News

Develon wins major new machine order from RJ McLeod

RJ McLeod (Contractors) Ltd, one of Scotland’s largest privately owned civil engineering and building contractors, has taken delivery of a new order for 16 machines from Develon, formerly Doosan Construction Equipment.

The new equipment has been supplied by Castle Douglas-based James Gordon Ltd (Gordons), the Authorised Dealer for the whole of Scotland for Develon. The order comprises 12 new Develon DA30-7 articulated dump trucks (ADTs), together with six crawler excavators, including four DX225LC-7 models, a DX300LC-7 and a DX300SLR-7 super long reach machine.

Acting as both replacement and fleet expansion units, the new Develon equipment has joined RJ McLeod’s in-house plant and transport fleet, part of the sizeable in-house resources at the company, which has a workforce of around 450 employees.  

Jamie Corser, a Company Director responsible for business development at RJ McLeod, commented: “For more than 70 years, RJ McLeod has excelled in delivering solutions for clients, often in logistically demanding locations. It is essential that the machinery we use is of the highest quality and we chose Develon, because our research showed that this brand of machinery provides the reliability, productivity, lower emissions and reduced running costs that we need.”

Righa Gauld, RJ McLeod’s Plant Yard Manager added: “We’re delighted to take delivery of these new machines which is the first stage of significant investment in our expanding fleet.”

The DA30-7 is one of three models in the ADT range from Develon, comprising the DA30-7 and DA45-7 6x6 models, complemented by a new 4x4 version of the DA45-7. The DA30-7 6x6 model has a payload of 28 tonne and is powered by the Scania Stage V compliant DC09 9 litre diesel engine providing 276 kW (375 HP) of power.

Both the DA30-7 and DA45-7 6x6 models feature an articulation hinge positioned behind the turning ring to provide equal weight distribution to the front axle even during maximum steer articulation. This combined with a free-swinging rear tandem bogie ensures equal distribution of weight to each wheel and guarantees permanent 6-wheel contact and drive for equal power distribution and excellent performance particularly on all types of terrain. Collectively, the forward turning point, the unique tandem bogie and the sloping rear frame results in ‘best in class’ rough and soft terrain capabilities.

RJ McLeod carries out contracts throughout Scotland and Northern England, in a broad spectrum of civil engineering disciplines with resources spread across Scotland, including the Western and Northern Isles. Specialist areas include works in the energy, roads and structure, marine, infrastructure, streetscaping, waste and flood prevention industries.

RJ McLeod was created by Roderick John Macleod in October 1951. ‘RJ’ as he was affectionately known is remembered for his ability to get the best from all who worked for him and this – along with his business acumen – was instrumental in creating the successful company still flourishing today.

In June 2024, RJ McLeod was acquired by OCU Group, who are continuing to support the future growth of the Company.

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