Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 18th April 2024 Issue no. 1110
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HSS moves up powered access league with new acquisition
HSS Hire Services Group, which supplies tools, equipment and related services to the UK market, has acquired UK Platforms, the powered access specialist, from the Haulotte Group. The transaction will make HSS the second-largest provider in the powered access market in Britain and Ireland.
UK Platforms was founded in 2000 and is a nationwide hire company supplying an extensive range of electric and diesel powered access products, including scissor lifts, boom lifts and telehandlers. Its customer base is spread across a range of industries including facilities management, maintenance, signage and construction. It has approximately 120 employees and operates from a network of 10 depots.
The specialist strategic acquisition will complement HSS' existing powered access fleet and operator training capabilities, enabling it to offer a wider range of equipment to customers and provide a more comprehensive service in the powered access hire sector. In addition, HSS will continue its relationships with other leading specialist providers to ensure that its customers continue to benefit from a single source of expertise and supply.
"We believe that UK Platforms is a great fit for HSS and reflects our commitment to adding specialist expertise to our Group," says Chris Davies, Chief Executive Officer at HSS Hire.
"I'm confident that it will help us to continue to deliver an unrivalled hire experience to our customers. There is great cultural alignment - we each care strongly about safety, high-quality kit, great value and industry-leading customer service. We look forward to a continuing strategic partnership with Haulotte."
The acquisition by HSS is supported by UK Platforms' senior management, led by Managing Director Philip James who says: "UKP is a specialist in its field, distinguished by an excellent range and service commitment. We look forward to becoming part of the HSS Group and the future service enhancements this will bring to customers and colleagues of both organisations."
HSS has traded successfully and posted consistent growth during the last four years. This is the second acquisition it has made since the business secured new investment from Exponent Private Equity in October 2012.
HSS acquired Abird Generator Hire, one of the UK's leading generator hire companies in October 2012, to provide a more comprehensive service in the growing market for temporary power, and build upon its position as the leading national supplier of tool, equipment and related services. Since the acquisition, HSS has opened three new Abird depots and increased the fleet by over 20%, demonstrating a commitment to investing in and growing the business.
HSS has been servicing big businesses, trade and DIY customers since 1957. Operating under the banner of HSS Hire, the group has an established nationwide network with a 2,000-strong workforce and a fleet of over 500 liveried vehicles as well as a dedicated training business. HSS operates from a national network of 230 distribution centres and branches in the UK and Ireland.
UK Platforms was founded in 2000 and is a nationwide hire company supplying an extensive range of electric and diesel powered access products, including scissor lifts, boom lifts and telehandlers. UK Platforms was acquired by the Haulotte Group in 2004 and doubled in size in 2009 when it then acquired Access Rentals.
T: 0208 897 8566
W: www.hss.com
4th July 2013