Dutch contractor FPH Ploegmakers is in full swing with Hitachi Zaxis-7 excavators

FPH Ploegmakers from Vinkel in the Netherlands has invested in various Hitachi machines over the years, including a ZX350LC-7, ZX350LC-7 SLF and ZX155W-7. These machines allow the company to carry out specialist work such as dike reinforcement, nature restoration, preparing new urban areas for construction, sewer construction or the relocation of entire roads, in an innovative and efficient manner.

Painted yellow by chance

The machines were put to work straight away for the diversion of the De Raam drainage canal (near Weert), the dike reinforcement around Tiel, nature restoration work for the Rijn en Ijssel Water Board, and the construction and layout of the De Lanen residential area in Rosmalen.

Founded in the 1980s by Frans and Tony Ploegmakers, FPH has developed into a renowned player in the world of civil engineering and cultural engineering works. Their sons, Erwin and Gerbert, now manage the company and have a team of more than 50 employees.

Erwin knows everything about the Hitachi machines that the company has used since its establishment – including their distinctive colour. “Actually, this was by accident,” says Erwin. “Our Hitachi machine went to the painter and just before that, another Ploegmakers had ordered a yellow machine. The painter thought he was dealing with the same company and that our machine had to be painted in the same colour. That's how it can go. To this day, this colour is part of our recognisable corporate identity, and our new machines are also ordered in this colour.”

Looking to the future

When purchasing new machines, it was important for FPH Ploegmakers to look ahead to the challenges of the future, such as climate change and sustainable working. “A few years ago, we made an inventory of which machines are needed to properly carry out our work now and in the future,” says Erwin. “The question was then submitted to Pellen [a sub-dealer of Hitachi Construction Machinery Nederland] from Veldhoven. They have been our regular point of contact for many years when it comes to the sale of new machines, but also when it comes to service and parts. If something goes wrong and we have questions, it will be resolved quickly and professionally.”

“Ultimately, we chose three new Zaxis-7 machines: a ZX350LC-7, ZX350LC-7 super long front (SLF) with 18 metre reach and a ZX155W-7 wheeled excavator. The first ZX350-7 was delivered in October 2020, followed by the ZX350LC-7 SLF in March 2021 and the ZX155W-7 in March 2023. To date, our colleagues are very satisfied with the machines. We hear a lot about the comfort and the fact that they are noticeably quieter than the previous generation.”

Continuing to grow

In addition to the Zaxis-7 models, FPH Ploegmakers has several other models from the Japanese brand. These include various mini (ZX19U, ZX38U, ZX55U), two wheeled (ZX140W-6) and three crawler excavators (ZX135US-3, ZX225US-6 and ZX300-6).

With this extensive fleet, FPH Ploegmakers expects to continue to grow as a collaborative partner for municipalities, water boards and provincial governments. “We always look beyond our own path and Hitachi machines help us solve complex assignments,” states Erwin.