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| Combining traditional values with modern construction equipment  When twin brothers Murdo and Kenny MacLeod founded the parent company M&K MacLeod Ltd in 1975, they were essentially a house kit manufacturer and builder. Today, operating from their factory in Lochgilphead, Argyll, they still manufacture and erect varying styles and types of residential and commercial buildings, but have also now added UPVC double glazing, service stations, commercial and residential rental properties, conservatories and quarrying to their portfolio. M&K Macleod Ltd is proud to be firmly based on traditional values, striving to incorporate the best of innovative modern practices in materials, production and management. Whilst utilising highly specialised equipment in the design and production, the secret of their success is the acknowledgement there is no substitute for a skilled workforce, with a highly personal touch when dealing with customers.Throughout the company's life it has strived to produce components in house, this has led to increased capacity in timber frame and window factories with a greater emphasis on prefabrication. Adjustments to working practices and ever changing legislation have enabled M&K Macleod Ltd to continually update its business model, thus keeping ahead of the competition. In the words of Director Kenny Macleod – "We are continually looking at ways of improving the company, by incorporating new ideas and equipment into the business. Every member of staff is encouraged to come up with new ideas so that we can continue to offer the highest level of service to our clients." In order to supply material for their construction business Macleod's now owns, and operates, 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. In order to maximize production from the quarries, and to produce aggregate for their construction projects, Macleod Construction needed to source a tracked crusher. The crusher would not only have to be highly productive, tough and versatile, but also had to be exceedingly reliable due to the geographic location of the operation. Spare parts would also need to be readily available, as well as service technicians, should the machine suffer any mechanical problems. The QJ340 (pictured) utilises Sandvik's unrivalled design and manufacturing expertise to build upon the success of the world's best selling track-mounted mobile jaw crusher - the C-12+. As the global head quarters for Sandvik's mobile crushing and screening division is located in Swadlincote, Derbyshire, but with Sandvik regional offices throughout Scotland, parts and service availability were always going to be on hand when needed. Compact and mobile, the QJ340 is powered by a C-9 engine that meets all known emissions standards. Crushing power is provided through a large feed opening with a unique high crushing speed that delivers high outputs, with excellent product size reduction for maximum productivity and profitability. Durability and reliability are ensured by a reverse crushing action capability to relieve blockages, and by an automatic lubrication system that is fitted as standard. The Sandvik QJ340 has proved to be the ideal mobile crushing solution for granite, slate and limestone quarry applications; or for crushing bricks, blocks, concrete and asphalt in a demolition or recycling environment. On the job versatility is assured by a comprehensive range of optional extras that allow the QJ340 to be modified to match precisely the demands of any specific application. Due to the success of the QJ340, and of their own quarrying venture, Macleod Construction have added more Sandvik mobile crushers and screeners to their fleet, with the QH330 cone crusher, and the QA331 tracked three way split screener being recent additions. The QH330 tracked cone crusher facilitates the renowned Sandvik CH430 cone crusher to meet exacting product quality demands that are due to the tightening of aggregate specifications. The CH430 crusher with its CSC (cubical shape crushing) technique developed by Sandvik, ensures the production of material of excellent shape and high quality. The CH430 is also equipped with a hydroset system which provides safety and setting adjustment functions, as well as incorporating a heavy duty hydraulic cylinder which supports the main shaft. A semi-automatic setting regulation system not only optimizes production, it also keeps track of liner wear. This makes it easy to plan liner changes and minimize interruptions in production. In addition to the high capacity the QH330 is compact in design, which makes it very easy to move from site to site, or in situ, and to operate within a wide range of environments. The QA331 is a state of the art three way split screener that has been developed from the world leading QA330, but now comes with improved screening capacity. The QA331 incorporates a 4.27 x 1.52 (14' x 5') two bearing screen box, with increased screening angle built into the bottom deck of the screen, together with an additional 5 degree screening angle. This feature, coupled with the larger screening surface area and increased throw on the screen box, enhances screening efficiency / capacity through the actual screen box itself. Essentially, the three Sandvik machines are capable of working together as a "crushing and screening train", or separately as independent units. The QJ340 reduces the quarried rock down to a manageable size with the QH330 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. MacLeod Construction may have been founded on traditional house building values, but it has successfully incorporated modern practices into its operations, and remains an innovator when it comes to materials, production and management. This forward looking approach is highlighted by the acquisition of Sandvik mobile screening and crushing technology. As Harry Ross, Plant Manager states: "We have used our rural location to our advantage by manufacturing components in-house, thus removing the supply chain difficulties associated with remote areas. This allows us to be competitive in all areas of Argyll. The use of Sandvik equipment allows us to produce the materials we need, when we need them, and to the quality levels our customers demand." write your comments about the article :: © 2010 Construction News :: home page |