Why Choosing the Right Equipment Partner Is Crucial for Deep Foundation Work

Deep foundation work stands or falls on having the right machinery and the corresponding service. Especially on complex construction sites and large infrastructure projects, quality, robustness, flexibility, and in-depth expertise make all the difference. According to Michel Roovers, managing director of Fontec and Soletanche Bachy Benelux, it is precisely this unique combination of strengths that defines the power of a supplier and proactive partner like Piltec.

World leader in complex foundation techniques

With two branches, the Soletanche Bachy Group—the world’s largest foundation group—is firmly established in the Benelux. From its headquarters in Brussels and worksites in Nivelles, the group—which is part of Vinci Construction—focuses specifically on specialized deep foundation work. ’Think of diaphragm walls for, among other things, retaining structures, tunnels, and construction pits for high-rise projects. These are earth-retaining structures, made of reinforced concrete and anchored with ground anchors, that must withstand enormous forces,“ says Mr. Roovers. ”A good example of the massive and complex projects for which people are happy to rely on us is the work on the Oosterweel Link in Antwerp.“

Machinery and service are key to success

The construction of such deep walls and their anchors requires specialized equipment: heavy-duty cranes, hydraulic grapples, heavy-duty drilling rigs, automatic mixing systems, high-pressure pumps, and more. For all these types of machines, Mr. Roovers can turn to one specialist: Hadrien from Piltec. “He combines decades of experience in the industry, in-depth knowledge of techniques and machinery, and a passion for providing solutions tailored to everyone’s needs.”

“Thanks to its own warehouse and flexible employees who can travel to the job site, Piltec can always respond quickly to urgent needs or problems. That’s essential, because downtime costs a lot of money,” said Mr. Roovers. “That’s precisely why top-quality brands and equipment manufacturers rely on Piltec to represent their product lines. We, too, have been counting on Piltec for all that specialized equipment for years. Hadrien and his team know exactly which machine is right for a specific job site.”

Targeted investments increase returns

The collaboration is also yielding measurable results. A recent example is the purchase of a Hütte drilling rig. “That was the first time we’d worked with that brand,” says Mr. Roovers. “We’re already seeing a roughly 10 percent improvement in efficiency.” The machine is in operation on the Oosterweel project, where it’s being used for underwater ground anchors. “Innovations like that really make a world of difference. You work faster and more efficiently, without compromising on quality.”

A pioneer thanks to proactive advice

The industry is evolving rapidly and demands constant innovation. Piltec plays a proactive role in this. “They monitor the market and come up with proposals on their own,” says Mr. Roovers. “Sometimes they suggest innovative machines. That opens up new possibilities.” This interaction keeps both parties on their toes. “You grow together. That’s essential in an industry where projects are becoming increasingly complex.”

“But it’s also an opportunity for branches in other countries. Within our group, people are increasingly looking at what materials we purchase, so they can follow our example or rent the machines from us when we don’t need them for a while. That pioneering role as a small subsidiary within a global group is partly thanks to Piltec,” concludes Mr. Roovers.

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