Breedon Scotland makes biggest Cat roller purchase within EAME

The Scottish arm of UK aggregates specialists 894 Breedon Aggregates has completed the largest acquisition of Caterpillar rollers in Europe and the Middle East in 2014.

The 29 machine deal takes Breedon’s total investment in Cat machines in the past 12 months to £2.5 million (€3.4 million).

Working with the UK’s largest independent aggregates business, 3006 Finning put together a package that included 25 utility rollers (11 Cat CB14Bs; eight Cat CB24Bs; six Cat CB34Bs); three Cat CB44Bs asphalt rollers, and one Cat AP500E paver.

The machines were delivered in the final quarter of the year, joining the two Cat AP500Es pavers purchased by Breedon Scotland and the AP500E bought by Breedon England at the end of 2013.

The rollers will be put to use servicing single-carriageway roads, dual carriageways and motorways under major Trunk Road Maintenance contracts, led by its associate company BEAR Scotland.

The deal follows a major acquisition earlier this year of loading shovels, dumpers and excavators for Breedon’s Scottish quarrying operations.

Alan Mackenzie, chief executive of Breedon in Scotland, said: “After hiring a large majority of our compaction fleet for many years we looked at whole-life costing of hire versus purchasing. Cat delivered a sustainable package for us. It is extremely valuable for Breedon Scotland to be able to invest in Cat machines that we know will consistently deliver.”

Overseeing the landmark deal, John Stuart, area sales manager for Finning, said: “After Breedon secured the very first UK Finning paving deal at the end of last year, this further investment inspires confidence that Finning is providing the machines and services our customers expect. The largest investment of 395 Caterpillar rollers in Europe and the Middle East is testament to Breedon’s growing success within the paving market.”