Hiab, the leading provider of on-road load handling equipment, has further strengthened its sales and service network in the UK by acquiring Londonderry Garage (S.E.) Ltd, which was previously its authorised dealer in the Yorkshire/North East region of the UK. The acquisition of Northallerton-based LGSE continues an ambitious expansion by Hiab as it invests in its network of wholly-owned sales, service and installation depots across the country to further improve its capability and competence to serve its customers in the best possible way.
Describing the move as a further step to bring Hiab closer to its customers, Rogier van der Linde, Hiab MD UK & Ireland, said: "This change strengthens our presence and strategy to become a customer-focused solution provider. In the past 12 months, we have opened workshops in London and Birmingham, and acquired our service agents in the Midlands and Scotland. By establishing a Hiab-owned depot in the north-east we have taken another large step to strengthen our presence in the UK and to become the number one partner for our customers."
LGSE’s existing staff will be retained by Hiab, and the new entity will continue to operate from the current LGSE facility. Founded in 1947 by ex-RAF man Ron Exelby, LGSE (originally Londonderry Garage Ltd) started life as a small business repairing commercial vehicles in a shed next to the A1. Over 70 years it has grown to become a highly respected business with wide capabilities and a service-based ethos.
Hiab's vision is to be the number one partner in global on-road load handling, inspiring and shaping the industry. It is committed to working ever-closer with its customers to develop new solutions that enable them to move, hoist, load and unload products, equipment and materials.