SINCE becoming part of the AB 2000 group last September, Aberdeenshire-based Ellon Plant Hire has gone from strength to strength.
They’ve relocated to a new yard at Fountaibleu, Tipperty and are on course to achieve their aim of more than doubling their workforce. David Christie, AB2000’s Northern Area manager, told Project Plant of his pride in the increased levels of investment in new plant and equipment for Ellon Plant Hire Limited, the work being done to grow the business, with an emphasis on employing local people and servicing local businesses.
David said, “Ellon Plant Hire Limited is a subsidiary of AB2000 Limited, but is continuing to trade under the same name because we want to build on previous success in Aberdeenshire. A key factor has been investment in the company and in the Aberdeenshire area. At the time of the acquisition, there were 12 employees. That figure has already risen to 19 with a target of 25 by the middle of this year. All the people we employ are from the local area and we want to support the local community through sponsorship of local football teams and youth clubs.”
AB2000 has operations at Cambuslang, near Glasgow, and Inverness but Ellon Plant will remain in Aberdeenshire. “We’re expanding the product range and Ellon Plant now has access to the full range of larger operated plant and equipment owned by AB2000,” added David.
Ellon Plant Hire’s target markets is to supply to companies involved in house building, renewable energy and general construction but the company works with local businesses from small one-man bands to national companies. David has good experience of the Scottish Plant Hire Industry, and was recruited by AB2000 in 2012 to expand the firm’s operations in the North of Scotland, initially at Inverness and now Aberdeen.
He added, “Last year we opened a new depot in Inverness, starting from nothing and are now employing over 60 people. I’m sure Ellon Plant Hire will be every bit as successful as Inverness. Significant new investment in Ellon Plant’s plant fleet incudes a range of 5T to 20T excavators, and we are also introducing articulated dumpers into the fleet. Adam Bruce (MD of AB2000) has given 120% backing to the Company and Arlene Harrison staying with the company as Plant Manager has been a huge advantage in developing the business.”
