Flannery Makes a Bold Leap into the Future of Site Safety with Xwatch MK2
In a move that underscores its long-standing commitment to innovation and safety, Flannery Plant Hire has become the first major plant hire firm to place an order for the newly unveiled Xwatch MK2 system.
The deal was inked at the bustling bauma Munich exhibition, where Flannery’s Managing Director, Patrick Flannery, and Dan Leaney, Sales Director of Xwatch Safety Solutions (a Hexagon company), sealed the agreement on the Hexagon stand.
This landmark order is far from a one-off. It builds on years of collaboration between Flannery and Xwatch, dating back to July 2019 when Flannery became the first UK hire company to invest in Xwatch systems. Since then, the firm has installed nearly 400 units of the XW4 and XW5 safety systems across its national fleet.
Leaner, Smarter, Faster
The new MK2 represents a substantial evolution in machine safety technology. According to Xwatch, it is the fastest and smartest system they’ve engineered to date. Installation times have been slashed by 30%, making it an ideal solution for high-volume deployment across multiple machines.
Despite the streamlined design, the MK2 hasn’t sacrificed functionality. It offers all the critical safety features from its predecessors, including:
- Height and slew restriction
- Rated Capacity Indicator (RCI)
- Compatibility across the XW1 to XW5 series
- Precision proportional motion control (patent pending)
The system also boasts a multilingual interface, a compact design with reduced in-cab clutter, and built-in telematics readiness. Most notably, the MK2 is the first safety system in its category to achieve PLd certification for the civils market.
Integration and Futureproofing
What sets the MK2 apart is its seamless integration with OEM displays, allowing for faster, cleaner installations and a less intrusive operator experience. This also enables full connectivity through the Xwatch Safety Gateway, aligning perfectly with digital construction goals.
Leaney commented: “Flannery has been a key partner from day one – always pushing to raise the bar regarding safety and machine technology. It means a lot that they’re the first to commit to the MK2. This system is a leap forward, and Flannery shows real leadership by putting it to work straight out of the gate.”
Strategic Investment
Flannery’s latest purchase is part of a far-reaching investment plan. The company is spending over £100 million on new machinery from OEM giants Caterpillar, JCB, and Komatsu. As part of this investment, 200 new excavators will be added to its fleet, many of which will be equipped with the new MK2 XW5 systems.
Patrick Flannery emphasised: “We’ve built our business on safety, innovation, and relationships that last. Investing in the MK2 is a natural step for us, and continuing to work with Dan and the team at Xwatch means we’re getting the very latest tech – backed by a team that knows our industry inside out.”
Leica 3D Collision Avoidance System
Flannery also continues to roll out the Leica 3D collision avoidance system, which was developed in collaboration between Leica Geosystems and Xwatch Safety Solutions. The system combines Leica’s advanced MC1 3D machine control software with Xwatch’s cutting-edge safety tech.
The result? Operators can create or import 3D avoidance zones – both above and below ground – directly into the machine control interface. This dramatically improves on-site safety in increasingly complex working environments.
Flannery was among the first to trial and then implement the system, which has since become an integral part of the firm’s broader technology and safety strategy.
A Proven Partnership in Progress
The synergy between Flannery and Xwatch has always been rooted in mutual respect and a shared vision for the future of construction safety. Their collaboration isn’t just about rolling out systems – it’s about evolving together in a rapidly changing industry.
From being early adopters of intelligent safety tech to now embracing one of the most advanced safety systems on the market, Flannery continues to lead by example. And with MK2’s streamlined features, improved user experience, and enhanced safety credentials, that leadership looks set to continue well into the digital construction era.
Looking Ahead with Confidence
As the construction industry leans more heavily into digitalisation and data-driven safety systems, Flannery’s proactive investment strategy is both timely and strategic. The adoption of MK2 systems aligns with larger trends in construction technology, where integration, automation, and compliance drive procurement decisions.
For other contractors and plant hire firms watching closely, the Flannery-Xwatch alliance offers a compelling blueprint for embracing next-generation safety without sacrificing productivity or profit.
