News

RM Contractors accelerates growth with order new Kubota excavators

As one of the Midlands’ most respected groundworks and infrastructure specialists, RM Contractors continues to build on over three decades of experience with an eye firmly on the future. RM has recently received delivery of an order for 10 brand new Kubota mini excavators. With a mix of 3.5 ton, (U36-5) and 5 ton, (U50-5) excavators, RM’s fleet continues to strengthen and the long-standing supplier relationship will continue to support their growth.

This investment reflects RM’s ongoing expansion, its commitment to reliable, high-performing equipment, and the trust it places in BTE to deliver when it matters.

Founded in 1994 in Redditch, Worcestershire, RM Contractors began life as a family-run operation focused on residential groundworks. For over two decades, the business delivered steady success in its home region. Since 2020, RM has accelerated its growth, expanding into the southern and eastern regions of England with new offices in Oxford and Leicester. These strategic moves have enabled RM to scale up its services for national housebuilders and infrastructure clients alike.

While the core of the business still revolves around groundworks, roads, and sewer installations, the scope of projects has become larger and more complex, demanding not just more people but smarter investments in machinery and technology.

“We’ve invested more in the last four to five years than at any point in the company’s 31-year history,” said Dan Green, Plant and Transport Manager at RM Contractors. “This order is part of our strategy to ensure our fleet is ready to meet growing demand and reduce downtime on site.”

The decision to purchase 10 new Kubota excavators wasn’t taken lightly. It comes as RM’s existing fleet reaches the point where reliability and performance can begin to impact productivity. As the business takes on more demanding projects, fleet downtime becomes a critical risk that needs management.

Kubota was a clear choice. Already the dominant brand in RM’s compact excavator lineup - with over 90% of its minis being Kubota - the machines are trusted by both operators and managers alike for their dependability, comfort, and strong residual value. The U36 and U50 models ordered are ideal for the tight access, urban, and infrastructure works that form much of RM’s workload.

The new excavators will replace older models and supplement capacity where additional machines are needed, especially as RM continues to reduce its reliance on short-term hires, which can come with logistical and cost challenges.

“They’re just a great bit of kit,” said Dan. “Our groundworkers prefer them, we don’t see many issues, and when you’ve got operators who look after the machines properly, that makes a big difference.”

The order also reinforces the strength of RM’s long-standing partnership with BTE Plant Sales. For many years, RM has trusted BTE to supply and support its plant requirements, and that trust has only deepened with time.

BTE’s team is known for being responsive and easy to work with, whether it's during the sales process or when quick service support is needed on site. RM values the fact that BTE offers a professional, non-pushy sales approach, clear communication, and consistently competitive pricing, all backed by an in-house support team that understands the urgency of keeping machines running.

“It’s never a hard sell with BTE,” said Dan, RM’s Transport and Asset Manager. “They understand our needs, they communicate clearly, and we always feel looked after - whether it’s warranty work or urgent support on site.”

In an industry where machine downtime can quickly escalate into lost productivity and missed deadlines, BTE’s ability to provide fast service, and often go above and beyond makes them a vital partner. Their local presence across the Midlands ensures that delivery, attachments, parts, and technical support are never far away.

RM’s leadership knows that to remain competitive, they need to stay just ahead of the curve - balancing investment in new assets with careful cost control. Their approach to fleet management is disciplined, with a typical turnover cycle of three to four years to keep machinery fresh and reliable. This strategy helps maintain high operational standards while reducing the risk of escalating maintenance costs from ageing equipment.

Technology is also playing an increasing role in the company’s operations. RM is beginning to adopt GPS-enabled machinery across its larger earthworks fleet, enabling better project oversight, more precise work, and ultimately, more cost-effective outcomes for clients. It’s part of a wider shift towards smarter construction, and RM is keen to remain at the forefront.

Sustainability, too, is rising on the agenda. From anti-idling policies to early interest in modular hybrid machinery, RM is actively exploring ways to reduce environmental impact without compromising productivity.

Looking ahead, RM Contractors isn’t chasing rapid expansion - it’s focused on sustainable and reliable delivery for its clients. The next chapter is about maintaining momentum, delivering consistently high standards, and staying one step ahead of industry demands.

“We want to continue this momentum and build on what we’ve achieved,” Dan said. “Consistency is key for us - meeting the demands of our clients while maintaining the standards we’ve worked hard to set.”

That means continuing to invest in people, equipment, and partnerships that add value. And for RM, BTE Plant Sales remains a trusted part of the equation.

With the new Kubota machines due to arrive shortly and a strong team behind every project, RM is well-equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.

At BTE Plant Sales, we’re proud to support RM’s journey - and to play a role in helping forward-thinking businesses invest in the right machinery, at the right time, with confidence.

3 issues of Earthmovers for just £3 - click here