Technidrive strengthens automation offeringwith WEG PLCsTechnidrive, a specialist in industrial drive and automation, has expanded its offering with the integration of WEG’s programmable logic controllers (PLCs), including the PLC500 series, to help customers simplify automation projects and maintain reliable control in demanding operating environments. By bringing drives, motors, gearboxes, control equipment and PLCs together under one manufacturer, Technidrive can deliver complete, end-to-end systems that reduce integration complexity while improving visibility, connectivity and support. The move is particularly valuable for applications where…

The MHEA are delighted to welcome Roy Hatfield Group as a  valued Corporate Member. A leading supplier of essential, bulk materials and handling solutions, with a long and proud history of pioneering sustainable practices. Delivering excellence across the supply chain. Roy Hatfield Group is a family-owned business with over 50 years of experience in conserving resources, supplying industry and pioneering sustainable solutions. Established in 1972 by Roy Hatfield with a single wagon collecting industrial by-products from steelworks across South Yorkshire, the business has…

The MHEA are thrilled to welcome Levistor Ltd as a  valued Corporate Member. Levistor kills the power pulse problem in heavy industry. Crushers, mills, shredders, screens and mining hoists draw power in short, violent bursts that can exceed a site's power allocation. The standard response; throttling production, pausing secondary equipment, or over-sizing power infrastructure for peak rather than average load; costs operators throughput and capital. Levistor's unique, hybrid energy storage absorbs these pulses and delivers flat, smooth power to the grid, so equipment…

The MHEA are delighted to welcome Smiley Monroe as a  valued Corporate Member. Founded in Northern Ireland in 1979, Smiley Monroe is a leading global manufacturer of heavy-duty conveyor belts and custom rubber and plastic components for the materials handling industry. With manufacturing facilities in Northern Ireland, Kentucky USA and Hosur, India, alongside our Great Britain Midlands Hub, we support OEMs, equipment dealers and end users across more than 60 countries. Our product range includes endless, flat, chevron and cleated conveyor belts, ZIP…

The invisible force behind food manufacturingHow electric motors and variable speed drives control critical stages of modern food production Electric motors and variable speed drives (VSDs) play a critical role in modern food manufacturing, providing the precise control needed to keep production lines running efficiently. As food manufacturers face rising energy costs, strict hygiene requirements, variable product loads and constant pressure to reduce downtime, balancing precision and reliability is becoming increasingly challenging. Here, David Strain, technical director at Technidrive, a specialist…

Hillhead is the UK’s largest quarrying, construction and recycling equipment exhibition. Held every two years in a working quarry, the show brings together 600 exhibitors and nearly 20,000 visitors over three days. This year, as part of ProSpare’s presence at the show, they marked the 10th anniversary of the Bulk Materials Handling Division which made its debut at Hillhead 2016 and has gone on to improve the performance of thousands of belt conveyors throughout UK. Bulk Materials Handling SpecialistsFirst launched at…

Could better gear efficiency accelerate net zero progress?~ Analysing contact mechanics in gear systems reveals ways to reduce energy use ~As organisations commit to net zero targets, cutting industrial energy consumption is a critical priority. However, the potential of optimising existing machinery is frequently overlooked. Research in Advances in Mechanical Engineering shows that tribological contacts alone account for 23 per cent of global energy use. Here, David Strain, technical director at Technidrive, a specialist in industrial drive technology, explores how a…

The MHEA are thrilled to welcome Brown GearTech Group as a  valued Corporate Member.Brown GearTech supplies OEMs and resellers nationwide, designing, building and testing precision gearbox and motor systems for mission-critical applications.With 50+ years of British manufacturing behind us here are some of the services we provide, and not limited to:Precision Gearbox Design & BuildMotor System IntegrationIn-House Testing & ValidationApplication-Led Engineering SupportDependable Stockholding & Lead TimesOEM Design & Procurement PartnershipWe specialise in supporting the following sectors:Heavy-Duty ManufacturingRecycling & Waste ManagementWater…

THE CHALLENGEA major UK dry process cement plant, operating since the 50’s, extracts over 1m tonnes of carboniferous limestone annually. A network of +40 belt conveyors operate across the quarry and cement plant that are critical to the success of the entire facility.Belts 3A and 3B, transporting 100mm limestone from quarry to cement plant, were a constant source of maintenance. Collectively, the belts are approximately 175m long drum-to-drum and handle 700-800 tonnes per hour, 40 hours per week.POOR BELT CLEANING CAUSED STOPPAGESThe conveyors…

MHEA members recently had the opportunity to visit the remarkable Glensanda Quarry, owned and operated by Holcim. Despite less-than-ideal weather conditions, the visit proved to be an unforgettable experience, showcasing the sheer scale and efficiency of what is recognised as the largest granite quarry in Europe. To take a look, click on the link below for more Details https://www.mhea.co.uk/glensanda-site-visit-june-2026/