COPIED
6 mins

PLANTWORX PREVIEW

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.

From live demonstrations across a working showground the size of ten Premier League football pitches to test drives of the latest machines; explore cutting-edge safety systems and speak directly to the teams behind the technology.

Inside the indoor pavilion, a dedicated tech zone will showcase automation, connectivity and control systems designed to transform how construction sites operate.

Watch some of the UK’s top operators compete in the Awesome Earthmovers Operators Challenge in association with JCB. (More on this later in the magazine!)

This year’s line-up includes 16 of the world’s top 50 construction equipment manufacturers, an impressive show of strength for the UK’s largest working construction exhibition. Big names like Caterpillar (represented by Finning), JCB, XCMG, Kubota, HD Hyundai and SANY are all confirmed, alongside Manitou, Fayat, Shantui, Takeuchi, Lonking, Sunward, Hidromek, Merlo, Yanmar, and most recently, Zoomlion, the fast-rising Chinese OEM making serious international strides. Collectively, these brands represent over 30 per cent of the global Yellow Table, underlining PlantWorx’s growing international relevance and its reputation as a serious platform for business.

The attachments sector is also turning out in force, with confirmed names including Rototilt, Miller, Auger Torque, Worsley Plant, Holp, OKB Attachments, Attach UK Ltd, BPH Attachments, Arden Equipment, Digga Europe, Con Mech Engineers and Movax. Watson & Hillhouse will also be on site, showcasing the latest in pile-driving equipment. Whether you’re looking for earthmoving tools, demolition gear or compact solutions for tight-access sites, you’ll find the latest developments right across the showground.

Several major manufacturers will be launching new machines at the show, including next-generation electric excavators, upgraded compact equipment, hybrid tower lights and hydrogen-powered kit. You’ll also find fully integrated telematics and control systems, alongside some of the most advanced safety technology available today. Whether you’re buying, hiring or want to stay ahead of the curve, PlantWorx 2025 is the one show you can’t afford to miss.

PlantWorx Innovation Award Shortlists

As part of the celebrations, the PlantWorx Innovation Awards will recognise the very best in the industry, and this year’s ceremony will be unmissable.

A night to celebrate innovation

The winners of the PlantWorx Innovation Awards will be revealed at the awards dinner on Tuesday 23rd September 2025, following the opening day of the show.

Judging panel

This year’s shortlist was selected by an expert panel of judges drawn from across the industry, each bringing a unique perspective and deep technical knowledge to the process. The panel included Graham Black, Editor of Earthmovers; Katie Kelleher, CPA Technical Publications & Careers Manager; Dale Hawkins, Editor of Awesome Earthmovers; Dr Joanna White, Research, Development & Innovation Director at National Highways and James Barden, Head of Major Projects Innovation at Lynch Plant Hire.

Shortlisted entries

Following detailed assessments by our independent judging panel, the following entries have been shortlisted in each category:

The Sustainability Initiative category attracted a strong field of entries focused on improving environmental performance on and offsite. The judges were looking for tangible contributions to sustainability, whether through reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, or rethinking how resources are used. The shortlisted entries reflect a broad mix of approaches, from innovative energy management and filtration systems to practical, low-carbon solutions deployed in urban construction environments.

Sustainability Initiative

Sponsored by the Site Sustainability School

↘ Gaia Group: AutoMate energy management system

↘ Donaldson Europe B.V.: PowerCore® Edge

↘ Volvo Construction Equipment: Zero Emissions Construction in Central London - Mobile On-Demand Charging Service

Security Initiative

Sponsored by the CEA Police Fund

The Security Initiative category highlights innovation in protecting people, plant and assets across the sector. This year, the judges unanimously agreed that Datatag’s RAPID solution stood head and shoulders above anything else submitted. It was the only entry to meet the threshold for shortlisting, recognised for its practical impact and sector-wide relevance in tackling equipment theft and improving site security.

↘ Datatag – RAPID

Safety Innovation

Sponsored by TVH

The Safety Innovation category recognises products and systems designed to reduce risk and protect people working across construction and plant environments. This year’s shortlisted entries tackled safety from multiple angles, including enhanced operator awareness, improved control systems, and design changes that address common site hazards. The judges were impressed by the practical application of each solution and their potential to make a measurable difference on site.

↘ Xwatch Safety Solutions Ltd: Xwatch MK2

↘ Conquip Engineering Group: Concrete Skip Safety-Led Attachments

↘ RSP UK Suction Excavators: RSP ESE 6

Best Use of Engineering & Technology Innovation

Sponsored by Datatag

The Best use of Engineering & Technology Innovation was the most hotly contested category, attracting a high number of standout entries from across the sector. The judges focused on practical engineering that solves real problems, whether through clever design, technical precision, or new applications of existing systems. After detailed consideration, four entries were judged to be a clear-cut above the rest and fully deserving of a place on the shortlist:

↘ Worsley Plant: Dynaset HRVB Hydraulic Recycling Vacuum Bucket

↘ Watson/Movax: SG VA Series

↘ Robustrack: Laurini Settanta SITE-ARC – SITE-ARC Welder Generator

Excellence in Workforce Development

Sponsored by Personal Group

The Excellence in Workforce Development category recognises organisations going above and beyond to attract, train, and retain talent in the construction and plant sectors. This year’s shortlisted entries reflect a strong commitment to building skills at every level – from inspiring school and college students to providing second-chance training programmes and delivering realistic simulator-based learning. Each entry brought something distinctive to the table, highlighting the different ways the industry is investing in its future workforce.

↘ Rethinking Futures – School & College Project and Careers Event

↘ Lynch Plant – HMP Training Programme

↘ CAT Sim – CAT Simulator

Alternative Power Innovation

Sponsored by KGP

The Alternative Power Innovation category recognises advances in low- and zero-emission technology that support the industry’s drive towards cleaner, more efficient operation. This year’s shortlist features practical solutions that reduce reliance on fossil fuels, including electric retrofit technology, portable battery power, and solar-charged storage systems. The judges were encouraged by the range and readiness of these innovations, all of which offer viable alternatives for a more sustainable future on site.

↘ Kubota: Kubota Electric Retrofit

↘ Instagrid: Instagrid GO 36 Game-changing Portable Power

↘ Prolectric: ProCharge Solar Battery Energy Storage System

Special Achievement Award – Leadership in Sustainability and Alternative Power

Sponsored by PlantWorx

The Special Achievement Award – Leadership in Sustainability and Alternative Power category highlights the companies helping to shift the dial across the wider industry. Much of this progress is being driven by major plant hirers and tier one contractors, who are investing heavily in cleaner equipment, alternative power solutions, and low-carbon site strategies, often in response to client demand, but also through their own determination to lead meaningful change. The four shortlisted companies – Flannery, Lynch Plant Hire, Plantforce, and BAM – are setting the pace when it comes to practical, scalable progress on real projects.

↘ Flannery Lynch Plant Hire Plantforce BAM

Support Products

Sponsored by Krank

↘ Towmate Trailers: Pivot Axle

↘ SITE-ARC: SITE-ARC Welder Generator

↘ Boss Cabins: Generator Free Off-Grid drying cabin

Visit PlantWorx 2025 for the big reveal

The PlantWorx Innovation Awards Dinner takes place on Tuesday 23 September 2025 at Newark Showground. Hosted by magician Ben Hanlin, the evening promises a brilliant mix of entertainment, industry conversation, and well-earned celebration, all set against the backdrop of the UK’s largest working construction show.

This article appears in Issue 27

Go to Page View
This article appears in...
Issue 27
Go to Page View
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.
Looking for back issues?
Browse the Archive >

Previous Article
Issue 27
CONTENTS
Page 100
PAGE VIEW