A-Plant has placed orders worth over £6m for a total of 350 dumpers from two preferred suppliers, as part of a multi-million pound investment programme for its hire fleet.

The largest order has been placed with Terex and comprises 1, 3, 6 and 9 tonne Terex Power Tip Site Dumpers, all of which will be fitted with the latest in emission-reducing technology to comply with European Stage IIIB engine specifications.

A total of 250 dumpers have been ordered from Terex, reflecting an investment of £4m. Every machine will be manufactured at the Terex facility in Coventry and machines are currently being delivered to A-Plant’s Service Centres nationwide.

A-Plant has also placed a £2m order with Thwaites, covering 100 site dumpers with capacities of 1, 3, 6 and 9 tonnes. The new Thwaites dumpers are equipped with hydrostatic transmission, and Hi-Tip, Hi-Swivel and Front Tip models have been ordered. The Thwaites fleet is being distributed amongst the A-Plant Service Centre network.

“This investment in new dumpers allows for the replacement and renewal of older machines, confirming A-Plant’s commitment to ensuring customers are provided with the latest, highest quality and most environmentally efficient equipment available,” said Andrew Winlow, director of purchasing and fleet management at A-Plant.

“The order includes Stage IIIB compliant dumpers, as we have found that more and more of our customers are specifying this type of equipment. Site managers have the assurance that these units meet the latest site equipment regulations and reduce their emissions, while remaining robust and hardwearing. This order forms part of a major investment programme in our hire fleet; in 2013 capital expenditure exceeded £100m and we plan to take investment to similar levels this year.”