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One of the things I love most about this industry is that it never stands still. Just when you think demolition equipment has reached its peak, manufacturers find another way to make it stronger, faster, smarter or more efficient. It reaches new heights both on and off the arm of an excavator. That’s exactly why we’ve chosen to put attachments under the spotlight this month. More than a simple accessory, they’re often the difference between an average job and an exceptional one. Over the past year we’ve seen manufacturers continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Rotating pulverisers have become more productive, hydraulic shears more powerful, and multi-purpose attachment systems more versatile than ever before. At the same time, the industry’s focus on sustainability has only intensified. The ability to crush, screen and separate materials on site has become increasingly important, reducing transport movements, cutting emissions and helping contractors recover greater value from demolition arisings. Attachments are no longer simply improving productivity; they’re changing the way demolition projects are delivered. That innovation was impossible to ignore at Hillhead 2026.

Everywhere you looked, manufacturers were showcasing new technology, with live demonstrations proving that the attachment sector remains one of the most exciting areas of equipment development. It certainly felt like one of the busiest and most optimistic Hillhead exhibitions I’ve attended, and the conversations across the showground reflected an industry that’s continuing to invest despite the challenges it faces. Whether discussions centred on electrification, smarter hydraulics, digital monitoring or simply building tougher equipment that lasts longer, the common thread was clear: efficiency is everything. We’ve dedicated a 14-page review to Hillhead in this issue because three days at Buxton simply isn’t enough to take everything in. There were product launches, business announcements, new partnerships and plenty of conversations that will shape the months ahead. If you were there, I hope our review brings back a few memories. If you couldn’t make it, hopefully these pages capture some of the atmosphere and the innovations that made the exhibition such a success.

Of course, none of this progress happens without the people behind the machines. One thing that always strikes me at events like Hillhead is how passionate this industry remains. From family-run attachment manufacturers to global OEMs, from demolition contractors to recyclers and equipment dealers, there’s a genuine willingness to share knowledge, solve problems and keep moving the sector forward. It’s one of the reasons I’m proud to be part of it. Happy reading!

Rebecca Phillips Managing Editor

is published by Machine Power Media Ltd. St Johns House, St Johns Street, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 1UU 07779 405885

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contents // demolition spotlight

26 26 // Front Cover Story

ALLU Group

Crush It On Site: Up to 100t/h with the new ALLU Concrete Bucket

8 // Latest news

The latest news from the plant machinery industry over the past two months.

22 // feature article

From Digging to Demolition

How Hydraulic Attachments Changed Demolition Forever.

34 // company profile

Hirox

Rebecca sits down with Company Director, Lorne Entwistle, to discuss what sets Hirox apart from the rest.

38 // Feature Article

wembley

The Temporary Structure That Became Britain’s National Stadium.

44 // event review

Hillhead 2026

A deep dive into everything the most anticipated show of the year had to offer!

63 // event review

EDA Convention 2026

july // august // 2026

The EDA Annual Convention 2026 in Dublin concludes with strong international participation and industry-wide engagement.

38 44

july // august // 2026

demolition spotlight // contents

our team contributors

team & contributors // demolition spotlight

DARREN SHELTON MANAGING DIRECTOR

PHIL EVERY GROUP SALES DIRECTOR

REBECCA PHILLIPS MANAGING EDITOR

CHRIS HART SENIOR SALES CONSULTANT

MARTINA TONELLI MARKETING SPECIALIST

ALEX COX JOURNALIST & CONTENT CREATOR

ALESSIA VALERIO MB CRUSHER MELANIE HULL WIRTGEN GROUP LTD SILVIA NAVARRO NFDC ALEX COX FABLE KRAFT PAULA CASTILLO EUROPEAN DEMOLITION ASSOCIATION

july // august // 2026

DAVID SHUTE INMALO

For all content related queries, contact editor@demolitionspotlight.co.uk For all sales related queries, contact chris@machinepowermedia.co.uk

STEVE WILSON DESIGN MANAGER

DEMOLITION PULVERIZER Installed on excavators, backhoe loaders and skid steer loaders, they are designed for primary and secondary crushing. 1,5 - 25 ton

Scan for the full range of attachments MBCRUSHER.COM

MB crusher // NEWS // demolition spotlight

WHAT A WASTE

&D waste contributes to over 600 million tons of waste each year. If all this waste were put into trucks, it would circle the world three times! As you can see, C&D waste is enormous. So how can you do your part in reducing the tonnage? The answer is simple, recycle. As we all know, this is much easier said than done. Recycling even the most recyclable material can be costly and laborious. At times it may require specialised equipment or cost more than simply disposing of it. MB Crusher is well aware of these obstacles and has aimed to make a difference in recycling/upcycling reusable material. As so, we have dedicated our approach to building attachments that can help tackle these obstacles with units that can create new materials out of existing reusable materials.

july // august // 2026

For example, one of our customers in the US, a large concrete manufacturer, needed a solution to handle his ever-

growing waste concrete stockpile. He knew there was money to be made in recycling the waste concrete but only wanted to invest a manageable amount of money in new machinery. He turned to MB Crusher for the solution. He purchased a BF135.8 crusher bucket and rapidly began to eat away at his stockpile by crushing it directly on-site. Our customers not only kept tons and tons of concrete waste out of landfills but also turned the now-recycled material into a new revenue stream. Sure, concrete in itself may not be the most challenging material to recycle, but what happens when it is reinforced concrete you are dealing with? Now you have doubled the materials that can be reused. But the obstacle of doing so also doubled, as reinforced concrete can create a nightmare of a situation to recycle, let alone separate unless you have the right tools. Take a look at our customer who purchased a BF90.4 crusher bucket.

He processed the reinforced concrete by crushing the concrete off of the rebar and then separating them. Simply and quickly and only using the excavator, he already owned. But what about other challenging building materials? Like bricks. We know they are recyclable but require extensive processing, right? Actually, no. Similar to our example above, you can accomplish seemingly difficult tasks easily with the right tool. Like our customer who purchased our BF120.4 crusher bucket and turned his excavator into a recycling centre, and crushed his stockpile of bricks directly on-site. MB Crusher offers a variety of attachments that can help our customer base overcome the obstacles of repurposing their C&D waste. We focus on creating viable, cost-effective, and, most importantly, simple solutions. How? By making sure the attachments work on our customers’ job sites with the heavy machines they already own.

etal collection and handling are everyday tasks in demolition, recycling, and material recovery operations. Yet many sites still rely on multiple work phases, manual cleanup, and several attachments to collect and separate ferrous materials. Hydraulic magnet technology offers a more efficient approach by enabling operators to collect, sort, and move metal directly with the carrier machine. DYNASET offers two hydraulic magnet solutions designed for different applications: the HMAG Pro Hydraulic Magnet and the HMG Pro Hydraulic Magnet Generator combined with a MAG Lifting Magnet. While both are based on the same proven technology, they are optimised for different working environments.

HMAG Pro for Flexible Multi-Purpose Work The HMAG Pro Hydraulic Magnet is an all-in-one solution where the magnet and hydraulic generator are integrated into a single package. This makes it ideal for contractors and operators who use one machine for multiple tasks during the day. The system can be installed on excavators with auxiliary hydraulics and combined with a quick coupler for fast attachment changes. HMAG Pro is well suited for demolition sites, infrastructure projects, railway maintenance, and general scrap

collection. In these applications, the magnet is often used not only for lifting steel but also for collecting nails, rebar, and other ferrous debris from the ground. Built for demanding conditions, HMAG Pro offers excellent durability and wear resistance. Fast 0.8-second demagnetization improves productivity by minimising waiting times between work cycles. Claw models are also available for more demanding material handling tasks.

HMG Pro + MAG for Continuous Scrap Handling

For dedicated recycling and scrap operations, DYNASET offers the HMG Pro Hydraulic Magnet Generator together with the MAG Lifting Magnet. This configuration is designed for continuous, high-volume material handling where machines perform the same tasks throughout the working day. Typical applications include scrap yards, recycling facilities, ports, metal terminals, and industrial material handling operations. The hydraulic generator powers a separate lifting magnet, creating a solution optimised for productivity and lifting performance. The generator and magnet can also be integrated into existing machine setups, providing flexibility for operators looking to upgrade their equipment.

Like HMAG Pro, the system features rapid 0.8-second demagnetisation, helping operators maintain efficient work cycles and maximise throughput.

demolition spotlight // NEWS // dynaset

CHOOSING THE RIGHT HYDRAULIC MAGNET SOLUTION FOR DEMOLITION AND RECYCLING

Smart Control from the Cabin

Both solutions are available with DYNASET DSMART technology. Using a Bluetooth connection, operators can monitor and adjust magnet performance directly from the cabin through the DSMART mobile app, helping optimise efficiency and access valuable operating data.

Selecting the Right Solution

HMAG Pro is the ideal choice for flexible, multi-purpose machines that frequently change attachments and work environments. HMG Pro + MAG is designed for dedicated recycling and scrap handling operations where maximum lifting performance and productivity are the primary goals. With the right hydraulic magnet solution, operators can reduce manual labour, improve safety, increase metal recovery rates, and make demolition and recycling operations more efficient.

dynaset.com

july // august // 2026 9

nfdc // NEWS // demolition spotlight

NFDC TALKS 2026 BUILDS MOMENTUM WITH SUCCESSFUL MANCHESTER AND BRISTOL SEMINARS

he National Federation of Demolition Contractors has successfully delivered the first two seminars in its 2026 NFDC Talks series, with events held in Manchester and Bristol bringing together clients, contractors, health and safety professionals, project teams and industry stakeholders. The NFDC Talks programme has been designed to support those involved in demolition projects by raising awareness of the importance of early planning, competent contractor selection, safety, skills and compliance. The Manchester seminar, held on 17 June, achieved record attendance for the series, with a strong and engaged audience representing a wide range of organisations, including public and private sector clients. The session generated excellent discussion, with questions from the room continuing beyond the scheduled time and highlighting the value of open, practical conversations around demolition planning and project delivery.

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The Bristol seminar, held on 24 June, continued the positive momentum. Despite the challenges of the summer heatwave and associated travel disruption, attendees took part in a highly interactive session, with in-depth

discussions and direct engagement with the expert speakers. Across both seminars, the quality of the audience participation and the level of discussion demonstrated the importance of creating spaces where clients and project teams can better understand what good demolition planning looks like, what competence means in practice, and why appointing the right demolition contractor is critical to safe and successful project outcomes. NFDC President Adrian Corrigan said: “NFDC Talks is about opening up important conversations with the people who are involved in planning, procuring and managing demolition works. Demolition is a specialist activity, and decisions made early in a project can have a significant impact on safety, compliance and delivery. “It has been very encouraging to see such strong engagement in Manchester and Bristol, and we are grateful to everyone who attended, asked questions and contributed to the discussions.” The seminars also provided an opportunity to highlight the role of NFDC members, the importance of recognised competence, and the value of working with contractors who meet the standards expected within the demolition industry.

The NFDC would like to thank all attendees, speakers and supporters who contributed to the success of the first two events in the 2026 series. Following the summer break, the NFDC Talks series will continue with further seminars taking place across the UK. The next dates and locations are: London 22nd September, Cardiff 15th October, Glasgow 11th November. Professionals involved in construction, development, project management, health and safety, procurement, property, facilities management and demolition planning are encouraged to attend.

demolition-nfdc.com

1946

2026

80 YEARS

rotar // NEWS // demolition spotlight

BEST PERFORMANCE IN DEMOLITION

otar brought two new demolition pulverisers for carrier machines with an operating weight of 45 to 85 tonnes into the market. Due to the new jaw design, they offer an even better performance in primary and secondary processing during demolition work.

The requirements for demolition have changed significantly lately: Firstly, buildings from the 1980s, 1990s or even the 2000s are now being demolished more often; these were originally designed for a longer service life, feature particularly robust concrete structures and are heavily reinforced with steel. This represents a major difference compared with the demolition of buildings constructed in the 1950s and 1960s, where the concrete was still made from the traditional three-component mix with minimal reinforcement, which is considerably easier to break up. Furthermore, nowadays a demolition contractor must not only carry out the actual demolition efficiently but also handle secondary tasks such as the crushing of the demolished material directly on site, which includes, for example, cutting steel reinforcement.

Optimised models from the tried-andtested series

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The Dutch attachment manufacturer ROTAR offers the RDP series of demolition pulverisers which are currently optimised to prepare customers

for the growing needs of the market. The process began with the two largest models, which are now newly available on the market: The RDP 50 is suitable for carrier machines with an operating weight of 45 to 70 tonnes, whilst the RDP70 is designed for excavators weighing 60 to 85 tonnes. Both feature a double-walled main frame constructed from high-quality, wear-resistant material, which ensures high stability under the heavy loads encountered during demolition and crushing work. Louis Broekhuizen, Managing Director, explains: ‘Thanks to the new jaw design, the RDP models allow the primary and secondary processing stages to be combined with even greater output.’ At the front, the two models have clamping forces of 117 and 180 tonnes respectively, for breaking; at the rear crushing teeth, the RDP50 delivers 200 tonnes and the RDP 70 300 tonnes for effective reduction.

High reliability thanks to outstanding quality

To ensure reliable performance in demolition work over the long term, all models in the RDP series – which have stood the test of time for years – have always featured exceptional quality characteristics: all ROTAR demolition crushers come as standard with replaceable cutting blades deep within the jaw, which can easily cut through

reinforcing steel. Wear parts such as tooth rows can be replaced quickly and easily. Thanks to the well-engineered and robust design of the jaw, it bears its way through hard concrete consistently and impressively. To ensure this process runs productively and efficiently, the pulveriser must always be in the correct position. This is reliably achieved by the high torque at the rotary head generated by the hydraulic motors. The demolition pulveriser is fitted with a robustly constructed rotating head and an oversized double-row slewing ring. The high-speed valve, specially developed by Rotar, ensures efficient operation by enabling the jaws to close rapidly: if increased crushing force is required, it switches effortlessly from speed mode to power mode. Overall, the RDP series impresses with its compact design. The hydraulic cylinder is mounted on a cardan joint using the ‘trunnion principle,’ which gives it an optimally positioned centre of gravity, continuous motion and even higher crushing force. Large flow openings in the hoses, bores and throughout the entire piping system reduce the back pressure in the hydraulic system, thereby contributing to the pulveriser’s exceptional performance.

www.rotar.com

The two biggest models of the RDP series of robustly built pulverisers are now available with two new features: the new jaw design for an improved combination of primary and secondary processing and the double-walled mainframe for extra stability.

s one of the world’s leading manufacturers of construction equipment, Zoomlion has established a global presence across more than 170 countries and regions. With over 30 primary business hubs, more than 430 service locations and 23 intelligent manufacturing facilities worldwide, the company continues to drive innovation across construction machinery, aerial work platforms, earthmoving equipment, cranes, concrete machinery, mining equipment and agricultural machinery. Through continuous investment in research, development and intelligent manufacturing, Zoomlion is committed to delivering high-quality, reliable equipment that meets the evolving demands of customers around the world. To strengthen its long-term commitment to the UK market, Zoomlion established Zoomlion UK Ltd in 2025, with its headquarters in Manchester. The company has since expanded its UK operations across three locations— Manchester, Wolverhampton and Slough—supported by a combined warehouse and parts distribution capacity of over 10,000 square feet. As the business continues to grow, Zoomlion UK is actively investing in additional

warehouse facilities, strengthening its logistics capabilities and expanding its nationwide service infrastructure to provide faster delivery, greater parts availability and enhanced customer support across the UK and Ireland. For Zoomlion, success in the UK is about far more than simply supplying machines. The company is investing heavily in building a strong local presence through experienced sales teams, engineering support, comprehensive aftersales service and readily available spare parts. At the same time, Zoomlion UK continues to expand its dealer network, actively seeking new distribution partners across the UK and Ireland to ensure customers benefit from local expertise, responsive service and long-term support. This commitment reflects Zoomlion’s belief that lasting success is built on reliability, responsiveness and trusted partnerships rather than short-term sales. Innovation remains at the heart of everything Zoomlion does. From intelligent manufacturing and advanced safety systems to operator comfort, telematics and alternative power technologies, the company continuously invests in research and development while actively listening to customer feedback. This enables Zoomlion to

refine its products quickly and develop equipment that delivers outstanding performance, productivity, safety and value across construction, demolition, quarrying and infrastructure applications. Hillhead 2026 marked another important milestone for Zoomlion UK, providing an excellent opportunity to showcase its growing product portfolio and engage directly with contractors, rental companies, dealers and industry professionals. More importantly, the exhibition reinforced Zoomlion’s longterm commitment to the British market and highlighted the company’s ambition to become a trusted partner within the UK’s construction equipment industry.

demolition spotlight // NEWS // zoomlion

A GLOBAL PRESENCE ACROSS MORE THAN 170 COUNTRIES

Looking ahead, Zoomlion UK will continue to strengthen its nationwide sales and service network, expand its warehousing and logistics capabilities, grow its dealer partnerships and participate in major industry events, including Vertikal Days. By combining global manufacturing excellence with local expertise, customer-focused support and continuous innovation, Zoomlion UK is laying the foundations for sustainable growth and is committed to becoming one of the UK’s most trusted construction equipment partners for years to come.

wirtigen // NEWS // demolition spotlight

THE WIRTGEN GROUP WOWS AT HILLHEAD UK 2026 Strong interest in comprehensive solutions for material processing and road construction

t Hillhead 2026, under the trade fair motto “You’ll never crush alone”, the Wirtgen Group presented itself as a strong partner for material processing and road construction. In particular, the five Kleemann crushing and screening plants and the battery-powered production system for locally CO₂-free road rehabilitation attracted numerous trade visitors.

High-performance technologies for material processing

There was particular interest in the MOBICAT MC 110 EVO2. In addition to benefits such as its intelligent operating concept, high efficiency and flexible applications, the jaw crusher – with its special wrapping that echoed the trade fair’s theme – also provided visitors with a visual highlight. Another highlight was the fully electric, locally emission-free asphalt recycling production system, comprising the MOBIREX MR 100 NEOe impact crusher and the MOBISCREEN MSS 502 EVO coarse screening plant. Screening plants such as the MOBISCREEN MSS 802 EVO and MSC 702 EVO rounded off the range of high-performance, versatile Kleemann equipment for material processing on display in Buxton.

Locally emission-free solutions for road construction

july // august // 2026

Urban road construction is characterised primarily by small-scale jobsites aimed

at upgrading existing infrastructure. The battery-powered road resurfacing system has now made its debut on the UK market as well. With the Wirtgen W 50 Re cold milling machine, the Vögele SUPER 1300- 5e road paver and the Hamm HX 70e tandem roller, it proved to be a crowd-puller and impressed with its comprehensive, locally carbonneutral approach. Solutions from a single source also ensure a high level of operational reliability and seamlessly integrated processes across machine and telematics solutions Similarly, the MULTI JET burner from Benninghoven attracted a great deal of interest and was seen as a milestone in sustainable asphalt production. With the world’s first burner for asphalt mixing plants that can be powered entirely by green hydrogen, the drying and heating process for virgin and recycled materials is now CO₂-free.

Renting rather than buying

Specifically for the machine hire sector, the Wirtgen Group exhibited two rollers from compaction specialist Hamm – the new HD 12 G VV 2.7 tonne tandem roller and the versatile HC 70i VIO roller, which is capable of both compaction with vibration and compaction with oscillation.

Digital solutions as a topic of conversation

The focus was also on the application expertise of the specialist product brands Wirtgen, Vögele, Hamm, Kleemann,

Benninghoven and Ciber, as well as the comprehensive customer service and digital solutions offered by the Wirtgen Group. The experts on-site provided in-depth information on topics such as Jobsite Intelligence and Smart Automation. Jobsite Intelligence means making better decisions in the application using reliable data and better information. Smart Automation is all about maximising performance and precision through assistance and automation features. Solutions such as Smart Level Pro, Smart Pave, Smart Compact Pro, AutoPilot 2.0, SPECTIVE CONNECT, etc. enable even less experienced machine operators to achieve results that were previously the preserve of experts. This results in greater precision, reduced reworking, more efficient use of materials and, overall, a higher standard of workmanship. “Hillhead 2026 has once again demonstrated just how important close technical dialogue with our customers is,” said Paul Holmes, Managing Director of the Wirtgen Group subsidiary Wirtgen Ltd. in the UK, summing up the successful trade fair appearance. “The positive discussions we had on-site have shown that our holistic approach – thinking within the context of our customers’ production systems – offers them real added value in addressing their challenges.” Please contact us on:

03452 412770 www.wirtgen-group.com/gb

The MOBICAT MC 110 EVO2 from Kleemann is suitable for the primary crushing of almost all natural rock types, as well as for numerous recycling applications.

own to Earth Recycling Ltd., based in North Lincolnshire, has strengthened its recycling fleet with the addition of a new Doppstadt AK 565K, supplied by Doyle Machinery. A long-standing user of Doppstadt equipment, the company selected the AK 565K for its proven performance, high throughput and versatility across a wide range of green waste, biomass and recycling applications. Renowned for its robust construction and operator friendly design, the machine is built to deliver reliable productivity in demanding processing environments.

Andrew Millson of Down to Earth Recycling commented: “From our very first conversation in December, working with Doyle Machinery has been a pleasure. The entire process was seamless, communication was outstanding throughout, and Patrick King and Michael Doyle ensured everything was managed professionally from beginning to end. We are thrilled with the new Doppstadt AK 565K and look forward to collaborating with the team again in the future.”

If you’re looking to improve your recycling operation with the proven performance of the Doppstadt AK 565K, get in touch with the team at Doyle Machinery. We’re on hand to discuss your requirements and help you find the right solution for your business. Simply scan the QR code to contact us or learn more.

The new machine will play an important role in supporting Down to Earth Recycling’s continued growth while maintaining the high standards of efficiency and service the business is known for. Everyone at Doyle Machinery would like to thank Andrew, Gary and the entire Down to Earth Recycling team for their continued confidence in both Doppstadt and Doyle Machinery. We wish them every success with their new AK 565K and look forward to supporting the business for many years to come.

“THE ENTIRE PROCESS WAS SEAMLESS, AND COMMUNICATION WAS OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT”

demolition spotlight // NEWS // doyle machinery

DOWN TO EARTH RECYCLING INVESTS IN NEW DOPPSTADT AK 565K

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Marianne Hedberg // feature // demolition spotlight july // august // 2026 18

What does freons have to do with demolition? When the cooling techniques were developed in the 19th century it was a great leap. Development kept going and in the 1930s the freons, or chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) were created. Perfect for cooling systems and absolutely harmless we thought... at least until the ozone hole was discovered and connected to the capability of CFCs to catalyse the breakdown of ozone. Unprecedented action took place and UN gathered all countries to sign the Montreal protocol aiming to ban and remove the CFCs. This has been very successful so what’s the problem?

Ground insulation. XPS has been used in walls and roofs as well as under buildings and roads

Another use for CFCs was to produce insulation. By blowing the gas into a plastic material cavities were created resulting in XPS (extruded polystyrene) and PUR (polyurethane) insulations. These insulations have been widely used in construction. The problem is that the material is so dense the cavities still contain the gas used to create them, even if the material was produced as early as the 1960s. This means that when we break the insulation material today the cavities open and the gas is released to the atmosphere. Substantial amounts of CFC is released this way slowing down the healing of the ozone layer and adding to the climate change. To give an example. CFC11 was commonly used to produce insulation and it has a climate impact of more than 6000 carbon dioxide equivalents. Meaning it takes 6000 CO2 molecules to have the same impact as one molecule of CFC11. This in turn means that you can transport the material a long distance before the climate impact of the transport is greater than the impact of the material itself. A 30 m3 container with XPS blown with CFC11 can travel about 30 times around the equator!

Distruct heating pipes insulated with PUR

demolition spotlight // feature // Marianne Hedberg

Extraction of gases. Refrigerator being loaded into the airtight chamber before grinding

Condensated f-gases after extraction

So what to do? The solution is to grind the insulation in an airtight chamber, at underpressure, and let the released gas condensate into liquid. This liquid can then be sent to incineration at high temperature, 1200ºC, to ensure complete destruction. This is actually the same technique as is used to take care of old refrigerators and there are several plants all over Europe that can handle the material from demolition as well. To identify the insulation with freons first ask what year it was produced. In Sweden mid 1990s is a reference. One problem is that when CFC was phased out other gases were used instead and they tend to have a big climate impact as well so be careful even with insulation produced as late as 2015 is a recommendation. Use the precautionary principle at all times and if you have big amounts send samples for analysis.

Be part of the solution and stop adding to climate change and ozone depletion.

july // august // 2026

In Europe, two regulations apply (EU 2024/573 and 2024/590) and since March 2024 they point out property owner and contractor as having equal responsibility to handle the material to make sure no gas escapes to the atmosphere. Penalties are being enforced from January 2026 and vary depending on country.

Lighthouse Charity Scotland West Region // NEWS // demolition spotlight

FUNDRAISING AT LIGHTHOUSE SCOTLAND WEST RACE NIGHT GALLOPS TO OVER £10,500

he Lighthouse Charity Scotland West Region held their annual race night on Friday 15th May at Hamilton Park. This year saw a bumper crowd of 265 guests all supporting the Lighthouse Charity. 25 companies booked tables at the event which marks the start of a series of amazing events in the region. The racegoers were welcomed to the luxury of the Club Lawn Marquee by Martin Allan, representing the Lighthouse Scotland West Region and then by Ashley Moon, Managing Director of Hamilton Park Racecourse. Guests enjoyed a tremendous three course meal before the excitement of the races and there was much talk of which horses would make the mark. Located on the finishing straight at Hamilton Park, the Marquee offered guests a prime position to cheer on the horses in the seven competitive races.

july // august // 2026

The weather on the night was mixed but thankfully remained dry for everyone and this helped buoy spirits, A raffle on the night raised over £3000 and contributed to an amazing £10.500 being raised overall.

Alan Gimour, Chair of the Lighthouse Charity Scotland West Region said, “The committee would like to offer a huge thank you to everyone that supported the event and to those companies that generously donated raffle prizes.”

If you or anyone you know is struggling, reach out for 24/7 free and confidential support now;

Prize donors; Hamilton Park Racecourse, Hilton Hotel Glasgow, Eastford Excavations, Blackwood Training & Plant Hire, West of Scotland Haulage, Leonardos Restaurant, Bothwell, and Waverley Cruises.

Live chat www.lighthousecharity.org

Next Event – Musical Cruise on the Historic Waverley Paddle Steamer

www.lighthousecharity.org

Don’t miss out on the next event in the Lighthouse Scotland West region calendar– an amazing musical cruise on the historic Waverley Paddle Steamer. Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Clyde to the ‘Tail o’ the Bank’ accompanied by live music from Dignity – the renowned Deacon Blue tribute band. It promises to be a night to remember. Tickets can be booked using the link below.

lighthousecharity.org/ lighthouse-events

24/7 helplines; 1800 939 122 (ROI) 0345 605 1956 (UK)

Text HARDHAT to 50808 (ROI) or 85258 (UK) Find out more at

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Hydraulic Attachments // feature // demolition spotlight

How Hydraulic Attachments Changed Demolition Forever From Digging to Demolition

Large masonry structures were frequently dismantled using crane-mounted wrecking balls, or simply pushed over using bulldozers and cables.

While spectacular explosive demolitions and towering highreach excavators often capture public attention, it is the tools mounted at the end of an excavator’s dipper arm that have quietly transformed demolition from a largely destructive process into one of precision engineering and material recovery.

While controlled explosive demolition has been carried out as far back as the nineteenth century, it has always faced restrictions imposed by proximity to neighbouring structures, infrastructure and communities.

Few pieces of equipment have had a greater impact on the demolition industry than the hydraulic attachment.

The ability to change a machine’s function in a matter of minutes fundamentally altered the economics of demolition projects, allowing contractors to achieve far higher levels of productivity with smaller teams, while also improving onsite safety and sustainability. From hydraulic breakers and pulverisers to shears and sorting grapples, attachments have reshaped not only the equipment used onsite, but the methodologies and objectives of modern demolition itself.

Before Hydraulic Power

Prior to the introduction of excavator-mounted hydraulic attachments, demolition was a considerably more labour and time intensive process, with far poorer levels of material recovery and far greater exposure to risk.

july // august // 2026

Breaking concrete relied heavily on pneumatic breakers and hand-held tools, while structural steel was processed using oxy-fuel cutting equipment.

The Hydraulic Revolution

In 1967, Krupp introduced the HM 400, which is widely credited as the first serial-produced hydraulic breaker. By harnessing the machine’s hydraulic system, operators were now able to deliver high energy impact strikes precisely where they positioned the attachment. This provided excavators with the ability to carry out work with a level of precision that could only be achieved with hand tools previously. High-reach excavator booms soon followed, and methodical demolition became progressively faster and safer to carry out. As hydraulic systems became more sophisticated, manufacturers expanded their product ranges to include pulverisers, scrap shears, rotating grapples, crushers, demolition grabs and multi-processors with interchangeable jaw sets. At the same time, excavator design evolved to support the increasing demands of demolition work through reinforced booms, additional counterweight, enhanced guarding and integrated dust filtration and suppression systems.

demolition spotlight // feature // Hydraulic Attachments

The widespread adoption of quick couplers and tiltrotators completed the transformation. Operators are now able to switch between attachments from the cab, and position tools with a level of precision and control that would previously have been impossible to achieve.

From Wrecking Ball to High-Reach Precision

For much of the twentieth century, demolition was primarily concerned with structural removal. The objective was to bring a building down safely, clear the site and prepare it for its next use. While salvage operations were common, particularly where valuable metals were involved, material recovery rarely dictated demolition methodology. With hydraulic attachments making precision demolition increasingly achievable, demolition contractors gained the ability to recover materials quickly, efficiently and at a scale never before possible. Pulverisers allowed reinforced concrete to be processed while simultaneously exposing and separating rebar. Scrap shears enabled structural steelwork to be reduced into transportable lengths directly onsite, while grabs and grapples allowed materials to be sorted as demolition progressed, rather than after a structure had already been reduced to rubble.

Attachments also changed where and how demolition could be undertaken. The controlled dismantling of structures from the top down allowed contractors to work within increasingly constrained environments where traditional collapse methods would have been impractical.

In many respects, hydraulic attachments helped shift demolition away from clearance and towards deconstruction. The modern demolition contractor is often expected not only to remove a structure, but also to maximise resource recovery, minimise disruption and manage environmental impacts throughout the process.

What Comes Next?

Although hydraulic attachments remain central to modern demolition, the industry’s focus is increasingly shifting towards precision, data and sustainability. Remote-controlled demolition machines have already become established in some of the sector’s most challenging environments, particularly within nuclear decommissioning, where removing operators from hazardous areas offers obvious safety advantages. Compact electrically-powered demolition robots, such as those produced by Brokk, are routinely used to dismantle contaminated concrete structures, shielding systems and process facilities that would be difficult or dangerous for personnel to access directly. Equipped with many of the same hydraulic breakers, crushers and grabs used throughout the wider demolition industry, these machines allow operators to undertake complex dismantling work from a safe distance, while maintaining a high degree of precision and control. Similar technologies are likely to become increasingly common across mainstream demolition as machine control systems continue to improve.

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As landfill costs increased and environmental regulations tightened, these capabilities became increasingly important. Demolition projects were no longer judged solely on programme, cost and safety. Material recovery, recycling rates and waste reduction became important measures of project performance in their own right.

High-rise buildings in city centres, structures adjacent to critical infrastructure and operational industrial facilities could now be dismantled progressively, rather than simply being brought to the ground.

Hydraulic Attachments // feature // demolition spotlight At the same time, manufacturers are integrating sensors, telematics and performance monitoring systems into both excavators and attachments. These technologies allow contractors to better understand machine utilisation, attachment wear and maintenance requirements, while helping to improve productivity and reduce downtime. Environmental pressures are also likely to influence future development. As clients place greater emphasis on carbon reduction, waste minimisation and circular economy principles, demolition contractors may increasingly require tools capable of recovering materials with greater levels of separation, traceability and potential reuse. While the next major breakthrough remains uncertain, future development is likely to focus less on increasing raw breaking power, and more on improving control, efficiency and resource efficiency.

A Lasting Legacy

Nearly six decades after the introduction of the first hydraulic breaker, hydraulic attachments remain among the most influential innovations in demolition history.

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They transformed the excavator from a machine capable of breaking structures into one capable of dismantling, processing, sorting and recovering materials as part of a single integrated operation. In doing so, they helped redefine what demolition could achieve.

Today, successful demolition projects are measured not only by the safe removal of a structure, but by how effectively materials are recovered, how well surrounding communities and infrastructure are protected, and how efficiently resources are returned to productive use. That shift can be traced directly to the capabilities that hydraulic attachments introduced. More than any other single development, they changed demolition from an industry focused on structural removal into one increasingly centred on precision, control and resource recovery.

They transformed the excavator from a machine capable of breaking structures into one capable of dismantling, processing, sorting and recovering materials as part of a single integrated operation.

allu group // feature // demolition spotlight

Crush It On Site: Up to 100 t/h with the new ALLU Concrete Bucket

When reinforced concrete comes down, the question for a contractor is simple: how quickly can it be turned from a bulky, awkward pile into material that can be moved, reused, stockpiled, or fed into the next process? The new ALLU Concrete Bucket is built for that moment. It is an excavator-mounted attachment for crushing and screening pulverized demolition waste directly where the material is generated. It accepts feed material up to 300 mm / 11in, produces either 0-50 mm or 0-100 mm / 0-2in or 0-4in output, handles rebar and other steel objects in the feed, and can process up to 100 t / 222,000lbs per hour. For contractors, the benefit is not abstract. One 25-45 tonne / 55,000 - 100,000 lbs excavator can do more of the work on its own. The bucket weighs 2,500 kg / 5,500 lbs and can be transported, mounted and used as part of the excavator’s normal site workflow, without the space, setup and support equipment needed for a mobile crusher.

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The design is for maximum processing capability. Instead of a traditional jaw crusher, the ALLU Concrete Bucket uses a twoway rotating drum design with carbide picks to keep material moving through the bucket resulting in higher output. The ALLU Concrete Bucket also handles wet fine material that can get stuck in a conventional jaw crusher.

ALLU has also added its Drain Line Eliminator™ (DLE), which makes the bucket easier to connect to suitable carriers by removing one hydraulic setup obstacle. For a contractor, that means less time worrying about machine compatibility and more time processing material.

For a contractor, that means less time worrying about machine compatibility and more time processing material.

• For 25-45 tonne / 55,000 - 100,000 lbs excavators • Weight 2,500 kg / 5,500 lbs • Maximum feed size up to 300 mm / 11in • Output options 0-50 mm or 0-100 mm / 0 – 2in or 0 – 4in • Capacity up to 100 t / 220,000 lbs per hour • Bricks, concrete and demolition rubble • Handles rebar and other steel objects • Replaceable carbide picks • No drain line needed • Replace a mobile crusher or use as standalone crusher • Heavy-duty frame

A faster, more fuel-efficient way to deal with demolition concrete

demolition spotlight // feature // allu group

Product capabilities at a glance

Pulverized demolition concrete is heavy, irregular and rarely clean. It’s mixed with brick, fines, oversize, dirt and steel. Moving that material around the site before it has been reduced is one of the fastest ways to burn hours, fuel and space. With the ALLU Concrete Bucket, the excavator approaches the pile, fills the bucket and processes the material through the attachment. Larger material is broken down by the drums and counter blade structure, while fines pass through quickly. Weighing 2,500 kg / 5,500 lbs, it’s also lighter than conventional jaw crusher attachments making reach and agility better thus reducing excavator movements on site. That workflow is the core product benefit: crush and screen where the concrete lands. On smaller or space-restricted jobs, the bucket can be a practical alternative to bringing in a mobile crusher. One of the highest cost items on construction sites is haulage, and every time you need to transport material, it not only takes time and effort but also burns fuel. By processing the waste where it lands, you reduce the haulage and increase the jobsite profitability. “Forty years of innovation isn’t about chasing ‘new’. It’s about making work simpler and more profitablewhere the material actually is,” said Peter Grönholm, CEO of ALLU Finland.

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allu group // feature // demolition spotlight

Built for rebar, not perfect feed One of the strongest points of the bucket is its ability to work with reinforced demolition material. Steel contamination is a regular part of concrete demolition. After the collection of valuable steel objects from the demolition waste, remaining rebar and other smaller metal objects can cause slowdowns, clearing stops, and lost production when the equipment is not designed for it. The ALLU Concrete Bucket is designed to handle rebar and other steel objects mixed in the material and are just simply rejected or passed through without damaging the machinery or stopping the process. This is where the bucket’s application becomes easy to picture. A slab, foundation, wall, or industrial floor comes down. The excavator already on site can begin reducing the material, screening out fines, and producing a more manageable fraction without waiting for every piece to be cleaned and staged for a separate crusher. “We are proud to bring the ALLU Concrete Bucket to the market. It reflects ALLU’s mission to bring something to the market that really differs and helps our customers achieve better productivity and to save cost from the time-consuming crushing phase” said Antti Rautamies, Head of R&D, ALLU

Why the drum design matters

The rotating drums with carbide picks and counter blade design make processing the rubble faster – up to 100t/h. Fines-heavy material can pass through quickly, while larger pieces are reduced against the counter blade structure. The top and middle drums are configured to crush the material towards the top crushing blades, while the bottom drum is configured the opposite. This design enables crushing the material with both rotating directions, resulting in an optimal material flow that keeps the job going forward.

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The carbide picks are also a practical detail. They are designed for tough, abrasive demolition work and can be replaced as wear parts easily at the job site.

Selectable output for different jobs

Not every site needs the same end product. Some contractors want coarser material for fill, base layers or further crushing. Others want a finer fraction that is easier to reuse, stockpile, or transport. The ALLU Concrete Bucket uses a counter blade setup to target either 0-50 mm or 0-100 mm / 0 – 2in or 0 – 4in output. That gives the operator a practical choice between finer end product and coarser, higher-flow material depending on what the job needs. For demolition contractors, this flexibility matters because the next use of the material can change from project to project. A bucket that can be configured around the required fraction helps keep the same attachment useful across different jobs.

ALLU CONCRETE Tight site+Fines+Rebar = No problem

Production up to 100 t/h EXCAVATOR

MAX. PRESSURE

lbs

bar

psi

25-45

55,000 - 100,0000

320

4,600

VOLUME

OIL FLOW

Handles rebar and steel 50 mm and 100 mm output

WEIGHT

cu yd

l/min

gpm

lbs

0.7-1

0.9-1.3

350-400

90-105

2,500

5,500

Less hauling, more savings

Tight demolition sites don’t leave room for extra machines. When access is restricted or it’s simply impossible to bring a mobile crusher on site, the ALLU Concrete Bucket lets you crush and screen concrete and brick right where it’s generated - using the excavator you already have. And if your material is fines-heavy, you’ll appreciate this: the bucket is designed for exceptional production capacity with high fines content, helping keep material moving in conditions where jaw crushers often slow down. Built for real demolition feed: it’s designed handle steel rebar or other steel objects and they won’t cause damage, so rebar doesn’t turn into downtime.

www.allu.net

info@allu.net

Watch it work!

Visit website

allu group // feature // demolition spotlight

A lighter attachment with a serious carrier class

At 2,500 kg / 5,500 lbs, the ALLU Concrete Bucket gives contractors a heavy-duty processing tool without moving into the weight and logistics of a traditional crusher setup. Less transport complexity, less space needed on site, and more use from the excavator already in the fleet. The integrated Drain Line Eliminator™ (DLE) also helps simplify hydraulic setup on suitable carriers, which is especially useful for contractors and rental fleets moving attachments between machines. The attachment is designed for 25-45 tonne / 55,000 - 100,000 lbs excavators, placing it in the working range for serious demolition, recycling, and heavy construction work. The structure is built for that environment, with a heavy-duty frame and cutting edge, including a 40 mm / 1.6 in cutting edge with 30 mm / 1.2 in side cutters, designed to withstand the breakout forces of excavators up to 45 tonnes / 100,000 lbs.

“We’ve been extremely happy with the end result. The production capacity is remarkably higher than with a jaw crusher attachment and only 2.5 t weight makes it stable to handle and you can reach further with 35 t excavator,” said Jonathan Bjon, CEO, Ursa Demolition

Where to use it

The ALLU Concrete Bucket is designed for demolition and recycling jobs where contractors need to reduce concrete and brick rubble quickly, close to where the material is generated. Typical applications include reinforced concrete demolition, brick rubble, slab and foundation removal, road and infrastructure demolition and concrete recycling yards, The processed material can then be reused as fill, base material or further recycled aggregate feedstock, depending on local requirements and material quality.

Before crushing

After crushing

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This balance is important. The bucket is light enough to be an attachment but built for demanding excavator applications. It’s not a small cleanup tool, and not a full crusher spread, but a practical excavator-mounted processing bucket for concrete, brick and reinforced demolition waste.

Beyond demolition sites, the ALLU Concrete Bucket is an excellent solution wherever tough materials require powerful pre-crushing before downstream processing. Typical applications include asphalt recycling, where large RAP fragments must be reduced to a more manageable size to improve material flow, increase process efficiency, and support consistent feeding into the next stage.

The scale of concrete and construction waste makes the opportunity clear. The Global Cement and Concrete Association says around 14.0 billion m3 of concrete is used today, with demand forecast to rise to approximately 20 billion m3 by 2050. More concrete in use eventually means more concrete to demolish, recycle, and process. Construction and demolition waste is already one of the world’s biggest material streams. In the EU, the European Commission says construction and demolition waste accounts for more than a third of all waste generated, and recycling and material recovery rates vary from less than 10% to over 90% depending on the country and material stream. In the United States, the EPA estimated 600 million tons of construction and demolition debris in 2018, with demolition representing more than 90% of the total. Just over 455 million tons were directed to next use, while just under 145 million tons went to landfill.

demolition spotlight // feature // allu group

Increased opportunity

These numbers point to a practical commercial reality. There is a lot of material to handle, disposal and transport are under pressure, and more customers want material reused where possible. That pressure is likely to grow further as cities renew ageing infrastructure and as regions affected by conflict, disasters, or major damage eventually move into rebuilding. In those situations, large volumes of concrete and mixed rubble often need to be cleared, processed, and reused efficiently, sometimes in difficult logistics conditions. Equipment that helps process the rubble closer to where it is generated is not just a sustainability story. It is a productivity story.

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allu group // feature // demolition spotlight

Part of ALLU’s wider attachment approach

The Concrete Bucket fits into ALLU’s long-standing approach to material processing. ALLU began in Finland in 1985 and has built its reputation around attachments that help customers process material where it is, instead of moving it through unnecessary steps. In 1991, ALLU introduced the world’s first excavatorattached screening and crushing bucket, taking processing technology normally associated with larger stationary plants and putting it into a mobile, attachment-based format. Since then, the company has continued to develop screening, crushing, mixing, separating and soil improvement solutions for contractors, recyclers and material handling customers around the world. Recent products such as the ALLU Asphalt Screening Bucket follow the same idea. The material may change from asphalt to concrete, soil, waste or biomass, but the principle remains the same: make the carrier machine more useful and keep valuable material moving on site.

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allu.net

BUILT FOR HEAVY METAL HANDLING DYNASET Magnet Power product family includes hydraulic magnets, hydraulic magnet generators, and lifting magnets for mobile machinery. Whether you need a complete plug-and-play system or a flexible modular setup, we have the solution.

Designed to withstand even the most demanding conditions – Experience it yourself.

hirox // company profile // demolition spotlight

Built on Trust: How Hirox is Redefining the Attachments Market With more than four decades of experience in the plant hire industry, the team behind Hirox knows exactly what customers need – and, perhaps more importantly, what they don’t. Together, Gary Entwistle, Lorne Entwistle and Stephen Walmsley have built a company that promises a rapid trajectory of growth and development. Rebecca Phillips sat down with one of the company’s founders, Lorne Entwistle, to discuss the journey from Garic to Hirox, why customer service remains the industry’s biggest differentiator, and why the company’s biggest investment is still yet to come. R: Hirox may be a relatively young name in the attachments market, but the experience behind it stretches back more than 40 years. Can you tell us how the business came about?

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L: Although Hirox has been operating for around eight years, our history in the plant hire industry goes back to 1983. We originally founded Garic, which became a very wellknown name within the sector, providing accommodation, welfare and site equipment. Garic was sold in 2008, and we

stayed with the business for another six years. After that, we established Cross Plant Hire and, at around the same time, launched Hirox. From day one, the vision was clear. We wanted to bring something different to the attachments market, but we also knew we weren’t prepared to rush it. Rather than launching products immediately, we spent the first four to five years developing the range, refining every detail and making sure everything met the standards we’d built our reputation on over the previous four decades. Only when we were completely confident in the high quality did we begin actively marketing the products. R: So, what made you focus specifically on attachments? L: Having worked across different areas of the construction and plant hire industries for many years, we felt the attachments sector had become stagnant. There were plenty of good products available, but we believed customers weren’t receiving the level of service they deserved. In some cases, the sector had become neglected; in others, customers were simply expected to accept poor support once the sale had been made. We saw an opportunity to reset expectations. That meant offering premium-high quality attachments backed by the level of customer service that contractors should expect. We wanted to become more than another supplier. We wanted to become a trusted partner. The market responded incredibly well. Customers initially came to us for hydraulic breakers, which remain one of the biggest products in the attachments sector, but once they

demolition spotlight // company profile // hirox

experienced the high quality and support we offered, they started trusting us with the rest of their fleets too. Today, that includes everything from pulverisers and scrap shears to compactors and a continually expanding range of specialist attachments. R: Now I know you spent several years developing the products before taking them to market. What does a high quality product look like to Hirox? L: High quality is obviously essential, but high quality alone isn’t enough. Even the very best equipment in the world will experience issues eventually. It doesn’t matter whose name is on the side of the attachment. Every manufacturer will have occasions where something needs attention. The real difference is what happens next. For us, customer service is every bit as important as the product itself. When something goes wrong, we don’t leave the customer trying to solve the problem themselves. We immediately take ownership of it. As soon as we receive that phone call, it becomes our problem, not theirs. Whether that’s sourcing parts, sending engineers or getting equipment back into operation as quickly as possible, our priority is reducing downtime and keeping our customers working. That’s how we’ve always operated, and it’s why we’ve built long-standing relationships throughout the industry.

L: Absolutely. Our customers are experts in demolition, quarrying and plant hire. They’re specialists in delivering complex projects, not hydraulic attachments. They don’t want to become attachment engineers overnight. They simply want equipment

that works reliably and, if there is a problem, they want someone who can resolve it quickly. That’s our responsibility. We often repair and support competitors’ equipment as well because, ultimately, the customer still needs to keep working. It isn’t about whose logo is on the attachment; it’s about making sure our customer can continue doing their job. That’s the approach we’ve taken since 1983, and it’s served us well.

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R: Well, downtime is one of the biggest concerns for demolition and construction contractors. Is that where your service philosophy comes from?

hirox // company profile // demolition spotlight

R: Trust really seems to be a recurring theme throughout everything you do!

R: Hirox has grown rapidly over the past few years. How are you managing that growth?

L: It is.

L: Growing any business is a balancing act.

Trust isn’t something you can advertise; it’s something you earn over many years.

As demand increases, you need more people, more vehicles, more premises and more stock. Getting that balance right is always one of the biggest challenges.

Some of the customers we first started working with back in 1983 are still customers today. That’s something we’re incredibly proud of. Those relationships have been built through consistency, reliability and always doing what we say we’ll do. Price is important—every customer is watching costs— but when equipment stops working, what really matters is knowing someone will answer the phone and put things right. That’s what customers remember. R: I bet it is! So, looking at customer outreach, Hirox exhibited at Hillhead this year. What did the exhibition mean for the business? L: This was our second Hillhead as Hirox, although we’ve exhibited there for many years through our previous businesses. Hillhead is much more than a sales exhibition. Of course, we generated a significant amount of business during the event, but that’s not why we go. For us, it’s about demonstrating who we are as a business. It’s an opportunity to showcase new products, introduce customers to the team and, perhaps most importantly, put faces to names. Many of our customers only ever speak to us on the phone or via email, so meeting them in person helps strengthen those relationships. People ask challenging technical questions at Hillhead, and rightly so. Customers want confidence that the people they’re buying from genuinely understand the products they’re supplying. There’s nowhere to hide when you’re standing on the exhibition stand. Fortunately, we’ve built a knowledgeable team that knows the products inside out, and we enjoy those conversations.

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One thing that surprised us during the show was how many potential suppliers struggled to answer questions about their own products. We’re still waiting for responses from some of them. That only reinforced our own philosophy that understanding your products—and supporting them properly—is just as important as selling them.

For us, it’s about demonstrating who we are as a business. It’s an opportunity to showcase new products, introduce customers to the team and, perhaps most importantly, put faces to names.

One thing we’ve always been committed to is growing sustainably. Everything we’ve achieved has been funded through our own cash flow. We’ve never needed external investment or borrowing, which means we’ve retained complete control over the direction of the business. That allows us to grow at a pace that suits both us and our customers. R: Then what does the future look like for Hirox? L: This year is a significant milestone for us. We’ve already introduced several new product lines during 2026, and there are more planned before the end of the year. Looking ahead to 2027 and 2028, we’ll continue expanding the portfolio with around ten additional products. Alongside product development, one of the biggest investments is our new headquarters. We’re hoping to move into the facility before Christmas, and it will become the dedicated home of Hirox, bringing together our offices, distribution, servicing and maintenance operations under one roof. It will also allow us to significantly increase our stock holding—from around £1.7 million today to approximately £3 million. For our customers, that means faster availability and shorter lead times. In many cases, customers need an attachment immediately or the following day. We don’t want conversations about lead times. We want to be able to say, “Yes, we’ve got it. How many would you like?” That’s the direction we’re heading. As Hirox continues to expand, the business remains focused on the principles that have guided its founders for more than four decades: high quality products, knowledgeable people and customer service that doesn’t end once the equipment leaves the yard. In an increasingly competitive attachments market, it’s a straightforward philosophy—but one that has already earned Hirox something far more valuable than rapid growth alone: the trust of its customers.

A WIRTGEN GROUP COMPANY

For more information please contact: Wirtgen Limited Tel: 03452 412770 Email: sales.gb@wirtgen-group.com Website: www.wirtgen-group.com/gb

Wembley Stadium // feature // demolition spotlight

The Temporary Structure That Became Britain’s National Stadium Originally designed as a temporary centre-piece for a one-off show, the iconic Twin Towers of Wembley Stadium stood silently over some of the most significant sporting and cultural events of the 20th century. Despite the original stadium’s demolition in 2003, the lasting legacy of Britain’s National Stadium endures to this day, and represents one of the most successful redevelopment efforts undertaken in modern Britain.

Before The Stadium

Before becoming Britain’s National Stadium, the land that would become Wembley Park formed part of the historic Wembley Manor on the edge of London.

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During the 1880s, railway entrepreneur Sir Edward Watkin planned to develop this land into a premier Victorian leisure destination, while also serving his metropolitan train line. The plan centred on the construction of a giant iron lattice observation tower, which was intended to surpass the recently built Eiffel Tower.

Sir Edward Watkin

Work began in 1891, but almost immediately encountered problems. To save costs, the tower’s design was simplified from eight to four supporting legs, but this placed significantly higher pressure on the structure’s foundations. Subsidence and financial difficulties soon halted progress, with only the first 47-metre stage being completed. Becoming known locally as ‘Watkin’s Folly’, Wembley Park proved to be a popular attraction until safety concerns led to the tower’s demolition between 1904 and 1907. What remained was a spacious, but otherwise undeveloped municipal park with excellent rail links until the early 20s, when it was selected to host the British Empire Exhibition. Following the First World War, Britain emerged from the conflict with a weakened economy and global standing. The British Empire Exhibition was conceived as a celebration of the industrial, technological and cultural achievements of Britain and its overseas territories, but was also intended to encourage trade and reinforce imperial cohesion amidst growing calls for self-government from territories across the Empire. Pavilions representing nations and colonies from across the Empire were spread throughout Wembley Park, creating one of the largest exhibitions ever staged in Britain.

Sir Robert McAlpine

demolition spotlight // feature // Wembley Stadium

Sir John Simpson

Planning and Construction

Selected as the centrepiece of the exhibition, Wembley Stadium was designed by Sir John Simpson and Maxwell Ayrton, and constructed at a staggering pace by Sir Robert McAlpine in just 300 days. Built at a cost of around £750,000 and capable of accommodating more than 125,000 spectators, the stadium’s most recognisable features were the reinforced concrete Twin Towers that framed the main entrance. However, the stadium was never intended to become a permanent fixture, and was intended to be removed once the event had ended.

Early Years

Completed on 23 April 1923, Wembley Stadium was the largest in the world and well suited to host the FA Cup Final, which was held between Bolton Wanderers and West Ham United just five days later. With an estimated crowd of up to 300,000 spectators attending on the day, the new facilities were quickly overwhelmed. Order was eventually restored by mounted police, with images of Police Constable George Scorey riding his white horse, Billy, through the crowd becoming so synonymous with the event, that it is still referred to as the “White Horse Final”. Despite the chaotic scenes, the event demonstrated the enormous public demand for a national stadium.

Britain’s National Stadium

The following year, the British Empire Exhibition officially opened and attracted approximately 27 million visitors across a two-year run. The stadium proved immensely popular, leading to it being permanently retained as Britain’s National Stadium.

However, its defining sporting moment arrived later in July 1966, when England defeated West Germany 4-2 after extra time to win the FIFA World Cup in front of a capacity crowd.

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Just three years after the Second World War, Wembley hosted the 1948 Olympic Games, symbolising Britain’s recovery after years of conflict and austerity.

Wembley Stadium // feature // demolition spotlight

Combined with decades of FA Cup Finals and England internationals, the victory cemented Wembley’s place in British sporting history. Beyond sports, Wembley Stadium had become one of the world’s leading concert venues by the 1980s, and was selected in 1985 to host Live Aid simultaneously with John F Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia. Live sets from Queen, David Bowie, Elton John and other iconic acts were broadcast from Wembley to an estimated global audience of two billion, with Queen’s set widely regarded as one of the greatest live performances in rock history.

Demolition and Redevelopment

Having survived just under 80 years longer than originally intended, evolving safety standards, accessibility requirements and commercial expectations increasingly took their toll on the ageing stadium. By the early 2000s, refurbishment requirements became both structurally and financially impractical, and the decision to redevelop the entire site was reached shortly thereafter. Demolition commenced in 2002 with soft stripping of nonstructural elements, followed by methodical mechanical demolition with high-reach excavators. Despite public campaigns to preserve the iconic Twin Towers, engineers concluded that their retention would compromise the design and operation of the replacement stadium, while relocation proved technically and financially impractical. Both towers were dismantled during 2003, becoming the most controversial aspect of the redevelopment.

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Construction of the replacement stadium followed almost immediately. During excavation works, contractors uncovered foundations from Watkin’s Folly, which still sit today beneath the new stadium.

demolition spotlight // feature // Wembley Stadium

july // august // 2026

Wembley Stadium // feature // demolition spotlight

Dominated by its colossal 133-metre arch, and with a capacity of 90,000 spectators, the new Wembley stadium was completed in March 2007, and held its first FA Cup Final between Chelsea and Manchester United just two months later on the 19th of May. Much like its predecessor, the new stadium became the centrepiece of a wider regeneration programme that transformed Wembley Park into one of London’s leading residential, commercial and leisure districts.

Legacy

Originally conceived as a temporary exhibition structure, the old Wembley Stadium hosted some of Britain’s defining sporting and cultural moments, before finally making way for its successor after more than eighty years. Its demolition was controversial, but its replacement has ensured Wembley remains fit for the demands of modern sporting and entertainment events. Not only does the new stadium regularly host major sports events, but also comfortably hosted more than 750,000 fans across eight nights of Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour in 2024, demonstrating the scale of modern events that the original stadium was never designed to accommodate, while delivering a significant economic boost to London. More than a century after the demolition of Watkin’s Folly, Wembley Stadium continues to demonstrate how ambitious redevelopment can transform temporary ambition into enduring legacy.

hillhead 2026 // review // demolition spotlight

hillhead 2026 An in-depth look at what all of the industry leaders had to offer at this year’s Hillhead showcase. The sun was shining, brand flags fluttering in the wind, and the quarry was buzzing with the fevered excitement of all the exhibitors and attendees alike. The atmosphere was certainly electric, and honestly, no one expects anything less of Hillhead. Returning to the show as a fully formed mag, the team at Demolition Spotlight were out in full force in the blistering June heatwave to see the best that the industry had to offer. And we were not disappointed. Let’s take a look at what everyone had to show!

FuelCo

FuelCo used this year’s Hillhead exhibition to showcase its latest innovations for the construction, quarrying and demolition sectors, with the launch of a new range of mobile fuel storage solutions designed to improve flexibility, security and efficiency on site. Despite the hot and dusty conditions, the event proved to be a successful one for the business, providing an ideal platform to introduce its latest products and engage with customers from across the industry. The headline launch was FuelCo’s new mobile fuel tank range, comprising 950-litre and 2,000-litre tanks mounted on trailers. Unlike conventional trailer-mounted fuel bowsers, the new units have been designed to offer greater versatility. The tanks can be transported to site before being removed from the trailer and used as static fuel storage units, allowing the trailer to be taken away and used elsewhere. The design also addresses one of the industry’s ongoing challenges: security. Trailer theft remains a significant issue across construction and demolition sites, often leaving operators with unnecessary costs and disruption. By allowing the tank to be separated from the trailer, FuelCo’s solution helps minimise the risk of losing both assets in the event of theft while giving contractors greater flexibility in how they manage fuel on site. Alongside its latest product launch, FuelCo also used Hillhead to reinforce the customer-focused approach that has helped drive the company’s recent growth. Having expanded significantly over the past year, the business attributes its success to a combination of a strong team, experienced leadership and a commitment to building lasting customer relationships rather than simply processing orders.

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“We’re not order takers,” explained Klint Mills, National Sales Manager. “We’re focused on building relationships and helping customers find the right solution for their business.”

That philosophy has resonated with customers, who increasingly value knowledgeable support alongside highquality products. FuelCo believes that genuine enthusiasm, technical expertise and responsive service are helping to set the company apart in what remains a highly competitive marketplace.

demolition spotlight // review // hillhead 2026

Rotar

The spotlight on Rotar’s display from the Worsley Stand at Hillhead 2026 fell firmly on two attachment ranges that continue to strengthen the company’s reputation within the demolition and recycling sectors – the RCC Series Concrete Cutter and the RSS Series Scrap Shear. Designed with productivity, reliability and low operating costs in mind, both ranges attracted considerable attention from contractors looking to maximise efficiency on site.

A key feature of the RCC range is its focus on durability. Manufactured using high-strength, wear-resistant steels, the cutters are designed to withstand the demanding conditions encountered on demolition sites. Replaceable wear parts and

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The RCC Series Concrete Cutter is engineered specifically for primary and secondary demolition applications, where fast, controlled concrete processing is essential. Its robust jaw design delivers impressive crushing forces, allowing reinforced concrete structures to be broken down quickly while efficiently separating steel reinforcement from the concrete. This not only accelerates demolition operations but also improves the quality of recovered materials for recycling.

hillhead 2026 // review // demolition spotlight

cutting blades help reduce maintenance costs while extending service life, ensuring contractors can keep machines working productively with minimal downtime. Rotar’s optimised hydraulic design also contributes to faster cycle times, enabling operators to complete more work in less time. Alongside the concrete cutters, Rotar showcased its RSS Series Scrap Shear, an attachment developed to meet the challenges of heavy steel processing and industrial dismantling. Whether cutting structural steel, processing scrap or dismantling large industrial installations, the RSS Series delivers the power and precision required for demanding applications. The RSS shear features a compact yet exceptionally strong design, providing high cutting performance without compromising manoeuvrability. Its jaw geometry is engineered to maintain maximum cutting force throughout the cutting cycle, while the rotating head allows operators to position the attachment accurately, reducing unnecessary machine movements and improving overall productivity. Replaceable blades and wear components also contribute to lower operating costs and simplified maintenance. For demolition contractors, the combination of the RCC and RSS ranges represents a complete solution for tackling both concrete and steel structures efficiently. As projects increasingly focus on material recovery and sustainable demolition practices, attachments capable of producing cleanly separated recyclable materials have become more valuable than ever.

JCB

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JCB made a significant impact at Hillhead 2026, using the exhibition to showcase one of its most comprehensive product launches in recent years. Speaking on the company’s stand, Excavator Business Head, Paul Swallow, highlighted the importance of this year’s event following JCB’s 80th anniversary celebrations, describing Hillhead as the ideal platform to present a host of new machines to the quarrying, construction and demolition sectors.

Leading the line-up was JCB’s new 52-tonne excavator, the largest excavator ever produced by the manufacturer. Displayed on the stand and operating in the live quarry demonstrations, the machine attracted considerable attention from visitors keen to see its capabilities in a real working environment. Alongside it, JCB also introduced its new 42-tonne excavator, further strengthening the company’s heavy equipment portfolio. However, the excavator range was only part of the story. Visitors to the stand were also able to explore a new backhoe loader, the latest Sitemaster model, updated wheel loaders, new site dumpers and an expanded range of compaction equipment, underlining JCB’s continued investment across multiple product sectors. Another major talking point was JCB’s hydrogen-powered backhoe loader, the JCB 3CX, which made its first exhibition appearance as a commercially available product. Having previously been demonstrated as part of the company’s alternative fuels programme, the machine now represents a significant step towards bringing hydrogen-powered construction equipment into the marketplace. Reflecting on the exhibition, Paul said that while showcasing new products is always a key objective, one of the biggest highlights of Hillhead remains the opportunity to meet customers face-to-face, gather feedback and discuss the evolving needs of the industry.

DEMOLITION MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE LOWEST OPERATIONAL COSTS HIGHEST RELIABILITY

hillhead 2026 // review // demolition spotlight

Doyle Machinery

Doyle Machinery were showcasing two of their biggest brands at Hillhead this year, DustCube and Sibilia. Industry leaders in dust suppression, DustCube, showcased their TEMPEST dust cannon, a lightweight all in one dust suppression unit. The TEMPEST has been developed to provide highly effective dust suppression using a precisionengineered 20-micron ultra-fine water mist. By producing droplets that closely match the size of airborne dust particles, the system maximises particle capture while using significantly less water than conventional spray systems. This targeted approach helps prevent oversaturation of the work area, reducing water runoff and maintaining safer site conditions. Designed for maximum flexibility, the TEMPEST is mounted on a road-towable trailer, allowing it to be quickly deployed between demolition sites. Its compact footprint makes it particularly well suited to confined urban environments, restricted-access locations, and projects where space is at a premium. The unit incorporates a 400-litre onboard water tank, enabling up to 100 minutes of continuous autonomous operation without the need for a fixed water supply. This allows dust suppression to continue in areas where mains water is unavailable or impractical, helping contractors maintain productivity while meeting environmental requirements. By combining portability, efficient water usage, and advanced misting technology, the TEMPEST provides demolition contractors with a practical solution for controlling airborne dust, improving site safety, and supporting compliance with increasingly stringent environmental standards.

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The Sibilia Dragonfly 40 was also proudly on display. This industrial vacuum unit has been designed to meet these demanding requirements, providing powerful suction

performance for a wide range of demolition and industrial cleaning applications. Available with either an electric or diesel power unit, the Dragonfly 40 combines a high-vacuum lobe pump with long-distance suction capability, allowing operators to recover materials efficiently from locations that are difficult to access using conventional equipment. The system is equipped with a cyclone separator, an automatic filter cleaning system, and a robust hydraulic lifting mechanism to maximise productivity while minimising downtime. Mounted on a compact trolley, the Dragonfly 40 offers exceptional manoeuvrability, making it ideal for confined spaces and restricted-access environments where larger vacuum trucks cannot operate. This flexibility enables demolition contractors the safe recovery of a wide range of materials, including ash, activated carbon, cement dust, lime, flour, aggregates, gravel, guano, and other fine or hazardous dusts. It is also suitable for specialist applications involving asbestos, when used in accordance with relevant regulations and approved safety procedures.

demolition spotlight // review // hillhead 2026

MB Crusher

Few manufacturers are as closely associated with the evolution of on-site material processing as MB Crusher, and Hillhead 2026 showed exactly why the Italian manufacturer’s products continue to gain popularity among demolition contractors. Rather than relying on static displays, MB Crusher made full use of Hillhead’s live demonstration areas, showcasing its crusher buckets, screening buckets and demolition attachments in genuine working conditions. Watching material being processed directly at the face reinforced one of the company’s strongest selling points: reducing waste movements while creating reusable products on site. Live demonstrations included crusher buckets, screening attachments and the company’s relatively new demolition pulveriser range, illustrating the complete workflow from structural demolition through to recycled aggregate production. The introduction of the MB Demolition Pulveriser has significantly strengthened the manufacturer’s portfolio. Designed for primary and secondary demolition, the attachment allows operators to efficiently break reinforced concrete while separating rebar from the concrete matrix. This not only accelerates demolition operations but also produces cleaner recycled material, improving its value and reducing downstream processing requirements. For demolition contractors, the attraction of MB Crusher’s equipment extends beyond productivity. Increasing disposal costs and tightening environmental regulations continue to place pressure on businesses to recycle more material on site. By converting demolition waste into reusable aggregate without transporting it away from site, contractors can significantly reduce haulage costs, minimise vehicle movements and lower carbon emissions. These benefits were central to the conversations taking place throughout the exhibition.

Equally impressive is the versatility of the product range. Whether working on urban demolition projects with restricted access or larger industrial clearance contracts, the ability to mount crusher buckets and screening buckets onto existing excavators provides contractors with additional capability without investing in dedicated processing plants.

july // august // 2026 49

hillhead 2026 // review // demolition spotlight

Ace Plant

the excavator, while secure attachment retention provides additional confidence when handling heavy demolition tools. These features may not immediately attract attention, but they contribute to improved machine longevity and operator wellbeing over extended working periods.

Working alongside Dromone Engineering, the company highlighted the D80 Ball & Spoon quick hitch system fitted to an excavator operating with a dust suppression attachment. While quick hitch technology may not initially appear as exciting as crushers or demolition attachments, it remains fundamental to improving productivity on modern demolition projects. Fast attachment changes allow operators to switch between breakers, pulverisers, grapples, buckets and shears with minimal downtime. On projects where machines regularly perform multiple tasks throughout the day, reducing attachment change times can deliver meaningful improvements in overall efficiency.

Dust suppression formed another important aspect of Ace Plant’s demonstration. Airborne dust continues to be one of the demolition industry’s biggest environmental and health challenges, particularly in urban environments. Integrating dust suppression equipment with excavator attachment systems offers contractors a practical solution that can be deployed wherever demolition activities are taking place.

Although perhaps better known for its specialist attachment systems and plant solutions than headline-grabbing machinery launches, Ace Plant delivered one of the most practical demonstrations at Hillhead 2026.

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The D80 Ball & Spoon system also focuses heavily on operator comfort and safety. Reduced movement within the hitch assembly helps minimise vibration transmitted through

The stand also reflected a wider trend visible throughout Hillhead. Rather than focusing solely on increasing machine size or hydraulic power, manufacturers are placing greater emphasis on improving workflow efficiency. Quick couplers, attachment management systems and integrated safety features all contribute towards reducing downtime while improving productivity.

hillhead 2026 // review // demolition spotlight

OKB Attachments

Among the products on display at Hillhead 2026, OKB highlighted its new TS1000 Tree Shear, giving visitors an opportunity to see the attachment up close ahead of its official website launch. Designed for excavators in the 10–20 tonne class, the TS1000 is capable of cutting trees up to 350 mm in diameter. While primarily aimed at the forestry, utilities and rail sectors, its versatility makes it a practical attachment for contractors working across a range of industries where safe and efficient vegetation clearance is essential. According to Fran at OKB, the TS1000 has been developed to improve both productivity and site safety by providing a more efficient alternative to manual chainsaw operations. By enabling operators to cut and handle trees using the excavator, the attachment helps reduce manual intervention while delivering faster, more cost-effective results. Durability was another key talking point. OKB reported that the attachment has performed reliably in service, with no failures experienced to date. As with any attachment, performance ultimately depends on correct operation and maintenance, but the company says the TS1000 has consistently delivered on its intended purpose. Although the TS1000 had yet to be officially launched on the company’s website at the time of Hillhead 2026, it was one of the standout additions to OKB’s display and attracted strong interest from visitors looking for efficient solutions.

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While primarily aimed at the forestry, utilities and rail sectors, its versatility makes it a practical attachment for contractors working across a range of industries where safe and efficient vegetation clearance is essential.

This marked Hirox’s second appearance at Hillhead under its current name, although the team has exhibited at the event for many years through previous businesses. While the exhibition generated a significant amount of new business, its value extends far beyond sales. For Hirox, Hillhead provided an opportunity to demonstrate the company’s expertise, showcase new products and introduce customers to the people behind the business. It also offered a valuable chance to strengthen relationships by putting faces to names. Many customers interact with Hirox exclusively by phone or email throughout the year, making face-to-face conversations particularly valuable. The exhibition also gave visitors the opportunity to ask detailed technical questions, as Hirox places significant importance on ensuring its staff can confidently support customers with practical advice and technical expertise.

demolition spotlight // review // hillhead 2026

Hirox

One of the more surprising observations during the exhibition was the number of potential suppliers who were unable to answer questions about their own products, with some enquiries still awaiting responses. For Hirox, this reinforced a long-held belief that understanding a product and providing effective technical support are just as important as making the sale. In a competitive market, product knowledge and customer support remain key factors in building long-term relationships and earning customer confidence.

For Hirox, Hillhead provided an opportunity to demonstrate the company’s expertise, showcase new products and introduce customers to the people behind the business.

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hillhead 2026 // review // demolition spotlight

INMALO

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INMALO arrived at Hillhead with one of the most comprehensive demolition-focused displays at the exhibition, bringing together an extensive range of attachments, hydraulic breakers and dust suppression systems from several leading manufacturers.

techniques continue to evolve, contractors increasingly require attachments capable of handling multiple materials while maintaining high productivity levels.

The company’s stand reflected its position as a specialist supplier rather than a single-brand manufacturer. Visitors were able to examine equipment from MBI, Montabert, Steelwrist, GI-DA, Motofog and MB Dust Control, providing an opportunity to compare complementary technologies within one location.

Dust suppression was another major focus. INMALO demonstrated several Motofog systems in operation, alongside additional suppression equipment designed to minimise airborne dust generated during crushing, breaking and material handling activities. Live demonstrations highlighted how modern misting systems can significantly reduce dust without excessive water consumption, an increasingly important consideration on environmentally sensitive projects.

Demolition attachments naturally formed the core of the display. Rotating pulverisers, combi cutters, concrete crackers, sorting grapples and hydraulic breakers demonstrated the breadth of solutions now available for primary demolition, secondary processing and recycling applications. As demolition

Another strength of the INMALO display was its emphasis on complete solutions rather than individual products. Contractors were encouraged to consider how breakers, pulverisers, grapples and dust suppression equipment could work together to create more efficient demolition operations.

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hillhead 2026 // review // demolition spotlight

Zoomlion

Zoomlion’s presence at Hillhead demonstrated the manufacturer’s continued commitment to expanding within the UK and European markets. The company displayed a range of excavators tailored specifically for local customers, underlining its ambition to compete directly with more established manufacturers. Although not exclusively focused on demolition, several of the excavators on display offered clear potential for demolition applications. Robust undercarriages, high hydraulic performance and compatibility with a wide range of specialist attachments position the machines as viable options for contractors seeking alternative equipment suppliers. Zoomlion also highlighted factory-configured machines developed for specialist applications, including demolition variants equipped with straight booms, tilting cabs and additional guarding packages.

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As demolition contractors continue to diversify their fleets, there is increasing willingness to evaluate manufacturers outside the traditional market leaders. Reliability, dealer support, warranty provision and total ownership costs have become just as important as outright purchase price. Zoomlion appears to recognise these changing priorities. Rather than attempting to compete purely on cost, the company emphasised equipment specification and suitability for demanding operating conditions. Factory-built demolition configurations are particularly noteworthy, as purpose-built machines generally provide improved operator protection, enhanced visibility and better attachment compatibility than converted standard excavators.

demolition spotlight // review // hillhead 2026

Wirtgen

At first glance, Wirtgen Group’s bold exhibition slogan, “You’ll Never Crush Alone,” is an eye-catching play on words. But as Paul Holmes, Managing Director of Wirtgen Group UK, explains, it represents far more than clever marketing—it encapsulates the company’s entire approach to customer relationships. Speaking at the company’s exhibition stand, Holmes emphasised that purchasing a Kleemann crusher is only the beginning of a long-term partnership. “We don’t just want to sell a machine,” he said. “We want to build a relationship with our customers. We’ll be there to support them throughout the life of the equipment, helping them maximise uptime and profitability.” One machine attracting significant attention was the Kleemann MC 110 jaw crusher, which combines impressive crushing performance with a focus on operating efficiency.

Digital connectivity is another area where the MC 110 is helping operators improve efficiency. Through Kleemann’s SPECTIVE CONNECT platform, machine performance data can be transmitted directly to the cloud and integrated with the John Deere Operations Centre. This allows site managers, fleet owners and operations teams to remotely monitor production, utilisation and machine performance without needing to be physically present on site. Importantly, the same connectivity also strengthens Wirtgen Group UK’s customer support. “If fault codes appear, our team can often see them remotely,” Holmes explained. “In many cases we can help customers over the phone and get them back up and running quickly.”

“Fuel costs continue to be one of the biggest challenges facing contractors,” he explained. “Our drive concept helps reduce operating costs, and that means more money stays in our customers’ pockets.” Beyond fuel savings, the MC 110 has been designed with practicality in mind. Weighing under 50 tonnes, it offers straightforward transportation between sites without compromising productivity. Depending on the application, the crusher is capable of processing up to 400 tonnes of material per hour, while its robust jaw design enables it to tackle demanding demolition materials, including hard concrete and rock.

“It’s about protecting the machine while keeping customers productive,” Holmes explained. “And the control system is incredibly straightforward,” he said. “It’s effectively plugand-play. Within a short period of time, operators can be confidently running the machine.”

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Recognising the realities of demolition work, Kleemann has also incorporated an automatic uncrushable material release system. Foreign objects inevitably find their way into the crushing chamber, but rather than risking significant damage, the system quickly releases the obstruction before automatically returning to operation.

hillhead 2026 // review // demolition spotlight

McLanahan

McLanahan used this year’s Hillhead exhibition to underline its long-term commitment to the recycling and demolition sectors, unveiling new equipment and outlining a strategy centred on sustainable materials processing, compact crushing technology and continued investment in manufacturing.

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Speaking at the event, company representatives highlighted the growing demand for recycling solutions as producers face increasing challenges in securing new mineral reserves. Rather than relying solely on virgin materials, many operators are turning to the recovery and reuse of construction, demolition and excavation waste to meet demand. McLanahan is responding by expanding its recycling portfolio across Europe, North America, Australia and the Middle East, drawing on decades of experience in mining and minerals processing. The company believes its expertise in water management, thickening and filter press technology is becoming increasingly valuable as wet processing and recycling applications continue to grow.

One of the headline launches at Hillhead was the new Discovery Plant, a compact wash plant designed specifically for smaller producers and recycling businesses looking to enter wet processing without the significant capital investment traditionally associated with wash plants. Designed to work alongside compact mobile equipment such as scalping screens and jaw crushers, the Discovery Plant processes up to 50 tonnes per hour and enables operators to recover multiple saleable products from construction and demolition waste, bulk excavation material and natural sand and gravel deposits. The system incorporates a coarse material screw washer, light scrubbing and classification, trash removal, sizing screens and cyclone-based sand recovery, allowing users to produce washed sand, 10 mm and 20 mm aggregates, as well as pipe bedding material from a single compact installation. A key feature is its ability to automatically blend sand and aggregate to produce all-in base material, removing the need for additional handling with a loading shovel.

The company says the machine has been developed to provide a cost-effective entry point into washing technology for smaller operators who may previously have been priced out of the market. Alongside the Discovery Plant, McLanahan highlighted continued investment in its Anaconda crushing and screening range. Since acquiring Anaconda, the company has integrated McLanahan’s proven crushing technology into a growing lineup of mobile machines, including the I12 impact crusher, J12 jaw crusher and DF514 scalping screen. Meanwhile, the RubbleCrusher brand continues to expand its offering for contractors working in urban demolition and recycling. The newly launched RCJ72 compact jaw crusher has been engineered to process both construction and demolition waste and hard rock applications, giving contractors greater flexibility across a wider range of projects. Looking ahead, McLanahan also confirmed plans to expand its filter press manufacturing facility in Italy, having already secured additional land adjacent to its existing operation. The investment reflects growing global demand for water treatment and dewatering technologies as recycling and sustainable materials processing become increasingly important across the aggregates, quarrying and demolition industries.

NFDCTALKS

INTELLIGENT DEMOLITION PLANNING CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE TO PLAN SAFE, COMPLIANT AND SUCCESSFUL PROJECTS Intelligent demolition begins with smart planning. Join us to learn how In 2026, NFDC Talks are back, refreshed and reshaped, building on the fantastic feedback from last year’s programme. In partnership with the HSE and IDE, the series equip construction professionals with the must-have knowledge to plan safe, successful, and compliant demolition works. Learn from the best – Hear directly from the NFDC, HSE and IDE experts.

In partnership with:

Know your responsibilities – Understand your legal obligations as a client. Choose wisely – Discover what to look for in a reliable demolition contractor. Get informed – Know the skills, training, and certifications that matter. Whether you’re a project manager, developer, designer or planner, if you’re involved in pre-construction or demolition procurement,

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Bristol 24th June

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London 22nd September

Cardiff 15th October

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hillhead 2026 // review // demolition spotlight

Steelwrist

Steelwrist used the exhibition to showcase its latest excavator attachment technology, with the UK exhibition debut of two new third-generation tiltrotators taking centre stage. Visitors had the opportunity to see the new XTR23, designed for 19–23 tonne excavators, alongside the XTR15 for 12–15 tonne machines, both engineered to deliver greater precision, flexibility and productivity on site. The company also demonstrated its SQ40 fully automatic quick coupler, which allows hydraulic work tools to be changed without the operator leaving the cab. By eliminating the need for manual intervention during attachment changes, the system not only saves valuable time but also enhances operator safety and reduces downtime. Live demonstrations throughout the event illustrated how Steelwrist’s tiltrotator technology can transform excavator performance, enabling operators to work more efficiently, complete tasks with greater accuracy and maximise machine versatility across a wide range of applications.

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Across its stand, Steelwrist reinforced its commitment to delivering smarter attachment systems that improve both safety and productivity. Its messaging focused on helping contractors increase excavator utilisation, reduce time spent changing attachments and create safer working practices, while ultimately improving efficiency and profitability on site.

As the dust settles on Hillhead 2026, it is clear that the exhibition continues to justify its position as the industry’s premier showcase for innovation, investment and collaboration. While new machines and product launches inevitably drew the crowds, the real story was the direction of travel across the demolition, recycling and quarrying sectors. Greater emphasis on sustainability, electrification, digital technology and operator safety was evident throughout the site, reflecting the challenges and opportunities facing contractors today. For demolition professionals in particular, Hillhead once again proved to be far more than a machinery exhibition. It offered a valuable opportunity to meet manufacturers, discuss evolving project requirements, explore emerging technologies and strengthen relationships across the supply chain. Those conversations, often taking place away from the exhibition stands, remain one of the event’s greatest strengths.

demolition spotlight // review // hillhead 2026

Conclusion

The industry continues to evolve at pace, driven by changing legislation, client expectations and technological advancement. Hillhead 2026 demonstrated that equipment manufacturers and service providers are responding with practical solutions designed to improve productivity, efficiency and environmental performance. If this year’s event is any indication, the future of demolition looks increasingly connected, sustainable and innovative. The countdown to Hillhead 2028 has already begun, and the industry will undoubtedly arrive with even more to showcase.

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in print • on line • on the app

The EDA Annual Convention 2026 in Dublin has concluded as a major success, bringing together a truly international community of professionals from across the demolition, decontamination, and recycling sectors from more than 19 countries. The European Demolition Association, EDA, Annual Convention 2026 successfully took place from 10–12 June 2026 in Dublin, Ireland, gathering a large international community of professionals from the demolition, decontamination, and recycling (DDR) sectors. Hosted at Croke Park Stadium, the three-day event brought together contractors, experts, and industry stakeholders for a program combining technical conferences, specialist workshops, and an active exhibition and networking area. Throughout the convention, participants engaged in discussions on key topics shaping the future of the sector, including circular economy applications, nuclear decommissioning, digital technologies, regulatory frameworks, and large-scale industrial and offshore projects.

A programme focused on transformation and technical exchange

The convention opened on Wednesday, 10 June, with a series of technical workshops addressing some of the most pressing and emerging topics in the sector. Among them were sessions dedicated to circular economy principles applied to nuclear decommissioning projects, presented by Vladimir Michal (International Atomic Agency), and an update on insulation materials containing freons and CFCs led by Marianne Hedberg (MHMBYGGE in cooperation with EKO-SERVICE Scandinavia). Further workshops explored relevant good practices in explosive demolition with John Wolstenholme (EFEE – European Federation of Explosives Engineers), as well as ongoing developments in European standards for demolition machinery, presented by René Kampmeier (CEN/TC 151 WG1). These sessions set the tone for the convention, reinforcing the importance of technical cooperation and regulatory alignment across borders. In the afternoon, EDA members convened for the General Assembly, where internal association matters, ongoing initiatives, and future strategic priorities were discussed. The day concluded with the traditional Welcome Cocktail held at Croke Park Stadium, offering participants an informal environment to reconnect and begin new professional relationships.

demolition spotlight // review // eda convention

The EDA Annual Convention 2026 in Dublin concludes with strong international participation and industry-wide engagement

eda convention // review // demolition spotlight

High-level conference sessions and international case studies

Thursday, 11 June, represented the core of the professional programme, with a full day of conference sessions divided into four thematic blocks. Each session brought together international speakers and case studies reflecting both regional experiences and global industry perspectives.

Discover the full conference program

• Industrial and environmental transformation of the Alteo site Mr. Olivier Corrège – ERM – ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT (France) • Success of the Dutch Circular Verification Scheme for demolition and PDA. Certification System in VERAS Mr. AD Schaap – VERAS (Netherlands) • The demolition industry in the United States: Challenges, opportunities, and the role of the National Demolition Association Mr. Ben Hayden – NDA and HAYDEN WRECKING CORPORATION (USA) • Environmental monitoring in demolition projects Ms. Sophie Duclos – CATM (France) • Optimizing offshore platform decommissioning: AEM-Based demolition analysis of the Northern Producer Platform Mr. Ahmed Amir Khalil & Mr. Phil Peberdy – Applied Science International LLC (USA) & LIBERTY INDUSTRIAL (UK) • Lesson learned on the French waste management system for CDW Mr. Mathieu Hiblot – SEDDRE -SYNDICAT DES ENTREPRISES DE DECONSTRUCTION DEPOLLUTION ET RECYCLAGE (France) • The use of digital technologies in European Nuclear Decommissioning projects Mr. Joseph A. Ridao – KARLSRUHE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (KIT), INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT IN CONSTRUCTION (TMB), DECONSTRUCTION AND DECOMMISSIONING OF CONVENTIONAL AND NUCLEAR BUILDINGS (Germany) • From ritual to rubble: The Naga Thermal Chimney story Mr. Cormac McLean – PDC EXPLOSIVES ENGINEERING (UK)

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• Demolition of Coursington, Allen, and Draffen Towers: solutions and questions Mr. Stephen McCann – PERSES (UK)

Alongside the technical programme, the exhibition area at Croke Park served as a central hub for interaction between equipment manufacturers, service providers, and contractors. Attendees were able to explore the latest developments in demolition machinery, attachments, safety systems, and recycling technologies, while engaging directly with technical representatives.

The networking environment remained one of the defining features of the convention, with discussions extending beyond formal sessions into structured breaks and dedicated social events. The combination of technical depth and informal interaction once again proved essential in strengthening professional relationships across the sector.

demolition spotlight // review // eda convention

Networking, exhibition, and industry collaboration

On Thursday evening, participants attended a special formal dinner at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin. The event, held in one of the city’s most iconic venues, provided an opportunity to continue discussions in a more relaxed setting while experiencing Irish cultural elements, including live music. And then, delegates also took part in a themed evening experience in a traditional Dublin pub in the city centre.

Closing the leisure program and Dublin experience

The final day of the convention, Friday 12 June, was dedicated to a leisure programme designed to showcase the city of Dublin and encourage continued interaction among attendees in a less formal environment. Participants joined guided visits to some of the city’s most emblematic locations, followed by a traditional lunch in a local Irish pub. This closing activity has become an established part of the EDA Convention experience, allowing delegates to consolidate professional connections while experiencing the cultural context of the host city.

Continuity of EDA initiatives and strategic direction

During the convention, EDA also confirmed the continuation of several key initiatives, including technical committee meetings, workshops, and the Circular Economy Awards. These activities remain central to the association’s mission of promoting innovation, sustainability, and best practice within the demolition and recycling sectors.

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The General Assembly further reinforced EDA’s commitment to supporting its members through knowledge sharing, regulatory dialogue, and international cooperation. Participants highlighted the importance of maintaining strong cross-border collaboration in order to address evolving industry challenges, particularly in areas related to sustainability, safety, and digital transformation.

eda convention // review // demolition spotlight

Looking ahead to Athens 2027

As the Dublin edition comes to a close, EDA is pleased to confirm that the next Annual Convention will take place in Athens, Greece, from 10 to 12 June 2027. Organised in collaboration with the Greek association, PEDMEDE, the event will continue to build on the strong foundations established in Dublin, further strengthening international cooperation and knowledge exchange within the global demolition community. EDA extends its sincere thanks to all speakers, delegates, partners, and sponsors for their active participation and valuable contributions, which once again made the Annual Convention a key reference point for the industry. We are looking forward to meeting you in Athens! More information at

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www.europeandemolition.org

Thanks to the sponsors

The success of the EDA Annual Convention 2026 was made possible thanks to the support of its sponsors, whose involvement reflects the strong engagement of the wider industry. • Gold sponsors included ACDE EUROPE, KOBELCO, XPLOSAFE, CATERPILLAR, LAURINI, AND KOMATSU. • Silver sponsors included DEVELON, STEELWRIST, KEMROC, MB CRUSHER, SHEARCORE, EPIROC, OILQUICK, OKADA EUROPE, RAMMER, ROTAR, KTEG, HUSQVARNA, AND SENNEBOGEN. • Bronze sponsors included VTN EUROPE, SEG UMWELTSERVICE, STUCCHI, LIEBHERR, ASTILLO, AMS UMWELTSCHUTZ, STC SOLUTIONS, DEMAREC, MANTOVANIBENNE Their contribution was instrumental in supporting both the technical program and the exhibition environment, helping to ensure a high-quality experience for all participants.

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