The Hillhead Report

Record-breaking attendance and a glimpse into the future of the Quarrying, Construction & Recycling industries. 

A bigger and better show than ever before. Hillhead 2024 was the most visited edition ever in terms of the volume of visits over the three days, with visitors spending more time at the show than ever before and a record number attending for more than one day. In total there were 26,626 visits over the three days, which was 8% higher than 2022. The show had many highlights and below we summarize the key takeaways.

Health & Safety Initiatives 

Health and safety took center stage at Hillhead 2024, with key announcements aimed at enhancing workplace safety in the quarrying industry. The Institute of Quarrying announced five sector organizations uniting to launch a new Health & Safety Forum in the mineral products sector. Reflecting a strong commitment to improving safety standards across the industry, the forum is expected to serve as a critical platform for sharing best practices, innovative safety solutions, and fostering a culture of safety first.

Sustainability Gains 

Sustainability was as expected a major theme at Hillhead 2024, with a strong focus on achieving Net Zero targets. Companies showcased their efforts towards reducing fossil fuel dependency and offsetting unavoidable emissions through renewable energy sources like solar power. The sustainability solutions on display varied – for example, the RopeCon system, a combination of ropeway technology and conventional conveying technology developed by Doppelmayr Transport Technology and Aggregate Industries dramatically reduces CO2 emissions.  

CDE introduced the new ProPress filter press delivering exceptional operational efficiency and maximum water recovery for quarrying and mining sectors. 

Other announcements included Duo Group, a leader in material handling and processing, and SigmaRoc, a major player in the UK and Northern European construction materials market unveiling a strategic alliance to advance sustainable aggregate supply within the UK market.

Electric Innovations That Dazzled 

Electric vehicles and machinery were at the forefront of the exhibition, drawing significant interest from attendees. LiuGong showcased its range of electric machines, including two electric excavators and two electric wheel loaders, which captured the imagination of many and showed the company’s pioneering role in BEV technology. 

The concept of massive charge pads in quarries, enabling electric vehicles to recharge on the go, was particularly exciting. The shift from mixed fleets to fully electric ones is seen as pivotal, with companies racing towards achieving Net Zero, reminiscent of the space race. This transition is of course about ensuring sustainability targets are met, but also gives a decisively competitive edge in the industry. 

Cutting-Edge Sensors 

Technological advancements in sensor technology were also a highlight. Sensors designed to optimize machinery performance and monitor critical components like gear boxes were showcased. These sensors can detect anomalies in vibration patterns and other parameters, providing early warnings of potential issues. Such innovations are crucial for maintaining the efficiency and reliability of heavy machinery, reducing downtime, and preventing costly repairs. 

Innovations 

The exhibition was a hub of innovation, with numerous new product launches and technological advancements. For example, Terex Materials Processing (MP) demonstrated their commitment to sustainable innovation at Hillhead 2024 with a display of 19 products across six of their brands. Notably, Terex also featured CheckProof as an integral part of their wash plant. This integration allows buyers of new wash plants to access CheckProof for maintaining their equipment, a feature highlighted prominently at their stand. This partnership underscores the industry’s move towards incorporating advanced digital solutions to streamline maintenance routines and enhance operational efficiency.

Hillhead 2024 was a testament to the industry’s resilience and commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainability. The exhibition not only provided a platform for showcasing cutting-edge technologies and products but also fostered valuable discussions on the future direction of the quarrying, construction, and recycling industries. As the industry continues to evolve, CheckProof is committed to staying at the forefront of this progress. Events like Hillhead play a vital role in showcasing this progress and setting new benchmarks.