Work starts on new Finning rebuild workshop

Finning UK & Ireland break ground on new rebuild centre of excellence

SPADES are now in the ground at Finning UK & Ireland’s Staffordshire headquarters, where a new rebuild centre of excellence workshop is under construction to accommodate growing demand for machine rebuilds and major reconditions.

The investment in the 1,230 sq m unit will house specialist tooling and testing facilities to meet growing demand for Cat Certified Rebuilds, delivering enhanced power and efficiency for customers.

Following the launch of Finning’s ‘Rebuilt and Ready to Go’ programme in July 2024, customers now have immediate access to fully rebuilt Cat machines offering like-new performance.

Finning, together with building contractors McPhillips, marked the start of the 33-week project with a groundbreaking ceremony at their Cannock HQ. Once complete, the workshop will serve as a base for Cat-certified engineers to perform inspections, servicing, repairs, and the full rebuild programme.

Dave Carter, head of rebuild, repair and response at Finning, said: ‘The new workshop will support the growth of the Rebuilt and Ready to Go offer, extending the life of more machines, reducing waste and saving on raw materials. Sustainability is integral to our operations, the communities where we work, and our long-term plans. 

‘Not only will the new workshop provide state-of-the-art facilities where our teams can continue to give used machines a new lease of life, but it will also provide a safe and secure work environment which supports our energy management objectives.’

The steel-framed, 14 m-high workshop will include a solar PV roof panel system, supporting Finning’s wider sustainability objectives. In 2024, the company reported a 32% reduction in carbon emissions, partly achieved through proactive sourcing of renewable energy. In the UK and Ireland, Finning aim to eventually meet 100% of their energy needs from alternative sources.

Craig Freestone, senior project manager at Finning UK & Ireland, said: ‘By investing in our network, we hope to support more customers in finding the right equipment and machinery to meet their needs – whether it be new, used or rental products.

‘This year Caterpillar is celebrating its 100th anniversary. It’s a brand that is always looking forward, committed to finding new ways to help customers solve their own challenges. We worked with its designers on the layout of this new workshop. It offers a flexible, optimised working space to accommodate a vast range of machines in reflection of that Caterpillar legacy of innovation and engineering expertise.’

Paul Inions, managing director of McPhillips, added: ‘We’re delighted to be here at the groundbreaking of what marks a significant first milestone in the delivery of a significant investment by Finning. 

‘This will be a robust and modern Rebuild workshop, built to ensure durability and structural integrity and with the addition of roof PV solar panels to support sustainability goals. This is our first project with Finning, and we look forward to a collaborative working relationship with the team on site.’