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Spring 2022 13 www.hae.org.uk www.eha.org.uk 25 YEAR MILESTONE FOR MINI EXCAVATOR MANUFACTURER Kubota UK is celebrating 25 of supplying mini-excavators to the construction industry by running an activity campaign throughout 2022. Activities include the ‘Kubota Challenge’ that will see Kubota operators show off their skills to showcase the abilities of both driver and machine. Kubota is also utilising its supply network to run charity events throughout the year, with funds raised going to local communities. The excavator supplier has also agreed to match a percentage of the total funds raised to help the industry charity, The Lighthouse Club. Industry roundtables, testimonials from the Kubota network and customers, and a kids’ design competition will also take place. Geoff Smith, Dealer Manager, Construction Department, Kubota UK said: “It’s not just a celebration about our accolade, it’s a celebration of the industry as a whole and how integral it is to the country, from every local community project, to large infrastructure works.” £2.5M INVESTMENT BY NORTHERN IRELAND COMPANY TO MEET ‘GREEN’ DEMAND Balloo Hire Centres in Northern Ireland has started taking delivery of more than 100 fully electric and hybrid machines this year, in an investment worth more than £2.5 million. Balloo Hire purchased the electric and hybrid models in response to increasing demand from its customers for green, eco-friendly equipment. The order includes Northern Ireland’s first all-electric JCB 525-60E telehandler. The six-metre compact telehandler has been designed to deliver the same performance and cycle times as a diesel telehandler, but with zero emissions. Powered by a 96v lithium-ion battery pack, It can work non- stop for up to eight hours before needing to recharge. The first units have already arrived, with deliveries of the remainder expected to run through until the end of this year. Balloo Hire General Manager, Mark Grundy, said: “We want to fully support our customers with all electric, hybrid or eco machines as they strive to meet their sustainability objectives.” Balloo Hire Centres has made significant investments in the past 12 months, with seven locations in Northern Ireland. It now has more than 11,000 items in its range, across more than 670 product lines. Established in 1987, Balloo Hire Centres became part of the Briggs Equipment family in 2019, with depots in Belfast, Bangor, Ballyclare, Lisburn, Glenavy and the two recent additions of JB Plant Hire depots in Omagh and Dungannon.