Five new Volvo machines for Middleton Aggregates

Norfolk-based company singles out Volvo for first-class customer support and product reliability

MIDDLETON Aggregates have taken a package of five machines from Volvo Construction Equipment for their contracting and hire fleet.

The new machines are part of a natural replacement programme and include a 16-tonne EW160D wheeled excavator with two-piece boom, an ECR145D short-radius crawler excavator, an ECR58 (5.8 tonnes) an EC28 (2.8 tonnes) and a DD24 tandem roller.

All five machines have been deployed on a range of contracting and plant hire projects that King’s Lynn-based Middleton Aggregates are actively involved in, ranging from major groundworks on sewerage projects for Barhale to fuel pipeline replacement projects on military airfields for Spiecapag, part of the Vinci Group.

‘We’ve been running Volvo equipment for many years now and it was primarily the after-market support we’ve received over this time, together with good product reliability, that made our decision to replace like with like an easy one,’ commented plant manager Gary Slingsby.

In total, Middleton Aggregates run 83 individual items of mobile plant in their contracting and hire fleet, a third of which comprises Volvo-branded equipment.

All of the Volvo equipment is supported by the manufacturer’s blue service agreements, giving Middleton Aggregates total peace of mind with regard to machine maintenance.

‘What we also appreciate from Volvo’s local home-based engineer is that he will take time to point out and advise us when something will need attention at the next inspection or service.

‘We really find this proactive approach to preventative maintenance extremely helpful and supportive,’ said Mr Slingsby.

Middleton Aggregates’ operators also appreciate the qualities of their individual charges. For example, Jason Turp, operator of the new EW160D, previously ran an EW160B and clocked-up more than 9,000 hours in it.

‘I can see a huge step forward with the D-series machine in terms of stability, controllability and power,’ he said.

‘Having the two-piece boom is another advantage, especially for handling pipes where I can get the load close in to the machine. There’s a huge improvement to the cab as well – I’m more than happy with it.’