UK Plant Expo 2027 is developing a strong focus on one of construction’s most persistent problems: knowing what is underground before excavation begins and working safely around buried services once digging starts.

The companies already confirmed cover several parts of that challenge, including utility detection and mapping, real-time hazard alerts, machine control and non-destructive excavation.

Leica Geosystems will bring its detection and mapping technology to the event, including ground-penetrating radar systems used to locate, visualise and map underground utilities. The information can also be used within wider surveying and machine-control workflows.

MachineTech, the UK and Ireland distributor for RodRadar, will represent technology designed for use during excavation itself. RodRadar Live Dig Radar is integrated into the excavator bucket and detects buried utilities as the machine is working, giving the operator real-time alerts.

The system can also be paired with Xwatch Safety Solutions’ hydraulic machine control. When a buried utility is detected, the integrated system can stop bucket movement rather than relying on an operator warning alone.

Plantec Survey Solutions will demonstrate the technology at UK Plant Expo 2027 using an excavator fitted with the CHCNAV MCNAV TX73 3D machine-control system and RodRadar Live Dig Radar in a controlled excavation environment. Plantec has also been appointed MachineTech’s official RodRadar dealer for the North of England.

Detection is only one part of the job. Once a buried service has been found, it still needs to be exposed safely.

Vac-Ex, the trading brand of John Mee Construction Ltd, has specialised in vacuum excavation since introducing the UK’s first commercial vacuum excavator in 2005. The company now provides operated vacuum and suction excavation services nationwide across utilities, rail, highways, construction and infrastructure, including trial holes and potholing.

EXVAC Equipment Sales will also be at the show, representing the equipment side of suction excavation as UK sales and support agent for French manufacturer RIVARD and its EXVAC suction excavator range.

Taken together, the companies show how underground risk is being tackled at different stages of excavation, from locating and mapping buried services before work starts to detecting hazards while digging and exposing services without damaging them.

UK Plant Expo organisers now want to add more companies working in this area.

Businesses involved in utility detection, underground surveying and mapping, ground-penetrating radar, cable avoidance, vacuum and suction excavation, trench protection, machine control, excavation safety and utility-strike prevention are being invited to join the 2027 event.

Brian Coogan, show organiser of UK Plant Expo 2027, said: “This is much bigger than one type of machine or one piece of technology. Contractors now have access to equipment and systems that can help them understand what is underground, locate and map services, keep track of hazards while excavation is taking place and expose buried infrastructure more safely.

“We already have some very interesting businesses working in this area confirmed for UK Plant Expo 2027, and we want to add to that.

“If your company is involved in underground hazard detection or safe excavation, we would like to hear from you.”

UK Plant Expo 2027 takes place at the Heart of England Events Centre, Warwickshire, on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 June 2027.

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