Ainscough secures Vanguard Industrial

The assets and goodwill of Vanguard Industrial, parent company of heavy machinery transport specialist Pickfords, has been bought from the administrator by Ainscough Engineering Services. More than 100 experienced heavy haulage personnel, 50 lift trucks, 10 HGVs and an array of jacking and lifting gear will be integrated into Ainscough Engineering - more than doubling the size of its operation.
Pickfords has a turnover exceeding £15m and operates from seven locations: three of these were closed by the administrator and one, in Glasgow, has been merged with Ainscough's premises.
Ainscough Engineering's head office will remain in Leyland and it will now have depots in London, Glasgow, Bristol, Warrington and Chesterfield.
Chairman Martin Ainscough said: "This acquisition is a great fit with our engineering services and gives us national coverage for the movement and installation of all types of plant and machinery."
While acknowledging that rationalisation will be required, Ainscough said he is delighted to secure the services of some of the most experienced people in the heavy haulage sector.