News
Plantforce, the largest provider of heavy equipment rentals in the South West, has received a £4.7m growth capital investment from BGF to further scale its operations. The company, whose clients include Kier, Costain, Balfour Beatty and BAM construction groups, will use the funding to support its growth plans in expansion, acquisition and geographical locations.
Founded in 1999, Plantforce operates from four depots in Bristol, Exeter, Bridgwater and Birmingham. It has one of the most modern and diverse ranges of excavator equipment in England - comprising over 750 machines and 250 attachments. The business is highly accredited and focuses on providing specific bespoke services across all sectors of the construction industry, including skilled operators and 24-hour customer support.
Plantforce is one of only a small number of contractors to hold approved supplier status for both nuclear sites and network rail. The company is currently the largest supplier of specialist equipment for the construction of Hinkley Point C, a new nuclear power station providing low-carbon electricity across the South West, and has already provided machinery for ground investigations at HS2.
Claire Trott, Managing Director of Plantforce, said: “This is a really exciting time for Plantforce. We have a clear vision of the future and, we’re very pleased to have BGF’s support at this crucial stage in our growth phase. The investment will not only enable us to diversify and expand our fleet, but also to continue and strengthen our service offering, what we do best, but strive to do better. Providing our customers with a greater flexibility to exceed their requirements, and supporting them in finding solutions,”
Ned Dorbin, an investor at BGF, said: “Plantforce has established a strong position in the construction market as a provider of exceptional quality machinery supplemented with round-the-clock customer care. Providing operated kit is one of their key differentiators and we believe the company is well-positioned to capitalise on several large infrastructure projects over the coming years. We’re very happy to be backing them ahead of what looks to be a very exciting time for the business.”
The investment was led for BGF by Ned Dorbin, Edwin Davies and James Skade.
The advisors to the transaction were:
For BGF: Foot Anstey (Ken Lewins and Adam McKenna) and KPMG (Bhupinder Purewal)
For Plantforce: TLT (John Wood)
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About BGF:
BGF is the most active and influential investor in small and mid-sized businesses in the UK, with £2.5bn to support a range of growing companies – early stage, growth stage and quoted – across every region and sector of the economy. In Ireland, BGF has an additional €250m to support Irish SMEs on a similar growth path.
BGF makes long-term equity capital investments in return for a minority stake in the companies it backs. Initial investments are typically between £1m-£10m followed by significant follow-on funding as required. BGF is a minority, non-controlling equity partner with a patient outlook, based on shared long-term goals with the management teams it backs.
With a specialist internal team of over 150 people, combined with an unparalleled international network of business leaders, sector experts, and board-level non-executives, BGF has a unique platform and capability to support growing UK and Irish SMEs. This is further reinforced through dedicated in-house support with Chair and senior executive selection and appointments provide by our Talent Network, now some 5,000 strong.
BGF invests off its own balance sheet allowing it to offer truly flexible investment structures with a mix of equity and loan notes as appropriate. BGF can also provide equity release for existing shareholders, and funding to support acquisitive and organic growth strategies at home and abroad.
www.bgf.co.uk
Social media: @BGFinvestments
The new fleet includes several sizes ranging from 7 metre to 17 metre and they all powered by the fuel-saving JCB Ecomax Tier 4i engine. The models 531-70, 540-140 & 540-170 come equipped with green seatbelt lights, rear view camera, reverse white noise alarm, Q-fit couplers and reverse fans.
According to Plantforce Operations Director Sam Mercer, “As the world market leader, JCB’s telehandlers are the most reliable and user-friendly on the market with fantastic lifting ability as well as an extremely high level of safety features.
At Plantforce we recognise the importance of sustainability and the environment so fuel and emissions reductions are crucial, as are the savings we can provide for our customers by running fuel-efficient equipment and with the Ecomax engine, JCB Loadall telescopic handlers are excellent on fuel consumption.”
The latest fleet of JCB telehandlers joins more than 730 machines Plantforce’s extensive range of equipment available from their depots in Bristol, Bridgwater, Exeter and the Midlands.
For more information please contact us on 07000 606 606
Since developing the first full hydraulic excavator in 2006, Kobelco’s hybrid system has evolved significantly. The all new electric swing motor provides operability unique to hybrid machines. During swing acceleration the swing motor is only powered by electricity accumulated in the lithium-ion battery which contributes to the SK210HLC-10’s exceptional fuel efficiency. The braking energy generated during swing deceleration is converted into electricity which is stored. The SK210HLC-10’s large lithium-ion battery allows greater retention of stored electricity to provide the necessary electrical output to a new Kobelco-developed 25kW power-assist generator motor. The 21-tonne excavator has a Stage IV compliant Hino engine.
According to Plantforce Operations Director Sam Mercer, “This new hybrid machine provides the best in fuel efficiency without any compromise on performance. Working off current data, we have seen a 16% fuel saving against the conventional SK210-10 which we consider to be the market leader in fuel economy as well as a further 20% saving against other manufacturers excavators in this class. This makes the new hybrid a very attractive machine all round for our customers.”
For more information or to hire this machine call us on 01934 640840
In this role you will be servicing and repairing heavy plant vehicles and machinery across the site. Skilled in vehicle diagnostics, you will be using this company's excellent technical support network to provide Hinkley with the quality of service that Plantforce is renowned for.
Competitive wage + Overtime + Van
The Person:
- Plant vehicles experience essential
- Mechanical, hydraulic and electrical diagnostic skills
- A confident communicator, happy in a client facing position
- Professional and presentable at all times
- Full driving License
If you would like to find out more please email sam@plantforce.com with a copy of your CV.
Regional Sales Representative - Midlands
Plantforce are looking for an experienced Plant Hire Sales Representative to join our team based in our depot in the Midlands. The ideal candidate would have a proven sales track record, and experience with key accounts within the Construction industry. You will need to be highly motivated and an excellent communicator. Ability to travel as needed essential.
Responsibilities include:
- Create & maintain excellent customer relationships with a portfolio of existing customers. Proactively generate new prospective clients.
- Perform research and identify new potential customers and new market opportunities.
- Build strong relationships with clients to ensure repeat business. Assist with the resolution of customer concerns.
- Develop and implement effective sales strategies.
- Negotiate and close agreements with large customers.
- Achieve & exceed sales targets by identifying new opportunities to maximise profitable hires & sales.
- Maintain a high standard of product knowledge and health & safety. Be able to identify/present other solutions/sales opportunities.
- Record & maintain accurate & up to date records of your daily/weekly activity.
Person specification:
- A proven track record in plant field sales with experience of the hire & construction industry
- Experience in working & meeting financial targets.
- Strong presentational skills.
- Compliant with laws and regulations.
- Proactive & constructive in problem solving.
- Excellent organisational skills & attention to detail.
- The ability to work under pressure.
- Negotiation and closing skills.
- Mature attitude and self-motivated.
- Excellent communication and relationship building skills.
- Driving license & good geographical knowledge. IT literate.
Mobile Fitter for Midlands Depot
Key Responsibilities
- Investigate, diagnose and resolve customer reports of technical problems with equipment
- Service a wide variety of machines both on and off site
- Ability to work independently to troubleshoot and solve problems
- Complete job cards to a high standard promptly and within a given time frame
- Good customer service skills
- Develop and maintain good working relationships with internal and external customers
- Ensure compliance with relevant procedures when repairing and inspecting equipment
- Ensure work/personal equipment complies with all safety standards
- Take responsibility for health and safety of self, colleagues and customers in line with the Company Health and Safety Policy
- All Engineers must ensure that their own tools are safe and legal to use.
Key Skills
- Ability to service a wide range of plant machines
- Investigate & diagnose technical problems, which involve climbing on top & underneath the heavy plant machinery.
- Lone working
- Excellent verbal, written and critical thinking skills
- Interpersonal relationships/ Customer awareness/ Commercial awareness
- Ability to work without supervision
Send CV's to sam@plantforce.com
Dear Sir or Madam
Christmas Shutdown 2017
Please be aware that Plantforce Rentals will be closing down for the Christmas holidays at 5pm on Friday 22nd December 2017 and re-opening 8am on Tuesday 2nd January 2018.
If you need us to collect equipment from site prior to the Christmas holidays, please inform the hire desk by Friday 8th December 2017 so that necessary arrangements can be made. Unfortunately, collection of equipment cannot be guaranteed if notifications are received after this date.
If you wish to keep the equipment on site and suspend hire charges over the Christmas holiday then please advise us by 8th December 2017.
Plantforce Rentals would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year for 2018.
Yours faithfully,
All the Team at Plantforce
Having moved to the larger site on Winterstoke Road in Weston last year, with considerably more yard and workshop space already in place, Plantforce were in need of more office space to accommodate their continual growth.
The new premises include an extensive open plan office spaced over two floors, as well as a spacious staff kitchen (come and see us for a cuppa!) and a large Board Room. According to Plantforce’s Managing Director Claire Trott, “2017 has been an extremely busy year for Plantforce. Not only have we increased our fleet by 130 machines this year but we have also employed 40 new members of staff. Our long awaited flagship Head Office offers the space needed for future stability and company growth whilst providing Plantforce staff the room and environment in which to continue to provide our customers with the outstanding service they expect from Plantforce”.
Due to continual growth and expansion, Plantforce are investing £12million this year to update their fleet with 190 new machines.
Some new equipment already available to hire includes the new “Generation 10” Kobelco excavators, designed to provide exceptional low emissions and increased working performance, a range of CAT Dozers and the new HX Series of Hyundai excavators.
According to Plantforce Managing Director Claire Trott “This is a really exciting and busy time for Plantforce. With our investment programme for 2017 we are looking to expand our extensive fleet so that our customers can benefit from brand new, reliable, fuel efficient machines, equipped with the latest technology and backed up by our exceptional, bespoke service.”
As well as fleet expansion, Plantforce are also investing in new facilities and are moving into custom built offices at their premises in Weston super Mare by the end of the Summer.
For more information please contact us on 07000 606 606
The successful candidate must be able to work well as part of a team and confidently deal with customer enquiries both on the phone and in person. They will need to be well organised and have the ability to work well under pressure.
Strong computer skills are necessary, as is a positive, committed personality with a strong desire to provide first class customer service.
Previous experience in the plant hire sector would be beneficial but not essential, as full training will be provided.
Key responsibilities include:
Recording and administering hires
Assisting with organisation of plant deliveries and collections
Administration of the hire desk
Responding to customer enquiries and liaising with suppliers
In return the successful candidate will be compensated with a very competitive salary package.
If you feel that you have the relevant experience to be successful in this position and would like to find out more please email sam@plantforce.com today attaching a copy of your current CV.
Please be aware that Plantforce Rentals will be closing down for the Christmas holiday at 5pm on Friday 23rd December 2016 and re-opening 8am on Tuesday 3rd January 2017. All hire charges will be suspended during this time and we will be unable to provide a breakdown service for this period, unless previously arranged.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your custom throughout 2016. We look forward to being of service to you in the New Year and wish you a successful and prosperous 2017!
Health and Safety is key to all that Plantforce do and deliver. This is an exciting opportunity for a health, safety and quality professional to join the team. We are looking to recruit an individual with extensive experience of integrating and maintaining systems within the construction sector ideally with a NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent). NEBOSH Certificate will be acceptable depending upon experience.
Responsibilities will include:
- To advise on matters affecting health, safety and environmental issues concerning the hire supply and maintenance of construction plant.
- To carry out inspections of yards, offices and workshops as required by the company policies. Provide depot managers with written reports and assist with resolving identified issues.
- To review, update and maintain the companies accredited ISO 9001 and OHSAS 18001and manage the transition to ISO 45001;
- To maintain and develop the systems associated with service delivery to the Rail Sector.
- To coordinate and maintain training records for new entrants and all employees and assist with the development of personnel procedures
- To chair safety meetings and manage identified issues
- To review accidents and incidents and review procedures where necessary
- To assist in resolving client quality and safety concerns
Send your CV to claire@plantforce.com
Plantforce are investing a further £7million this year, increasing their fleet by 50 machines, bringing the total to 750.
Machines to look out for include the new Kobelco SK260 Zero Tail Swing excavators.
For more information please contact us on 07000 606 606
National Sales Manager
We are looking for an experienced Plant Hire Sales Manager to join our team. The ideal candidate would have a proven sales track record, and experience with National key accounts within the Construction and Rail industry. You will need to be highly motivated and an excellent communicator. Ability to travel as needed essential.
Responsibilities include:
To continue & establish the company within the HS2 framework infrastructure
Establish productive and professional relationships with key personnel in assigned customer accounts
Perform research and identify new potential customers and new market opportunities
Develop and implement effective sales strategies
Negotiate and close agreements with large customers
Liaise with Marketing and Product Development departments to ensure brand consistency
Support growth strategies in new geographical areas
Please send your CV to claire@plantforce.com
The successful candidate must be able to confidently deal with customer enquiries both on the phone and in person. They will need to be well organised and have the ability to work well under pressure.
Also required are strong computer skills and a positive, committed personality with a strong desire to provide a first class customer service.
Previous experience in the plant hire sector would be beneficial but not essential, as full training will be provided.
Key responsibilities include:
Recording and administering hires
Assisting with organisation of plant deliveries and collections
Administration of the hire desk
Responding to customer enquiries and liaising with suppliers
In return the successful candidate will be compensated with a very competitive salary package.
If you feel that you have the relevant experience to be successful in this position and would like to find out more please email claire@plantforce.com today attaching a copy of your current CV.
Plantforce are very pleased to announce that we have just been awarded OHSAS 18001 certification for Health & Safety Good Practice and ISO 9001 certification for Quality Management Systems.
The ISO certification just confirms the dedication and ongoing commitment Plantforce have to provide our customers with the highest quality across the board.
Please contact us for further information.
Please note that Plantforce will be closing for the Christmas holidays on Tuesday 23rdDecember 2014, and will re-open for business on Friday 2nd January 2015. All hire charges will be suspended during this time and we will be unable to provide a breakdown service for this period, unless previously arranged.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your custom throughout 2014. We look forward to being of service to you in the New Year and wish you a successful and prosperous 2015.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Raise PO’s and maintain the Purchase Order system and authorise supplier invoices.
Procurement of parts for the workshop, under the supervision of the Workshop Manager, ensuring best prices, timely deliveries and correct inventory procedures are maintained.
Prepare and maintain service records and yearly certificate and input engineer work sheets.
Taking instruction of breakdowns and coordinating the engineers to those breakdowns.
Liaise with customers over equipment damages and recharge where necessary.
Other AD HOC administrative duties.
THE CANDIDATE
We are looking for a hard-working, outgoing and hands on person who is happy working within a busy environment.
Must be a team player, have good organisations skills, and be computer literate. Must have the confidence to challenge requests and information submitted by the workshop team.
If you would like to find out more or to apply for this position please email andy@plantforce.com with a copy of your CV.
Do you have experience of working on Plant Equipment with strong mechanical skills and electrical diagnostics?
In this role you will be workshop based, servicing and repairing Heavy Plant vehicles. You will be finding and fixing hydraulic, mechanical and electrical faults on a range of plant machinery. You will be working to ISO 9001 standards so quality is of paramount importance to this company to keep a satisfied customer base.
The Role:
* Mechanical Fitter/Service Engineer - Depot based
* Fitting & Maintenance on Plant Machinery
* Mechanical and Electrical
* Competitive wage + Overtime + Development
The Person:
* Highly motivated, flexible team player
* Mechanical Fitter / Service Engineer
* Mechanical Engineering background
* Experience of diesel and petrol engines essential
* Hydraulic and electrical knowledge advantageous
If you would like to find out more please email andy@plantforce.com with a copy of your CV.
Your responsibilities will include:
• Loading and unloading of equipment in the yard
• Assisting engineers with workshop tasks
• Performing minor defect repairs
• Assisting deliveries to site
• Performing general cleaning duties within the workshop
• Steam cleaning vehicles and plant
• Collecting spare parts
• Assisting with vehicle breakdowns
• Inspecting workshop equipment
• Liaising and co-operating with other staff
• Attending appropriate training courses
If you would like to find out more please email andy@plantforce.com with a copy of your CV.
In this role you will be servicing and repairing heavy plant vehicles and machinery across Devon & Cornwall. Skilled in vehicle diagnostics, you will be using this company's excellent technical support network to provide customers with the quality of service that this company is renown for.
The Role:
- Field Service Engineer/Mobile Plant Fitter
- Covering Devon & Cornwall surrounding area
- Finding and fixing hydraulic, mechanical and electrical faults on a range of plant machinery
- Competitive wage + Overtime + Van + Development
The Person:
- Plant vehicles experience essential
- Mechanical, hydraulic and electrical diagnostic skills
- A confident communicator, happy in a client facing position
- Professional and presentable at all times
- Full driving License
If you would like to find out more please email chris@plantforce.com with a copy of your CV.
Due to recent expansion Plantforce have just moved into a new yard in Exeter. The new depot is located off Chancel Lane, within the Pinhoe Trading Estate and 5 minutes from J29 of the M5.
The site, a purpose built plant yard, consists of a large workshop unit alongside an office space and an extensive yard area.
According to Plantforce General Manager Chris Bruce, “we required bigger premises and better workshop facilities. Not only does this new site deliver on space but we are also very fortunate to have taken over the depot from another plant company, inheriting a workshop built to extremely high specification, including advanced levels of Health & Safety.”
This move is the latest development for Plantforce who have recently invested £6.5 million in a Growth & Renewal Programme and subsequently are now able to offer an average age of 12 months on their entire fleet of excavators.
Plantforce have always been on the lookout for new niche markets, and with many customers already demanding a wide range of attachments, they recently identified a gap in the regional market. In April 2013 Plantforce invested £1million and opened its Attachment Division that has been headed up by Sam Mercer. With their extensive customer base Plantforce Attachments got off to a fantastic start with many new customers being attracted by their full range of equipment and reliable service.
After a hugely successful first 6 months it soon became apparent that Plantforce Attachments’ initial range of around 75 attachments was not sufficient to satisfy customer demand, especially in the demolition sector so in September 2013 they invested another £500k to boost the attachments up to just over 100 items. According to Plantforce Attachments Manager Sam Mercer, “the attachments have enabled us to fully satisfy our customers’ requirements and deliver the complete service. Our close relationship with our customers has helped us to develop the company around them and the quality of the attachments we can now offer, coupled with our personal service has proven to be a real success”.
Now open for over a year, Plantforce Attachments has become a reliable name and a specialist in the market, providing high-quality excavators with first-class attachments at reasonable prices.
Plantforce Attachments can now offer hydraulic breakers, grabs, grapples, shears, munchers, crusher buckets, riddle buckets, ripper teeth, pallet forks and much more.
Contact us for more information.
THIS DEAL HAS NOW FINISHED!
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Hire a machine and two attachments - get the cheapest attachment half price!
Our fleet of demolition excavators ranges from 14 to 52 tonnes, all equipped with rock guards and four-way rotation circuits, suitable for all your demolition needs. We also have a full range of demolition attachments including multi-processors, grabs, riddle buckets, crushing/screening buckets, pallet forks, ripper teeth, shears, munchers and breakers – suitable for machines up to 80 tonnes.
For any further information please call us on 07000 606 606
The new additions to the Plantforce fleet include an ASC110 (15T) Heavy-weight Single Drum Roller. The outstanding compaction performance of this roller makes it a first-class economic choice with fantastic results in even the toughest working conditions.
Last September Plantforce started its expansion plan to replace its older machines, and implement its rapid growth campaign to expand their existing fleet from 320 to 438. The objective being to have an average age of 12 months for its entire fleet by Summer 2014.
The core of the new look Plantforce fleet will be Hyundai machines but there will also be some new brands making an appearance. In the mini digger range there will be £1m invested in the Yanmar Vio30, Vio57 and Vio80. Yanmar have an excellent range of minis which have already proved very popular amongst Plantforce customers.
For the larger machines Plantforce have chosen to invest in the Kobelco SK85, SK140 & SK210. Plantforce are proud to be the first company in the UK to offer these reliable and sought-after excavators which all come with the tier 4 engine providing the customer with many added benefits including huge savings in fuel costs.
In addition to the Yanmar and Kobelco excavators, Plantforce have also invested £1.2M in a new range of Ammann Rollers, with a further 20 to follow in early Summer 2014 alongside an extra 15 new Dumpers.
According to Plantforce Managing Director Claire Trott, “In January and February this year, Plantforce have taken delivery of over 65 machines which have all gone straight out to work, such has been the demand so far this year. We want to ensure Plantforce becomes recognised as the largest regional supplier of earth moving equipment and to consistently supply new excavators suitable for all applications in the construction industry.”
Full list of Plantforce New Machines:
Amman Rollers /Neuson Dumpers/Yanmar Vio30/ Yanmar Vio57/ YanmarVio80/ Cat 308/ Cat Tracked Skid Steer/ Hyundai R35/ Hyundai R80/ Hyundai R145/ Hyundai R210/ Hyundai R250/ Hyundai R300/ R140 Demo spec/ R520 Demo Spec/ Kobelco Sk85/ Kobelco SK140/ Kobelco SK210.
NEW Attachments also available: Daemo multi processor, NPK compactor plates, Augers, Daemo breakers, Atlas copco rotational pulveriser, NPK sheet pile drivers.
For further information please contact us on 07000 606 606
Plantforce have invested £6 million in updating and expanding our range of excavators, and we are very excited to be the first plant hire company in the UK to offer the brand new Kobelco range. Featuring new performance capacities with a small rear swing for maximum manoverability, “Ultimate” low noise level and a staggering 22% saving on fuel consumption! Now available are the SK140 & SK85.
Please call the Hire Team for more details and availabity.
Plantforce are currently looking to recruit a Hire Desk Controller to join us in our Head Office in Yatton.
If you are interested and require further information please contact Chris: chris@plantforce.com
Due to increased business, we are recuiting experienced plant operators with their CPCS ticket.
In the first instance please email your CV to bruce@plantforce.com or call 07825 509 363
Now the colder mornings are here, the cold start or glow plug should be used before trying to start the machine. This will
a) Make it easier to start the machine.
b) Help protect the battery and starter from the excessive load of turning over a cold engine again and again.
c) Mean less flat batteries and down time of machine.
Cold start/pre heat or glow plugs are normally activated by positioning the key to heat/glow and holding for 10 seconds before starting.
It is worth checking over work lights in day light hours, so if any are out they can be repaired before they become required after dark, also try not to leave the work lights on when engine is not running as this will drain batteries and may cause starting problems.
Make sure all cab guards are removed, windows defrosted and demisted before the machine is moved as visibility is even more important at dawn and dusk.
Check the beacon works and can be seen by others around you.
Plantforce's legendary Goody Bag is back! The contains everything you need to keep your driver happy including:
- A Plantforce Mug
- A Plantforce Pen
- Crisps
- Biscuits
- Sweets
Along with the occasional suprise.
