New Book – Grave Digger

October 21, 2024 Book

Halloween will soon be upon us. There will soon be carved pumpkins in the window and trick or treaters on the doorstep.

And we are getting into the spooky spirit with the launch of a brand-new, Halloween-themed e-book from DemolitionNews editor and founder, Mark Anthony.

The new book is called Grave Digger, and it features a futuristic excavator gone rogue:

“It is the future of heavy machinery; a fully-electric, AI-powered excavator that boasts unparalleled precision and efficiency while working in perfect harmony with its operator. But be warned: the machine is fiercely protective. Don’t underestimate the power of The Grave Digger.”

The e-book book will be available ONLY until Halloween 2024.

In addition, anyone ordering a copy of the book between now and 28 October 2024 will receive a second and final copy with their name among the book’s dedications.

So, if you like the idea of a spooky excavator tale or if you’d just like to see your name in print, CLICK HERE to buy your copy of Grave Digger.

The Break Fast Show #816

October 22, 2024 Video

In today’s show: Bell continues down the path of autonomy; we’re getting attached to Avant; Caterpillar and the joy of joysticks; and we’re taking a dip with Komatsu.

PLUS in today’s episode of Mark’s Morning Monologue, we are examining the construction industry’s apparent inability to communicate effectively.

Join us LIVE for your daily fix of news, views, video and comment from the world of demolition and construction.

Take part in our Mystery Machine game. And be sure to stick around for Mark’s Morning Monologue and the chat in our after-show discussion session, The Craic.

The Break Fast Show #814

October 18, 2024 Video

In today’s show: We’re back at JCB’s customer experience centre to bring you more from the company’s international press event earlier this week; we’re processing material, Italian-style, with Mantovanibenne; we’re walking with giants on Hitachi’s stand at the MINExpo show; and if you can switch batteries here, you can switch them anywhere.

PLUS in today’s episode of Mark’s Morning Monologue, we are discussing human form recognition technology and the collection of near-miss data that could make on-site accidents a thing of the past.

Join us LIVE for your daily fix of news, views, video and comment from the world of demolition and construction.

Take part in our Mystery Machine game. And be sure to stick around for Mark’s Morning Monologue and the chat in our after-show discussion session, The Craic.

JFH sold to staff

October 17, 2024 News

Industry news portal Construction Enquirer is reporting that ownership of demolition contractor John F Hunt is to pass to an Employee Ownership trust.

Charman John Hall said the move was a natural step for the £157 million-turnover demolition, construction and regeneration specialist.

He said: “Selling the Group to a third party or breaking it up would never have been straightforward, or an option I would have considered.

“Our employees are the mainstay of the business, and it has taken a long time to create a group of companies that works so well together. Transitioning to employee ownership was the next natural step and I’m delighted that all the directors and staff have bought into the idea and been so supportive.”

The EOT will cover everything apart from John F Hunt Power and Morris Machinery which have seven regional offices and are excluded from the new arrangement.

In March 2023, John F Hunt was one of ten National Federation of Demolition Contractors’ member companies named in a bid-rigging scandal during an investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority.

John F Hunt was also the demolition contractor working at the Teesworks facility in Redcar when two workers were killed in 2019.

The Break Fast Show #813

October 17, 2024 Video

In today’s show: We are paying a flying visit to JCB’s misty Kevin Quarry; we’re in Australia to witness another step on mining’s path to zero emissions; Komatsu’s power agnostic truck goes to work; and what customers have to say about Volvo’s brand new R60 rigid hauler.

PLUS in today’s episode of Mark’s Morning Monologue, we are discussing site and project management on UK demolition and construction sites and how, all too often, the experienced are led by the inexperienced.

Join us LIVE for your daily fix of news, views, video and comment from the world of demolition and construction.

Take part in our Mystery Machine game. And be sure to stick around for Mark’s Morning Monologue and the chat in our after-show discussion session, The Craic.

The second coming of Redhead?

October 14, 2024 News

It’s been a few weeks since we exclusively reported that the much-respected Redhead Demolitions had slipped quietly into voluntary liquidation, bringing its near-60 year history to a close.

But something is afoot. This weekend, DemolitionNews took a fresh look at the company’s listing at Companies House. And it appears that the company may be about to return. Sort of.

On 11 October, Ross Redhead ceased to be a director of the company, Zara Redhead’s position of significant control was ceased, and Philippa Redhead’s position as company secretary was terminated.

But on the same day, two new appointments were made with Michael Anthony Richards and James Patrick Mackey being appointed as directors. At the same time, Mackey Demolition was named as a “person with significant control”. And the company name has changed – probably temporarily – from Redhead Demolitions to 01072631. If that name appears familiar, it is because it was the company number of Redhead Demolitions.

UPDATE: On 14 October, Companies House recorded a name change for the company to Mackey Demolition Limited.

Embodied Carbon Briefing Document

October 14, 2024 General

The existential threat to the demolition sector is a lot like COVID-19 – Just because no-one is talking about it doesn’t mean the problem has gone away.

With that in mind, DemolitionNews has compiled a new briefing document that calls upon and links to all the latest reports and research into the subject of embodied carbon.

If you want to just dip your toe into the water of this complex and fast-evolving subject, this briefing document will tell you pretty much all you need to know.

If, however, you wish to really get into the weeds, the document contains some vital external links to additional resources.
You can download the briefing document here.

In addition, by way of context, DemolitionNews has just produced a new Deep Dive podcast that discusses embodied carbon and the wider subject of sustainable construction.

You can watch/listen to that below.

The Break Fast Show #812

October 14, 2024 Video

In today’s show: Caterpillar grapples with attachment efficiency; John Deere delivers smarter site solutions; we’re heading back to Las Vegas and MINExpo in the company of Hitachi; and how 500 drones told the history of Volvo.

PLUS in today’s episode of Mark’s Morning Monologue, we are discussing the multitude of health risks and hazards facing demolition and construction workers; many of which those workers take to site with them.

Join us LIVE for your daily fix of news, views, video and comment from the world of demolition and construction.

Take part in our Mystery Machine game. And be sure to stick around for Mark’s Morning Monologue and the chat in our after-show discussion session, The Craic.

The Break Fast Show #811

October 11, 2024 Video

In today’s show: Division 2 Contractors uses premier league attachments; making the grade below ground; how Caterpillar is reducing mine hauler emissions; and we have some superb Dutch demolition for you too.

PLUS in today’s episode of Mark’s Morning Monologue, we are discussing bullying in the demolition and construction workplace; a problem that reportedly effects one in five workers in the sector.

Join us LIVE for your daily fix of news, views, video and comment from the world of demolition and construction.

Take part in our Mystery Machine game. And be sure to stick around for Mark’s Morning Monologue and the chat in our after-show discussion session, The Craic.

The Break Fast Show #810

October 10, 2024 General

In today’s show: Las Vegas says goodbye to the Tropicana; we have an exclusive interview with one of the people behind the autonomous and battery electric hauler that will shape the mining sector; Dieci’s quick change act; and Sunderland has a new bridge – But don’t Wear it out.

PLUS in today’s episode of Mark’s Morning Monologue, we are discussing creeping responsibility – How employers heap more and more roles and responsibilities upon individual workers, often without additional financial compensation.

Join us LIVE for your daily fix of news, views, video and comment from the world of demolition and construction.

Take part in our Mystery Machine game. And be sure to stick around for Mark’s Morning Monologue and the chat in our after-show discussion session, The Craic.