Van Elle Van Elle is the UK’s leading piling and ground engineering contractor. Discover more on our website: https://van-elle.co.uk

Formed in 1984, and listed as a quoted company in 2016, we own the largest rig fleet in the UK, with more than 35 years industry experience and a first-class training centre with the purpose of upskilling our staff, yours, and local communities. Offering total foundation solutions with the ability to deliver a full package of works, we have the infrastructure to support construction projects natio

nwide, installing 25 specialist techniques to meet your specific project requirements. Our specialist divisions, working across all sectors, including Strata Geotechnics and ScrewFast Foundations, are dedicated to supplying customers with innovative solutions and expert advice from project inception to final account.

Foundation works at Leicester Royal Infirmary 🏥🏗️Our Specialist Piling team recently completed foundation works for a ne...
07/09/2026

Foundation works at Leicester Royal Infirmary 🏥🏗️

Our Specialist Piling team recently completed foundation works for a new hospital unit at Leicester Royal Infirmary on behalf of Henry Brothers Construction.

Working within a live healthcare environment, the project involved installing 72 No. 450mm diameter Sectional Flight Auger (SFA) piles to depths of up to 14m.

Variable ground conditions and restricted access presented challenges to the planned piling locations. Through additional investigation and a flexible approach, we adapted the construction methodology to maintain progress and deliver the required foundation solution.

Using our Klemm 708 and Klemm 709 rigs, we delivered the works safely and efficiently while minimising disruption to the operational hospital.

The project demonstrates our capability in delivering specialist piling works within complex and sensitive healthcare environments, where technical expertise, adaptability and careful planning are essential.

To find out more about our specialist piling capabilities and how we support healthcare and other complex infrastructure projects, contact our team at [email protected].

Overcoming challenging Rail conditions with the Movax KB70 Kelly Bar SystemAs part of the wider foundation works support...
04/09/2026

Overcoming challenging Rail conditions with the Movax KB70 Kelly Bar System

As part of the wider foundation works supporting railway infrastructure alterations for the new Old Oak Common station in London, our Rail team worked closely with client South Rail Systems Alliance to develop a solution for installing an Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) foundation in challenging ground conditions.

The conditions at the foundation location required a specialist approach. Working closely with the client, our team reviewed the available options and selected a Movax KB70 attachment with a Kelly bar drilling system, providing the specialist drilling capability required for the ground conditions encountered.

Its controlled rotary drilling method enabled us to pe*****te the problematic material while maintaining the required bore position and vertical alignment. The foundation was successfully installed to a depth of 5 metres.

The project demonstrates how we combine specialist equipment, technical expertise and collaborative problem-solving to adapt our approach to the conditions on site.

Our ability to adapt our equipment and methodology enables us to deliver specialist piling solutions across complex rail environments, particularly where difficult ground conditions or site constraints require a considered approach.

Have a challenging rail or ground engineering requirement? Get in touch with our team at [email protected] to discuss how we can work together to develop a solution.

📢 August HighlightsFrom complex foundation solutions to specialist rail works and community engagement, August has showc...
02/09/2026

📢 August Highlights

From complex foundation solutions to specialist rail works and community engagement, August has showcased the breadth of expertise across Van Elle.

This month’s highlights include:

🦕 An unexpected discovery – Our Strata Geotechnics team uncovered an ammonite within Oxfordshire Clay during ground investigation works.

🏗️ Supporting residential development – Our Housing and Specialist Piling teams worked collaboratively on a major Weymouth development, delivering 316 No. Continuous Flight Auger (CFA) piles, 1,747 linear metres of Smartfoot ground beams and 37 No. Down-the-Hole (DTH) piles to overcome challenging ground conditions.

🚆 Specialist rail foundations for TRU – More than 120 No. foundations have now been installed between Huddersfield and Batley, as part of a programme delivering over 530 No. foundations for OLE works.

🤝 Creating social value – Our teams joined Morgan Sindall Infrastructure’s community day in Motherwell, showcasing specialist equipment, sharing expertise and promoting careers in ground engineering.

🏏 Supporting women’s cricket – As proud sponsors of Marehay Cricket Club, we were delighted to see the Women’s Super 8s Team crowned League Champions in their first hardball season, alongside their second consecutive softball league title.

👷 Investing in our future – We continue to grow our teams and develop the specialist skills needed to deliver complex ground engineering projects.

For more information about our capabilities and how we can support your project, contact us on 01773 580580 or email [email protected].

Sheet Piling Supporting Ground Engineering Solutions Across the UKSheet piling provides a versatile solution for retaini...
28/08/2026

Sheet Piling Supporting Ground Engineering Solutions Across the UK

Sheet piling provides a versatile solution for retaining and supporting ground across a wide range of construction and infrastructure projects.

With extensive experience delivering specialist ground engineering solutions, our teams provide sheet piling solutions for both temporary and permanent applications, supported by design and engineering expertise through to installation.

Our experienced teams are equipped to deliver sheet piling in challenging and constrained environments, with the capability to integrate solutions alongside other ground engineering techniques to meet the requirements of each project.

From retaining structures and excavation support to wider ground engineering applications, discover how sheet piling can provide an effective solution across a range of projects.

📩 For enquiries or to discuss your next project, contact [email protected].

As part of the Southern Renewals Enterprise (SRE) programme, our Rail team recently completed the first of five planned ...
26/08/2026

As part of the Southern Renewals Enterprise (SRE) programme, our Rail team recently completed the first of five planned blockades at the Newington Sheet Piling Works in Sittingbourne, successfully delivering the planned works within a 25-hour rail possession.

Three RRVs operated across both the Up and Down lines, with two machines installing PU22 sheet piles of varying lengths (3m, 8m and 10m) on the Up line, while a third supported load-out activities on the Down line.

Access to the railway was gained via Rainham level crossing under a strict traffic management plan before travelling to Newington Station to load trailers with the required sheet piles.

Despite noise restrictions limiting piling operations and unexpectedly hard ground conditions, the team adapted well and maintained progress throughout the possession.

A strong performance from everyone involved has ensured a successful start to the programme, with four further blockades planned.

Our Rail team delivers specialist foundation solutions across the UK, supporting rail projects through every stage from planning to delivery. Find out more at [email protected].

Our ground investigation specialists, Strata Geotechnics, recently completed a geotechnical ground investigation on beha...
24/08/2026

Our ground investigation specialists, Strata Geotechnics, recently completed a geotechnical ground investigation on behalf of National Highways at the A483 Llynclys Junction near Oswestry, Shropshire.

Recognised as a high-risk location for collisions, proposals are being developed to replace the existing crossroads with a new roundabout, subject to government funding approval. The investigation will provide essential ground condition information to support the future design and development of the scheme.

The scope of works included the drilling of 10 No. boreholes to depths of up to 8m using dynamic sampling techniques, alongside 8 No. trial pits excavated to 3.5m below ground level.

The investigation also incorporated Standard Pe*******on Tests (SPTs), hand shear vane testing and the collection of a comprehensive range of geotechnical and environmental samples, including disturbed, undisturbed, bulk and groundwater samples.

Due to access constraints and traffic management requirements, the works were completed across day and night shifts under full and partial lane closures. Careful planning and coordination with National Highways and the wider project team ensured the fieldwork was delivered safely and within programme.

To learn more about our ground investigation capabilities, get in touch with our team at [email protected].

🚆 Delivering specialist rail foundations on the TRU West RouteOur Rail team are making strong progress on foundation wor...
21/08/2026

🚆 Delivering specialist rail foundations on the TRU West Route

Our Rail team are making strong progress on foundation works for The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) West route, supporting the Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) works package for Amey between Huddersfield and Batley.

More than 190 No. foundations have now been installed, with over 530 No. foundations being delivered across the programme using a range of specialist techniques, including CHS driven piles, concrete augered foundations and Down-the-Hole Hammer (DTHH) plunge piles.

The works are being delivered during planned blockades and possessions, including day, night and weekend operations, helping to maintain progress while minimising disruption to rail services.

The programme is supported by our specialist rail fleet and experienced operational teams, with Colmar T12000FS and T10000FSC machines, alongside bespoke attachments, being utilised across the works.

Read the full project update and find out more about the works here: https://www.van-elle.co.uk/2026/08/20/transpennine-route-upgrade-foundation-works/

Celebrating World Photo Day 📸To mark World Photo Day, we’re looking back at some of the images captured across Van Elle ...
19/08/2026

Celebrating World Photo Day 📸

To mark World Photo Day, we’re looking back at some of the images captured across Van Elle over the past 12 months, highlighting the range of projects and activities delivered by our teams across the UK.

From infrastructure and energy projects to residential developments, rail works, ground investigations and specialist ground engineering solutions, our teams support a wide range of sectors and project environments.

These images showcase the people, equipment and expertise behind the work we deliver, providing an insight into the projects, challenges and achievements across our business.

Thank you to everyone who has captured and shared images throughout the year. Here are some of our highlights from the last 12 months.

Discover more about our ground engineering capabilities and how we support projects across the UK at [email protected].

Congratulations to Marehay Cricket Club Women’s Team 🏏🏆We are pleased to congratulate the Marehay Cricket Club Women’s T...
18/08/2026

Congratulations to Marehay Cricket Club Women’s Team 🏏🏆

We are pleased to congratulate the Marehay Cricket Club Women’s Team, a local club we are proud to sponsor.

The Women’s Super 8s Team were crowned League Champions on Sunday 16th August, following an impressive first season of hardball cricket.

The team have also enjoyed a successful softball season, being crowned League Champions for the second year running.

They have remained unbeaten throughout the season, winning every game and securing their place at the East Midlands Finals Day in Leicester.

Their continued achievements reflect the growth of women’s cricket at the club.

Our sponsorship supports the club’s development and its work to encourage greater participation in women’s cricket.

Supporting opportunities for women and girls to develop and progress, both within our communities and across our industry, is an important part of our wider social value commitment, and our sponsorship of Marehay Cricket Club is one way we put this into action.

We look forward to seeing what the team achieves as the season continues and wish them the very best of luck at Finals Day!

Congratulations to the team and everyone involved. 👏

🦕 An unexpected discovery during ground investigation!Our ground investigation specialists, Strata Geotechnics, recently...
17/08/2026

🦕 An unexpected discovery during ground investigation!

Our ground investigation specialists, Strata Geotechnics, recently discovered an ammonite within the Oxfordshire Clay while carrying out ground investigation works at a sewage treatment works in Oxfordshire.

It’s not every day that we uncover a fossil during ground investigation, making this an especially interesting find for the team on site.

The discovery provides a fascinating insight into the geology being encountered and the history preserved beneath the surface.

The investigation includes dynamic sampling and rotary core boreholes to depths of up to 25 metres, alongside trial pits and in-situ testing, supporting a major site upgrade project.

Ground investigation provides valuable insight into the conditions beneath a site, helping to inform design and construction decisions.

For more information about our ground investigation services, get in touch with our team at [email protected].

Address

Summit Close
Kirkby In Ashfield
NG178GJ

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+441773580580

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Van Elle posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Van Elle:

Shortcuts

Share