Top demolition stories of 2025 – Year in review

JCB’s Lord Bamford receives official certification allowing the sale of H2 ICEs from RDW (Photo: JCB)

Across twelve months of rapid change, companies pushed forward with innovation, governments advanced significant projects, and the industry continued its shift toward safer, more sustainable and more connected ways of working.

In this special year-end roundup, we revisit the biggest stories from each month.

Top stories of 2025 – Year in review

January – JCB secures Europe-wide hydrogen engine approval

JCB kicked off 2025 with a major breakthrough, receiving type approval for its hydrogen internal combustion engine from 11 licensing authorities across Europe.

The certification cleared the way for commercial deployment of the H2 ICE in multiple markets, marking a milestone in the company’s £100 million development programme.

Click here for the full story.

February – Former Keltbray managers convicted in bribery case

Three former managers at UK demolition company Keltbray were convicted of taking more than £600,000 in bribes in exchange for awarding labour contracts worth £15 million in February.

The case followed a Home Office investigation into historic dealings between Keltbray and London-based Tony Demolition Workers Ltd.

Click here for the full story.

March – Develon and Logex partner in waste and recycling market

Develon Europe and Logex System GmbH formed a strategic partnership in March to support medium-sized waste disposal companies across Germany and Austria.

The agreement gives Logex partners access to Develon’s full machinery line, including wheel loaders equipped with the Transparent Bucket System designed to improve safety.

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April – Bauma 2025 attracts 600,000 visitors amid industry optimism

Bauma 2025 attracted ‘around 600,000’ visitors, confirming the show’s unrivalled status in the industry. (Photo: Messe Munchen)

The return of Bauma in April drew around 600,000 visitors from over 200 countries, delivering a strong signal of confidence for the global equipment sector despite broader economic uncertainty.

Exhibitors reported an upbeat atmosphere driven by interest in sustainable machinery, digitalisation, and new energy solutions. With 3,601 exhibitors, it saw a notable growth in international attendance.

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May – Grenfell Tower deconstruction contract awarded

The UK government confirmed a £12.25 million contract modification appointing Deconstruct (UK) Limited to carry out the planned deconstruction of Grenfell Tower to ground level.

The company’s long-term involvement on the site and technical knowledge were cited as key reasons for extending its existing agreement.

Click here for the full story.

DetX’s Founder and CEO Dr. Anthony Konya (centre) with Ron Gilbert, VP Blasting Operations (left) and Roland Alford, Managing Director of Alford Technologies and DetX UK

June – Dykon, Precision and Academy merge to form DetX

Three specialist US blasting and demolition companies; Dykon Demolition, Precision Blasting Services and Academy Blasting, merged to form DetX, a new entity focused on high-consequence explosives work.

DetX also launched a UK venture, DetX Alford, in partnership with Alford Technologies. 

Click here for the full story.

July – Sandvik completes acquisition of OSA Demolition Equipment

Sandvik finalised its acquisition of Italian demolition tools manufacturer OSA Demolition Equipment in July, integrating the business into its Attachment Tools division.

OSA brings a strong European presence, in-house R&D, and a portfolio of hydraulic tools to Sandvik’s expanding demolition offering.

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August – Contractors appointed to £93m asbestos and demolition framework

Lucion Services was among 54 contractors appointed to EN:Procure’s £93.75 million Generation 4 Framework, covering asbestos surveying, removal, demolition works, and water hygiene services across northern England. The framework is set to run until July 2029.

Other demolition specialists, including Colemans, were also appointed to the framework.

Click here for the full story.

September – Develon and Engcon integrate new tiltrotator-ready excavators

Photo: Engcon

Develon announced an OEM partnership with Engcon to supply tiltrotator-ready versions of its new DX230LC-9 and DX260LC-9 excavators.

Machines will be prepared in-factory for quick installation of Engcon’s DC3 systems, supporting both sandwich and direct-mount configurations.

Click here for the full story.

October – Hitachi advances remote and autonomous mining technologies

Hitachi Construction Machinery signed a five-year charter agreement with Rio Tinto subsidiary Technological Resources Pty to accelerate remote operation and partial autonomy for ultra-large hydraulic excavators.

The programme focuses on operator-assist features and repeatable autonomous digging cycles. Hitachi aims to develop an interoperable platform by 2030 capable of managing multiple machines across mine sites. 

Click here for the full story.

November – World Demolition Summit opens with global industry focus

The 2025 World Demolition Awards winners celebrate.

The 2025 World Demolition Summit opened in Nashville, drawing more than 500 delegates and launching its expanded three-day programme in what turned out to be the biggest event in its history. 

The event culminated with the World Demolition Awards, recognising standout projects and innovations from companies worldwide. The expanded format also included a new VIP Day featuring senior industry figures and technology partners.

Click here for the full story from the Summit, or here for the winners.

December – Holcim UK acquires Thames Materials

Holcim UK strengthened its position in circular construction materials with the acquisition of Thames Materials, a London-based waste management and recycling specialist handling over 400,000 tonnes of material annually.

The deal expands Holcim’s footprint in the capital and supports its long-term sustainability agenda.

Click here for the full story.