CPA Bulletin

34 CPA Bulletin > August 2024 www.cpa.uk.net Keeping Operators Safe Flannery Plant Hire was the first major plant hire company to support Xwatch Safety Solutions, part of Hexagon, when the company (Xwatch) began its operations in July 2019. Since then, Flannery has invested significantly in Xwatch, purchasing almost 300 XW4 height and slew control systems along with XW5 total protection RCIs (rated capacity indicators). Much of Flannery’s work is secured through the tender framework, with 80% of their business coming this way. This involves tendering up to 6-9 months ahead of a contract award or a project. Current schemes include the A3, M5 and M25 National Highways widening works at Wisley and HS2. The company plans its purchases 12 months ahead. Last year, Flannery invested heavily in new machinery for upcoming key infrastructure projects. While the company has tapered its CAPEX this year, more than £105 million has already been committed for new machinery and equipment. Flannery’s strategic focus remains on National Highways, UK Power Networks, Utilities, and Airports and through their supply chains with customers, including the likes of Kier Group, Balfour Beatty, Morgan Sindall, and various contractor joint ventures (JVs), specify Xwatch XW4s and XW5s. Additionally, some specify the Xwatch 3D collision avoidance system by Leica Geosystems part of Hexagon, which integrates with the Leica MC1 3D machine control software. This system allows users to create or import 3D avoidance zones above and below ground directly into the MC1 tablet without additional screens. Currently, upwards of 45% of Flannery’s fleet is equipped with Xwatch systems, highlighting their trust in the technology. This preference is a strategic decision based on customer service excellence and the ability to react swiftly. The Xwatch systems are renowned for their reliability, providing operators with consistent performance and peace of mind. Adding to the confidence in the product. NEWS FROM CPA MEMBERS: 2 Thwaites has committed to the CESAR Security and Registration Scheme powered by Datatag ID. The Scheme will protect Thwaites dumpers for life and will help deter criminal activity. In the case of theft, there is a much greater chance of recovery and likelihood of prosecution. Owned by the Construction Equipment Association (CEA) and widely supported by the industry, the identifiable warning signs represent the only Scheme recognised by the Metropolitan Police and UK Home Office. The Scheme is monitored and responded to 24/7 and has seen, since its launch in 2007, the likelihood of recovery increase to six times more than that of a machine not protected by multi-layered identification technologies. Thwaites General Sales Manager Andrew Sabin said: “We are pleased to confirm our participation in the CESAR Scheme. Thwaites will always ensure we protect our brand, our distributors, and our loyal owners and operators. “Reducing the total cost of dumper ownership by lowering insurance premiums and further protecting market-leading residuals is something we fundamentally endorse and support,” he added. Viki Bell, Director of Operations at the CEA, said, “We are excited to see Thwaites join the CESAR Scheme. Their decision highlights the industry’s growing recognition of the value and effectiveness of the CESAR Scheme and its unique security measures in protecting valuable equipment and deterring theft. Thwaites’ commitment to this initiative emphasises their dedication to safeguarding their machinery and supporting the broader efforts of the CEA to combat equipment theft across the industry.” Kevin Howells, CEO of the CESAR Scheme technology and delivery partner Datatag ID, said, “We are delighted to welcome Thwaites to the CESAR Scheme after extensive discussions and a thorough evaluation process. Thwaites’ adoption of CESAR reinforces their commitment to security and the critical importance of our multi- layered forensic identification technologies. This partnership marks another significant step forward in further improving security measures within the construction equipment industry.” Thwaites Adopts CESAR to Protect and Detect