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Building supplies plc invests millions in new 400-crane upgrade

BUILDING materials distributor Travis Perkins has invested multi-million pounds in new cranes for loading and unloading its delivery vehicles.

The HIAB iX.162 HIPRO BSS-2 cranes are the first of their kind and will replace existing cranes on the group’s heavy side delivery vehicles in the Travis Perkins merchanting and Keyline Civils Specialist businesses over the next three years.

Travis Perkins has ordered a total 400 of the cranes from manufacturer Hiab. They will improve sustainability, safety and efficiency for customers, the company says.

The version of the HIAB iX.162 crane chosen by Travis Perkins is around 150 kgs lighter in weight than the previous model, which enables delivery trucks to increase payload and reduce fuel consumption. However, the new model is stronger than its predecessor, giving operators more flexibility and the ability to deliver heavy loads safely and with greater accuracy.

“These new cranes represent a significant investment,” said Richard Byrne, HSE & fleet director at Travis Perkins Group’s headquarters in Northampton. “They support our plans to innovate and grow and they cement our place as a leading partner to construction by serving our customers with improved safety and efficiency.”

All new cranes will come with a maintenance contract with Hiab, he added.

“They also support our own commitment to net zero and the decarbonisation of our customers’ supply chain, a commitment we share with Hiab, whose values very much align with our own.” Safety and environmental factors are more important considerations for customers when considering a purchase, said Gage Roberts, Hiab’s key account manager – UK & Ireland. “We are all very excited to get this unit out working in the field,” he added. “The new crane has an abundance of innovations that will all work towards this crane being the safest, most efficient and most productive crane in the industry.”

The new 400 HIAB cranes will be rolled out from January and will be supplied to Travis Perkins and Keyline with HiConnect telematics in order to monitor the performance and safe operation of the crane.

“Our innovation teams have been working on this round the clock for several years and no stone has been left unturned, from hose routing and weight savings, to enhanced safety features and technology that will help companies achieve sustainability targets,” said Alexander Gelis, vice president for sales and product management, loader cranes light and medium at Hiab.

“When the new HIAB iX.162 HIPRO BSS-2 cranes are rolled out, we expect the crane operators to see immediate benefits. We look forward to working with Travis Perkins and bringing about real change to the wider UK industry.”

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