Day Aggregates, a leading supplier to the Builders Merchants and Construction sectors, is excited to have taken delivery of our 100th loading shovel, marking a major milestone in the Company’s ongoing commitment to innovation, efficiency, and operational excellence.

From humble beginnings delivering coal in the 1940s, Day Aggregates has grown into a well-respected force in the construction materials industry, operating across the South, from a 24-strong network of sites and depots. The delivery of Fleet No: L100 stands as a symbol of decades of strategic growth, investment, and unwavering dedication to quality.

From the First to the 100th: A Story of Evolution

More than 25 years ago, the Company made its first strategic purchase of a Cat 966F Series 2 for around £150,000. Today, this latest addition marks a new chapter, showcasing the significant advancement in technology, safety, and sustainability that modern loaders represent.

Loading shovels have come a long way in the last 50 years. From mechanical brutes powered by fuel-hungry engines and manual hydraulics to today’s GPS-enabled, emission-compliant, sensor-loaded machines; the transformation has been extraordinary! Day Aggregates has embraced this evolution at every stage, upgrading its fleet in line with emerging technologies and ever-more challenging environmental standards.

Built on Relationships, Powered by Quality

A key partner in this journey has been Volvo Construction Equipment, supplied through SMT GB. The reliable build quality, exceptional aftersales support, and longstanding relationship with Day Aggregates have made Volvo the backbone of the fleet.

“We receive outstanding parts and service support, and the team at SMT GB deliver when it matters most,”

confirms Stuart Holmes, Plant Manager, Day Aggregates, who has overseen the transition from the very early days of patchwork repairs to today’s proactive fleet replacement policy.

Strategic Growth and Operational Leadership

From just 11 shovels and 6 depots in the late 90s to a diversified, high-capacity fleet of over 75 company-owned machines serving over 20 operational facilities today, Day’s commitment to excellence is evident.

“The reliability of the Volvo fleet combined with our pre-emptive maintenance schedule has allowed us to not only extend our machine replacement policy but also to increase the total hours we run machines before disposal. Most units now clock up an average of 12,000 hours over seven years with minimal downtime.” said Stuart.

This milestone is not just about numbers, it’s a reflection of leadership, pragmatic engineering decisions, a desire to buy the best of breed and a culture that values doing things the right way.

A Business Built on Pride and Performance

While larger companies may run bigger fleets, the Day Aggregates personal and professional approach to operating its mobile equipment has earned it a reputation many in the industry admire.

“We believe people enjoy dealing with us because we do it right. From humble beginnings, we’ve grown to become a significant player in the construction materials industry but continue to work hard to maintain those family values. The Company’s 100th shovel is just another indication of that success.”

Looking Ahead

As Fleet No: L100 rolls into service, it represents more than just a piece of equipment. It’s a marker of resilience, strategy, and the journey of a business that continues to grow with purpose and pride. With innovation accelerating, Day Aggregates is well-positioned to lead the next evolution of plant operations safely, sustainably and efficiently. Take a look at what the L100 will be loading at Day Aggregates