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Toy industry pressures make digital the star

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Toy industry pressures make digital the star
Why toymakers like Hasbro and Mattel need Hollywood

The gap is widening between rival toy makers Hasbro and Mattel — thanks in part to a 30-year-old trading card game.

The toy giants have flip-flopped dominance in the space for decades, jockeying for the most coveted master licenses to put new fan favorites — Disney princesses and “Star Wars” characters among them — on store shelves. But as the industry recovers from a period of declining sales, Hasbro is the one winning over Wall Street.

For the fiscal year 2025, Hasbro reported revenue gains of 14%, reaching $4.7 billion, while Mattel saw its net sales drop 1% to $5.3 billion.

Though Mattel’s revenue is larger than Hasbro’s, its growth has been stagnating, according to Eric Handler, managing director and senior research analyst at Roth Capital Partners.

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“[Mattel’s] revenue has been in a very tight range for five years now, and 2026, on an organic basis, is the same,” he told CNBC.

Mattel shares are down more than 20% in the last 12 months, trading at around $17. Meanwhile, Hasbro’s stock is up roughly 46% over the same period, with shares trading at around $100.

Of course, Hasbro’s journey post-pandemic has not been without its own headwinds. The company’s revenue took a hit when it divested its film and TV business, eOne. Also, its entertainment segment, which includes film and TV licenses, was deeply impacted by Hollywood’s dual labor strikes in 2023.

“Despite market volatility and a shifting consumer environment, we returned this company to growth in a meaningful way,” Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks told investors during an earnings call earlier this month.

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Throughout these changes, one key piece of Hasbro’s business has been steadily growing — Wizards of the Coast.

A dash of Magic

The Hasbro division includes Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: The Gathering and the company’s portfolio of digital and video games.

In 2025, Wizards’ revenue grew 45% to $2.1 billion, fueled by sales of sets tied to Magic’s Universe Beyond and smaller, limited-edition Secret Lair packs — some that sell for close to $200.

While the segment accounts for less than half of the company’s revenue, it represents 88% of its adjusted profits.

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Magic: The Gathering playing cards form a light fixture at the Wizards of the Coast headquarters in Renton, Washington, Sept. 11, 2025. With traditional toy and game sales lagging, Hasbro has found a growth engine in role-playing games such as Dungeons and Dragons, trading card games like Magic: The Gathering and a growing portfolio of digital and video games.

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Through the end of 2025, more than 1 million unique players participated in organized play — meaning sanctioned tournaments — according to Cocks. That’s a 22% year-over-year increase, he said.

Additionally, the number of game stores that host events, called the Wizards Play Network, has grown to more than 10,000, a 20% increase from 2024.

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“Taken together, this reinforces our confidence in Magic’s long-term growth,” Cocks said on the company’s earnings call. “We are building a system of play with multiple entry points, product types, and engagement paths, and that system is positioned to continue driving growth into 2026 and beyond.”

In 2026, Hasbro plans to launch new Magic sets based on “The Hobbit,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and “Star Trek.”

The company has forecast mid-single-digit growth for its Wizards business in 2026, but Keegan Cox, associate vice president and research analyst at D.A. Davidson, in a research note published shortly after the company’s earnings, called that estimate “conservative.”

The digital frontier

Hasbro’s Wizards unit also includes the digital and licensed gaming space, which saw revenues jump 6% in 2025, fueled by the success of “Monopoly Go!”

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Cocks has previously noted that modern consumers and modern play is increasingly moving into online forums, and the company has launched new games and an in-person video game studio in Montreal to boost play.

While Hasbro’s digital gaming division is growing, Mattel is just getting its own digital unit off the ground.

Earlier this month, Mattel announced it would buy out partner NetEase from its 50% stake in their Mattel163 joint venture, taking full ownership of the business. Mattel163 develops digital games based on the toy company’s brands and since 2018 has launched four digital games: Uno, Uno Wonder, Phase 10 and Skip-Bo.

“In our view, [Mattel] is in the early stages of an investment similar to Hasbro’s investment in gaming over 7 years ago,” D.A. Davidson’s Cox wrote. “While we do not think [Mattel] will be chasing to compete with Hasbro … we do believe [Mattel] can make successful mobile games tied to their IP and should add to profit margins over time.”

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An industry in flux

Mattel’s push into digital comes as two of its flagship brands struggle to make sales.

“Barbie’s been on a meaningful decline, as has Fisher-Price,” Handler noted. “That’s sort of been negating a lot of the good news that’s been happening with Hot Wheels.”

The vehicles division saw gross billings jump 11% in 2025, while the dolls segment fell 7% and the infant, toddler and preschool space slipped 17%.

That segment for the youngest consumers has been in decline for over a decade, the result of shrinking population growth and the fact that children are being introduced to electronics earlier in their development. Shifting play habits have meant toy makers have to adapt, and fast.

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But there’s hope for Mattel and the toy industry as a whole. In 2025, total annual dollar sales were up 6% in the U.S., according to data from Circana. And, perhaps more importantly, the number of units sold increased 3%, quelling fears that price-conscious consumers are pulling back on toy purchases.

“Unit sales being up, I think, is the most important metric we can look at,” said James Zahn, senior editor of The Toy Insider and The Toy Book. “If unit sales were down, that’s when you know people are really buying less, and that didn’t happen.”

Mattel and Hasbro, alongside other toy companies, are also expected to get a boost from a robust theatrical calendar this year.

Mattel has two of its own brands being represented at the box office with “Masters of the Universe” coming in June and “Matchbox” arriving in October. While Mattel won’t see a major bump from ticket sales, its toy sales could get a boost. After all, the 2023 release of “Barbie” helped fuel a 16% increase in gross billings of the doll in the quarter after it hit cinemas.

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Mattel also holds the master toy licenses for “Toy Story” and Disney princesses, meaning it’ll handle the bulk of the product for “Toy Story 5” and the live-action “Moana.”

Hasbro will have toy lines for “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” and “Avengers: Doomsday.”

Together, Mattel and Hasbro have also collaborated on the much anticipated product line for Netflix’s hit animated film “KPop Demon Hunters,” promising dolls, foam roleplay items, games and plush items.

“‘KPop Demon Hunters’ is gonna do big business for both Hasbro and Mattel,” Zahn said.

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10 Essential Facts About the Pirates Legend and 1960 World Series Hero

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Bill Mazeroski

Bill Mazeroski, the Hall of Fame second baseman whose ninth-inning walk-off home run in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series remains one of baseball’s most iconic moments, died Friday, February 20, 2026, at age 89. The Pittsburgh Pirates announced his passing early Saturday, with no cause disclosed.

Bill Mazeroski
Bill Mazeroski

Mazeroski’s dramatic blast off New York Yankees reliever Ralph Terry on October 13, 1960, ended the Series with a 10-9 Pirates victory — the only Game 7 walk-off homer to decide a World Series. The moment, etched in Pittsburgh lore, capped an improbable upset over the powerhouse Yankees and defined Mazeroski’s legacy.

Here are 10 essential facts about Bill Mazeroski that every baseball fan should know:

  1. Born and Raised Near Pittsburgh William Stanley Mazeroski was born September 5, 1936, in Wheeling, West Virginia, just across the Ohio River from Pittsburgh. He grew up in nearby Ohio County and starred in baseball, basketball and football at Warren Consolidated High School. The Pirates signed him at 17 in 1954, and he never played for another major-league team.
  2. Defensive Wizardry Earned Eight Gold Gloves Mazeroski won eight consecutive Gold Glove Awards at second base from 1961 to 1967, plus another in 1969 — a record for second basemen at the time. He led the National League in assists nine times, double plays eight times and fielding percentage three times. His career .983 fielding percentage ranks among the all-time elite, and he holds MLB records for most double plays turned by a second baseman (1,706) and most seasons leading the league in double plays.
  3. The 1960 World Series Walk-Off Home Run In Game 7 at Forbes Field, Mazeroski hit a leadoff home run in the bottom of the ninth to give the Pirates a 10-9 victory and their first World Series title since 1925. The Pirates, heavy underdogs, overcame a 7-0 deficit earlier in the game. Mazeroski’s blast remains the only Game 7 walk-off homer to end a World Series, and he circled the bases in disbelief as fans stormed the field.
  4. Entire 17-Year Career with the Pirates Mazeroski debuted in 1956 at age 19 and retired after the 1972 season, spending all 17 years with Pittsburgh. He appeared in 2,163 games — all at second base — collecting 2,016 hits, 138 home runs and 853 RBIs with a .260/.299/.367 slash line. He made seven All-Star teams (1958-62, 1967, 1971) and helped the Pirates win another World Series in 1971.
  5. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001 The Veterans Committee elected Mazeroski to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001, recognizing his unparalleled defensive skill despite modest offensive numbers. His .299 on-base percentage is the lowest of any non-pitcher in Cooperstown, sparking debate over criteria, but supporters highlighted his glove work as revolutionary. He was inducted alongside Kirby Puckett and Dave Winfield.
  6. Pirates Retired His No. 9 in 1987 The Pirates retired Mazeroski’s No. 9 on August 7, 1987, during a ceremony at Three Rivers Stadium. A statue commemorating his 1960 home run stands outside PNC Park’s right-field gate, capturing him rounding the bases. He remains one of only six Pirates with retired numbers.
  7. Member of the Inaugural Pirates Hall of Fame Class In 2022, the Pirates launched their Hall of Fame and named Mazeroski to the inaugural class alongside Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell, Honus Wagner, Pie Traynor and Ralph Kiner. He attended the ceremony, receiving a standing ovation from fans.
  8. Quiet, Humble Personality Known for humility and grace, Mazeroski avoided the spotlight after retirement. He lived in the Pittsburgh area, attended occasional Pirates events and rarely granted interviews. Teammates and fans described him as approachable and unassuming, qualities that endeared him to generations.
  9. Influence on Defensive Standards Mazeroski’s quick release, range and double-play execution set benchmarks for second basemen. He mentored later Pirates infielders and remained a reference point for defensive excellence. Analysts often cite his glove work as justification for Hall inclusion despite offensive limitations.
  10. Enduring Legacy in Pittsburgh Mazeroski’s 1960 home run symbolizes Pittsburgh sports triumph, replayed annually during World Series coverage. The city named a street “Mazeroski Way” near the old Forbes Field site, and his statue draws visitors to PNC Park. His death prompted tributes from MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, the Hall of Fame and former teammates, who praised his character and contributions.

Mazeroski is survived by his wife Milinda, sons Darren and David, and grandchildren. Funeral arrangements were pending as of Saturday, February 21, 2026.

His passing marks the end of an era for Pirates fans, but his name and that unforgettable swing remain forever tied to one of baseball’s greatest moments.

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Team News, Predicted Lineups, Predictions and Where to Watch Livestream

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Enzo Fernandez (C) celebrates after scoring Chelsea's second goal against Los Angeles FC in Atlanta

Chelsea welcome struggling Burnley to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, February 21, 2026, in a Premier League Matchweek 27 fixture as the Blues aim to solidify their push for Champions League qualification while the Clarets fight to avoid relegation.

Enzo Fernandez (C) celebrates after scoring Chelsea's second goal against Los Angeles FC in Atlanta
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Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. GMT (10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT), with the match available live in the United States exclusively on Peacock. Streaming is also accessible via Peacock Premium or Peacock Premium Plus on devices including smart TVs, phones, tablets and web browsers. In the UK, the game falls under the traditional 3 p.m. Saturday blackout, meaning no live domestic television broadcast, though highlights are available post-match on BBC and Sky Sports platforms. Internationally, check local rights holders such as Star Sports (India), SuperSport (Africa), Optus Sport (Australia) or DAZN in select regions.

Chelsea enter the match in fifth place, chasing a top-four finish under manager Liam Rosenior. The Blues are coming off a mixed run but remain strong at home, where they have won most recent league games in Saturday 3 p.m. slots. Burnley sit 19th, battling relegation with a poor away record and defensive vulnerabilities.

Team News and Injuries

Chelsea are without Marc Cucurella (hamstring), Roméo Lavia (managed return), Dário Essugo and Jamie Gittens (injuries). Filip Jorgensen is sidelined, leaving Robert Sánchez in goal. Reece James is fit to captain, and Cole Palmer is expected to start after recent form.

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Burnley miss key players due to suspension and injury, with limited depth exacerbating their struggles. They revert to a stronger XI but face an uphill battle against Chelsea’s attacking options.

Predicted Lineups

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Gusto/Hato; Caicedo, Santos; Palmer, Fernández, Neto; João Pedro.

Burnley (4-2-3-1): Dubravka; Walker, Worrall, Estève, Ugochukwu; Humphreys, Edwards; Anthony, Flemming, Hannibal; Laurent.

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Prediction and Key Battles

Chelsea are heavy favorites, with predictions favoring a comfortable win — common scorelines include 3-1 or 2-0. The Blues’ superior quality, home advantage and attacking depth (Palmer, Neto, João Pedro) should overwhelm Burnley’s defense, which has conceded heavily. Burnley may counter sporadically but lack firepower.

Key matchups include Cole Palmer exploiting space against Burnley’s midfield and João Pedro testing their backline. Chelsea’s pressing and quick transitions could exploit Burnley’s slow build-up.

How to Watch and Livestream Globally

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  • United States: Exclusive live stream on Peacock (subscription required; free trial available for new users). No over-the-air TV broadcast.
  • United Kingdom: No live TV due to blackout; watch highlights on BBC/Sky post-match.
  • India: JioHotstar or Star Sports channels.
  • Canada: Fubo Canada.
  • Australia: Optus Sport.
  • Global fallback: ICC.tv or local rights holders; use VPN if geo-restricted.

The fixture offers Chelsea a chance to build momentum, while Burnley seek points in survival mode. Tune in for what should be a one-sided affair unless the visitors produce a shock.

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Pezeshkian says Iran will not bow to pressure amid US nuclear talks

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10 Things to Know About the Norwegian Cross-Country Legend

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Johannes Høsflot Klæbo

Johannes Høsflot Klæbo capped one of the most dominant individual performances in Winter Olympics history on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, winning the men’s 50km mass start classic to claim his sixth gold medal at the Milano Cortina Games — the most ever by any athlete at a single Winter Olympics.

Johannes Høsflot Klæbo
Johannes Høsflot Klæbo

The 29-year-old Norwegian finished in 2:07:07.1, pulling away late to beat teammate Martin Løwstrøm Nyenget by 17.5 seconds, with Emil Iversen taking bronze for an all-Norwegian podium. The victory completed a perfect sweep: Klæbo won every cross-country event he entered — skiathlon, sprint classic, 10km freestyle, 4×7.5km relay, team sprint and the 50km — becoming the first to achieve six golds in one Games.

Here are 10 essential facts about the man now widely called the greatest cross-country skier ever:

  1. Born October 22, 1996, in Oslo Klæbo turns 30 in 2026. He moved to Trondheim at age five, where he grew up and still resides. Standing 183.5 cm (6 feet), he combines explosive sprint power with endurance that has redefined the sport.
  2. Coached by Grandfather Kåre Høsflot Since Childhood His grandfather, Kåre Høsflot, an 82-year-old former coach, gave him his first skis at age two and has guided him ever since. The “grandfather effect” is credited for Klæbo’s technical mastery and mental toughness, with Kåre remaining his primary mentor through Olympic success.
  3. Youngest Male to Win Olympic Gold in Cross-Country At 21 years and 114 days, Klæbo became the youngest male Olympic champion in cross-country skiing when he won the sprint classic at PyeongChang 2018. He added two more golds there (team sprint, relay), tying for most at those Games.
  4. Holds Record for Most Gold Medals at a Single Winter Olympics His six golds at Milano Cortina 2026 surpass Eric Heiden’s five from Lake Placid 1980. With the victory, Klæbo now has 11 career Olympic golds — second only to Michael Phelps (23) among all Olympians — and 13 total medals.
  5. Most World Cup Wins in History Klæbo has surpassed 100 FIS World Cup individual victories, the most ever by a male cross-country skier. He also owns records for most sprint World Cup wins and youngest overall World Cup champion (2017-18 season).
  6. Swept All Events at 2025 World Championships In his hometown of Trondheim last March, Klæbo won six golds — every cross-country event offered — mirroring his 2026 Olympic feat and solidifying his GOAT status before the Games.
  7. Family-Oriented and Low-Key Off the Snow Klæbo keeps a private life, often crediting family support. His father Haakon manages his career, while grandfather Kåre coaches. He enjoys fishing, hiking and hunting in summer, maintaining balance amid intense training.
  8. Master of Sprint and Distance Unlike specialists, Klæbo excels in both sprint and distance events. His explosive uphill surges — dubbed “superhuman” — and tactical brilliance allow him to dominate varied formats, from 1.4km sprints to 50km marathons.
  9. Record-Breaking Consistency Klæbo has won multiple Tour de Ski titles, overall World Cup globes and sprint globes. He became the youngest to win the big Crystal Globe and holds records for most sprint titles and youngest world champion in multiple categories.
  10. Legacy as the Greatest Cross-Country Skier With 11 Olympic golds, 15 World Championship golds and over 100 World Cup wins, Klæbo is widely regarded as the most decorated male cross-country skier ever. His 2026 sweep — racing 115km across six events in 14 days — cements his place among winter sports’ all-time greats.

Klæbo’s dominance has inspired a new generation in Norway and globally. As the Milano Cortina Games conclude, his name stands atop the record books — a testament to talent, work ethic and the guidance of family.

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Indigenous protesters occupy Cargill’s Santarem port terminal in Brazil

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File on 4 Investigates – Can boxing look after its own?

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File on 4 Investigates - Can boxing look after its own?

Available for over a year

Boxing is on the rise with streaming giants now broadcasting major fights and heavy investment from Saudi Arabia reshaping the sport. But for boxers facing money or health problems out of the ring, help is not always easy to come by. As File on 4 Investigates discovers, some in boxing are now working towards a unified approach across the sport, which would help fighters throughout their careers, but can they make it work?

Reporter: Kal Sajad
Producer: Ashley Kennedy
Additional research: Clive Hammond
Technical Producer: Cameron Ward
Production Co-ordinators: Ellis Goodwin & Tim Fernley
Editor: Tara McDermott

Details of organisations offering help and support for the issues raised are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

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FEPI: Buying On Declines Can Lead To Success

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FEPI: Buying On Declines Can Lead To Success

FEPI: Buying On Declines Can Lead To Success

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Israeli strikes in Lebanon kill at least 10, including senior Hezbollah official

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Israeli strikes in Lebanon kill at least 10, including senior Hezbollah official


Israeli strikes in Lebanon kill at least 10, including senior Hezbollah official

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How to Know Whether to Hire or Buy Aggregate Washing Equipment

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How to Know Whether to Hire or Buy Aggregate Washing Equipment

Aggregate washing plays a key role in producing clean, saleable materials for construction, concrete, and asphalt. Whether you are working in quarrying, mining, or recycling, the right washing setup can make a real difference to output and product quality.

One of the biggest decisions operators face is whether to buy new equipment, invest in used plant, hire machinery, or contract the work out altogether. Each option has its place. The right choice depends on your workload, budget, and long-term plans.

Understanding Your Project Demands

Before making any decision, it helps to look closely at your workload. Is the washing requirement part of a long-term operation, or is it tied to a short-term contract?

If you are running a fixed quarry with steady production targets, owning your own washing plant may make sense. You have full control over throughput, maintenance schedules, and product specifications.

On the other hand, if you have won a contract for a limited period, hiring equipment or contracting the washing work can reduce financial risk. There is no large capital outlay, and you are not left with equipment that may sit idle once the job is complete.

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Seasonal demand also plays a part. In some sectors, work can fluctuate. Hiring or contracting allows you to scale up or down without long-term commitment.

The Case for Buying New Equipment

Buying new aggregate washing equipment gives you access to the latest design improvements and efficiency gains. Modern washing plants are built with better water management systems, improved wear protection, and easier access for maintenance.

For businesses with a consistent pipeline of work, new plant can be a sound long-term investment. You know the full service history from day one, and warranties provide added peace of mind.

However, buying new requires significant upfront capital. For smaller operators or companies testing a new market, that cost can be hard to justify. There is also the question of lead times. Manufacturing and delivery can take months, which may not suit urgent projects.

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The Role of Used Plant in Today’s Market

Used aggregate washing equipment remains popular, particularly for operators looking to control spending. A well-maintained second-hand plant can offer strong performance at a lower price.

The key is knowing what you are buying. Inspection, service records, and support from a reputable supplier matter. Without them, hidden wear or outdated components can lead to downtime.

Used plant works well for businesses expanding capacity without stretching budgets too far. It can also be a practical choice for satellite sites or smaller operations where top-end output is not required.

That said, used equipment may not offer the same efficiency or water-saving features as newer models. Over time, operating costs can rise if maintenance demands increase.

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Why More Businesses Are Choosing to Hire

Hiring aggregate screening and washing equipment has become more common across the minerals and construction sectors. The main reason is flexibility.

When you hire, you gain access to modern machinery without tying up capital. This allows you to respond quickly to new contracts or changes in workload. If a project grows, additional equipment can often be added. If work slows, machines can be returned.

Hiring can also reduce maintenance concerns. Many hire agreements include servicing support, which keeps the plant running while allowing your team to focus on production.

For companies entering a new area of work, hiring provides a way to test demand before committing to purchase. It lowers the financial risk while still delivering the capability required on site.

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The Rise of Contract Washing Services

An increasing number of operators are choosing to contract out their washing requirements altogether. Instead of buying or hiring equipment, they bring in a specialist team to supply, operate, and maintain the washing plant.

This approach shifts responsibility away from the quarry or site owner. The contractor manages setup, compliance, maintenance, and output targets. For many businesses, this frees up internal resources and simplifies project management.

Contract washing can be particularly attractive for short to medium-term projects, high-clay sites that require tailored solutions, or locations where in-house expertise is limited.

It also offers predictable costs. Rather than dealing with unexpected repair bills or downtime, you work to agreed terms that reflect production volumes or project duration.

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Weighing Up Cost Against Control

At the heart of the decision is a balance between cost and control. Buying equipment, whether new or used, gives you full ownership and long-term availability. It suits established operations with steady demand.

Hiring provides flexibility and lower upfront cost, making it ideal for variable workloads or growing businesses. Contract washing goes one step further, removing much of the operational responsibility from your team.

There is no single answer that fits every quarry, mine, or construction project. The best choice depends on how often the plant will run, how confident you are in future workloads, and how much responsibility you want to carry in-house.

By reviewing your production plans and speaking with experienced equipment suppliers, you can find a solution that supports both your immediate needs and your long-term goals.

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Ukrainians, scattered across Europe, trapped in limbo by war

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Ukrainians, scattered across Europe, trapped in limbo by war

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