With even Brexit failing to put a dent in the construction industry’s recovery, it’s set to deliver some of Europe’s most innovative and challenging construction projects. Hinckley point, HS2 and the new Paramount studios in Kent; they all follow Crossrail – the biggest civil engineering project in Europe – due for completion in 2019. These, and many other projects, just could not happen without the expertise of our abnormal lift and transport industry.
Into this burgeoning arena came our third celebration of the industry’s contribution to Great Britain Plc, The Heavies 2017. Recognising innovation, investment and creativity of those who deliver major projects like these. Nimble Media Ltd, publisher of the only dedicated abnormal load industry title, HeavyTorque, hosted its third awards event ‘recognising industry excellence’.
We moved to a bigger venue for 2017, the Peterborough Arena at the East of England Showground. As the long-standing home of TruckFest, it’s no stranger to the transport sector. And neither was our guest presenter; as we were delighted to welcome back BBC broadcasting royalty Sally Boazman, better known as Sally Traffic, who announced and presented the awards again. Herewith, we share and celebrate the winners, and those highly commended, and thank the industry’s movers and shakers who generously supported this event.
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Narrative read by Sally Traffic during shortlist announcement:
The heavy and abnormal load industry accounts for a plethora of outstanding work, requiring a high degree of expertise to transport loads of all shapes, sizes and budgets, but equally they are just as important as each other. Every movement within this niche industry presents its own complexities. With this in mind, the organisers decided to split this category into four, using the weight of the movement as a guide.
Tonight’s first award is sponsored by Kässbohrer. Can we please welcome to the stage our Category Sponsor – all the way from Turkey, Mr Eray Gül, Area Sales Manager at Kässbohrer Fahrzeugwerke GmbH.
The companies shortlisted for Job of the Year (CAT1) are…
Finnie Heavy Haulage, who moved three extremely fragile loads of Aircraft Simulator Sections from Manchester to Southampton.
Lawsons Haulage, for a project to transport three large rail track panels from Nottingham to Selby in Yorkshire.
Job of the Year CAT1: Winner – Lawsons Haulage
On announcing the winner: The winning project involved moving 34 metre loads on a route that included a city centre and a small village. The operator’s experience in this sector showed through in its thorough planning, use of the right equipment and excellent execution. Worthy winners – and collecting the award for Lawsons Haulage were Raymond and Pauline Lawson.
In the words of our Judges: ‘A great example of thorough planning and good execution’
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Narrative read by Sally Traffic during shortlist announcement:
Our second award for this evening is Job of the Year (CAT 2). Sponsored by Faymonville, Traffco and Rydam Universal. Please welcome to the stage, for their third year as Heavies sponsors, Mr Ryan & Adam Green from Rydam Universal Ltd and Mr Peter & Mike Dougan from Traffco to present this award.
And the Shortlist for Job of the Year (CAT2) is…
Bugler Transport, for a complex 36-metre yacht move in Lee on Solent.
John Somerscales Ltd, for delivering two filter units to a new Sheffield biomass plant on a just-in-time basis.
Quinto Crane and Plant, who moved two oversize loads over 400 miles for installing at a water treatment project.
Job of the Year CAT2: Winner – Bugler Transport
On announcing the winner: The winning project involved using skates to negotiate movements between buildings, then lifting the load onto a trailer with a tandem lift. The judges described it as a tremendous effort from a real specialist in this sector. Very well done to all at Bugler Transport, worth winners in this category for the second year running! Collecting their second Job of the Year (CAT2) award in as many years was Mr. Reg Bugler. Well done indeed Sir!
In the words of our Judges: ‘Well planned. Good co-operation between various parties. Repeat business secured as testament’
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Narrative read by Sally Traffic during shortlist announcement:
We now move onto our third award for Job of the Year (CAT3), and the shortlist for this category is…
Aylwards, West of Scotland Heavy Haulage and Ally Macpherson Services, who delivered 26 concrete beams from Ireland to the M8/M74 upgrade project near Glasgow.
Finnie Heavy Haulage, for successfully moving a 100 tonne Scrap Bailer from Glasgow to Bridgend.
John Somerscales Ltd, who delivered components up to 65 tonnes in weight for the Sheffield Biomass plant.
Job of the Year CAT3: Winner – John Somerscales Ltd
On announcing the winner: The winning job required the operator to arrange storage and handling, as well as transportation, to meet the client’s timetable. And the operator’s excellent planning resulted in significant savings to the customer. Compliments should also go to the drivers. John Somerscales, together with Ashley Smith, Jake Hodson and Alan Cross stepped up to collect their award from Gary Forster, CEO, Transaid. Very well done Sir!
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Narrative read by Sally Traffic during shortlist announcement:
Now to the fourth and final Job of the Year award for BE16 or VR1 – the really, really big loads!
And the shortlist for Job of the Year BE16/VR1 is…
ALE, who transported a 75-metre wind turbine blade through Hull for the City of Culture celebrations.
Allelys Group, for transporting a 180 tonne Transformer Unit from Portugal to Fort Augustus, Scotland.
Collett & Sons, who transported three wind turbines with 58.7m blades, from Grangemouth to Muirhall Wind Farm.
Job of the Year (BE16/VR1): Winner – Allelys Group
On announcing the Winner: The judges described the winner as an extraordinary job that involved a high degree of interaction with other stakeholders, and the flexibility to find alternative solutions. The job encompassed detailed bridge and roadside surveys, including listed structures. David Allely stepped up to collect their award. Their fourth in just two years!
In the words of one of our Judges: ‘Brings a whole new meaning to ‘you take the high road!’ Detailed bridge and roadside surveys paid dividends.
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Narrative read by Sally Traffic during shortlist announcement:
And so we move onto Project of the Year… Please welcome to the stage our category sponsors and the owners of the most magnificent exhibit at back of the room: Mr Jeremy Stubbs representing Enerpac Heavy Lifting Technology.
In this category, the judges were looking for examples of projects that were remarkable in scale, complexity and ambition, and delivered successfully on time and on budget. And they weren’t disappointed! The companies shortlisted for Project of the Year once again made the judging process a tough one!
The shortlist for Project of the Year is…
ALE, for moving and lifting the jacket and topside of the Dudgeon Offshore Wind Farm Substation.
Allelys Group, for the Multimodal transport of Subsea Towheads as part of the development of a new oil field.
Collett & Sons Ltd, who relocated nine 185 Tonne transformers from Dartford, Kent to Drax Power Station, North Yorkshire.
John Somerscales Ltd, for delivering all the components for Sheffield’s new biomass boiler on a just-in-time basis.
Rydam Universal Ltd, who arranged the collection, storage and disposal of the entire Hewden crane fleet.
On announcing the Highly Commended: With so many impressive entries for Project of the Year, the judges decided to award a Highly Commended prize in this category.
Project of the Year: Highly Commended – ALE
Highly Commended is a multi-faceted project that required an extensive range of specialist equipment and great know-how. Two crawler cranes, four jacking towers and 22 axle lines of SPTs were used to roll-up and jack-up a 954 tonne load. Collecting the award on behalf of ALE were Senior Sales Managers, Matthew Rushton and John Davis.
In the words of our Judges: ‘With the use of their SPTs, SPMTs and the Mega Jack lift system, this was another successful example of ALE’s capabilities to complete enormous tasks: with the utmost safety and pride’
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And now to our winner for this coveted award.
Project of the Year: Winner – Rydam Universal Ltd
It is a unique project that required exceptional planning, liaison and operation in difficult circumstances. As one judge said, this project took the meaning of a logistical nightmare ‘off the scale’, but the winning operator managed to carry it out exceptionally well. Collecting the award for this mammoth project was John, Jackie, Ryan and Adam Green from Rydam Universal Ltd.
In the words of our Judges: This entry really has taken the meaning of a logistical nightmare ‘off the scale’, where would you start to gather up all this valuable equipment? The meticulous organising of movement orders and permits alone must have been a real headache. Congratulations to all involved in the fantastic project – recognised now as the ‘Worlds Largest Crane Auction’.
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Narrative read by Sally Traffic during shortlist announcement:
The next award was presented to the company or individual Pilot Car/Escort operator who demonstrated tremendous all-round commitment to professionalism initiative and safety. Going above and beyond to raise escorting standards across the industry.
And the shortlist is:
Ally Macpherson Services Ltd, which has succeeded in raising standards in the escort driving industry in just three years.
Inter County Pilot Services, a customer-focused company that has turned its experience into a Professional Project Management Service.
Lymers Assist, a relatively new entrant into the industry that has already developed relationships with leading hauliers.
Pilot Car / Escort Operator: Winner – Ally Macpherson Services
On announcing the Winner: The winning company was founded on a vision to improve standards of escort drivers. It has embraced the City and Guilds qualification for escort drivers, to the extent that it is now an accredited training centre for the qualification. A worthy winner indeed. Collecting his and their award was Mr. Ally Macpherson!
In the words of our Judges: A good, core-training ethos and his passion and professionalism shines through.
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Narrative read by Sally Traffic during shortlist announcement:
Onto our seventh award, and almost half way through what really is a magnificent hall of Heavies fame…. Operator of the Year.
The criteria for entering the award for the Operator of the Year is to demonstrate tremendous all-round commitment to professionalism, innovation, initiative, environment, safety, training and customer care. I have it on good authority that our shortlist for Operator of the Year have provided evidence of all these qualities and more!
The shortlist for Operator of the Year is…
Collett & Sons Ltd, a firm that combines almost 90 years of experience with a forward-looking approach.
Metcalfe Farms, another traditional firm that invested heavily in both equipment and training last year.
Lawsons Haulage, a classic family firm with 65 years’ experience, and the courage to embrace diverse operation.
Operator of the Year: Winner – Collett & Sons Ltd
On announcing the Winner: The Operator of the Year has consistently raised the bar for the UK abnormal loads industry. Recent developments include expanding its Centre for Excellence, collaborating with a University to develop a bespoke computer system, and fund-raising for local charities. Mr. David Collett stepped up to collect their second ‘Operator of the Year’ award inside 3 years! Keep up the good work.
In the words of our Judges: ‘A very clear picture of an extremely professional, highly competent and innovative specialist heavy hauler. I was especially struck by their work with Leeds Beckett University, which led to the creation of their CALCS programme, something that has clearly benefited the company’s operations. Likewise, the company has responded well to changes in windfarm design, investing in equipment capable of handling longer (˃ 80m) turbine blades. The three jobs specifically described in the submission also exemplify the company’s wide-ranging and demonstrable capabilities, especially on the Drax transformer project which required a fully-integrated road/sea movement with jacking/skidding. Collett are a top-flight specialist operator committed to constant improvement, raising its standards, (not least through training and FORS accreditation) safety, as per its Achilles audit results, and tackling the most challenging of jobs. For me Collett & Sons Ltd is the obvious winner’
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Narrative read by Sally Traffic during shortlist announcement: Employee/Team of the Year.
This is always one of my favourite categories as it recognises teams and individuals who literally keep the wheels turning. Often working in difficult conditions, within tight timeframes, coming up with new ideas, simple or complex to deliver projects to the customer. Simply put – going the extra mile to get the job done!
And the shortlist for Employee/Team of the Year is:
Andy Mullen & Nigel Thornton, Collett & Sons Ltd, for their valuable work delivering City and Guilds Escort Driver/Manager training.
Aylwards Heavy Haulage, West of Scotland Heavy Haulage & Ally Macpherson Services who worked in conjunction to deliver 26 concrete beams for the M8/M74 upgrade.
Metcalfe Farms, for the successful integration of a fleet of seventeen STGO vehicles from an existing operator.
Team of the Year: Winner – Aylwards Heavy Haulage, West of Scotland Heavy Haulage & Ally Macpherson Services
On announcing the Winner: The winner in this category epitomises teamwork: three companies working collaboratively to ensure a successful outcome to a challenging project. They have demonstrated what can be achieved with good communication and planning, as well as the capabilities of all concerned. Collecting the award on the evening were Jimmy Campbell and Eddie Bruce, West of Scotland Heavy Haulage and Ally Macpherson from Ally Macpherson Services. Well-done chaps!
In the words of our Judges: ‘Clearly shifting no less than 26 43m beams over 200 miles safely, on time and within budget merits praise. The effective co-ordination of the activities of the three firms clearly indicates the capabilities of all concerned’
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Narrative read by Sally Traffic during shortlist announcement:
Jimmy, please stay with me a while longer as West of Scotland Heavy Haulage are our category sponsor for the next award of the evening: Most Significant Safety Initiative. The heavy and abnormal load industry relies on the utmost safety, care and attention to detail. As an industry, you constantly strive for new ways to improve your safety credentials!
The shortlist for Most Significant Safety Initiative is….
Heavy Transport Association, for introducing two City & Guilds qualifications for Abnormal Load Escort drivers and managers.
Enerpac Heavy Lifting Technology, for its JS Series Jack-up System, which hydraulically lifts and mechanically secures heavy loads.
Mercedes-Benz, for the Active Brake Assist 4 emergency braking assistant with pedestrian recognition.
Most Significant Safety Initiative: Winner – Enerpac Heavy Lifting Technology
On announcing the Winner: The winning company has come up with a practical, cost-effective, efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to a perennial issue for heavy load lifting. It eliminates many potentially unsafe practices by reducing operator interaction and the necessity for working at height. Stepping up to collect their award was Mr. Jeremy Stubbs, Mr. Colin Todd, Mr. Roy Overbeek and Mr. Jeroen Tijsseling……. Congratulations and very well done!
In the Judges words: ‘I like this entry for a number of reasons – starting with the replacement of precious hardwood cribbing with steel boxes that offer greater resistance to side loads and thus more stability and safety. It also addresses working at height issues. The automated loading system of the boxes is also less labour intensive (and less manual handling) and offers greater control. Being able to load it in a standard ISO container is attractive, as is its ‘modular’ approach that allows an operator to tailor the amount of jacking to the height and weight requirements. The automated lifting procedure also looks fail-safe’
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Narrative read by Sally Traffic during shortlist announcement:
We now move on to a series of awards that recognise innovation across the industry. Innovation is something many of us do in our day to day jobs without even thinking about it, however without the ideas that come from you, the heavy haulage industry, we would still be moving goods on a horse and cart! So without further ado, we move to the first of the Innovation Awards: Innovation of the Year: End User.
We have two great innovations on the shortlist for this category:
ALE, for its widening trailers, which can be widened to 4.3 metres while loaded.
Enerpac Heavy Lifting Technology, for its ETL600 Travel Gantry, which enables loads to be lifted without a crane.
Innovation of the Year: End User – Winner – ALE
On announcing the Winner: The judges were extremely enthusiastic about the winner in this category, describing it as ‘a truly innovative solution to a major problem with very heavy loads’, and ‘pushing the boundaries of 21st century heavy haulage’. Collecting their second award of the evening was Senior Sales Manager, Matthew Rushton. A great evening ALE, thoroughly deserved winners!
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Narrative read by Sally Traffic during shortlist announcement:
Our second award this evening is for Innovation of the Year: Vehicle Manufacturer. Again, without the manufacturers investing in cutting edge technology, the wheels of the industry would simply not move…
We have three companies on our shortlist tonight…
MAN Truck & Bus, which has developed an “off the shelf” 6×4 Heavy Tractor capable of pulling 150 tonnes.
Volvo Trucks, for the new I-Shift with crawler gears.
Mercedes Benz, for the latest additions to its Active Brake Assist emergency braking assistant.
Innovation of the Year: Vehicle Manufacturer – Winner – Volvo Trucks
On announcing the Winner: ‘The winner is a superb development of an existing system that delivers awesome high-end performance while leaving the driver free to concentrate on safety; and making it possible to use a truck for single prime mover operations up to 185 tonnes’ Collecting Volvo’s award on the night were Mr. John Comer, Head of Product Management and Nigel Hanwell, Press Officer.
In the words of our Judges: ‘The missing part of the I-shift story. Utilising the proven concept of ultra-low gearing, now married with superb electronic control’
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Narrative read by Sally Traffic during shortlist announcement:
Trailer innovation is an area of this industry, which I am told evolves on almost a daily basis. Having seen the wonderful exhibits on show in the Arena tonight and perused HeavyTorque magazine, it is clear to see why these monster machines keep me in a job holding up the traffic every day. Please don’t stop innovating – I am not ready to retire just yet!!
Tonight we have three shortlisted entries for the Innovation of the Year: Trailer Medium Weight (3-5 Axles)
DOLL, for the DOLLtronic electronic operating and control system, based on radio technology.
Lawsons Haulage, for its tilting platform trailer.
TII Group, for the Scheuerle EuroAxle with patented single-wheel suspension.
Innovation of the Year: Trailer Medium Weight (3-5 axles) Winner – Lawsons Haulage
On announcing the Winner: The winning innovation is a clever, well-engineered product that will bring real benefit to customers. The company has made use of high quality components to create a brilliantly innovative solution that makes it far simpler to move wide loads. Collecting their second award of the evening, Raymond Lawson, Pauline Lawson, Michael Hewitt and Gary Audley. Congratulations, great work!
In the Judges words: ‘Novel use of proven technology in a new application, bringing real benefits to the customer’
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Narrative read by Sally Traffic during shortlist announcement:
For now we move on to our fourth and final Innovation of the Year category. Dedicated to those manufacturer’s pioneering technologies that enables the industry to expand its offerings to deliver the biggest, heaviest and widest of loads! Ladies and gentlemen, we have three companies shortlisted for tonight’s Innovation of the Year: Trailer Heavyweight (5+ axles) category…
Broshuis, for the SL2 semi-trailer, designed to be “the lowest trailer with the most ground clearance”.
Faymonville, for the PA-X low pendle axle for CombiMAX and MultiMAX low loaders.
TII Group, for the Scheuerle Trailer Power Assist
Innovation of the Year: Trailer Heavyweight (5+ axles) Winner – Faymonville
On announcing the Winner: The winner is a refinement of an existing technology that gives customers a huge number of possible axle use combinations. Its combination of low loading height and high stroke provoked huge customer demand after its launch last year. Stepping up to collect their award on the night was Sales Director, Mr. Arnold Luxen.
In the Judges words: ‘Once again, further refinement to an existing range. Giving even greater results from a wide range of separate components: part of a very clever concept’
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Narrative read by Sally Traffic during shortlist announcement:
So… onto our final and, if I may say, my favourite awards: Heavies Hero and Lifetime Achievement! Let’s really raise the roof with our applause for these next two winners!
The heavy and abnormal load industry would be nothing without its drivers and operational staff who – quite literally – keep the industry wheels in motion! For 2017, the HeavyTorque team has added this brand new category to recognise the real super-heroes of the industry – The Heavies Hero! And the shortlist is…
Tom Banks, ALE
Kevin Brookes, Ascroft Transport
Geoff Davies, Western Commercials
Heavies Hero: Winner – Kevin Brookes, Ascroft Transport
On announcing the Winner: I will now turn to the judge’s comments to announce our winner…. If I hadn’t had the pleasure of taking part in the judging process myself this year I certainly would have proposed and entered tonight’s winner myself… He is a senior driver and is widely respected within the industry. Our winner can regularly be found transporting mainly new Caterpillar machinery to the four corners of the UK in his Scania R730 6×4 tractor unit. Our winner has a very wide interest in all things mechanical. A true gentleman with a high level of industry knowledge. Ladies and gentlemen – if you haven’t already guessed please give a huge round of applause for the Heavies Hero 2017 – Mr. Kevin Brookes, Ascroft Transport.
Presenting Kevin with his award on the evening was Mr. Graham Hillman: The Heavies 2017 Judge and Winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. Thank you Sir!
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Narrative read by Sally Traffic during shortlist announcement:
Ladies and Gentlemen, it is now time for The Heavies to pay tribute to one of the UKs great heavy hauliers by way of a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Winner – Peter Searson, Heanor Haulage
On announcing the Winner: The recipient of this award is a true gentleman who, throughout his lifelong career, has taken his family company from humble beginnings and built it into one of the best-known and respected heavy haulage companies in the country. As a haulier and engineer, his vision and ability to overcome difficulties are legendary within the industry and when suitable specialist heavy haulage equipment and trailers were not available to him: he simply built his own. This included building high specification heavy haulage tractor units, which proved to be so successful that they were soon in demand from other hauliers. Alongside his UK transport company he also built a large and successful transport operation in Saudi Arabia and made many friends in the Middle East. Despite his success, he has never lost touch with those around him and is a friend to anyone and everyone in the industry, be it company directors or drivers. Ladies and Gentlemen, I must just add, that due to the encouraging support and great respect that that industry has for this gentleman – it was unquestionably an easy decision. The company were talking about – is of course, Heanor Haulage. And the man behind the company, and the very worthy recipient of this Lifetime Achievement Award is, of course: Mr Peter Searson.
Mr. Peter Searson collected his award, supported by his wife, Jacqueline. Greeted by a standing ovation, the room was filled with respect and admiration for this great man.
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Of course, it goes without saying that The Heavies simply would not exist without the incredible support from our evenings Sponsors. A huge Heavies thank you must go to the following organisations: TII Group (Champagne Reception), Kassbohrer (Job of the Year CAT1), Faymonville, Rydam Universal and Traffco (Job of the Year CAT2), Enerpac Heavy Lifting Technology (Project of the Year) and West of Scotland Heavy Haulage in Most Significant Safety Initiative.
We sincerely look forward to meeting all you lovely people – again in 2019!