Plant hire industry worth £2.3bn

AMA Research's latest plant hire sector report puts a value on the business of £2.37bn in 2003 and predicts a growth rate of 2% to 3% through to 2007.

The report said most sectors are stable and forecasts growth in the specialist sub sectors such as telehandlers, skid steers and mini excavators.

Overall the prospects for plant hire are said to be reasonably positive based on long term growth in health, education and infrastructure. There are forecasts of long term buoyancy in the road rail and renewable energy sectors although the report highlights that operator and fitter shortages are causing problems within the industry.    

Despite consolidation, the report concludes plant hire is still fragmented with 2,000 to 2,500 outlets with the biggest player, Hewden Stuart/Finning taking 15% of the market. This is followed by Ainscough, A-Plant, Lavendon, Aggreko, Andrews Sykes and the Longville Group. 

Copies of the 90-page report cost £565 direct from AMA Research.