Constantly making investments in its fleet and staff, the company was founded by David Collins, firstly as a sole trader, then registering Collins Contractors Plant Hire in 2000. Six years later, its trading name was changed to Collins Earthworks, and today it operates through eight affiliated companies, each specialising in a distinct area. These subsidiaries include divisions dedicated to earthworks, demolition, stabilisation, transport, plant sales, training, vertical builds, as well as quarrying and concrete.
“The key to our sustained success,” says David Collins, “has been collaboration - not just internally, but with our sister companies as well. Our leadership team is built on trust, shared values, and a unified vision, this has been instrumental. It’s this collective effort and mutual support that has continually driven us forward.”
“The growth has been extraordinary. From modest beginnings, we have evolved into a leading force in our industry. A major contributor to this growth has been our unwavering commitment to client satisfaction - repeat business has always been our cornerstone, and we’re proud of our strong record in that regard.”
Asked what sets the company apart from others, he comments: “Our edge lies in our depth of experience and expertise. From our engineers and technicians to our long-serving operators. Our in-house testing capabilities and technical expertise also allow us to deliver consistently high standards on every project.”
Diversification has been essential in ensuring the company remains progressive and adaptable. Whether it's investing in quarry operations or integrating drone technology, these steps have kept the company ahead of the curve -continually enhancing the services it offers and opening new opportunities.
Over the years, it has successfully established a number of affiliated companies, starting in 2008 with EnviroTrac, focusing on ground stabilisation, utilising lime and cement. Following this was Collins Training in 2013, enabling all training to be done in-house whilst also servicing outside clients.
Collins Demolition was formed in early 2016 to handle all site preparation works for the earthworks as well as acting as a principal contractor for their clients. This subsidiary has recently expanded its asbestos division listed as a licensed asbestos contractor as well as recently joining the NFDC in 2022.
In March 2018 the company added Collins Earthworks (Transport) which not only moves its fleet but manages over 7,000 movements of heavy plant equipment each year for its clients. Its fleet consists of road sweepers, eight-wheelers, artic tippers and heavy-duty low loaders specifically designed to transport plant and equipment to designated projects.
The final addition to the group was Collins Plant Sales, established in February 2019. Collins Plant Sales has been awarded Volvo utility equipment main dealer status to cover Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire, supplying the full Volvo range of compact excavators from 1.5 to 9.0-tonne, wheeled loaders up to 1m³ capacity and tandem asphalt compactors.
“Our growth into these disciplines allows us to offer our clients a complete end-to-end solution,” says David. “Adding the training and transport divisions gives us total control over requirements on and off-site, making us more efficient than ever. However, our roots are in bulk earthworks, and that continues to be our flagship operation. It's where we began, and it remains our most consistent and successful division, underpinning our expansion into related services such as demolition, aggregates, transport and plant sales.”
Another significant step towards self-sufficiency came in late 2023 when the company took ownership of Ball Eye Quarry near Cromford in the scenic Derbyshire Peak District. This historic site, once mined for lead, fluorspar, baryte and limestone, had lain dormant for over 10 years.
“THE GROWTH HAS
BEEN EXTRAORDINARY. FROM MODEST BEGINNINGS, WE HAVE EVOLVED INTO A
LEADING FORCE
IN OUR INDUSTRY.”
“Acquiring Ball Eye Quarry was a pivotal moment. It secured our supply chain, giving us control over essential materials for our projects. This reliability has increased client confidence and enabled us to win additional work, knowing we can meet both schedule and quality expectations.”
Sustainability: Pioneering a Carbon-Neutral Future
Since 2023, Collins Earthworks has operated as a carbon-neutral business. It has introduced comprehensive green procedures to reduce its carbon footprint, lower operational costs, and support clients who share its sustainability goals. Environmental responsibility is now embedded in its strategy.
Its commitment to a sustainable future was also underlined by a significant investment in a fleet of Volvo FMX Electric trucks to transport aggregates. Each truck, powered by six batteries and three electric motors, delivers the equivalent of a diesel 666hp engine, but with zero emissions and minimal noise.
Capable of hauling up to 44 tonnes, these robust machines are ideal for quarry operations and can deliver up to half a million tonnes of material to local infrastructure jobs and gravels. Switching to EV trucks not only reduces the carbon footprint but also reduces noise pollution and the overall impact on the local community.
The company also took delivery of the UK’s first Volvo EC750E and EC950E excavators and L25 Electric wheeled loader and in May 2022 it added two of the UK's first Hybrid Volvo EC300Es to its fleet of hybrid and fully electric machines. Featuring Volvo’s novel hydraulic-hybrid technology, these machines harvest energy generated by the downward movement of the boom to achieve 17% greater fuel efficiency over conventional models – with no trade-offs in controllability or performance.
Alongside hybrid machines, the company has been running Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel on a series of machines throughout its fleet since 2021 in line with its carbon reduction goals. HVO reduces net CO2 emissions by up to 90 per cent while maintaining the performance of diesel equivalent machines.
Technology Driven
Technology, too, is now central to everything the company does. “Innovations like 3D modelling have become standard practice for us, allowing for greater accuracy, efficiency, and cost control. Staying ahead with technology ensures we remain competitive, responsive, and capable of tackling the industry's most complex challenges.”
Collins Earthworks is also the first customer for London-based Allye Energy’s MegaMax battery energy storage system. Collins will be using a Max1000 unit with 240kW integrated DC fast charging capabilities, configured to power its fleet of electric construction vehicles.
Allye claims its system can charge electric trucks from 20% to 80% in just over an hour. The drop and go element of the product makes its deployment at remote construction sites possible without extensive infrastructure upgrades.
David Collins comments: “The MAX1000 delivers exactly what we need – reliable, high-power charging capability that can be deployed at our various work sites without extensive infrastructure upgrades.” He emphasised that this technology allows them to maintain productivity while significantly reducing their environmental impact.
Major Projects
Over the past 25 years, the company has thrived through the successful delivery of multiple high-level infrastructure and enabling projects throughout the UK. These include the Radlett Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) which was particularly demanding with a Christmas blockade requiring 24-hour operations over five continuous days.
East Midlands Gateway was another milestone with an extensive undertaking involving demolition, bulk earthworks, access infrastructure, and rail support. Notable, too, was Long Itchington’s North and South Portals, requiring mass excavations over 15 metres deep and specialist piling platforms. “These projects tested every aspect of our capability and proved our strength,” adds David. “Large, complex earthmoving projects are in our DNA. They challenge us, but they’re also where we excel - thanks to our experience, cutting-edge resources, and exceptional team. “
The company’s success throughout its various divisions over the last quarter of a century can undoubtedly be attributed to having the support and input of a professional ‘hands on’ management team that represents the very best in the industry, able to turn their hand to a wide variety of projects and overcome difficult or complex challenges along the way.
“Having a good team to rely on is critical,” says David. “From directors to operatives, drivers to office support, every individual plays a vital role. Our success hinges on our people’s ability to deliver complex, large-scale projects to
the highest standards - often under demanding conditions. Their commitment is what sets us apart.”
Never a company to rest on its laurels, if the last 25 years are anything to go by, the next 25 will clearly see Collins Earthworks continue to build on its already impressive track record in an ever changing and ever more demanding industry.
Marking 25 Years with a Bold New Investment
To celebrate its 25-year milestone, Collins has expanded its fleet with the addition of 13 cutting-edge JCB X Series excavators. Finished in striking white to reflect the company’s bold brand identity, the new arrivals include eight 220X and five 370X models. This latest investment not only enhances Collins’ operational capabilities but also brings a distinctive visual edge to its predominantly Volvo-powered lineup.
“FROM DIRECTORS TO OPERATIVES, DRIVERS TO OFFICE SUPPORT,
EVERY INDIVIDUAL
PLAYS A VITAL ROLE.”