Sheffield firm's rock smasher set to crush rivals in World Demolition Awards

Webster Technologies is in the final four of the ‘tools and attachments’ category up against firms from the US and Germany.

Bosses say the Rockhit can destroy huge boulders quicker and quieter than the competition and is set to claim a chunk of a £1bn-a-year market.

The company spent 15 years and more £400,000 developing it. Now their invention has been recognised.

Ian Webster chairman and designer, said “It was a conversation with my good friend and fellow engineer Barry Campling that proved instrumental to a product development journey spanning two decades and has resulted in the launch of the Rockhit.

“Barry and I were kindred spirits, he died last year and I know he would have been thrilled to have seen the product come to life and for it to be nominated for this award.”

Traditional breaking hammers have been around for 50 years and are notorious for loud, rapid impacts.

The Rockhit uses a motor and a catapult action to strike almost four times harder, at the same volume – but less frequently.

Operators can endure it longer and neighbours are happier, it is claimed.

Tests with Highways England and construction giant Balfour Beattie have been positive.

The firm has two UK patents. They are made in Germany.

Webster, based at Holbrook Industrial Estate, has invested £229,000 of its own money.

It had two grants from the Government totalling £187,000, including from Innovate UK.

The World Demolition Awards are on Thursday November 12 and are organised by Demolition & Recycling International in co-operation with the European Demolition Association and the National Demolition Association of the USA. Volvo Construction Equipment is headline sponsor.

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