us-business

Haweswater Aqueduct was built in the early 1950s Cascade Infrastructure, led by Austrian contractor Strabag, has been signed to design, build and finance United Utilities’ Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Programme (HARP) update. Strabag UK has the design and construction contract. Turner & Townsend has been appointed as independent technical adviser.  Construction is scheduled to start in 2026 and will see six tunnel sections replaced.  The build phase is planned to run over nine years, followed by a further 25 years of maintenance. Unlike the original aqueduct, which was constructed using hand digging and blasting techniques, the new pipeline will be constructed using tunnel boring machines. The machinery means that each section of pipeline is standardised. This has enabled the length of the lining rings to be increased, which reduces the total number of rings needed by 3,000, which in turn eliminates 3,000 HGV deliveries. HARP has been described as one of the largest infrastructure projects ever seen in Britain. The Haweswater aqueduct carries water from Cumbria to 2.5 million customers in Greater Manchester and Lancashire.  The original 110km pipeline was built between 1933 and 1955, when it was considered a major feat of engineering. It uses gravity to carry 570 million litres of water every day. The estimated cost of its refurbishment is £3bn. The programme is the first in the water sector to be delivered through a direct procurement for customers. Cascade Infrastructure will cover the design, construction, maintenance and financing of the scheme. Cascade Infrastructure is a consortium of Strabag Equitix and GLIL Infrastructure. GLIL is an infrastructure investment company established in 2015 by Greater Manchester Pension Fund and the London Pensions Fund Authority. Strabag Equitix Consortium had previously been named preferred contractor by United Utilities back in January.  Cascade Infrastructure chief executive is Simon Green, a managing director in the Equitix investments team. He said: “Reaching financial close on HARP marks the beginning of a transformative journey that will deliver vital infrastructure improvements throughout the northwest, and importantly, deliver infrastructure fit for the future. This achievement is the result of exceptional collaboration, commitment, and hard work from all our partners involved, combining deep expertise and a shared vision for long-term success. Beyond infrastructure, the project will create jobs, support skills development, and bring lasting economic and social value to the region. We’re proud to be part of this ambitious programme and excited to begin delivery – working together to build a resilient, sustainable future together.” Strabag UK managing director Simon Wild said: “The award of the HARP design and construction contract to Strabag UK recognises the capability and depth of competence we have built up over the past years. We will deliver this critical national infrastructure focussing always on best value, working closely with local communities and creating high quality opportunities for skills development and long-term employment in the North of England. We are immensely proud of the way our teams have collaborated to achieve financial close and look forward to continuing this partnership for years to come on such a significant project.” United Utilities chief executive Louise Beardmore said: “Today marks a significant step to ensure we have the right infrastructure to provide a resilient water supply to communities right across the region for decades to come and, at the same time, creating hundreds of great quality jobs and delivering on the commitments and promises we have set out.” Water minister Emma Hardy said: “We are rebuilding the water network from the ground up through one of the largest infrastructure projects ever seen in Britain. In a new era of partnership between government and industry, we are upgrading pipes, tackling sewage spills and safeguarding water security so communities can once again take pride in their rivers, lakes and seas. Investments in projects like the Haweswater Aqueduct will be essential in this effort to secure clean water for future generations.” Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk Read More

The 713-tonne wooden church was moved 5km on 28 axle lines of self-propelled modular transporters Mammoet, the Dutch heavylift and special transport company has completed the relocation of the iconic Kiruna Church, regarded as one of Sweden’s most treasured architectural landmarks. More than 1,000 hours of planning went into the operation, which took place over two days. Built in the early 20th century and once voted Sweden’s most beautiful building, Kiruna Church is one of the country’s largest wooden structures. It had to be moved (or demolished) due to the expansion of Kiruna’s mine, which required several buildings to be moved to a newly developed city centre 5km away. The Kiruna mine is the world’s largest underground iron ore mine. It is owned and operated by LKAB – Luossavaara-Kiirunavaara Aktiebolag –  the Swedish state-owned mining company. Mammoet was commissioned by LKAB and its civil engineering contractor Veidekke to transport the 713-tonne wooden church in one piece. The move, dubbed “The Great Church Walk,” drew thousands of spectators, including the King of Sweden. Mammoet worked with Veidekke and Swedish wood engineering specialists to model and test the building’s response to lifting and transport. The operation was timed for August to avoid adverse weather conditions that could jeopardize the move. The church was jacked up to a height of 1.3 metres and placed on steel beams supported by two trains of 28 axle lines of self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs). Mammoet’s custom monitoring system ensured the structure remained stable throughout the journey, allowing for a maximum tilt of just 75 mm between sides. Route preparations included temporary road widening and compacting work, with testing using SPMTs loaded with counterweights to simulate the church’s axle load. The relocation took place during daylight hours on 19th and 20th August 2025, with the church arriving safely at its new location. Once in place, the SPMTs lowered the structure onto its new concrete foundations. In the coming days, Mammoet will also relocate the church’s 90-tonne belfry using a different SPMT configuration. “This project exemplifies the importance of detailed engineering and planning in executing unique and meaningful moves,” said Mammoet project manager William Soeters. “We’re proud to have played a key role in safeguarding this historic building for future generations.” Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk Read More

Storplan general manager Steve Smith The new owners of Storplan have appointed Steve Smith as general manager. He joins Storplan with experience in managing large logistics and warehouse operations and has spent the past four years with distribution firm Evo, as warehouse director. The new hire follows Storplan’s acquisition in February by Thurston Group, which makes modular and portable buildings. Storplan makes mezzanine floors, racking and partitioning for retail and industrial storage. Smith has been tasked with improving Storplan’s financials, productivity and SHEQ (safety, health, environment and quality) metrics. He heads a team of 20 at Storplan’s 1,900 sqm manufacturing site in York, working with Thurston production director Dan Pollard. Thurston Group is based in Wakefield, with three further sites in the east of England, including Storplan’s York facility. Steve Smith said: “We have ambitious growth targets to hit, and my role will be focused on leading the Storplan team in delivering on these and driving the business forward. I’ll be getting stuck in and working closely with Thurston Group MD Matt Goff and production director Dan Pollard, alongside the wider team to help Storplan reach its enormous growth potential and contribute to the overall group’s success and vision.” Dan Pollard added: “With Steve’s energy and expertise in the mix, there are exciting times ahead for Storplan, and I’m confident we’ll continue to drive real progress, innovation, and positive change as we embrace new opportunities in the distribution and logistics sector.” Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk Read More

The Pick Everard team at the Victoria & Albert Museum in South Kensington Pick Everard has been brought in to provide an in-depth mechanical, electrical and plumping (MEP) analysis of the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) estate to ensure efficient operation and a comfortable experience for visitors. Pick Everard will deliver a full MEP asset verification, to be used for the procurement of facilities management services for the organisation. The commission spans six sites, covering more than 120,000 sqm, and includes the South Kensington flagship museum, the Young V&A, the new V&A East Museum, and support facilities across London and Wiltshire. The project aims to establish a unified asset register for MEP equipment, detailing their condition, functionality and effectiveness. The data will also underpin long-term maintenance, compliance, lifecycle planning, and capital investment strategies. Led by associate director for building services Dean Burroughs, with support from Pick Everard’s London and regional engineering teams, the project is structured into three phases: a desktop review and gap analysis, followed by stakeholder engagement and on-site surveys. Burroughs said: “Our approach ensures minimal disruption to daily operations while maintaining technical consistency across this complex heritage estate. We’re also working closely with V&A stakeholders to align our methodology and outputs with their broader estate strategy. “Work such as this in the cultural and heritage sector, backed by engineering expertise is  essential to ensure the safe and efficient operation and management of landmark sites across the UK. “An MEP valuation is the first step in creating a positive impact on the employee and visitor experience. It is vital our heritage and cultural attractions remain functional and comfortable locations to work in and visit so they continue to play an important role in the economy. “The appointment by the V&A highlights the strength of Pick Everard’s MEP team and our growing reputation for delivering high-quality, data-led consultancy across the country’s most significant estates.” All data across the estate’s building infrastructure and systems including heating, ventilation, power, lighting and plumbing, will be captured digitally using GoReport software. Final outputs will include a structured asset schedule and condition grading report aligned with CIBSE Guide M. Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk Read More

Solar panels at Moorcroft Quarry Solar panels have been installed by Holcim UK at a Devon quarry to power part of its operations. The 208 panels have been installed on the rooftop of workshops at Holcim’s Moorcroft site in Plymouth. The project, managed by Burton-based Regenerco with installation carried out by Aniron, will be able to generate more than 76,000 KWh of power per year, equating to two per cent of the site’s annual power needs and resulting in a saving of 15.9 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. The Moorcroft site, home to a limestone quarry with asphalt and readymix plants, is the latest location for the cement giant’s ongoing renewable energy rollout. It follows on from rooftop installations at its Hulland Ward, Bardon Hill and Callow sites in the last 12 months. The solar installation at Holcim’s Callow plant near Cheddar, put in by Regenerco and Aniron earlier this year, comprises 464 solar photovoltaic panels with an annual output capacity of 167,000 KWh. Holcim UK energy manager Joanna Walker said: “Our initial focus is on identifying suitable locations for roof mounted solar across our UK sites. Moorcroft is a welcome addition to the scheme we have already successfully implemented and helps us continue to roll-out renewable energy sources as part of our Net Zero Strategy, helping us on our journey to zero emissions. “We have further schemes in the pipeline for the rest of the year including both rooftop and ground mounted initiatives.” Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk Read More

Smart reefer technology is transforming the way that the world’s top shipping lines manage temperature-controlled cargo with remote monitoring capabilities, added operational intelligence and more. But a core question remains for shipping lines: what’s the ROI? Our eBook “Reefer ROI: 10 ways to maximise returns with smart reefer containers” breaks down the real-world ROI of smart container solutions across ten key areas using insights from ORBCOMM customers and internal experts. Here’s a look at two of the most impactful ROI drivers: Remote reefer monitoring: Cut costs, improve control ORBCOMM smart reefer container technology improves this process with data-driven alerts that trigger when action is required. This improves end-to-end visibility, saves manpower, improves on-time deliveries and more. The result: Fewer manual inspections Significant labour cost savings Reduced cargo spoilage through rapid, data-driven intervention Better crew safety with less exposure to hazardous environments Traditionally, reefer containers are manually checked every 8–12 hours, an inefficient, labour-intensive process that leaves room for error and delays. Data-driven PTIs: Saving time, labour and energy Pre-trip inspections (PTIs) are necessary but inefficient. Manually powering up and checking every container, even those that don’t need it, wastes time, labour and energy. ORBCOMM smart container technology replaces this with a data-driven, remote inspection process. For large fleets, this can save thousands of work hours per year. Plus, it can significantly reduce energy consumption, supporting both cost control and sustainability targets. The result: Up to 70% of traditional manual PTIs eliminated Reduced electricity and emissions Faster container turnaround Better detection of underlying faults with historical performance data Get the full ROI picture Want to see eight other key areas where you can gain real ROI from smart reefer container monitoring? In our eBook, we cover power cost management, maintenance savings, compliance and commercial value and more, showing shipping lines where smart reefers can deliver financial and operational value. If you manage reefer operations, container fleet strategy or digital transformation, this is your playbook for cutting costs and boosting efficiency without compromising cargo quality or safety. Want to know what the ROI could be for your container fleet? See what your savings could look like by booking a one-on-one reefer ROI review with an ORBCOMM specialist. As ORBCOMM’s Senior Director of Product Marketing, Denis Cody leverages over two decades of industry experience in international B2B marketing to help develop and execute GTM strategies, positioning and messaging for our suite of products and solutions. Read More

Hiring the right people is hard enough. What happens when the wrong person is already on your team?  In this week’s episode, Contractor University faculty members Drew Cameron and Gary Elekes dive into the real-world challenges of recruiting in the trades, and what happens when personal relationships complicate professional decisions. They share lessons learned from their own experiences and offer proven strategies to help you avoid costly hiring mistakes. Whether you’re growing your team or managing the one you’ve got, this episode will help you recruit smarter, build a stronger culture, and protect your business from the inside out.  All that and more on the latest episode of Cracking the Code! Streaming now, free for everyone, through August 28: MyContractorUniversity.com/CBS-Show. Read More

FRANKLIN PARK, IL — Sloan, the world’s leading manufacturer of commercial plumbing systems, has announced its alignment with the latest LEED version 5 (LEED v5) standards, showcasing innovative products and strategies designed to meet the demands of today’s sustainability-focused building projects. With LEED v5 setting the benchmark for advanced green building practices, Sloan is offering expert solutions that cater to enhanced water efficiency, embodied carbon reduction, and resilience in building systems. “As the commercial plumbing industry adapts to LEED v5, it’s clear that innovation is imperative,” said Dr. Paul Sambanis, Sloan Vice President of Sustainability. “At Sloan, we’re not just meeting these standards; we’re proactively developing solutions to make compliance simpler and more effective for our customers, all while addressing broader environmental challenges.” Pioneering Advancements Sloan’s LEED v5 response includes several strategic initiatives and pioneering product advancements to enable architects, designers, and contractors to optimize their sustainable building projects. Among Sloan’s new innovations is the SC Argus® Pro, an advanced smart building technology designed to support LEED v5 water efficiency criteria by integrating water metering and leak detection into commercial restroom systems. Additionally, Sloan is introducing a new line of flushometers with built-in leak protection to align with LEED’s strict water management requirements. Through Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and carbon optimization reports, Sloan ensures reduced environmental impacts across its product line. Since most urban commercial buildings lack the option for landscaping, the primary alternative for water reuse is flushing toilets using Sloan’s reclaimed flushometers. Tools and Expertise By offering comprehensive advisory services and tailored product compatibility matrices, Sloan provides the tools and expertise necessary to address the complexities of LEED v5 compliance. Additionally, Sloan’s global operations, including facilities in India and Mexico as well as across the US, reflect its commitment to driving sustainable practices worldwide. For more information on Sloan’s LEED v5 initiatives, visit Sloan’s website, www.sloan.com. Read More

President Donald Trump’s ever-changing tariff policies on Canada, Mexico and China’s made materials are projected to further bite into the housing market, causing decreased projects and increased steel, copper, and lumber costs.   With the Trump administration enacting a 50% tariff on steel and copper and a 25-35% tariff on lumber, construction businesses are rushing to figure out how they can stay ahead of costs, according to industry leaders at EPD.  Calum Mair, Commercial Director North America for EPD, an aftermarket parts and components seller for construction, agricultural, and industrial machinery, has shared how these ever-changing policies could threaten the construction industry, and how businesses should prepare.  “President Trump has enacted a 50% tariff on a range of foreign-made steel and copper products. This will in no doubt significantly increase prices for materials, products made with these materials, and construction input costs, impacting project budgets,” says Mair.     “We [at EPD] have begun prioritizing finding ways to source materials domestically or from countries with lower tariff rates, and other businesses should do the same. Diversifying suppliers, both internationally and domestically, can reduce dependency on vulnerable trade routes. Companies should also consider stockpiling critical materials, leveraging technology for logistics, and focusing on no or low-tariff jurisdictions.”   Cash Flow Management  Although the Federal Reserve has forecasted a drop in interest rates over the next year, from around 4.5% at the end of 2025 to around 3.4% at the end of 2026, near-term rates are less certain. Interest rate volatility could affect businesses looking to start new projects in 2025 as higher rates make borrowing more expensive.   “Uncertainty around interest rates poses challenges for businesses planning new construction projects, as fluctuating borrowing costs could impact financing. To navigate this, firms should prioritize cash flow management and explore alternative funding options to reduce dependency on loans. Locking in rates when favorable and staggering project timelines can also mitigate financial risks. Proactive planning ensures resilience against interest rate volatility while supporting project feasibility.”  Prioritizing Preventative Maintenance Machinery down-time can cost a pretty penny in replacements and project delays, costing the construction industry $280 billion in losses annually. Utilizing annual maintenance checks can help identify simple part replacement issues before they turn into a full machine swap.   “Investing in longevity practices with machinery can help reduce overall costs for total replacements. Proactively adapting and maintaining equipment can manage cost control all while maintaining compliance and project schedules.”  Turbulent Waters “Although there may be challenges ahead, there are solutions businesses can adopt to help ease the burden they might cause. By diversifying supply chains and prioritizing longevity practices, firms can begin to combat these tariffs. Additionally, proactive financial planning and resource optimization can help businesses manage uncertainty around interest rates and maintain project stability.”  As the construction industry enters turbulent waters, so do suppliers, builders, and contractors alike. To prepare, they need to know what’s in store in the coming years of this Presidential administration. With a firm understanding of potential industry challenges, industry players will be better equipped to overcome them, leading to increased building projects and profits. For more information on construction industry trends, visit EPD.  Read More

A day of filming turned tragic for a young YouTuber in Odisha after he was swept away by strong currents at the Duduma waterfall in Koraput district. The missing youth has been identified as 22-year-old Sagar Tudu, a resident of Berhampur in Ganjam district, officials said on Sunday. According to police, Sagar had travelled to Koraput with his friend Abhijit Behera to create content for his YouTube channel, showcasing tourist destinations in the region. On Saturday afternoon, the duo was filming reels using a drone camera at the waterfall when the incident occurred. Authorities of the Machakunda dam, following heavy rainfall in the Lamtaput area, had released water after issuing alerts to residents downstream. Sagar, who was standing on a rock near the waterfall at the time, was suddenly caught off guard as the water level rose sharply. Witnesses said he struggled to keep his balance on the slippery rock before being swept away by the gushing current. Tourists and locals nearby attempted to rescue him, but their efforts were unsuccessful, NDTV reported. Soon after, teams from the Machakunda police and the Fire Brigade arrived and launched a search operation. However, the YouTuber could not be traced till late evening. The rescue operation is underway. Read More