JCB telehandlers are at work on two of the UK's biggest and most important building projects.

Northamptonshire-based equipment hirer, Total Plant, has started work on the GBP265 million (USD475.6 million) Peterborough Prison - the UK's first male and female prison - and in Manchester, the 47-storey Beetham Tower, the country's highest residential building.

Total Plant has spent GBP180,000 (USD323,000) on new JCB machinery for the projects, including a 3.5 tonne capacity telescopic handler (a Loadall 535-125). The machines have been supplied by UK dealer, Watling JCB.

Her Majesty's Prison Service commissioned the development of Peterborough prison in February 2003, and it is scheduled to open in 2005. The prison has 840 places, 480 of which are for men and 360 for women.

Beetham Tower will be the tallest structure in Manchester at 171 metres. As well as 219 apartments, the tower will feature a 285-bed five star Hilton hotel. A completion date was not available for publication.