ashridge
NEWS ARCHIVE AUTUMN | WINTER 2008
Dec '08 - Ashridge buys new Volvo ECR145CL
Ashridge has taken delivery of a new ECR145CL reduced swing excavator from Volvo Construction Equipment. The new ECR145CL, unveiled for the first time in the U.K. at this year's SED exhibition brings the total number of Volvo excavators in Ashridge's fleet to twenty machines and was chosen for a variety of reasons according to Managing Director Peter Jones. "The specification of the new ECR145 matches our requirements in this size class, but more importantly we have a long standing relationship and enjoy a good affinity with the people at Volvo," he said. |
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"Part of our philosophy is to work closely with both our suppliers and our customers in a partnering relationship. Volvo shares the same ethos as Ashridge Construction in this regard helping us with innovative solutions, which in turn, enables us to provide a premium service in terms of quality and safety to our growing number of public and private sector clients," he continued.
The 14 tonne class ECR145CL overcomes the dynamic challenges of producing excavators that can work in confined areas and sets new standards in the industry for not only lifting capacity but also stability - especially important in loading applications. With a well balanced weight distribution and exceptional swing torque, the ECR 145CL offers superior swing performance over many of its rivals when working on slopes.
With a compact superstructure its rear swings only 230mm outside its own track width. This means that the excavator can get extremely close to objects (walls, trees etc.) without risk of collision as the machine swings in its digging cycle. The rounded shape of the cab is also designed to stay within the rear swing radius, yet remains the roomiest and most comfortable in the market - as befits Volvo's reputation for providing superior operator environments. A sliding door also allows the operator to get into and out of the machine easily - even when parked close to an obstruction. Despite its compact design, the EC145CL is both easy to service and maintain.
All check and servicing points are readily accessible; many of them available via a wide opening side door. The machine is powered by a Volvo four litre low emission engine developing 94 net hp and a max torque of 472Nm at 1600r/min.With a maximum reach of 8.85 metres and a dig depth of just over 6 metres, the ECR145CL boasts equally impressive lifting capacities in its size class.
Monitoring of the machine's vital functions and whereabouts has been enhanced by the fitting of Volvo's optional CareTrack telematics system which, in the opinion of Peter Jones, is an important innovative feature for managing Ashridge's plant fleet. CareTrack provides operational data remotely via the internet, including fuel consumption and idle time, all helping to reduce cost of ownership and maximise utilisation.
The compact proportions of the ECR145CL have been put to good use by Ashridge as it goes to work on an extensive two year project enhancing the roadways and infrastructure surrounding the AWE at Aldermaston in Berkshire.
Nov '08 - Ashridge awarded Park Way, Newbury Contract
Costain has awarded Ashridge a significant contract for the infrastructure and preparatory works on the long-awaited Park Way project in Newbury.
Ashridge who were responsible for instigating the full closure of all parking spaces overnight to enable the project to proceed are now working on the first phase of the development including diverting the main sewer to allow the new car park to be constructed, installing service trenches for the statutory authorities and diverting services such as mains, cables, gas and water.
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Ashridge has also won the contract for the construction of a new sewer and stormwater pipework for the eventual scheme.
Managing Director, Peter Jones attributes being awarded the Park Way contract to a number of key factors, “We have worked with lead contractor Costain for some time now and they know they can totally rely on us to consistently deliver on-time, safely and to budget. In addition, with our direct labour workforce and extensive in-house stock of machinery we were able to respond quickly and provide rapid commencement of these works at very short notice. ”
He continued, “Ashridge is looking forward to being involved in further phases of work in the Park Way development and is in discussions with Costain at this present time.”
Oct '08 - Denham project complete seven weeks ahead of schedule
Ashridge are delighted to have successfully completed the Denham contract and handed over to Buckinghamshire County Council, seven weeks ahead of schedule. The project for Summerleaze, consisted of the construction of a new roundabout and link road to a quarry, adjacent to the A412 in Denham.
Prime consideration for the contract was the free flow of traffic along the very busy through route, from the M40 into Slough. Main works comprised 5,000m³ of earthmoving, 1km of flexible surfacing with associated drainage, street lighting and landscape work.
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Ashridge ensured the impact to local residents was minimal; one resident stated, "I would just like to put on record how impressed I was with the efficiency and courtesy of your workforce... your workforce always made sure that we had easy access to our entrance."
The successful and efficient execution of the Denham project was noted by a new potential client, who Ashridge is now assisting with a similar project.
Sept '08 - Ashridge announce 34.5% increase in turnover in last 12 months
Ashridge is enjoying yet another record year of growth. Turnover has increasedby 34.5% in just the last 12 months and the company has already secured business for 2008 in excess of the total revenue for 2007.
Managing Director, Peter Jones attributes this to a number of key factors, “Through our well-established management team we have built a solid reputation for consistently delivering our contracts on-time, to agreed specifications and to budget because we understand that our success depends upon the quality of our work. Not only that but with a direct labour workforce and extensive in-house stock of machinery we can offer the added benefit of rapid mobilisation and commencement of works.”
He continues, “This year has seen increasing success through this philosophy, leading to a high percentage of repeat order business. In addition, Ashridge has quickly reacted to changing government priorities by diversifying into new markets.”
Peter Jones concludes, “In very difficult markets and times of serious economic pressure, our record figures and investment in relationship marketing are further proof of our commitment to continued growth as well as underlining the intrinsic qualities of the business. The reinforced concrete composting tunnels at Bawtry are a perfect example of our business philosophy. As local authority highways budgets have been cut we have taken our experience and expertise and applied it to a new sector with great success.”