Gateshead firm to put Birtley plant at the “forefront of construction machinery innovation”

Gateshead based Smart Construction is developing and testing “leading-edge” innovations in intelligent earthworks tech in a new hub at sister company Komatsu UK’s Birtley factory.

Coinciding with the launch of the new facility, Smart Construction also announced the launch of its new “RetroFit Kit” (RFK), a system capable of turning any excavator, regardless of age, make or model, into a smart machine, capturing vital construction information to improve efficiency, safety and collect vital data for contractors.

The equipment will transform the UK construction market. Contractors face increasingly “data-focused” contracts, and the RFK will deliver real time information on everything from material removed to dig time, operator efficiency to machine usage.

Smart Construction expert advisor Richard Bland commented: “Birtley boasts some of the most innovative minds in excavator development, in recent years delivering award-winning field-leading advancements like the intelligent machine range, easy-change demolition boom arm and the range of hybrid machines helping firms drive down carbon emissions.

“The site is the perfect home for Smart Construction, as we build on its well-earned reputation for creating the most exciting advancements in construction machinery.

“It is fitting that we are launching such an exciting project with kit that will change the construction game. The RFK can be fitted to just about any working excavator in the world to deliver real time data, measure payload and allow 3D machine guidance at all times.”

Smart Construction is a technology venture by Komatsu, introduced in 2015 to develop and manufacture a package of solutions to support and improve business. The company is focused on collecting data and converting it into “valuable information”, enabling the safe and accurate management of manpower, machines and materials.

Richard Clement, Smart Construction deputy general manager, added: “Like all industry, construction is focused on enhancing efficiency, safety and reducing environmental impact. Smart Construction is working on delivering solutions that will drive all three, as well as save a significant amount of money.

“This work will put the Birtley plant at the forefront of construction machinery innovation in Europe, if not the world.”

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