Garden gnomes and Volvos

28 June 2022

When was the last time you saw garden gnomes at a plant and machinery exhibition? Eagle-eyed visitors at the Hillhead exhibition could view them on the stand display created by SMT GB, which markets Volvo Construction Equipment products. 

The diminutive figures were included in an original and impressive Electric Village occupying a large part of the stand, complete with model farm animals, hen coops, flower baskets, hedges and planters to highlight the company’s environmentally friendly machines and initiatives. 

The company promoted various green measures it has introduced in recent years, including reduced use of paper cups and plastic packaging, adopting electric vehicles and planting an extensive wildflower meadow at its Cambridgeshire offices, as previously reported on the blog. 

Battery powered Volvo models include the L20 Electric and L25 Electric compact wheel loaders, and the EC18 Electric, ECR18 Electric and ECR25 Electric mini excavators. 

SMT GB offers Eco Operator training which advises users on reducing fuel consumption, emissions and machine wear. Trainees can learn on equipment simulators and in a classroom environment. 

Photos: Alan Guthrie