together forever? When it comes to fastening and bonding in engineering or industrial applications there is only one exhibition dedicated exclusively to the subject – the FAST & IASE events being held at the National Motorcycle Museum on October 18th this year. The Fastening & Assembly Solutions and Technology exhibition focuses on ‘mechanical’ fastening and assembly, and the Industrial Adhesives and Sealants Exhibition does likewise in the field of adhesives.

Here, visitors can discover and discuss all the latest new products, processes and methods to have emerged recently in the field of fastening, bonding and assembly for manufacturing applications. From electronics and electrical equipment manufacture to aerospace and automotive and everything in between, this is the event that helps the UK’s leading engineers and brightest manufacturers continue to innovate, improve quality and drive down costs. Got a fastening or assembly related problem? Bring your drawings and/or parts and discuss the variety of options with some of the UK most experienced application experts!

Positioned just outside the NEC the National Motorcycle Museum will again play host to FAST & IASE with abundant free parking, and the organisers have also arranged for a free bacon roll and brew to be waiting for all pre-registered visitors on arrival, as well as a free museum pass otherwise priced at £8.95.

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EUROVIA IS 'BEST OF THE BEST'

Eurovia UK, the leading highway and infrastructure service provider, was awarded first prize in the Company Driver Safety category at the ‘Fleet Safety Forum Best of Best Awards for Excellence 2012’. Eurovia won first prize for implementing initiatives to promote safe driving among its staff members. Eurovia were also highly commended in the category Fleet Safety Innovation, which is awarded to the fleet service operator that has developed a pioneering approach to fleet safety with greatest success.

“Road safety is incredibly important to Eurovia,” says David Campbell, Eurovia’s Health, Safety and Environment Director. “We are constantly working to ensure the highest possible safety for our employees across the business and it is such a great achievement to be rewarded for our efforts. We are delighted to have won first prize for Company Driver Safety as well as been highly commended for Fleet Safety Innovation. The awards demonstrate our continued dedication and commitment to the well-being of our employees and those on the road alike.”

The Award ceremony was held at the Macdonald Burlington Hotel in Birmingham, on the 14th June.

The award success came hot off the heels of the Group’s safety campaign and competition “Drive for Life”. Launched in May 2011, the aim of the seven-month campaign was to raise awareness of road risk and to reduce the environmental impact through promoting alternative means of transport. The campaign, judged a success, saw a 30% reduction in overall driving incidents during 2011, which reflects the success of the campaign.

Eurovia’s ongoing commitment to the safety of its employees and road safety is reflected in its Corporate Responsibility strategy to further enrich, challenge and improve the company.

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LARKFLEET TARGETS RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR SOCIAL LANDLORDS WITH NEW APPOINTMENT

The Larkfleet Group has appointed a new business development manager to help secure contracts for renewable power generation such as solar panels and for energy-saving technologies such as insulation and heat pumps.

Steven Redshaw will work across several group companies including Lark Energy, Eco Building Products and Deepings Plumbing and Building Supplies, integrating their products and services into a single proposal for local authorities and housing associations.

Steven joins the Bourne-based Larkfleet Group from Skanska Residential Development where he was a senior design manager. Prior to that he held technical and managerial posts with Jacobs Engineering, Stamford Homes and Capita.

He has BTec qualifications in mecatronics (mechanical and electrical engineering) and building studies and is an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists.

Ian Greenfield, operations director at Eco Building Products, said: “Steven’s strong technical background will help us in addressing the needs of social landlords which want to make their homes more energy-efficient, cut energy bills for their tenants and reduce their overall carbon footprint.”

Steven added: “This is a tremendously exciting time to be involved in the renewable energy industry. The expertise within the Larkfleet Group means I will have a really powerful proposition to put to landlords in terms of technology, procurement and experience.”

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Mobile workforce app saves businesses almost £4m

An award-winning mobile workforce management app aimed at engineers and builders out on the road has saved its customers almost £4m since it was launched in November 2011.

MyMobileWorkers, developed by Momote is the UK’s first pay as you go workforce management app which allows a workforce to accurately log any kind of job information on a mobile phone device which is then fed into a back office system

The app eliminates the need for paper job sheets, saving time for both engineers out on the road as well as the administration time taken to process them.

Altogether the app has saved more than 280,000 hours for its customers, breaking down to £3,455,611 in field service hours and £292,782 in administration time. It has also saved customers £8,393 on the 1,721,900 sheets of paper they didn’t need to use, equating to nearly a tonne. Every tonne of recycled paper saves around 17 trees.

The app is used by companies across a variety of sectors including building maintenance, waste recycling and engineering across the North West and UK.

Suffolk based building maintenance company MC Contracts uses the pay-as-you-go mobile workforce management app to assign, track and record job details for its engineers.

The app has already saved the company 45 man-hours a week as engineers no longer have to travel to and from the head office to drop off paper job sheets. Jobs are assigned in the morning via the mobile device and engineers can get straight out on the road.

Mark Calver, managing director of MC Contracts, whose key contract is with a major housing association, said: “Investing in this new technology has been a huge boost to our company, the unique model of paying per job has meant this is affordable.

“Historically we’ve looked at similar systems and they have been cost prohibitive.

“This model of paying per maintenance visit has allowed us to improve the speed with which we can attend maintenance call-outs which benefits us as a business and also benefits the customer.

"The app means the engineer can access all the correct job information instantly at the touch of a button which saves them having to contact the office repeatedly for job details.”

Graham Whistance, founder of MyMobileWorkers, said: “Saving businesses money and increasing efficiency is one of the main reasons we launched MyMobileWorkers in the first place and the results speak for themselves.

“Mobile apps such as ours allow small businesses to get more time out of their day and spend it on higher value work.

“Tough economic conditions have highlighted the need for companies to pay close attention to the way in which their mobile workforce is managed and the pay as you go aspect of MyMobileWorkers makes it inclusive for businesses of all sizes.”

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Victoria Park renovations completed

London’s historic Victoria Park has been restored to its former splendor following the completion of a £12 million, 16 month renovation project.

The project, funded by Tower Hamlets Council and The Heritage Lottery Fund was carried out by family-owned construction, civil engineering and property services firm Osborne, which involved full renovation of the park’s facilities and grounds.

Work on the park included the construction of two large play areas with play equipment, water play features, and a Wheels Park for skateboarding and bikes as well as restoration on the Old English Garden and other landscaping work.

Additional work included restoring the listed Burdett Coutts Fountain; the Rustic Shelter; the Bandstand; and all entrances and gates and Bonner Bridge. Many of the Bonner Bridge balustrades had to be replaced, and were cast from the original panels. More than one third of the materials and labour for this project came from within a 10 mile radius of the site.

The park remained open throughout the renovation work, so the site team worked around staff, residents and the local wildlife, scheduling work around nesting season for the birds and working with English Heritage to obtain approvals for refurbishing listed structures.

Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, said: “The refurbishment was a once in a life-time opportunity to bring a much loved park up to date and the multi million pound transformation will ensure the park continues to provide excellent facilities for years to come.

I am proud of the investment which has been made as it really is the jewel in the crown for the borough.”

Tommy Chambers, Managing Director of Osborne’s Civil Engineering team, said: “The whole community have joined us in refurbishing this magnificent park, with residents getting involved in planting, and some local school children painting murals to go on our hoardings while the work was taking place. With the park remaining open throughout the renovation works, we made communication with residents and staff a key priority, so they knew what was going on and why. This park has been a key feature of the local landscape and in the lives of its residents since 1845, and these renovations have been designed to improve the experience for visitors while complimenting the park’s Victorian heritage.”

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Jersey's sand and gravel quarry takes delivery of a new Terex Finlay 683 Supertrak

A Jersey-based sand and gravel quarry has taken delivery of a new Terex Finlay 683 Supertrak from Finlay Plant Southern. Simon Sand & Gravel Limited – a fifth generation, family-owned quarry situated at St Ouen’s Bay on the west coast – has been supplying the island’s building trade since 1909.

The Terex Finlay 683 Supertrak is being used for the secondary screening and processing of quarried gravel once it has been removed from the sand.

Tracked for full mobility, the machine is fitted with a double deck live vibrating grid. It is producing stockpiles of 16-50mm, 8-16mm, less than 8mm aggregate and backfill. The double deck live vibrating grid, removes all oversize material before the final grading screen.

John Dunne, managing director of Finlay Plant Southern, a Finlay Group company, said: “Simon Sand & Gravel Limited bought the new 683 Supertrak to compliment the other machines they are using.

“We have been dealing with the company for over five years now and have supplied, amongst other things, a Terex Finlay 390 dry screener as well as three Terex Finlay 532 stockpilers, so we were pleased to be able to continue our association with them.”

Jason Simon, owner of Simon Sand & Gravel Limited, said: “Because the equipment Finlay supplied us previously had performed exceptionally well it was an easy decision to return to them for a new machine.”

“We required a mobile screener capable of being moved around the quarry with ease and being on tracks the 683 was the perfect choice.”

“Having just started selling the products from the 683 we’re getting very favourable reports from our customers – It’s always good to receive their approval.”

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Plans Submitted for New Blackburn Bus Station

Plans have been submitted for a new £4m bus station in Blackburn.

Designed by Capita Symonds – on behalf of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council – the new station will be situated in the heart of the town centre on the site of the former market, adjacent to the town’s shopping centre and a new market development.

The relocation of the bus station to the new site will increase footfall outside the shopping centre and the new market, while maintaining a direct link with the rail station and the nearby cathedral quarter development.

The brief for the bus station has been developed in conjunction with the future operators/managers of the facility who expressed a desire for a striking yet functional design that provides a safe and secure environment connected directly to the pedestrian realm. The facility will contain 14 bus stands plus an additional three layover spaces, space for public functions and community events, a café and retail kiosk and a focal hub building.

The design is conceived as a light weight elegant canopy within the centre of the town which sails over the concourse area. The two storey hub building is positioned at the southern end of the concourse and accommodates a travel information centre and public/staff welfare facilities.

The outward facing elements of the building are flat and orthogonal. In contrast, the underside of the canopy is free flowing and consists of a number of glazed slots cut in the canopy to allow daylight to penetrate onto the concourse area. Directly below each of the slots is a hanging loop which appears to be pulled down from the canopy to reveal a glazed opening. The composition of these draws inspiration from the cotton weaving looms, and drying cotton bundles, a reference to the town’s industrial past.

There are four loop types (A, B, C & D) which are arranged to alter the scale of the concourse and create a rhythm of peaks and troughs along its length. Loop A is designed to provide support to the whole canopy allowing the canopy to appear as one floating unified element.

The station forms part of the Pennine Reach rapid bus transport scheme which aims to improve public transport connectivity within East Lancashire, reduce journey times, and improve passenger facilities. The route, which covers 21 miles, will provide improved waiting facilities and passenger information, bus priority measures, and innovative payment and ticketing solutions.

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Ward Bros Takes Delivery Of New Jaw Crusher

A leading north east contract crushing company has taken delivery of a new Terex Finlay J-1160 Jaw Crusher, from Finlay Plant Northern.

Ward Bros Plant Hire Ltd, which was established in 1964 and has its headquarters in Langley Moor, County Durham, has operated in the contract crushing sector for more than 25 years.

The J-1160 is the first Terex Finlay machine Ward Bros have ordered from Finlay Plant Northern. The plant has been introduced into the company’s fleet for projects in the south of Scotland.

The machine was specified due to its versatility, quick set-up time and mobility.
Stewart Ward, of Ward Bros Plant Hire Ltd, said: “The J-1160 was the most suitable machine available for the application we required at the time.

“It is a good producer, is well-designed and operator friendly. So far it has done well.”

Charlie Nairn, managing director of Finlay Plant Northern, part of the Finlay Group of companies, said: “The mobility and compact size of the J-1160 Jaw Crusher means it can move easily to different sites and deliver a high volume of end product.”

Finlay Plant Northern is part of the Finlay Group – which comprises of eleven stand alone companies offering the most modern and diverse range of material processing equipment available in the marketplace today.

With its headquarters in Stafford, the company has a national reach across England and Wales.

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Powerwall to be Rebuilt After Acquisition by Enevis

Construction specialist Powerwall has been purchased by a leading renewable energy and engineering company in a deal that safeguards 30 local jobs.

The firm, which entered into administration on June 18, has been bought by Enevis, which operates across the UK from its base in Kent, England.

Powerwall offers a range of cutting-edge building products and techniques, including high-tech ‘off-site’ modular construction and green energy insulation solutions. Powerwall is the first UK firm to achieve a 60-year life expectancy certificate for its external insulation materials from the British Board of Agrement.

This deal underpins Powerwall’s future, protecting the company's proud history of manufacturing render in the area, by joining forces with Enevis, which has established a strong foothold in the construction and renewables industry during the past 25 years.

As part of the acquisition Powerwall will split into two separate divisions; Enewall, which supplies renders and aggregates, which will be branded Powerwall; and Enemetric, which will focus on revolutionary Volumetric Space Frame Systems.

Enevis’ investment allows Powerwall’s industry-leading specialisms to be incorporated into its complementary portfolio of products and services.

The company can now offer a full turnkey solution from initial design and concept through to the delivery of bespoke, high-tech ‘off-site’ modular buildings featuring the latest cost-saving renewable energies, all installed by an in-house and expert team of engineers.

Gary Mayatt, Managing Director of Enevis and the newly formed Enewall and Enemetric, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have completed the purchase of Powerwall, the construction industry experts with whom we have developed a fantastic working relationship during the past 10 months.

“Like many companies, Powerwall has been affected by difficult trading conditions brought on by the current economic and financial crisis and was forced into administration. We are pleased to welcome Enewall and Enemetric, an established brand and recognised market leader in Scotland, into the Enevis group of companies. The newly named companies will form an integral part of our future UK business strategy.

“This acquisition brings stability to the company, its staff and customers. It also maximises the key strengths of both parties, allowing us to provide a greater range of services to a greater number of clients.

“By completing this significant financial and managerial investment we have added an invaluable string to our bow. We are now able to offer cost-saving, green energy services and solutions in modular building construction, mechanical and electrical engineering and renewable energy fields – meaning we can design, construct and fit bespoke, money-saving buildings for customers across the UK.”

The acquisition was completed seven weeks after Powerwall went into administration.

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ISG Chalks Up Latest South Wales Framework Schemes

ISG has secured a further two projects via the influential Cardiff City Framework, which is the delivery vehicle for a comprehensive range of public sector capital works schemes across the city. These latest wins focus on the modernisation and improvement of existing Cardiff school facilities and build upon ISG’s burgeoning portfolio of projects across South Wales.

At Ysgol-Y-Wern Primary School, ISG will carry out a complex three-phased programme, following the enlargement of the school on the site. The project will see ISG strip out sections of the school buildings and complete a wide-ranging refurbishment, including reconfiguration of internal accommodation, the installation of new mechanical and electrical services, floor coverings and suspended ceilings and comprehensive redecoration.

Phase one of the scheme focuses on the refurbishment of the existing main school entrance and the construction of a new entrance lobby. Later phases include provision of a new kitchen, staff room, wet play areas and work benches. Externally, the project will involve alterations to the existing play areas along with a new footpath and a tensile fabric canopy.

ISG has worked closely with the school’s management team to agree the phased programme, which will involve the school vacating areas of the building while work is carried out then moving into the completed sections on a rolling programme. Robust measures have been put in place to ensure each phase is safely isolated from staff and pupils during term time, and work will continue into the next academic year with handover scheduled for autumn 2012.

At Llanishen High School, ISG has been appointed to refurbish an existing sports hall. The 18-week programme will see ISG strip out the sports hall, including the changing rooms, floors and all external wall and roof cladding, remodelling the changing rooms to enhance overall accessibility and provide upgraded shower and changing facilities. The environmental performance of the building will also be upgraded as part of the scheme, with ISG installing new insulation materials to the walls and roof. The sports hall floor will be re-surfaced and a small extension constructed to create a reception area, offices and storage space.

The facility will be a true multi-use community space, where examinations, dance and theatrical productions can take place. To suit these various uses, new modern, highly efficient mechanical and electrical services will also be installed in the building, including an intelligent lighting system within the sports hall.

ISG’s John Rawlinson, managing director – South West, commented: “Close liaison with the end-user has been an essential element of developing an achievable programme of works to deliver this highly complex, phased live environment project. Understanding the school’s specific requirements and key operational considerations has been a highly important stage in the scheduling process and we are confident that this dialogue will prove instrumental in helping us efficiently deliver this significant regional project.”

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Karadere Dam

Karadere Dam is built for irrigation purposes and located between Kastamonu and Taşköprü. The scope of work includes 1.500.000 m3 of excavation, 3.000.000 m3 of fill and 497 meters long diversion tunnel with 3,5 m diameter.

Karadere is a clay-core zoned eartfill type dam having a crest of 309 m long and 90 m high from the foundation level.
Client General Directorate of State Water Works (DSI)

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Damad Dam

Damad Dam is located in the Damad Valley approximately 50 km northeast of the Jizan city in Saudi Arabia. The dam is designed for flood control and irrigation of farmland. Damad is a roller compacted concrete (RCC) type dam having the reservoir volume of 55 million m3 while its crest height is 52 m from the foundation level and the crest length is 592 m.
Client Ministry of Water and Electricity in Saudia Arabia

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Borçka Dam and HEPP

Borçka Dam and HEPP was designed and built on the Çoruh River, 30 km from the Artvin City in the Black Sea Region, by an international consortium where Yüksel is a member. Borçka Dam is a central clay cored fill and has a crest length of 728 m, it enjoys a 7.785.000 m³ backfill volume, and a 300 MW installed capacity and the eventual goal is to generate 1.039 GWh of power annually. The Civil Construction of the Dam was undertaken by Yüksel - Strabag (Austria) - Temelsu; while its electro-mechanical and hydro-mechanical works were undertaken by Austrian firms Va Tech Elin, Va Tech Voest, Verbundplan and Voith Sulzer. Later on, transfer of the Borçka-Artvin State Highway to over the dam lake is also included into the contract and this is being executed by Yüksel İnşaat A.Ş.

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ISG Chalks Up Latest Wins Via The North West Construction Hub

ISG has added to its growing portfolio of projects in South Wales, taking on a scheme at Coed Glas Primary School as part of the influential Cardiff City Council Framework. The project represents a major investment by the council into modernising and enhancing learning facilities at schools.

The fast-track contract sees ISG work across the whole school site delivering both internal and external improvements. Enhancing accessibility is a key element of the scheme, with the contractor remodelling and modernising the school entrance and installing a new three-storey lift to the main teaching block. Within this building, ISG will also reconfigure and rationalise space to create a new library area and cloakroom.

The school’s catering facilities will be comprehensively upgraded, with ISG stripping out the kitchen and reconfiguring the space to provide a modern working environment. Mechanical and electrical services will be replaced with new efficient systems and modern catering equipment will be installed by the council. Nursery accommodation will also be improved with ISG building a single-storey masonry extension, which will house new welfare facilities.

Externally, the existing car park will be extended to provide additional capacity and ISG will carry out a range of hard and soft landscaping finishes. The project is scheduled to complete in time for the start of the new academic year in September.

ISG’s John Rawlinson, managing director – South West, commented: “As a method of delivering essential public sector construction projects in a cost effective, transparent and collaborative manner, the Cardiff City Council Framework has proved a highly effective procurement vehicle. Driving efficiencies across the supply chain is a key aspect of the framework and ISG’s continuing success securing high profile schemes with the council is indicative of our ability to consistently deliver quality projects on time and within budget.”

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CONTRACT FOR A57 TODWICK BYPASS AWARDED TO RINGWAY

Following the decision from Local Transport Minister, Norman Baker, to conduct an improvement programme on the dual carriageway at the A57 in Rotherham, Ringway, a leading highway construction provider, has successfully been awarded the contract which is estimated to be worth £14m.

The scheme, which will be carried out on behalf of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, will provide a new dual carriageway, approximately 1.6km in length, running from junction 31 of the M1 to the junction with the B6463.

“Our successful bid for the A57 contract is fantastic news and comes after many years of working within effective partnerships with Rotherham” says Kevin Graham, Divisional Director of Ringway, “It will give us the opportunity to use our local workforce and knowledge to really improve this vital part of the South Yorkshire road network.”

The A57, in its current state, is said to be one of South Yorkshire’s most notorious accident blackspots. The new dual carriageway will improve safety and also relieve major trafficking issues in the area. It is also thought that the improved access will bring increased investment into the area, unlocking the economic growth potential in Dinnington.

The works are expected to begin on site in August 2012, with the new road to open by December 2013.

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Sustainable security solutions for the construction industry offered by Eco Security

Four independent companies are combining their expertise to offer the construction industry a sustainable as well as cost effective solution to the ever increasing problem of security on construction projects.

Building materials, plant and machinery are tempting targets for opportunist thieves as well as organised gangs; it is not surprising therefore that criminal activity is costing the construction industry in excess of £1m per day. Environmental issues are also an important factor within the construction industry with companies looking to minimise each project’s carbon footprint.

GR8 Security, Unipart Security Solutions Ltd, Zicam Smart Security Systems and Infobric have formed the Eco Security alliance which will enable them to collectively offer a comprehensive integrated security solution for virtually any construction project. This includes the installation and remote monitoring of video surveillance and intruder detection systems, as well as manned guarding services.

Zicam is proudly spearheading the project. “We are confident that the Eco Security alliance can play a major role in helping the construction industry deter and detect theft, as well as creating a safe and secure environment for staff,” said Milan Mazic managing director for Zicam Smart Security Systems. “The four companies in the alliance are working together out of mutual respect for the abilities of each other and with one objective in mind, i.e. to build long term business relationships with clients by providing best in class security solutions which are affordable, intelligent and sustainable.”

GR8 Security Ltd provides security project management and facility management services whilst Zicam Smart Security Systems is an installer of video surveillance and detection security systems and Unipart Security operates an NSI Gold Category II ARC and RVRC accredited Monitoring & Response Centre.

Infobric is regarded as key to the success of the alliance as it offers software which assists construction companies in monitoring health & safety compliance, as well as tracking the use of its human resources. A unique feature of the Eco Security initiative is the Infobric software platform which can help prevent unauthorised personnel gaining access to restricted areas. Infobric uses smartcards to obtain and report real-time, up-to-date information from a construction site and by doing so can help ensure that the right personnel are at the right place equipped with the correct equipment. The software can also contribute to productivity by, for example, keeping a database of which workers have been trained to use machinery, as well as on site H&S procedures.

The four independent companies will now focus on providing the very best of their first class services within the industry.

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Masternaut Asset Track satellite surveillance system prevents theft of plant and construction equipment

XMasternaut Three X has launched a tracking service for valuable plant and construction equipment using satellite surveillance. Called Masternaut Asset Track, a covert tracking device installed in the equipment transmits the precise location of the asset and communicates this via the Internet. This eye in the sky system prevents theft and, therefore, minimises disruption to businesses that rely on constant availability of their assets to perform their jobs.

Asset Track provides many benefits that result from gaining real-time visibility of the plant or equipment. Using a web browser on a PC or hand held device, Asset Track users can see exactly where their equipment is situated and whether or not it is in use. The moment it moves out of a pre-defined area, the system raises the alarm and notifies the customer via email or text message. This will ensure that stolen equipment can be recovered quickly.

For plant hire companies, the system provides a record of usage for Pay-As-You-Use services. Customers are given accurate invoices, backed up by the system’s monitoring capability. In addition, because the ‘hirer’ is responsible for assets on loan to them they now also have peace of mind from knowing that the equipment is fitted with a real-time tracking device and in the event of it being stolen it can be traced and retrieved.

Asset Track has been engineered for easy installation, robustness and longevity. The simple two wire connection and integrated long-life back-up battery provide a fit-it-and-forget-it solution to tamperproof equipment tracking. Furthermore, because Asset Track is based on proven Masternaut Three X technology, users will also benefit from lower insurance premiums and excesses.

"Masternaut Asset Track provides a simple and extremely effective method of location and recovery of stolen equipment. It is a foolproof system that gives instant warning of theft. It helps a customer retrieve their equipment and prevents them falling foul of opportunistic as well as organised criminals. In addition, customers can use the system to help prepare accurate itemised invoices for pay for use equipment hire. Asset Track provides a reliable way to accurately measure usage of the plant or equipment and thereby prevents disputes arising," said Martin Port, MD, Masternaut Three X.

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Interactive information application (App) for European Plant & Machinery Sales by Moffat Consulting & Technology

Leading used equipment and machinery suppliers - European Plant and Machinery Sales - is the latest company to have a new interactive iPhone / iPad Application (App) developed for them by Moffat Consulting & Technology, the technology arm of Resale Weekly.

European Plant and Machinery Sales wanted to help improve the overall satisfaction and efficiency of potential buyers and sellers in the global marketplace. By partnering with Moffat Consulting & Technology to help solve this business challenge, they designed and created an application (App) for the business that could be viewed on smart phones and tablets by prospective buyers and sellers.

The new EPM App, as it has become known, enables the user to browse equipment by category (for example Excavators or Wheeled Loaders) to produce a subset listing of machinery that is displayed in a digital ‘stock book’, outlining available products classified by: model, year, hours, location, with the addition of the price and include a recent photograph.

A ‘Services’ section was also built into the EPM App which the user can use to message the workshop, the export office at European Plant and Machinery Sales, or make a serious enquiry about a particular piece of machinery which then may result in a sale. The EPM App is now available as a FREE download from the iTunes Store.

Grant McGregor, Partner at European Plant and Machinery Sales explains how this application has enhanced the business: “Our business operates on a truly global basis and as a result we need to find ways of reaching that global marketplace. By creating the new EPM App we have made it significantly easier for our buyers and seller to review our stock list anywhere in the world at any time of day. We have already seen a significant increase in the interest in our stock and products and are confident this new application will increase plant interest and sales.”

Daniel Moffat, MD at Moffat Consulting & Technology explains the challenges of this project and the successful outcome: “Moffat Consulting & Technology is fast establishing a name as one of the premiere builders of this type of iPhone / iPad application for the construction machinery and equipment sector. We understand how to package and present machinery and construction equipment for sale, having almost 50 years experience classifying and promoting it for sale through Resale Weekly. The EPM App for European Plant and Machinery Sales has already started to change the way the business sells and seeks buyers but we are already refining the software with a number of new functions that will be launched in version 2.0 in a matter of months.”

European Plant and Machinery Sales specialises in the sales of all types of construction equipment, primarily Caterpillar, Komatsu, Hitachi, JCB, Volvo, New Holland and Doosan, as well as other leading makes.

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Caterpillar opens new assembly line of underground mining loaders in Brazil

Caterpillar has opened a new assembly line of underground mining loaders in Brazil. In response to the continuing strong demand for mining equipment, Cat now is manufacturing the R1600G LHD in the long established Caterpillar facility in São Paulo State. The new line establishes a second source for Cat® LHDs, which previously have been manufactured solely in Tasmania, Australia.

The R1600G is one of five models of Caterpillar® underground loaders, and it is the most popular of the line in Latin America. Its increased availability especially will benefit miners throughout Central and South America. Caterpillar has seen particularly strong growth in demand for underground equipment in Brazil, Chile, Peru and Mexico. Moving all R1600G manufacturing to Brazil also opens space for expanded production of other loader models in Australia.

The Caterpillar Brazil plant near Piracicaba has a 53-year history of manufacturing excellence. The plant now employs about 5,000 people and manufactures 28 different machine models within the families of hydraulic excavators, wheel loaders, compactors, motor graders, backhoe loaders and track-type tractors. The plant consistently delivers new products at high quality levels and has earned many ISO certifications and quality awards.

The newest Brazil product, the R1600G, is a 65,700-pound (29 800-kilogram) machine when loaded. It carries a payload of about 22,490 pounds (10 200 kilograms), and it is powered by a Cat engine producing 268 horsepower (200 kilowatts). The versatile loader is designed to load its bucket and to carry the material to a dump point, or it can load underground trucks. The machine’s robust structures are designed especially for durability in the challenging underground environment.

“The expanded manufacturing base will have a significant impact on the availability of new machines for our customers,” said Chris Curfman, president of Caterpillar Global Mining. “This is an important step, too, in moving toward our goal of being the global leader in underground hard rock mining equipment.”

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