CPA Bulletin

NEWS FROMCPA MEMBERS: 2 Prolectric, the supplier of temporary solar lighting and off-grid power for highways, rail and infrastructure projects, has acquired the Solatainer® solar generator. The Prolectric acquisition includes all Solatainer assets and intellectual property. The Solatainer is the UK’s first autonomous solar-powered off-grid generator and has a track record in use at more than 50 sites in the rail and construction sectors nationwide. The acquisition, from Gaia Renewables Ltd, makes Prolectric the UK’s first specialist single-source supplier for off-grid renewable light and power. It will make it easier for contractors to use renewable energy on site to reduce their fuel costs, noise, Nitrogen Oxide (NOx), Particulate Matter (PM) and carbon emissions. The Solatainer delivers up to 25kW of reliable, on-demand off-grid power. Modelled on a standard 20ft shipping container, the Solatainer’s photovoltaic (PV) solar panels charge on-board lithium ion or deep-cycle lead acid battery storage, with a diesel generator providing only occasional back-up power. Fuel usage is reduced by 80% compared to a conventional diesel generator. Prolectric Acquires the Solatainer Solar Generator Apprentice of the Year Leonie Morris, who works as an apprentice fitter for the equipment supplier firm MHM Plant, has been judged as ‘Apprentice of the Year’ at Hire Association Europe’s (HAE) Hire Awards of Excellence 2019 hosted at London’s Grosvenor Hotel. Her prize was awarded to her by Anton Du Beke fromBBC’s Strictly Come Dancing programme. Leonie, 22, from Treherbert, in the Rhondda, South Wales, joined MHM Plant in August 2017. She spends her time repairing, maintaining and servicing a wide range of power generation and associated equipment, alongside her studies at Bridgend College. Commenting on winning this award, Leonie said: “I am honoured to have been given this award. It’s a great feeling to be formally recognised for doing a job I genuinely enjoy. I am lucky enough to be surrounded by enthusiastic and talented people, who always have the time to help me progress. I hope that my success will encourage other young men and women to take up an apprenticeship in the UK hire industry, as it’s a great business to be in.” Steven Jones, Workshop Manager, MHM Plant Ltd added: “Talent isn’t a word I would use lightly, but in Leonie’s case, it applies. She is equally at home with petrol, diesel, mechanical and electrical equipment. I’ve worked with a few apprentices in my time, but none achieved, so early in their growth, the very high standards that Leonie sets out for herself.” MHM Plant has also expanded its stockist network following the appointment of three firms, each authorised to market the full range of MHM products. In Cornwall, contractors can now purchase MHM goods from Vincent Tractors and Plant - a multi-faceted equipment dealer with depots in Fraddon, Holsworthy and Smithaleigh. Likewise, firms in Scotland’s central belt can purchase MHMmachinery from the Coatbridge- based stockist, D and S Plant Services. Gloucestershire-based Equipment One Limited has also been appointed to stock MHM equipment in the South West area. 36 CPA Bulletin > August 2019 www.cpa.uk.net All Set to Pound the Pavements for Charity A super-fit trio fromMHM Plant have stepped up their training routines and are getting ready to compete in the forthcoming Cardiff Half Marathon 2019, which takes place on 6th October 2019. Sales and Marketing Executive Megan Rand, Hire Desk and Office Manager Bethan Jones and Liam Pullen fromMHM Plant’s workshop are running the Half Marathon to raise funds for Cardiff’s Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital. The money will be used to provide critical childrens’ services and to purchase vital medical equipment including the installation of facilities such as a hydrotherapy pool. Megan Rand said: “We hope we can contribute to making a real difference to the 73,000 vulnerable babies and children in Wales each year that need specialist and often life-saving treatment at the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital.” Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mhmcardiffhalf