Earthmovers Magazine shines light on environmental work of Jones Bros14th Dec 2023

Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK’s determination to have a positive impact on the environment has been showcased in a leading industry publication.

Earthmovers Magazine, which focuses on news and developments for construction machinery, was welcomed to Leaton Quarry to take a closer look at the significant real-world fuel savings being achieved by the civil engineering contractor.

The three-page feature, titled ‘A key step towards net zero’, dug into the contrast between the Komatsu HB365LC-11 hybrid excavator and the conventional PC360-11.

Journalist Paul Argent headed to Telford to oversee the work being carried out by Jones Bros’ subsidiary Cambrian Services, which has been tasked with crushing and screening high-quality basalt rock for several years.

Compared with the PC360-11, the Komatsu HB365LC-11 is claimed to reduce carbon footprint by more than 200 tonnes during its lifetime, with a decrease in fuel consumption of 20 per cent.

Since January 2023, Jones Bros’ comparisons using real-time telematics data has shown a saving in actual working hours of around 19 per cent, which equates to more than six litres per 60 minutes.

Cambrian’s quarrying operations are overseen by Kieran Morgan, who has been very impressed with the hybrid excavator’s performance since it joined the 370-strong machine group.

Speaking to Earthmovers Magazine, he said: “We are producing more than 8,000 tonnes of granular-sub-base material every week and we keep a very close eye on the performance of every piece of kit we have.

“So far, we are seeing a fuel saving of about 20 per cent on the hybrid machine over the standard version, something both we and our client are very happy with.”

Jones Bros environment manager Sam Higgitt added: “As a company we are always striving to improve our carbon emissions and fuel consumption, so the data received is fantastic.

“Protecting the environment in which we work during each and every scheme is of the upmost importance and the hybrid machinery will only help us improve further.”

Established in the 1950s, Jones Bros owns one of the largest plant fleets in the UK and employs approximately 500 people.

The company is currently working on contracts in various sectors including highways, flood and marine defence, waste management and renewable energy around the UK.

The company runs an award-winning apprenticeship scheme, which has produced nearly 40 per cent of its current workforce, with many of its senior managers having started out as apprentices or in a trainee role. It has recruited more than 100 apprentices during the past three years.