Innovators in Demolition
Pioneering Demolition Solutions.
At Colemans, we’re not just demolition contractors – we’re innovators. Throughout our history, we’ve consistently pushed the boundaries of the industry, developing groundbreaking solutions to complex challenges. Here are a few examples of our achievements:
1996 HIGH REACH PLUGINS
We revolutionised high-reach demolition with the introduction of plugins and configurable booms on our CAT 350 High Reach excavator.
2003 URBAN QUARRYING
We established the UK’s first urban quarry, a washing facility that converted demolished materials into usable resources like clay, sand, and various gravels.
2004 MICRO EXCAVATOR INNOVATION
We were the first to create a micro excavator-mounted hands-free drilling rig, specifically designed for explosive engineering projects.
2005 REMOTE-CONTROLLED DEMOLITION
We adapted to evolving needs by designing and developing a 5-tonne remote-controlled excavator for precise demolition in hazardous environments.
2006 HITACHI 850 STRONG ARM
At a time when high-reach excavators were focussed on higher reaching capabilities, we designed the strong arm for our Hitachi 850. This innovation reduced working height from 40m with a 3-ton tool to 28m with a 7-ton tool, significantly enhancing efficiency and safety.
2009 BIRMINGHAM NEW STREET PROJECT
This massive project, completed over six years (2009-2015), showcased our expertise in complex urban demolition. We successfully removed huge amounts of concrete using gantry cranes from within a live shopping centre situated above 14 live city centre rail lines.
2012 MULTI-FUNCTIONAL TEMPORARY WORKS
At New Street, we designed and implemented innovative temporary works that could be propped, slid, rolled, hung, and winched – essential for navigating the congested site with minimal disruption.
2014 THE MEGA MUNCHER
For the New Street project, we collaborated with JCB to create the “Mega Muncher,” a bespoke, triple-boom, remote-controlled demolition excavator with a 4-ton NPK cracker capacity. This Formula 1-inspired machine, featuring rapid refuelling capabilities, tackled demolition within a live shopping centre environment.
The base machine was a unique combination of a 22-ton excavator chassis and an 18-ton upper body, specifically modified for the project’s tight clearances. Delivered and reconstructed on-site in five pieces, the Mega Muncher operated with a mere 25mm gap between floors. Our innovative work at New Street was recognised with numerous WDA awards, including the prestigious “Best of the Best!”.
2014 SAFETY APP DEVELOPMENT
We developed two bespoke mobile applications, "Hazzap" and "EasyApp," to significantly improve safety management on our sites. Hazzap facilitates hazard spotting, reporting, and management, while EasyApp streamlines site inspections.
2016 GLOBAL FIRST - COLD CUTTING A GAS HOLDER
In Battersea, London, we performed a world-first cold cutting operation on a 90-meter-high MAN gas holder. This pioneering approach involved specialist diamond cutting equipment, roof-mounted cranes circling the perimeter, and a unique air flotation system to support the roof during deconstruction.
2021 EMERALD STEEL PROJECT
For this project, we developed patent-pending procedures for the complex task of identifying, detailing, and deconstructing targeted steelwork for repurposing. Our innovative engineering solutions allowed the reused steel to be seamlessly integrated into the new structure on the same site. We believe this is the largest Emerald Steel project ever undertaken globally for a major international client.
These are just a few examples of how Colemans consistently pushes the boundaries of demolition. We are committed to developing innovative solutions that enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability in every project we undertake.
