Merrill Lynch of Lynch Plant Hire talks about Hydrogen, sustainability and people at Plantworx 2025 before the business won a Special Achievement Award for Sustainability and an Award for Excellence in Workforce Development.
Peter Haddock caught up with Merrill on the Xwatch Safety Solutions stand next to a Lynch Takeuchi excavator fitted with a full safety system.
Merrill: “It’s great to be recognised for our work on bringing Hydrogen into our fleet with the deployment of Ultimate Cell Truck Engine V3.0.
“It’s a system that injects small amounts of hydrogen into the air intake valve. This cools the engine, reduces emissions by up to 31%, and cuts fuel use by up to 30%.
“We’ve now got customers using our machines fitted with Ultimate Cell, helping us gather real-world performance data.” Merrill also highlighted the company’s drive to improve reliability and reduce emissions through HVO fuel adoption and fuel polishing.
“During our HS2 work, we discovered FuelActive’s system, which draws fuel from the cleanest part of the tank. That innovation not only reduced contamination and downtime, it delivered an unexpected 4% fuel saving too.”
These developments have led to the creation of a monthly sustainability working group, bringing together businesses across the industry. “I actively encourage any company passionate about reducing emissions to join us.”
After the award wins, Peter also spoke to Merrill about the ‘Second Chances’ scheme, developed in partnership with City & Guilds Training and HM Prison and Probation Service Highpoint.
“We all know second chances are hard to come by after serving time.
That shouldn’t be the case. Many individuals have so much to offer with the right support.
The initiative established a Construction Plant Training Centre at HMP Highpoint, giving prisoners in the final six months of their sentences access to plant operation training and employment pathways.
“It’s the first of its kind, a purpose-built centre inside the prison. Other facilities are now getting involved, and we’ve had incredible support from industry partners.”