Jointline Expands Grooving Capabilities with Investment in New High-Performance Equipment

–

–

Jointline has strengthened its airfield grooving capacity with the acquisition of a PC1505XL Pavement Groover, a high-specification machine designed for precision cutting, high-output productivity, and optimal safety, and a Tyrolit FPE320 floor-milling machine for fine surface removal and preparation. The significant investments form part of the company’s long-term capital expenditure programme, enhancing Jointline’s ability to deliver compliant, high-friction surface solutions to military and civilian airfields across the UK and internationally.

The PC1505XL groover features a 302HP Caterpillar® turbocharged engine and is equipped with dual-range blade shaft speeds up to 1900 RPM. Its 50-inch cutting width, adjustable depth control wheels and on-board vacuum system allow for high-production grinding and grooving of both asphalt and concrete pavements. The equipment is fully compliant with Tier 4 Final / EU Stage V emission standards and includes 360-degree camera visibility, lighting systems, and digital control interfaces for operator safety and monitoring.

The Tyrolit FPE320 floor-milling machine further enhances Jointline’s surface preparation capability, providing a compact, high-speed milling solution for detailed removal and fine profiling of runway and taxiway surfaces prior to grooving or overlay works.

“This investment represents a step change in our grooving and surface preparation capability,” said Matt Ragless, Head of Airfield and Lining. “The PC1505XL provides us with increased width, power and flexibility, all of which support the complex demands of major runway rehabilitation projects. The Tyrolit milling unit gives us precise control for surface conditioning ahead of grooving or resurfacing. Both machines have been commissioned, and the PC1505XL is now enroute to Edinburgh Airport where it will be deployed as part of scheduled works to improve runway surface friction and drainage performance.”

Grooving plays a critical role in reducing the risk of aquaplaning and improving braking efficiency on wet runways. Through cutting longitudinal or transverse grooves into the surface, water is dispersed away from aircraft tyres, enhancing contact and safety. Independent testing by NASA has shown that grooved runways can restore friction levels to as much as 85 percent of dry surface conditions.

Jointline’s newly enhanced grooving and surface preparation fleet now includes multiple ride-on pavement groovers, articulated trailers, 44-tonne tractor units, sweepers, a remanufactured 30,000-litre water tanker equipped with Chapter 8 safety features and full 360-degree camera coverage, a low loader for transporting heavy plant, the Tyrolit FPE320 floor-milling machine, and a recently acquired 9-tonne excavator to support logistics and site clearance. All systems are supported by specialist in-house crews trained to deliver airside works safely and without disruption. Recent grooving projects include Heathrow Airport’s Southern Runway, where Jointline delivered night-time operations under tight programme constraints to support a £100 million resurfacing scheme. Additional works have been completed at Cardiff, Stansted, Newcastle and several RAF sites, with further international projects.

Will Meddings, Director, added, “These latest acquisitions represent a strategic investment of approximately £600,000 and reflect our ongoing commitment to targeted capital investment across the business. Over the past 24 months, we have strategically increased our fleet, enhanced water handling systems, and expanded operator training. These investments ensure our Airfield division remains at the forefront of safety-critical infrastructure delivery.”

Jointline’s grooving and surface preparation services are supported by ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 certifications, with airside-pass cleared operatives. The company maintains a flexible shift-based operating model to accommodate complex live environments and