Hallett Group has transformed its Truro quarry through a partnership with CJD Equipment and Volvo Site Solutions
Since collaborating with CJD Equipment and Volvo Site Solutions, South Australian concrete and quarrying business Hallett Group has seen both its efficiency and productivity enhanced across the company. In addition to this, it has also improved safety at one of its hard rock quarries.
“This Truro site was added to the quarry stable in 2018,” Hallett Group managing director Mark Pickard says.
“This is, without doubt, one of the best hard rock and hardest rock quarries in South Australia.”
A new era
Since acquiring the Truro site in 2018, Hallett Group quickly established it as a leading operation. However, the quarry’s remote location presented unique challenges that called for a more intelligent approach to site management.
Hallett adopted Volvo Site Solutions, known for its comprehensive, data-driven strategy, to streamline operations.
This decision allowed the company to tackle the complexities of quarry management by capturing and analysing operational data to develop customised solutions tailored to the specific needs of the Truro site.
Central to Volvo Site Solutions is the Connected Map platform – a data-driven solution tool offering real-time visualisation of all site activities.
This cutting-edge technology gives site managers a comprehensive overview of vehicles, equipment and personnel; enabling remote monitoring and quick adjustments to site guidelines.
The platform also facilitates the coordination of projects across multiple locations through a single interface, ensuring smooth communication and maximising resource utilisation.
A strategic choice
The partnership with Volvo was a natural progression for Hallett Group, underpinned by a longstanding relationship with CJD Equipment spanning two decades.
Volvo’s reputation for durability and performance had already been established at the site, with a Volvo 460B excavator purchased at the outset still in operation today.
Beyond the reliability of its machinery, the opportunity to incorporate Volvo’s advanced excavators, front-end loaders and digital solutions was a key factor in the decision.
The implementation of Connected Map technology has proved transformative for Truro quarry, as managers now have the tools to monitor activities in real-time, adjust routes and establish safety zones remotely.
This comprehensive approach to site management has led to increased productivity, lower operational costs and a safer working environment, CJD Equipment says.
Optimising operations
Volvo’s data-driven approach to productivity services provides Hallett Group with a robust toolset for optimising operations.
The system continuously captures data on material movement, machine usage and site activity, enabling detailed analysis to inform decision-making.
This information is displayed through performance indicators on a visual dashboard, allowing both on-site managers and remote supervisors to track progress towards production targets and make informed adjustments where they are necessary.
“One of the main reasons why we chose Volvo for this semi-remote site was their connected map technology,” Pickard says.
Furthermore, Volvo Co-Pilot technology equips each machine at the quarry with the ability to set goals, monitor progress and collaborate more effectively with the team.
The site solutions are brand-agnostic, meaning they can be used across different types of machinery, regardless of the manufacturer.
This integration ensures operators work towards shared objectives, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement throughout their fleet, says CJD Equipment.

Putting safety first
Safety is paramount in quarry operations, and Volvo’s commitment is evident in several innovative features.
The Connected Map technology allows for the creation of restricted zones anywhere on-site, providing real-time alerts for approaching traffic and managing one-way road access.
Additionally, a visitor app enhances site security by ensuring that all personnel and visitors are always accounted for.
These measures reduce the risk of accidents and contribute to a more structured and controlled site environment.
“Another reason for choosing Volvo was the individual monitoring of each item of plant and the operator, and the performance of that operator on those items of plant,” Pickard says.
“It has allowed us to understand, in real time, where that equipment is on-site and what its performance and operating efficiencies have been, better than any other manufacturer that’s out there in the marketplace.”
Building a partnership
Hallett Group values Volvo’s responsiveness and commitment to understanding the specific needs of quarry operators.
The collaborative efforts with CJD Equipment have enabled continuous system refinement, ensuring that Truro Quarry remains at the forefront of technological advancements in the industry.
The evolution of these solutions has been instrumental in maintaining high productivity and efficiency standards.
In the future, the partnership between Hallett Group, Volvo and CJD Equipment is committed to promoting sustainable growth in the quarrying industry.
The collaboration focuses on reducing carbon emissions and improving operational efficiency, setting an example for using innovative technology to achieve sustainability goals.
The continuous development of data-driven solutions shows the potential for more intelligent, environmentally friendly operations in the sector.
By adopting Volvo Site Solutions’ advanced tools like Connected Map and Co-Pilot, Hallett Group has overcome the challenges of its remote location while significantly enhancing productivity, efficiency and safety.
Its partnership with CJD Equipment and Volvo has enabled the use of dependable machinery and practical solutions, while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and sustainability.
This collaboration lays the foundation for a more intelligent, safer and sustainable approach to quarry management.
It shows that with the appropriate tools and knowledge, even the most traditional industries can undergo significant positive change.
“One thing that Volvo has done is listen and understand what we need as a quarry operator in managing our plant and fleet on-site,” Pickard says.
“The backup support from Warren and through CJD has allowed us to implement that system as efficiently and productively as possible.
“What we do today will hopefully be very different from what we do tomorrow, and that’s the confidence I have in Volvo in being able to listen to us and then implement these micro changes that we need to make on this site and others to be as efficient and as productive as possible.”
To learn more about Volvo’s solutions and how they can transform your projects, please contact your local CJD branch on 1300 139 804 or visit cjd.com.au
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