Infrastructure investment points to new opportunities for construction plant in 2027
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After a difficult year for UK construction, there are some encouraging signs ahead, particularly for the construction equipment and plant hire sectors.
Glenigan’s newly published Winter 2026 Construction Industry Forecast predicts an 11% increase in the value of underlying construction project starts in 2027, followed by further growth of 7% in 2028.
The forecast follows an expected 13% decline in 2026, so the recovery will take time. However, the outlook for civil engineering is particularly encouraging, with starts forecast to grow by 11% next year and a further 10% in 2028.
Much of this growth is expected to come from investment in water, transport and energy infrastructure.
The £104 billion AMP8 water investment programme, improvements to the UK’s road and rail networks, electricity grid upgrades and major energy projects all point towards a substantial pipeline of work.
And delivering these projects means demand for construction machinery, specialist equipment, attachments, safety technology and skilled operators.
For manufacturers, dealers, plant hirers and contractors, the forecast offers some welcome encouragement. However, the real test will be how quickly this investment translates into projects getting underway on site.
It’s also a timely backdrop for UK Plant Expo 2027.
Taking place on 11–12 June 2027 at the Heart of England Showground in Warwickshire, the event is already attracting an impressive line-up of businesses from across the construction plant industry.
Major equipment manufacturers and suppliers including SANY, LiuGong, Mecalac, Yanmar, Thwaites, McHale Komatsu, LGMG and Haulotte are among those confirmed.
They will be joined by leading plant hire and contracting businesses including Flannery Plant Hire, H.E. Services and Land & Water, alongside specialist equipment and attachment suppliers such as Ammann, Kelly Tanks, Steelwrist, Geith and Suction Excavator Solutions.
Technology, innovation and safety will also feature strongly, with companies including Leica Geosystems, SITECH, Xwatch Safety Solutions, Spillard and Hiboo bringing expertise in machine control, site safety and digital solutions.
And with organisations such as the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA), NOCN Group and Construction Plant Finance also involved, the event will reflect the wider challenges facing the industry, from workforce skills and competence to fleet investment and finance.
The breadth of the exhibitor line-up reflects the changing demands of construction, where productivity, efficiency, safety and new technology are increasingly important considerations.
UK Plant Expo 2027 will put much of this equipment and technology into action.
With live digging, working demonstrations, active displays and the UK Plant Operator of the Year competition, visitors will be able to see machinery in action, explore the latest innovations and meet the businesses supplying the industry.
For contractors and plant hirers planning their next fleet investments, and manufacturers and suppliers looking to connect with customers, the event comes at an interesting time.
The industry still faces challenges, but the infrastructure pipeline provides grounds for cautious optimism.
And with so much riding on the successful delivery of these projects, bringing the people, machinery and technology together has never been more relevant.
Read Glenigan’s forecast:
https://www.glenigan.com/uk-construction-forecast-11-rebound-in-2027/
See who’s exhibiting at UK Plant Expo 2027:
https://ukplantoperators.com/uk-plant-expo-27/meet-the-2027-exhibitors/
Find out more about the event:
https://ukplantoperators.com/uk-plant-expo-27/
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