Building up a head of steam

Reliable figures for investment in capital equipment are hard to come by but it is estimated that GBP600 mill was spent on UK mining equipment last year, of which GBP400 mill represented exports. The Federation of Construction Equipment Manufacturers reckons that the combined market for construction and quarry equipment is worth around GBP3 bill per year of which 85 per cent goes for export, with UK manufacturers accounting for one third of all units sold in Europe. A broad range of such equipment, together with bulk materials handling and processing plant, will be on display at the International Quarrying and Recycling Show in Buxton on 26-28 June. The following is a preview of the major exhibits...