Macleod Construction and Sandvik celebrate two decades of partnership

MacLeod Construction Ltd may have been founded on traditional house building values, but it has successfully embedded modern construction and quarrying practices into its operations. Based in Lochgilphead, the multi-faceted company are one of the largest private employers in the area and remain an innovator when it comes to materials, production and management. For over 20 years, Sandvik Mobile Crushers and Screens has provided unrivalled service and highly specialized crushing equipment to assist our partner in achieving their visionary growth.

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Built on similar core values, it is no surprise that MacLeod Construction Ltd and Sandvik have maintained and developed a strong relationship for two decades. The secret of MacLeod’s success is the acknowledgment that there is no substitute for a skilled workforce and they preserve a highly personal touch when dealing with customers - two key ingredients which are vital to how Sandvik conduct their operations. Whilst staying true to their traditional values, the business has evolved and grown since twin brothers Murdo and Kenny MacLeod founded the business in 1975. Back then it was a simple house builder.

Fast forward to 2020, and Macleod employs over 200 people locally. They have diversified the business to include a factory in Lochgilphead which produces kits for residential and commercial properties of every size, shape and type. They have expanded their expertise beyond building and timber kit specialists – and into UPVC double-glazing and conservatories. They also have a successful portfolio of rental properties in the area and own and operate two quarries in the locality.

The need to provide stone and aggregate of the highest quality, at the right time, and in the right quantities, has proved to be crucial in the further successful development of the construction side of the business. Initially their Sandvik crushing machines were incorporated to assist in the delivery of their own construction projects, however as time and the industry moved on – so did their business. Using their fleet of Sandvik machines, Macleod now stockpile product which is used for a variety of applications. They now sell aggregates to local councils and other contractors in the area.

Thinking ahead has led to the vision of Murdo and Kenny Macleod becoming a reality. With no end to the innovative thinking, the next generation of the MacLeod family are continuing their legacy. Greig Macleod, Business Development Manager, is a second generation family member notes that the business trusts Sandvik for their dependability and versatility of the machines, just like his dynasties did. He quotes, ‘We originally chose Sandvik based on track record and word of mouth. The reliability and service we have been provided with has remained constant over the past two decades.’

Since their quarry operations began, they have been a loyal customer of Sandvik and are now on their third set of crushing machines. Recently, Macleod purchased a new QJ341 mobile jaw crusher and a QH332 Hydrocone mobile crusher. This compliments their existing QA331 tracked screener which they purchased a few years ago. Combined, these machines provide ultimate versatility in choosing aggregate sizes which are flexible, depending on their customers’ requirements. Greig notes, ‘The use of Sandvik equipment allows us to produce the materials we need and to the quality levels our customers need. We predominately crush to 20mm, 40mm and dust which we mix together to get Type 1, the main material we produce.’

Essentially, the three Sandvik machines are capable of working together as a crushing and screening train, or separately as independent units. The QJ341 mobile jaw crusher reduces the quarried rock down to a manageable size with the QH332 producing accurately sized and shaped aggregate for use on the building projects. If the material requires further sizing, or cleaning, then the QA331 finishes the process producing three accurate gradings.

The highly productive and efficient QH332 tracked, self-contained cone crusher is fitted with a CH430 cone which is at the heart of this world leading piece of technology. It is equipped with a hydroset system which provides CSS adjustment at the touch of a button. The automatic setting regulation system not only optimizes production, it also keeps track of liner wear, making it easy to plan liner changes and minimize interruptions in production. The CH430 cone has choice of six concaves and three eccentric bushes providing a range of throws from 16 mm to 36 mm, with these providing unrivalled flexibility regarding CSS ranges, production and material gradation.

Macleod’s have found great benefits of using this machine beyond the reliable output levels. With Sandvik My Fleet fitted as standard to their latest equipment, this remote monitoring system has been purpose developed to help customers know how to best utilize their plant. Through the collection and accurate monitoring of a wide array of parameters, this facilitates accurate production forecasting, ensuring that the most efficient use is obtained from equipment. Greig keeps a close watch on the telematics on his mobile devices as the interview is underway. He adds, ‘MyFleet has been great to date and we look forward to seeing where it takes us in the future, it is beneficial for our mechanics to use as well.’

Building a partnership over two decades not only demonstrates the quality and reliability of Sandvik machines but it is also a testament to how customer service has been delivered. When quizzed on the relationship and service provided, Greig beams, ‘The after sales service has been fantastic and that’s why we use Sandvik time and time again. They have local representatives who come out if there's ever a problem and it's dealt with very quickly. Our plant manager uses Sandvik time and time again, they are friendly and helpful.’