There’s few things more spectacular than a controlled explosion that sees thousands of tons of concrete and steel crash to the ground.

It may have been standing for over six decades, but the history of Coventry’s 53 metre high Massey Ferguson Tower was no match for Cuddy Group’s demolition and explosives experts, who’d filled some 700 drill-holes with nearly one hundred pounds of explosives!

The site was purchased by our clients, Persimmon Homes, after the farm machinery brand made the decision to relocate its UK headquarters.

“When the ‘blow-down’ day came, it was the fulfilment of over four months of meticulous preparation”, said a smiling Dave Cobern, Demolition Director for Cuddy Group.

“While we were working through the arduous process of stripping out the internal fixtures and fittings to ensure a safe and controlled collapse, we were also hard at work behind the scenes, engaging with local residents and with the Local Authority. We take our duty to the community very seriously and it’s testimony to the team’s attention to detail that residents were all singing our praises, as were local politicians”.

“Safety is always a key priority and the decision to demolish the building in a carefully controlled manner using explosives helped minimise disruption to the local community, who were kept fully informed at every stage”.

On the day, 150 people were evacuated from their homes to the Evacuation Centre, offered temporary accommodation, refreshments and also the unmissable chance of watching the tower, explosives and gravity collide in spectacular fashion.

Outside the “exclusion zone”, a large crowd gathered, all eyes turning to Lord Mayor of Coventry, Councillor Tim Sawdon, and his six-year-old special guest. Little Daisy Uranjek was representing Persimmon’s nominated charity, Acorn’s Children’s Hospice, and she’d been given the unforgettable privilege of pressing the button to trigger the final collapse of the giant tower!

As the dust clouds settled after the seismic explosion, Richard Oldroyd, Persimmon Homes South Midlands Managing Director, said: “I’d like to thank Cuddy Group and their team for all their help and commitment in making this project a great success and for making this a truly memorable day for Persimmon Homes South Midlands.”

“Yes, it was an unforgettable day for all concerned and I am so grateful to my team for what was a truly outstanding effort,” said Dave Cobern. “The demolition has paved the way for the construction of new homes and for further enhancements to the community. The Local Authority and local residents were happy, the client delighted. And that, for us, is job done!”