Tool and plant hire business extends reach with latest acquisition
Skipton-headquartered tool and plant hire company, SHC Hire, is expanding its capabilities and service offering following a deal to acquire Lancashire business, Robertshaws Garden Machinery, for an undisclosed sum.
The acquisition, which is its second in three years, will see SHC Hire expanding into the garden machinery market as well as furthering its reach into Lancashire.
Robertshaws’ Kelbrook site becoming SHC Hire’s 10th location across the north of England.
In 2021, SHC Hire acquired Hartley Hire for a six-figure sum, allowing the firm to expand across North Lancashire and Cumbria.
Founded in 1981, SHC Hire is a supplier of plant and tool hire to trade and consumer markets, trusted by brands including Husqvarna, JCB, Kubota and Makita.
It currently has sites in Skipton, Ilkley, Ripon, Northallerton, Morecambe, Lancaster, Carnforth, Kendal and Windermere.
Robertshaws Garden Machinery was established in 1986 and has remained a family business ever since.
After 37 years of service, owners John and Mandy Wilkinson will exit to retire.
The acquisition by SHC Hire will secure a future for the firm’s three employees.
John and Mandy’s son, Chris Wilkinson, will head up the Robertshaws brand as depot manager under SHC’s ownership, with all current staff remaining at the business.
Matthew Wilson, managing director, at SHC Hire, said: “We are happy to welcome Chris and the whole Robertshaws team to the SHC family.
“As a family business ourselves, we share a lot of the same core values as Robertshaws, including our dedication to quality, safety, innovation and high standards of customer service.
“Garden machinery is a new market for us, one that will add incredible value to our customers while supporting our organic growth vision.”
Chris Wilkinson added: “We were always aware of SHC Hire as a company that shared our family values of quality and service and when we began speaking to their team it was clear my parents’ hopes for the future of Robertshaws aligned perfectly with SHC’s vision for growth.
“The rest of the team and I are excited for this next chapter, which will allow us to take the brand to new heights under SHC Hire’s ownership.”
