The old three-storey building has been a focal point of the factory for 40 years, and dates back to the days when the factory was owned by former dumptruck manufacturer DJB, before Caterpillar took over the facility in the late 80’s. It was home to over 65 office workers, and also included the managing directors office.

The demolition was conducted by North East demolition specialists the MGL Demolition, and had a six week programme, with the first two weeks spent clearing out the “soft strip” materials and non-notifiable asbestos. The next three weeks were spent removing the notifiable asbestos waste materials, during which time scaffolding was erected around the West elevation .

The following week, the third floor west elevation was removed by hand, followed by the second floor west elevation, before the link between the tower block and the canteen facilities was broken.

Over the weekend of the 10^th-11^th December, the remaining tower block was demolished to ground level, using the company’s Caterpillar 345C, which was used with optional equipment including a multi tool attachment, breaker and concrete pulveriser.

The 345C was supported by a Cat 320C in a standard bucket role, removing rubble from around the 345C.

Following this the metal was removed from the concrete for recycling, this coming week the company will be crushing up the remaining concrete into a reusable size, with the assembled stockpile of concrete earmarked to be used in a forthcoming major car park expansion project which will take place in the north of the facility. The team from MGL Demolition aim to be completed and off site by the 23^rd December. 

The demolition project is said to be one of the greenest to ever take place in the region, with virtually all the materials, including, steel, metal and wood, being recycled and re-used on other construction projects throughout the area, with an estimated £250k saving into the process, which is great kudos for Caterpillar Peterlee.

There are already plans in the pipeline for a new £1.5m state-of-the-art 15,000sq ft office block, which will incorporate a new visitor learning centre elsewhere on the complex, which will be very eco-friendly, including rainwater harvesting, energy saving light dimmers and climate control.
The Digger Blog would like to thank our friend Ann Hills, from Caterpillar, Peterlee, for her help in compiling this report.