The Hillhead Report

Published: 2024-07-10
Written by: Anju Khanna Saggi

Share this post with others:

Image

Record-breaking attendance and a glimpse into the future of the Quarrying, Construction & Recycling industries

A bigger and better show than ever before. Hillhead 2024 was the most visited edition ever in terms of the volume of visits over the three days, with visitors spending more time at the show than ever before and a record number attending for more than one day. In total there were 26,626 visits over the three days, which was 8% higher than 2022. The show had many highlights and below we summarize the key takeaways.

Health & Safety Initiatives 

Health and safety took center stage at Hillhead 2024, with key announcements aimed at enhancing workplace safety in the quarrying industry. The Institute of Quarrying announced five sector organizations uniting to launch a new Health & Safety Forum in the mineral products sector. Reflecting a strong commitment to improving safety standards across the industry, the forum is expected to serve as a critical platform for sharing best practices, innovative safety solutions, and fostering a culture of safety first.

The CheckProof stand was well attended throughout the week at Hillhead.

Sustainability Gains 

Sustainability was as expected a major theme at Hillhead 2024, with a strong focus on achieving Net Zero targets. Companies showcased their efforts towards reducing fossil fuel dependency and offsetting unavoidable emissions through renewable energy sources like solar power. The sustainability solutions on display varied – for example, the RopeCon system, a combination of ropeway technology and conventional conveying technology developed by Doppelmayr Transport Technology and Aggregate Industries dramatically reduces CO2 emissions.  

CDE introduced the new ProPress filter press delivering exceptional operational efficiency and maximum water recovery for quarrying and mining sectors. 

Other announcements included Duo Group, a leader in material handling and processing, and SigmaRoc, a major player in the UK and Northern European construction materials market unveiling a strategic alliance to advance sustainable aggregate supply within the UK market.

Electric Innovations That Dazzled 

Electric vehicles and machinery were at the forefront of the exhibition, drawing significant interest from attendees. LiuGong showcased its range of electric machines, including two electric excavators and two electric wheel loaders, which captured the imagination of many and showed the company’s pioneering role in BEV technology. 

The concept of massive charge pads in quarries, enabling electric vehicles to recharge on the go, was particularly exciting. The shift from mixed fleets to fully electric ones is seen as pivotal, with companies racing towards achieving Net Zero, reminiscent of the space race. This transition is of course about ensuring sustainability targets are met, but also gives a decisively competitive edge in the industry. 

Cutting-Edge Sensors 

Technological advancements in sensor technology were also a highlight. Sensors designed to optimize machinery performance and monitor critical components like gear boxes were showcased. These sensors can detect anomalies in vibration patterns and other parameters, providing early warnings of potential issues. Such innovations are crucial for maintaining the efficiency and reliability of heavy machinery, reducing downtime, and preventing costly repairs. 

Innovations 

The exhibition was a hub of innovation, with numerous new product launches and technological advancements. For example, Terex Materials Processing (MP) demonstrated their commitment to sustainable innovation at Hillhead 2024 with a display of 19 products across six of their brands. Notably, Terex also featured CheckProof as an integral part of their wash plant. This integration allows buyers of new wash plants to access CheckProof for maintaining their equipment, a feature highlighted prominently at their stand. This partnership underscores the industry’s move towards incorporating advanced digital solutions to streamline maintenance routines and enhance operational efficiency.

Terex featured CheckProof as an integral part of their wash plant which allows buyers of new wash plants to access CheckProof for maintaining their equipment.

Hillhead 2024 was a testament to the industry’s resilience and commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainability. The exhibition not only provided a platform for showcasing cutting-edge technologies and products but also fostered valuable discussions on the future direction of the quarrying, construction, and recycling industries. As the industry continues to evolve, CheckProof is committed to staying at the forefront of this progress. Events like Hillhead play a vital role in showcasing this progress and setting new benchmarks.

Share this post with others:

Want to know what CheckProof can do for you?

CheckProof's easy-to-use app makes it easier to do the right thing at the right time. Discover how you can run world-class maintenance that is both cost-effective and sustainable.

Book a demo
Featured image for “How to Ensure OSHA Compliance (Without Slowing Down the Work)”
2025-11-07
How to Ensure OSHA Compliance (Without Slowing Down the Work)
Many sites believe they’re fully OSHA-compliant — until an inspection proves otherwise. In 2023, more than half of all OSHA inspections revealed at least one violation, showing how common compliance gaps really are.
Featured image for “Root Cause Analysis 101 Guide”
2025-10-29
Root Cause Analysis 101 Guide
In every heavy operation, things go wrong — bearings fail, conveyors break, loaders bump. Fixing it fast keeps production moving, but if the same issue keeps returning, it’s time to ask: are you solving the problem or just patching it?
Featured image for “Building Solid Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Templates”
2025-10-23
Building Solid Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Templates
Inconsistent work leads to inconsistent results. One shift may check fluid levels meticulously, while the next overlooks them. One worker may be zealous about greasing and ends up over-greasing, while another assumes someone else did. That’s how breakdowns – and near misses – happen.
Featured image for “Total Productive Maintenance – Making Reliability Everyone’s Job”
2025-10-17
Total Productive Maintenance – Making Reliability Everyone’s Job
When machines stop, everything stops — production, progress, profit. You follow preventive maintenance routines, yet unplanned downtime still finds a way in. Why does it happen, and what can you do about it?
Featured image for “Is the Maintenance Scheduling of your Key Equipment Good Enough?”
2025-10-06
Is the Maintenance Scheduling of your Key Equipment Good Enough?
Maintenance planning and scheduling is one of those things most companies believe they already do well – until a breakdown stops production, spare parts aren’t available, or the wrong machine is offline at the wrong time. That’s when the real cost of poor scheduling shows up: lost output, inflated repair bills, and operators waiting for equipment that should have been ready.
Featured image for “How to Improve the Efficiency of Your Jaw Crusher with Better Maintenance”
2025-10-03
How to Improve the Efficiency of Your Jaw Crusher with Better Maintenance
Jaw crushers have been central to mining and aggregate production for decades – breaking down hard rock into the gravel, stone, and minerals that fuel construction and industry. But while the basic design has stood the test of time, the demands of modern production make jaw crusher efficiency more important than ever. Every hour of downtime means lost tons, rising costs, and frustrated schedules.
Featured image for “Quarry Management and Maintenance 101”
2025-09-25
Quarry Management and Maintenance 101
Quarries have been part of human infrastructure for centuries – from ancient stone blocks to today’s crushed gravel for roads, concrete, and construction. But running a modern quarry is is an altogether different proposition. Regulations are strict, equipment is complex, and every hour of production matters.
Featured image for “Inside AggNexus: Highlights from the 2025 Forum”
2025-09-23
Inside AggNexus: Highlights from the 2025 Forum
Launched in 2024, AggNexus has rapidly become a key forum for digital innovation in the aggregates, concrete, and broader construction materials industries. The 2025 Digital Innovation Forum took place from September 17–19 at the University of Texas at Austin, Thompson Convention Center, bringing together producers, vendors, and thought leaders to explore emerging technologies, operational improvements, and practical strategies for digital
Featured image for “Advantages of a Mobile Plant Maintenance System”
2025-09-18
Advantages of a Mobile Plant Maintenance System
Among the biggest challenges for a plant is downtime; it hits more than just production, impacting safety, trust, and margins. Yet the tools many teams still use for inspections and repairs, such as WhatsApp, spreadsheets, radio calls, or clipboards – slow them down.
Featured image for “How to build a Total Preventive Maintenance system”
2025-07-21
How to build a Total Preventive Maintenance system
Total Preventive Maintenance (TPM), also referred to as Total Productive Maintenance, is a proactive maintenance strategy designed to minimize reactive maintenance and unplanned downtime. In this article, we’ll explore what Total Preventive Maintenance is, its key benefits, and essential steps to consider when implementing a TPM system.