Vac-Ex is operated by John Mee Construction Ltd, one of the UK's pioneering and longest-established operated vacuum excavation specialists. Together, we provide nationwide operated vacuum excavation services for utilities, rail, highways, construction and infrastructure projects using a modern fleet of specialist vacuum excavators and experienced CPCS-qualified operators. Our non-destructive excavation methods safely expose buried services while helping to reduce the risk of cable strikes, pipe damage and costly project delays.

Why choose Vac-Ex for vacuum excavation?

Vac-Ex, operated by John Mee Construction Ltd, is trusted by clients across the UK to deliver safe, efficient and professional operated vacuum excavation services. We combine one of the country's most experienced specialist teams with a modern dedicated fleet to support utilities, rail, highways, construction and infrastructure projects. Whether carrying out potholing, trial holes or complex excavation around buried services, our focus is on safe, non-destructive excavation that protects underground assets and keeps projects moving.

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Specialist sectors we work in:

Airports Find out more

Nuclear Find out more

Water Find out more

Gas & Oil Find out more

Power Find out more

HMP Prisons Find out more

Construction Find out more

Highways Find out more

MOD Find out more

Telecoms Find out more

Rail Find out more

Bespoke Find out more

Customer Reviews

The operator we had this week from you has been very helpful and hard working. The operatives working with Joshua said he has not stopped even through the bad weather and was always coming up with ideas to assist them. We all have been very impressed with him and his good work attitude

Great work on site by the operator. The sales department were very helpful at the beginning, regarding pass requirements and the work needed on site. We have more work in the coming weeks and will have no hesitation in continuing with John Mee Vac-Ex

This was my first project, and the whole process from start to finish was excellent. The Operator was superb — helpful, professional, and great to work with. Looking forward to the next job with the 32T unit

I opened an account within minutes and was given excellent guidance on the best solution for our needs

First time using Vac- Ex and cannot fault the team from start to finish

Exceptional work from the initial phone call, understanding the requirements for working in a School Environment. Great work by all!

Thank you for making the process smooth from enquiry to completion. Both operatives were professional, had a great attitude, and completed the work on time. We’ll definitely be in touch for future projects

They help advise and hold consultation on the job I need doing. If I call others all I get is a sales agent

It was the first time we have used Vac-ex and it has been a great and smooth experience from start to finish. All operators had Highways passes to make the start date of the work much quicker than we anticipated.

Are you concerned about...

Navigating lots of known services?
The presence of unknown or unclear services? Did you know GPR on average only identifies 40% of services?
Not being able to use traditional methods of excavation?
Restricted access and space on site?
Tight schedules and needing to get the job done quickly?
Sub-contractors not having the right access permits to work?
Finding a company that works in sensitive areas and sectors requiring specialist passes? We have a proven track record of working in Nuclear, Airports, Sub-Stations, Power Stations, Petrochemical, MOD and other specialist areas.

Value Delivered

Always know what your job needs

Have a leading vacuum excavation expert on hand to advise you at every stage of the job.

Precise, strike-free excavation

The most experienced & highly trained operators responsible for over 1 million hours of strike free excavation work.

Get job done quicker

Meet tight deadlines and complex schedules. Our excavators move around 20 cubic tonnes a day.

Adapt to last minute requests & changes

A flexible fleet of vacuum excavation units and operators across the UK, with the experience and agility to adapt to your needs.

Increase the safety to your workforce

Remote-control operated units. Ensuring work can be carried out safely in all areas and performed at distance, reducing the risk to your team and the operator.

Cleaner, more efficient excavation

The low impact excavation method decreases reinstatement costs by reducing the size of the excavation required.

The Vac-Ex Difference

Expert Advice

Our sales and service team have decades of experience in vacuum excavation, being the original operators in the UK. Take advantage of this expertise with free advice when preparing for any job. Let’s get the project specified correctly, first time.

I don't just want a vacuum excavator, I want people to work with me to come up with the right way of doing the job. That's what Vac-Ex do. Project Manager - Utilities Company

Elite Operators

We select candidates and give them our highly developed in-house training programme, so they become the best accredited operators in the industry. Our operators will work in partnership with your team to get the job done safely and efficiently.

They will explain what they are doing, how long it will take and work with me rather than just longing out the process to fill the time. I know then it will be done properly. Construction Manager - Framework Contractor