Charles Wilson expands Down Under
4 October 2023
Harpenden-based hirer Charles Wilson Engineers has announced a new acquisition – on the other side of the world.
In a self-funded purchase, the company has bought Australian Boom & Scissor Lift (ABS) in Sydney, New South Wales. This follows Charles Wilson’s acquisition of West Yorkshire-based MTS Plant Hire earlier this year and M&J Hire in 2022.
Founded in 1997, ABS offers powered access equipment across metropolitan Sydney and also provides long-term rental solutions in the Blue Mountains, Wollongong, Central Coast and Newcastle areas. The operation will retain its name and branding as part of the Charles Wilson group.
The ABS fleet comprises more than 300 machines, including diesel and electric scissor lifts and booms. Available for both indoor and external use, its largest scissors have working heights of up to 26m, while the booms can reach working heights of 24m. The line-up also includes electric vertical lifts, with platform heights of up to 10m.
With more than 1,000 products available across the group through its CW Plant Hire, CW Instant Hire, CW Instant Power and CW Access Hire divisions, Charles Wilson Engineers employs more than 400 staff across the UK and has in excess of £260 million in equipment assets.
“Australian Boom & Scissor has an exceptional reputation within the market and the company is a perfect fit for Charles Wilson, as an integral part of our lifting and access business. This is a really positive first move into the Australian market,” said Chief Executive David Gallagher.
The company says it is actively seeking further growth opportunities and that, following its most recent acquisitions, the business should exceed its £100 million revenue target in the coming years.
