JG Hale Group

One of the largest providers of social housing in South Wales has returned to a Roto from UK Forks for its latest development.

Award-winning JG Hale Group is making use of a 26m JCB 555-260R Roto at its Loftus Gardens site in Newport for housing association POBL Group.

Phase Two of a wider £15 million scheme for 250 homes on the site of the former Pirelli factory, JG Hale will be delivering 54 timber frame properties comprising two- and three-bedroomed houses and apartments.

Each property has been planned to incorporate south-facing roofs, allowing for optimal utilisation of solar PV panels, and is strategically spaced to prevent over-shadowing. Additionally, air source heat pumps will take outside air and turn it into hot water for the homes (stored in a hot water cylinder for taps, baths and radiators). The project also incorporates SUDS drainage.

JG Hale has been on site at Loftus Gardens since October 2023, with completion due in May 2026. The UK Forks’ Roto was hired for at least six months to help with the handling of the timber frame elements of the build.

The group had used a UK Forks’ Roto before, on Phase 1 of their Ledbury project where a 21m Manitou Roto proved a resounding success.

At Loftus Gardens, the 26m hired Roto with winch attachment is helping JG Hale operators reach two units at a time, loading and offloading and feeding multiple areas without having to be re-positioned, saving time and therefore money.

Ian Smith, JG Hale’s site manager at Loftus Gardens, said: “Rotos are more flexible and dual purpose than standard telehandlers. This one has acted as a crane too and has performed brilliantly. The service from UK Forks has also been very good.”

UK Forks’ senior account manager Emma Basson-Wright said: “Knowing the build design that JG Hale adopt on most sites, they are an ideal candidate for the 360° rotating telehandler. When paired with a winch attachment, the Roto is the perfect machine to feed multiple units with timber frame without having to move around site.”