Navigating Success: Breheny's tech revolution unlocks efficiency and precision in civil engineering

Breheny, a family-owned civil engineering company in the UK with a six-decade-long legacy, integrates cutting-edge technology from Trimble across all its sites, setting new benchmarks in efficiency and precision. Employing over 300 professionals and operating a robust fleet of more than 20 excavators and dumpers, Breheny has executed diverse infrastructure projects spanning highways, bridges, utilities and the environmental sector.

During a recent visit to a bustling site at Brightwell Lakes near Ipswich, the transformative impact of Trimble technology was evident. This major housing development site illustrated the seamless integration of Trimble® Earthworks Grade Control Platform technology. A fleet of excavators diligently worked on roads, sewers, swales and landscaping, while excavating a large lake. A combination of Trimble Earthworks, Trimble Business Center software and Trimble WorksManager Software forms the complete digital workflow, bringing people, data and machines together into a cloud-enabled environment where real-time data can be accessed.

Daniel Greenwood, Breheny's senior land surveyor, emphasized the indispensable role Trimble's suite of products, supplied by SITECH® UK & Ireland, has played in the company’s operations for approximately seven years. The team quickly realized that this technology played a key role in boosting productivity and efficiency. Trimble Business Center streamlines operations – from calculating earthworks and material quantities for bids to preparing data for construction stakeout and building 3D models. This comprehensive functionality ensures a smooth workflow, underscoring the technology's essential contribution to Breheny's success.

Initially, Breheny introduced only three Trimble Earthworks machine control cab kits. After just a few months, operators – regardless of their age – couldn’t imagine working without it. At the same time, GNSS grade control technology has made skilled operators more efficient and adaptive. Designs are remotely sent out, and the operators do the rest. Breheny now has over 20 Trimble machine control cab kits, along with the associated office-based software and hardware.

Breheny leverages a survey drone to gather data from the site, streaming information to Trimble Business Center. A practical 3D design is crafted and transmitted from the office to on-site machine operators through WorksManager. The WorksManager dashboard offers a clear display of design information, accessible remotely by site engineers. This approach reduces the risk of miscommunication and assists operators with support and training issues.

Greenwood highlighted the recent introduction of Trimble SiteVision, a user-friendly augmented reality system used for communicating new designs and changes to site crews, inspections, determining productivity and calculating quick measurements on-site.

Breheny’s fleet includes newly acquired 20-tonne Volvo excavators equipped with advanced features, including a tilt rotator, height and slew restriction systems, and Trimble Earthworks. Operated by Lewis Jarmen, the machine exemplifies Breheny’s commitment to excellence. According to Jarmen, the Trimble Earthworks system fosters independence.

Breheny's dedication to digital innovation continues with the commissioning of an 8-tonne Kubota, fully integrated with Trimble Earthworks, enhancing workflow efficiency for smaller tasks. Greenwood reflects on the anticipation for future technological advancements from Trimble.

Breheny also recently had a demonstration of the new Trimble R780 GNSS Smart Antenna with Trimble Siteworks Software. The rugged receiver combines strength and durability into a compact, easy-to-use form. Using tilt compensation and Siteworks positioning software, accurate points can be captured across the site.

"We have enjoyed a good long-standing relationship with the team at SITECH," adds Greenwood. "They help us with WorksManager and our data flows, and also with any diagnostics issues with our GPS cab kits. Another bonus is that they’ll come on to the site to calibrate the machines. We are looking forward to working with them in the future.”