Steve Bullman

STIHL has enhanced its digital fleet management solution, STIHL Connected, with the introduction of the new Smart Connector 2 A, enabling professional users to obtain new levels of machinery performance data to improve maintenance programmes and fleet management efficiencies. Specifically designed for a growing range of professional STIHL cordless machines, the Smart Connector 2 A is able to transmit increased levels of useful machine data to a user’s smartphone via Bluetooth. The information relayed includes operating time, working speeds, the status on individual electronic components, ambient temperature and also messages about the status of the machine to name but a few, giving users universal transparency of the machine and its performance. The Smart Connector 2 A also features a real time clock, meaning the data is collected accurately regardless of how often the connector syncs with a smartphone, so operators can see when and for how long a machine was used. In addition, pressing the button on the Smart Connector 2 A gives a quick indication of the status of the machine via an LED light, and will display green if the machine’s maintenance is up-to-date, yellow if there’s an outstanding job, or red if a machine fault has been detected. The new Smart Connector 2 A sits flush against the machine housing and connects directly into the control unit of selected AP System battery machines, without the need for drilling or sticking. In addition, the pairing process is kept quick and simple, and can all be easily done from the STIHL Connected app. All of the machinery performance data is available to view either on the STIHL Connected app or on the desktop STIHL Connected Portal, a one-stop shop for accessing all the maintenance information and upcoming tasks for an unlimited number of machines in the fleet. Compatible STIHL machines for the Smart Connector 2 A include all 135 models (HLA, FSA, KMA, HTA), RGA 140, the latest HSA 94 R, HSA 94 T versions, with more professional machines coming in 2022. For more information on STIHL’s digital fleet management solutions, please visit www.stihl.co.uk.

STIHL GB has unveiled plans to build a new 11,500m2 purpose-designed headquarters and state-of-the-art warehouse facility near to its current premises in Camberley, Surrey. Due for completion in December 2022, the site will be home to nearly 100 employees and will boast dedicated dealer training facilities, an on-site restaurant, flexible collaborative workspaces and a technical workshop. The new 9,000m2 warehouse space will utilise state-of-the-art picking and storage systems to maximise productivity, efficiency and the use of space. All logistics will now be consolidated onto one site, meaning a speedier and more efficient delivery service to the 700 strong STIHL dealer network. Kay Green, Managing Director of STIHL GB, commented: “STIHL has enjoyed a sustained period of growth in recent years, and as a consequence we have outgrown our existing warehouse and office facilities. Our new purpose-built headquarters represents a significant capital investment and is a commitment to the future for our dealers and end user customers. We’re looking forward to seeing work get underway on the construction of our new premises early in the New Year”. The new HQ, which secured planning permission last year, boasts first class environmental credentials including BREEAM Certification, the world’s leading sustainability assessment method for building projects. It is proposed that two-thirds of the total roof area (1600m2) will be covered with photovoltaic solar panels to provide power to the new facility. In addition, there will be provision for 26 EV charging points in anticipation of the continued move towards the use of electric vehicles. The new headquarters will also be connected to Blackwater railway station by a dedicated cycle path and will feature landscaped gardens with native shrubs and trees and a wildflower meadow which forms part of an integrated flood risk mitigation zone on the former Thames Water Utilities site. The company aims to relocate to the new facility from its current premises in Stanhope Road in January 2023.