Construction

Metso signs distribution agreement with Rock Plant

Rock Plant will represent Metso’s crushing and screening equipment, parts, and services in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Metso has signed a new distribution agreement with Rock Plant Ltd, a respected and long-standing dealer of major construction and quarrying machinery brands in East Africa

The partnership marks a strategic move aimed at expanding Metso’s footprint and accelerating its growth across the region.

Under the agreement, Rock Plant will distribute Metso’s crushing and screening equipment, along with related parts and services, in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

According to Ignacio Garcia, distribution manager, EMEA North at Metso, “East Africa represents one of the fastest-growing markets in Africa for aggregates and mining. To fully capture this potential, we wanted a partner with a strong local footprint, technical know-how, and a proven service capability. Rock Plant has a long track record in heavy equipment distribution, a solid presence across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, and an experienced team deeply connected with the industry. This partnership allows Metso to strengthen its coverage, improve responsiveness, and ensure consistent customer support across the region.”

In these markets, customers are increasingly looking for dependable, fuel-efficient, and easy-to-maintain machinery capable of operating in remote and challenging environments. Mobile and modular units are especially important due to the scattered nature of quarries and project locations.

Pritpal Roopra, managing director of Rock Plant, noted, “Partnering with Metso enables us to expand our portfolio with a world-class crushing and screening brand. This cooperation gives our customers access to industry-leading technology, backed by our local service and support network.”

Adam Benn, director of capital sales, EMEA North at Metso, added, “The cooperation combines Metso’s global technology leadership with Rock Plant’s local presence and service capability. Customers will benefit from faster response times, local spare parts availability, and professional support throughout the equipment lifecycle, from selection and commissioning to maintenance and upgrades. This means improved uptime, lower operating costs, and access to proven, sustainable solutions built for local conditions.”

Uganda roads project nets extra funding as costs double

Smoothing road connections in Uganda (Image source: AfDB)

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved an additional €217mn to complete the Busega–Mpigi and Kagitumba–Kayonza–Rusumo roads project in Uganda

In a statement, it noted that the project would reinforce Uganda’s and Rwanda’s shared vision of stronger regional connectivity and trade.

The additional resources will finance the construction of new interchanges, bridges, toll plazas, and service lanes, including the Busega Interchange linking the expressway to the Northern Bypass.

These improvements will address chronic traffic congestion between Busega and Mpigi, a key bottleneck along the Northern Corridor connecting Kampala to Kigali.

Funding will also cover land compensation, project management, and capacity enhancement for Uganda’s Ministry of Works and Transport to ensure smooth execution following recent institutional restructuring, the bank added.

Once completed, the 27.3-km expressway is expected to cut travel time from over two hours to under 45 minutes, improving access to markets and social services for more than one million residents and traders in Busega, Mpigi and the surrounding communities.

“This project is more than a road; it is a lifeline for communities and a gateway for trade,” said George Makajuma, the bank’s principal transport engineer and project task manager.

“The additional financing ensures that the Busega–Mpigi Expressway delivers safer, faster, and more inclusive transport for millions, unlocking the region’s economic potential.”

The total cost of the upgraded Uganda section now stands at €424.61mn — more than double the cost from the original €176.26 million, reflecting a scaled-up project scope, according to the AfDB.

The government of Uganda is also contributing €30.98mn to the scheme.

Additional components to be financed also include seven new bridges and 54km of lined drainage channels.

Construction under the additional financing is scheduled to resume in early January 2026 and conclude by December 2029, with full project completion expected in 2030.

According to the AfDB, the project is expected to generate over 1,200 jobs – 800 during construction work and 400 in operations.

Read more:

Abu Dhabi to fund Uganda roads project

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Revamping Tanzania's vital transport links

Hitachi Construction Machinery rebrands as LANDCROS

LANDCROS ushers in smart construction era. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. (HCM) has announced that it will undergo a transformation and rebrand as LANDCROS, effective April 2027

As the construction and mining industries enter a new era, global demand is shifting toward faster, smarter, and more sustainable methods of developing infrastructure and housing, despite challenges such as a shrinking skilled workforce, rising costs, and tighter deadlines. In response, Hitachi Construction Machinery is reinventing itself to stand alongside its customers and distribution partners, leading this transformation together.

Solutions beyond machinery

The name ‘LANDCROS’ embodies the company’s determination to deliver innovative solutions to customers worldwide in the construction and mining sectors.

This rebranding marks a renewed commitment to accelerate the company’s evolution, representing its dedication to creating and delivering greater value in collaboration with customers well into the future.

Francesco Quaranta, HCM europe president & CEO, stated, “LANDCROS represents our commitment to go beyond machinery, empowering customers with intelligent, connected, and sustainable solutions. It is based on a partnership philosophy, working openly with technology leaders, integrating cutting-edge digital and AI capabilities into machines that symbolise reliability in the construction industry, whilst creating a reimagined customer experience from ground to cloud.”

This transformation builds upon HCM’s trusted dealer network, the foundation of its success. Together, the company and its partners aim to redefine the customer experience by integrating AI, data, design, and human ingenuity to help build a more sustainable future.

Turner & Townsend joins Usahihi expressway project

Turner & Townsend partners with Everstrong Capital to deliver Africa’s largest PPP road project with global best practices. (Image source: Turner & Townsend)

The Usahihi Nairobi–Mombasa Expressway, Africa’s largest road public–private partnership (PPP), has officially welcomed Turner & Townsend, a global leader in programme and project management, as a strategic delivery partner

The addition of Turner & Townsend reinforces the consortium’s capacity to execute the transformative US$3.6bn, 459 km expressway, which aims to reduce travel time between Nairobi and Mombasa from over ten hours to just 4–5 hours.

Designed to alleviate congestion along the A8 highway, the new transport corridor will enhance mobility for both passengers and cargo while improving safety standards. The expressway also represents a new model for sustainable infrastructure in Africa, integrating intelligent transport systems, electric vehicle charging stations, wildlife crossings, and climate-resilient design features.

Turner & Townsend will bring its global expertise in programme management, governance, cost control, risk oversight, and project assurance, ensuring that the Usahihi Expressway is delivered efficiently, transparently, and to the highest international standards.

The company’s appointment builds on its extensive track record in large-scale infrastructure delivery, having supported governments and private sector partners across East Africa on major initiatives such as Kabalega International Airport and key components of the Tilenga Project. These experiences, involving complex budgets, multi-stakeholder coordination, and performance management, have prepared Turner & Townsend to manage the scope and intricacies of the expressway project.

Kyle McCarter, partner at Everstrong Capital and chairman of the Usahihi Nairobi–Mombasa Expressway, said, “Turner & Townsend’s track record across Africa speaks for itself. Their expertise in large-scale, complex projects ensures that the Usahihi Expressway will not only be delivered successfully but will also set a new benchmark for infrastructure delivery on the continent.”

John Rogers, regional director, East Africa, at Turner & Townsend, added, “The Nairobi – Mombasa Expressway is a game-changing landmark project in Kenya which will cut journey times in half greatly improving regional connectivity. The Usahihi Expressway isn’t just a road, it’s a catalyst for economic growth, regional integration and climate-smart development.

Our partnership with Everstrong Capital will allow us to deploy our world-class expertise in programme management, governance, risk oversight, cost control and project assurance to the project. We look forward to delivering this complex infrastructure programme that will support transformational growth across Kenya and East Africa.”

Turner & Townsend joins Everstrong Capital and the broader Usahihi consortium, which includes TRAC, Lotz to Develop, Ashitiva Advocates, Rebel, Andersen, CPF Group, and Kurrent, in delivering this landmark project.

The partnership underscores a shared commitment to global best practices in PPP delivery, guided by transparency, accountability, and collaboration. As the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) reviews the project’s feasibility study, the strengthened consortium is preparing to move into the next phase of development for this critical transport infrastructure initiative.

Five big benefits of the new articulated haulers from Volvo CE

Volvo Construction Equipment introduces a redesigned generation of articulated haulers with improved performance, safety, and comfort. (Image source: Volvo CE)

Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has raised the bar with its new generation of articulated haulers

This latest lineup not only updates seven existing models from the A25 to A60 class but also introduces a powerful new addition – the 45-ton A50. Designed to move more material efficiently, reduce operating costs, and tackle the toughest terrains, these next-generation haulers bring a fresh mix of innovation, durability, and operator comfort.

1. Modern redesign

The new haulers feature a sleek exterior built for both performance and endurance. A re-engineered frame and body design allow materials to be dropped further away, reducing the need for additional equipment. An optional overhung tailgate with extended arms provides a wider opening for faster dumping. Inside, operators benefit from improved comfort with customisable settings, low noise levels, extra storage, and options like a cool or heat box and premium seating. Connectivity has also been upgraded with Bluetooth, USB sockets, four speakers, and a built-in microphone.

2. Enhanced safety and visibility

A repositioned door entrance and spacious platform make access safer and easier. Added safety railings, focused lighting, and improved cab panels enhance both protection and visibility. The haulers exceed industry standards with wider wiper coverage and clearer sightlines. Optional front and rear cameras, pillar work lights, and a standard entrance camera further improve operator awareness. Windshield cleaning is safer too, with harness anchor points inside the cab.

3. Simplified servicing

Servicing is easier and less frequent, with longer intervals and improved access to critical components. Maintenance points are reachable from the ground, and daily or weekly greasing is no longer necessary thanks to 250-hour greasing intervals. Volvo’s engine oil and high-performance filters support 1,000-hour engine service intervals, cutting lifetime oil and filter usage by half.

4. Incredible performance

These haulers are engineered for power and endurance, featuring reinforced axles built to handle heavier loads and higher torque. Volvo’s exclusive drivetrain with Terrain Memory optimises traction on slippery surfaces, ensuring stability and reducing wear. Enhanced braking and retarder systems, including the Volvo engine brake, downhill speed control, and wet brakes on all wheels, further boost performance and safety.

5. Best-in-class controls

Operators can manage functions with ease through the Volvo Co-Pilot, which controls media, camera settings, climate, and machine status. A dynamic instrument cluster positioned in front of the steering wheel provides clear, real-time data. With ergonomic gear levers designed for smooth shifting and reduced strain, Volvo’s haulers deliver a superior driving experience throughout long shifts.

Volvo CE’s new articulated haulers redefine productivity and operator comfort, setting a new standard for performance in modern construction and mining operations.

Learn more about Volvo’s articulated haulers and see how they can make your workday easier and more productive.

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