COPIED
5 mins

OPERATOR CHALLENGE 2025 EVENT

MEET THE SPONSORS

JCB needs no introduction. Founded in 1945 by Joseph Cyril Bamford in Uttoxeter, JCB has revolutionized the construction equipment sector. The company remains family-owned, employing over 11,000 people worldwide. From their famous backhoe loader to the latest X Series tracked excavators, JCB is at the forefront of the industry. For this year’s event, every machine will be a JCB, ensuring top-notch performance and cutting-edge technology on the challenge area.

Astrak, based in Hampshire, is a major supplier of undercarriage parts, wear parts, and rubber tracks for construction machinery. For over 20 years, Astrak has been producing high-quality wear parts that are durable and reliable. This year, they will supply their GeoXD Buckets for the competition, known for their precision and toughness.

FJDynamics specializes in machine control systems and excavator guidance systems. They are revolutionizing how machinery is operated on construction sites with centimetre-level accuracy in their systems. Their cutting-edge technology, including blade control systems, provides operators with real-time guidance. As the technology sponsor for the event, FJDynamics will be showcasing their innovative FJD G31 GPS systems for operators to try out.

From a small Bavarian workshop in 1971 to a global leader, Kinshofer Group now operates across 13 countries, with 24 companies and over 4,500 proprietary products.

They serve industries from construction and demolition to rail maintenance, forestry, and mining, all with the same goal: improving efficiency through innovation.

One highlight to look out for is the NOX Tiltrotator. With 360° continuous rotation, up to 2x50° tilting, no external cylinders, and sizes for 0.8t to 25t machines, it’s a versatile, German-engineered powerhouse.

Versaffix is proud to be the UK’s first tiltrotator manufacturer. Since our founding in 2020, we’ve gone from strength to strength, producing high-performance tiltrotators for excavators from 3–22 tonnes that rival the very best on the market.

Our products are designed to reduce labour costs, save time, and boost efficiency – helping you finish jobs faster or earn more per hour, so you can drive your business forward.

With our headquarters right here in the UK, we provide a responsive, comprehensive, and local service that ensures you get the support you need, when you need it.

Hammerglass are a Swedish company who specialise in machine screens and protection. Their namesake product is a high-performance glass with nano surface-treated polycarbonate. A durable and wear-resistant polycarbonate sheet, 300 times stronger than glass and virtually unbreakable.

Hammerglass screens are coated with a thin film of silicon oxide, which protects against scratches and wear and tear. Nanotechnological surface treatment renders Hammerglass resistant to most chemicals, and helps to prevent pollutants from exhaust fumes, oil and asphalt from adhering to Hammerglass as easily as to ordinary glass. The surface treatment also provides 99.96% UV protection, which means the material will not cloud, discolour or undergo any other change in optical quality over time. Hammerglass does not contribute to spreading flames in the event of fire. With its array of positive features, and half the weight of conventional glass, Hammerglass is an excellent choice both for new installation and glass replacement in construction machinery.

Steelwrist, founded in Sweden in 2005, is the world’s leading manufacturer of tiltrotators and quick couplers for excavators. Their products, like the XTR15 and XTR23, are designed to provide greater flexibility, control, and productivity on construction sites. Steelwrist’s products are recognized for their quality and innovation.

Flannery Plant Hire, based in London, is the UK’s largest plant hire company, with a fleet of over 5,000 machines spread across 13 depots nationwide. Their fleet includes everything from mini excavators to electric and hybrid machines, including the JCB 525-60E telehandler and the 19C-1E electric mini excavator. Flannery’s Skills Huboffers operator training, ensuring that all operators are fully prepared for safe and efficient machine use.

ZTL Contractors specializes in earthworks, ground improvement, and demolition. They operate across the North of England and Midlands, focusing on sustainable construction practices with their Zero to Landfill policy. As part of the Applebridge Family, ZTL offers services such as site remediation, geotechnical investigations, and bulk earthworks. Their commitment to sustainability is at the heart of their operations.

Collins Earthworks are one of the UK’s leading earthworks contractors, celebrating 25 years in operation in 2025. With a reputation for innovation, growth and a commitment to major infrastructure, they’ll be bringing that same energy to the Operator Challenge. Since their formation in 2000, Collins have completed hundreds of large-scale projects and continue to expand their fleet with the latest hybrid and electric machines. In 2023, they became a carbon neutral business and acquired the dormant Ball Eye Quarry in Derbyshire — giving them greater control over materials and supply. Collins also run a number of machines on HVO fuel, helping reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90%.

Conquip Engineering Group, based in London, provides lifting solutions and material handling equipment for construction sites. Their product offerings include lifting frames, skip systems, and bulk material handling solutions. Conquip’s focus on improving safety and efficiency on construction sites has earned them a reputation as a reliable partner for large-scale infrastructure projects.

Rockthorne Asset Finance, located in the West Midlands, specializes in providing asset financing solutions for businesses in the construction industry. Their services include hire purchase, finance leases, and asset-backed lending, allowing businesses to acquire machinery without large upfront costs. Rockthorne’s flexibility and tailored financing options ensure that companies can invest in the machinery they need to grow without financial strain.

MachineTech, based in the UK, and officially launching into the market at the Plantworx show, provides multi-brand GNSS machine control hire and sales for construction machinery. They also specialize in providing solutions for the hire market, including machine installations, site setup, telematics, and technical support across the UK.

Rototilt, headquartered in Hudiksvall, Sweden, specializes in tiltrotators, quick couplers, and excavator attachments. Their products, including the RC Series tiltrotators, enable 360-degree rotation and 45-degree tilting, giving operators more control and flexibility. Rototilt is known for its high-quality, durable attachments that improve both operator safety and productivity on the job site. They are also part of the Open-S Alliance, ensuring compatibility with other equipment manufacturers.

Rockthorne Plant Hire, a sister company to Rockthorne Asset Finance, provides plant hire solutions to the construction industry. Offering a wide range of machinery, including excavators, dumpers, and telehandlers, Rockthorne Plant Hire ensures that businesses can access the equipment they need for projects of any size. With a focus on providing reliable, well-maintained equipment, they are a trusted partner for contractors across the UK.

Established in 1998, Auger Torque quickly earned a reputation for robust, high-performance earthmoving attachments, particularly Earth Drills and Trenchers.

Their products work across a wide variety of machines: excavators, skid steers, and backhoes, and are engineered to handle the toughest conditions in construction, agriculture, and landscaping.

Auger Torque will be bringing their full attachment range to PlantWorx, showcasing the innovation and durability that have made them a trusted global name.

This article appears in Issue 27

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Issue 27
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WELCOME
We’re only a month away from the Awesome
THE PERFECT PACKAGE
Steelwrist UK, SMT Great Britain (SMT GB), exclusive dealers of Volvo Construction Equipment, have proved to be a perfect combination for Porteous Groundworks, one of the leading contractors in the South West of England who recently took delivery of a brand new top of the range Volvo EC260 FL5 excavator.
THE BLUE WONDER
If you like your heavy kit big, unique
TARMAC RAMPS UP PRODUCTION
THANKS TO ZAPPSHELTER
A BOOST FOR THE BASIN
After growing up close to the Red River in the Haynesville Basin, LA, it was devastating for Denzil Blount to see rising flood waters impact his local community. Working in the construction sand industry, he got talking to his neighbour, Marcus Morton, about what they could do to combat this problem.
BLUE MACHINERY APPOINTED GB DISTRIBUTOR FOR MAGNA
Blue Machinery is proud to announce its appointment as the distributor for the Terex MAGNA brand across Great Britain. This strategic agreement means that Blue Scotland, Blue Central, and Blue Southern will now supply the full MAGNA product portfolio within their respective territories.
HARD WORK made easy
The SANY 305C is a 30-tonne all-rounder capable of ensuring stable operations day in, day out.
CONFIDENCE INSPIRING
CASE CONSTRUCTION
EASY DOES IT... with ROTOTILT
Mastering new technology as it emerges in the
ADVANCING CIRCULAR CONSTRUCTION
ALLU’S NEW SCREENING BUCKET TRANSFORMS ASPHALT RECYCLING
AN AUSTRALIAN SUCCESS STORY
Dalger Civil Pty Ltd invests in another JCB JZ140LC
Astrak: Powering a New Global Era in undercarriage & wear Parts.
Established in 2003 by Richard Paterson, Astrak initially focused on the niche market of excavator rubber tracks. From these local beginnings, the business has expanded dramatically over the past two decades to become a significant global player.
ASTRAK
The decision to rebrand is underpinned by a
INTRODUCING OPEN-S
Open-S is the open standard for fully automatic quick couplers for excavators, giving machine operators and contractors around the world the freedom to combine machine couplers, tiltrotators and tools from compliant manufacturers. It builds on the established symmetrical S standard.
A PROUD HISTORY OF INNOVATION
Since 1986, Rototilt has been at the forefront of tiltrotator manufacturing, offering machine couplers, system solutions, and service to the global excavator market. The company’s commitment to innovation and engineering has helped it provide tailored solutions, enhancing flexibility and efficiency for its customers.
RAISING STANDARDS, PROMOTING INNOVATION
Founded in 2005, Steelwrist has grown from a small company into a global leader in tiltrotators, quick couplers, and work tools that enhance the versatility of excavators. The company has been a major driver behind the Open-S standard, which promotes compatibility across different manufacturers’ products.
Wheatway Solutions push for continued innovation
Back in June of this year, Wheatway Solutions became the first British manufacturer to join the Open-S Alliance. The company, best known for its Gyru-Star screening buckets, is currently in the process of developing an interface for hydraulic quick couplers designed specifically for Gyru-Star attachments.
Kinshofer Supports Aims of Open-S Alliance
Kinshofer GmbH, which continues to encourage technological development,
VOLVO CE CHAMPIONS SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY WITH OPEN-S
Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has been a pioneer in the construction sector, leading the way in safety and efficiency. In 2021, Volvo CE became the first original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to support the Open-S initiative, further cementing its commitment to operational standardization.
25 YEARS ON AND STILL GROWING
Part of a group of companies generating in excess of £250m per annum, Midlands-based Collins Earthworks has been managing major earthmoving and civil engineering projects throughout the UK for 25 years.
PIONEERING THE FUTURE OF CONSTRUCTION IN TEXAS
In the ever-changing market of construction in Texas,
SETTING SOLID FOUNDATIONS
There has been a requirement for the construction of a new, special needs school in Gloucester for many years. With funding secured, the council has recently broken ground on the stunning new development in the Wheatridge area of the city.
GIVING MACHINES A SECOND LIFE
How Dubai powers the Global Market for Used Construction Equipment
ENGINEERING THE FUTURE OF WORK
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES IN ELECTRIFIED WORK FUNCTIONS
XE135E RETURNS
Experience the Power and Intelligence of a 15-Ton Star Excavator
DEEPLY COMMITTED TO THE FUTURE
Cummins and Komatsu share a vision of a cleaner mining industry
BIG SITES BIG DATA BIG TECH
How integration platforms keep large-scale sites digging in the right direction
MAKING CONCRETE WASHOUT EASIER AND SAFER
Concrete waste management is a critical part of maintaining a safe, compliant and environmentally responsible construction site.
SHOWCASING THE BEST IN CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AND INNOVATION
From the 23rd to 25th September, Newark Showground will host over 300 exhibitors. PlantWorx 2025 will be an encapsulation of the future of the construction industry.
Awesome Earthmovers Recommends
Merlo UK will return to PlantWorx 2025 with
KRAMP BRINGS THE GOODS...
1951, Varsseveld, The Netherlands; Dutch entrepreneur Johan Kramp
WHAT TO EXPECT...
With Plantworx 2025 just around the corner, the Awesome Earthmovers Operator Challenge is gearing up to be one of the most exciting events of the exhibition. Taking place from 23rd to 25th September at the Newark Showground, the competition will showcase the impressive skills of operators from across the UK. The best part? The challenges aren’t just about speed, skill, and precision; it’s all about having fun too!
THE CHALLENGES
This year’s challenges are designed to test every operator’s skill, precision, and control. Sponsored by some of the biggest names in the industry, each challenge promises to be as entertaining as it is challenging. Here’s what’s in store:
MEET THE SPONSORS
JCB needs no introduction. Founded in 1945 by Joseph Cyril Bamford in Uttoxeter, JCB has revolutionized the construction equipment sector. The company remains family-owned, employing over 11,000 people worldwide. From their famous backhoe loader to the latest X Series tracked excavators, JCB is at the forefront of the industry. For this year’s event, every machine will be a JCB, ensuring top-notch performance and cutting-edge technology on the challenge area.
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