Strong growth in equipment sales is setting the tone for a buoyant PlantWorx 2025, as the construction industry leans into investment, innovation and decarbonisation. According to the latest figures from the CEA, retail sales of construction and earthmoving machinery in the UK surged by almost 25% in April alone, with year-to-date sales running 12% ahead of the same period in 2024.

Excavator sales are surging—often seen as a key indicator of industry health—with combined sales of crawler, mini, and midi models up 21% in the first four months of 2025. Telehandlers have also continued their strong run, rising by 9.5% over the same period.

These are precisely the machines that will dominate the working demos and static displays at PlantWorx 2025, the largest live construction show in the UK, taking place at Newark Showground from September 23rd to 25th.

Exhibitors already confirmed include some of the industry's biggest names. JCB, Takeuchi, Hyundai, Hidromek, SANY, XCMG, and Kubota—leading manufacturers of excavators—will showcase new models and technologies. On the telehandler front, expect innovation from the likes of Manitou and Merlo, alongside other returning favourites and fresh faces across the 140,000m² site. Together, they represent a cross-section of a sector that is growing in confidence.

The industry’s path towards net zero will also take centre stage. As interest in alternative fuels and electric plant continues to rise, PlantWorx 2025 offers visitors the chance to see these machines in action and talk to the manufacturers driving the transition. Hydrogen-powered prototypes, battery-electric excavators, and hybrid models are expected to be part of the mix, alongside infrastructure solutions, safety systems and advances in telematics.

One of the standout features this year will be the Site Sustainability Showcase—developed in association with the CPA (Construction Plant-hire Association)—which brings together a curated selection of technologies designed to prove that construction can be both smarter and greener. From hydrogen and electric machinery to solar-powered and low-emission generators, battery energy storage systems, welfare cabins, and advanced telematics, this feature reflects the industry’s growing commitment to decarbonisation without compromising performance or cost-efficiency.

Set against a backdrop of live demonstrations and real-world case studies, the showcase offers contractors and plant professionals practical, on-the-ground insights into sustainable operations. It’s a hands-on opportunity to explore viable, cost-saving technologies and assess how these innovations can be implemented on their sites—now, not five years from now.

It is this convergence of strong sales, policy pressure, and technical innovation that makes PlantWorx 2025 a key moment for the sector. More than just a machinery showcase, it is where supply meets demand and the industry reconnects after a period of necessary caution.

Backed by the CEA (Construction Equipment Association), PlantWorx remains one of the only UK shows where plant can dig, lift, haul and perform in real working conditions. It is also where decision-makers, engineers, contractors, rental businesses, and innovators come face-to-face with new ideas, new contacts, and the technology that will define the coming years.

Whether you’re an OEM, a start-up or a site manager looking for the next piece of kit, PlantWorx 2025 is an essential date in the construction calendar. With hundreds of exhibitors expected and thousands of visitors from across the UK and beyond, the show offers a concentrated dose of insight, engagement, and practical know-how.

PlantWorx 2025 takes place from 23rd to 25th September at Newark Showground.

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