PlantWorx 2025 Awards Shortlist Sets the Stage for Construction Excellence
The countdown is on for one of the most eagerly awaited events in the UK construction calendar. PlantWorx 2025 returns to Newark Showground from 23 to 25 September, promising three days packed with cutting-edge machinery, real-time demos, and ground-breaking tech. But stealing the spotlight is the return of the PlantWorx Innovation Awards, where the industry’s finest get the recognition they deserve.
The awards ceremony, set for the evening of the show’s opening day, will be more than a glittering dinner and good company. Hosted by magician and TV personality Ben Hanlin, it offers an evening of sharp suits, smart minds, and serious innovation.
Leading the charge in sustainability
In an era where carbon footprints matter more than ever, the Sustainability Initiative category brought forward some of the most practical and impactful green ideas.
Gaia Group earned their nod for the AutoMate energy management system, a solution designed to squeeze every ounce of efficiency from site operations. Donaldson Europe B.V. impressed with their PowerCore® Edge filtration system, tackling emissions head-on. And Volvo Construction Equipment turned heads with their mobile, on-demand charging service, already deployed in Central London’s zero-emissions construction zones.
Dr Joanna White, RDI Director at National Highways, remarked: “It’s great to see such a range of practical sustainability tools. These aren’t pipe dreams – they’re already in the field making a difference.”
Raising the bar on safety
When it comes to protecting lives on site, innovation becomes personal. The Safety Innovation category did not disappoint.
Xwatch Safety Solutions, part of Hexagon, made the list for their MK2 system, boosting operator awareness and cutting out risk before it bites. Conquip Engineering Group got recognition for their clever redesigns on concrete skip attachments, focusing squarely on safer handling. Meanwhile, RSP UK Suction Excavators earned their spot with the ESE 6 – a vacuum excavation machine that helps keep operators out of harm’s way.
Katie Kelleher of the CPA added: “You can feel the difference these ideas make. They’re not abstract concepts – they’re changing how people work and keeping them safer.”
Engineering solutions that work
This year’s Best Use of Engineering & Technology Innovation was easily the most fiercely contested, with entries flooding in from every corner of the sector. But four rose to the top.
Worsley Plant broke new ground with the Dynaset HRVB Hydraulic Recycling Vacuum Bucket, offering a smart way to manage and reuse materials on site. Watson/Movax were shortlisted for the SG VA Series, while Robustrack put the Laurini Settanta forward – a compact powerhouse of a machine. The final nod went to SITE-ARC for their efficient SITE-ARC Welder Generator, already proving its worth in the field.
Graham Black, Editor of Earthmovers, commented: “These machines represent the best kind of progress – grounded in experience and solving real-world problems.”
A lone standout in security
Interestingly, the Security Initiative category featured just one shortlisted entry: Datatag’s RAPID solution. But make no mistake, it earned its place. Tackling equipment theft head-on, RAPID blends cutting-edge tagging tech with police-backed intelligence to make stolen plant significantly harder to shift.
James Barden, Head of Major Projects Innovation at Lynch Plant Hire, noted: “RAPID is a game-changer. It’s not just about recovery; it’s about prevention and accountability.”
Clean energy on the rise
The drive to decarbonise was front and centre in the Alternative Power Innovation category, with three bold entries making waves.
Kubota secured a spot with its Electric Retrofit solution, breathing new life into existing machines. Instagrid made a splash with the GO 36, a portable battery system designed for tough site conditions. And Prolectric impressed the panel with their ProCharge solar battery storage unit, marrying renewable energy with robust on-site performance.
Dale Hawkins, Editor of Awesome Earthmovers, said: “We’re no longer talking about future tech. These products are live, available, and already changing how sites are powered.”
Workforce innovation that matters
Attracting, training, and retaining talent remains one of the sector’s most pressing challenges. The Excellence in Workforce Development category spotlighted those rising to meet it head-on.
Rethinking Futures landed a nomination for their schools and colleges outreach, while Lynch Plant stood out for their training work with HMP inmates. Meanwhile, CAT Sim showcased immersive simulator-based learning that bridges the gap between classroom and site.
Ben Hanlin, host of the upcoming ceremony, observed: “This kind of innovation isn’t flashy, but it’s transformative. It’s the foundation of everything else.”
Unsung heroes: support products
Let’s face it – not every innovation is shiny or loud, but some make the wheels turn more smoothly. The Support Products category highlighted exactly that.
Towmate Trailers earned their place with the Pivot Axle, offering enhanced manoeuvrability. Boss Cabins brought in their generator-free, off-grid drying cabin, reducing carbon without compromising welfare. And SITE-ARC appeared once again, underscoring the adaptability of their welder generator.
The judging panel agreed: “These aren’t headline-grabbers, but they keep the show running. That’s innovation with staying power.”
Leadership that sets the tone
The Special Achievement Award for Leadership in Sustainability and Alternative Power recognises major players pulling the industry in the right direction. The 2025 shortlist includes Flannery, Lynch Plant Hire, Plantforce, and BAM – all pushing the envelope when it comes to low-carbon kit, cleaner operations, and smarter procurement.
Katie Kelleher summed it up best: “These companies aren’t just talking about change – they’re doing it, and that makes all the difference.”
Don’t miss the big reveal
The PlantWorx Innovation Awards Dinner promises to be a memorable evening of celebration, conversation, and well-earned applause. It’s not just about winners and trophies – it’s about showcasing where the industry is heading and who’s leading the charge.
With innovation, sustainability, and safety taking centre stage, PlantWorx 2025 is more than a show – it’s a statement. And this year, it’s one well worth listening to.
