Volvo paves the way for monumental work

With prestigious projects such as London’s Trafalgar Square and Wembley Stadium in its portfolio, the UK’s leading hard landscaping manufacturer is using Volvo equipment to help carve its niche.

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Looking out from atop the stone steps of London’s National Gallery, one can appreciate architecture and craftsmanship of Trafalgar Square. Built in the 19th century, the square is steeped in history, attracting millions of Londoners and visitors alike. In 2001, the attraction underwent a transformation to improve the urban environment in the heart of the capital. To mimic the original design, traditional materials were used, including Scoutmoor Yorkstone, a blueish gray stone supplied by UK-based hard landscaping manufacturer, Marshalls. 

For over a century, Marshalls has long held a reputation for excellence, creating landscaping solutions that promote beautiful environments, using fairly traded stone and pioneering products. High profile projects, such as paving the London Olympics Athletes Village, are testament to the high quality products and values of the UK’s leading hard landscaping manufacturer.

Set in stone 

Established in 1890, Marshalls specializes in developing products that create better spaces. The products range from landscape furniture, drainage products, natural stone paving to concrete block paving.

To support its quarrying activities throughout the north of England, as well as its landscape product manufacturing operation in Sandy, Bedfordshire, the company has taken delivery of a package of 13 machines from Volvo Construction Equipment following a competitive tender process. 

“Selecting the right machines for our various operations involved many factors,” says Jonathan Galvin, Category Manager for Marshalls. “This included site surveys, careful consideration of the machine specifications and working with potential suppliers.”
The equipment was supplied by Volvo CE’s GB dealer and included L110H and L180H wheel loaders, A30G and A40G articulated haulers, and EC480E and EC750E excavators. 

“While the offering from Volvo wasn’t the lowest cost in regards to up-front purchasing price, when we looked at the lifetime owning and operating costs, the fuel efficiencies of the products, extended driveline warranties, residual values and the detailed servicing agreements, Volvo emerged as the clear winner,” Galvin adds.

Rock stars

The smaller wheel loaders (L110H) are specified with Optishift, a feature that automatically selects lock-up of the transmission, optimizing efficiency at the Bedford landscape product manufacturing operation. Joining the pair of L110Hs are five L180H wheel loaders, fitted with Volvo Co-Pilot and Load Assist, the latest in loading technology. Load Assist allows Marshalls’ operators to calibrate buckets or block handling forks via the on-board Volvo Co-Pilot touchscreen. Each L180H has been supplied with quick fit bucket and quick fit heavy-duty block handling counterweights.

Aside from benefiting from load accuracy, Marshalls ensures its operators remain safe and secured. The A30G and A40G articulated haulers are equipped with wear liners made from 480Bn steel, providing the protection to withstand the harsh conditions of quarries. The two excavators (EC480E and EC750E) are likewise fitted with double grouser track pads, making them ideal for quarrying operations. The excavators have hydraulic quick couplers, heavy-duty buckets and ripper teeth. The business of working in a quarry includes many challenges that outsiders may not consider. That’s why Marshalls’ excavators provide good all round visibility, aiding efficiency and safety when working in confined areas.

Building on concrete foundations

With production continuing to ramp up, Marshalls is pleased with his new fleet’s performance. “Our expertise in creating integrated landscapes is supported by a strong fleet, and we look forward to working with Volvo CE to achieve our goals,” Galvin concludes.