Champion Hire Celebrates with a Century.

From a single outlet in Sheffield in 1968, to a network of depots along the M1-A1 corridor today, Champion Hire has long been known as a premium hirer.

The company has recently celebrated the delivery of its 100th Kubota U27-4 mini excavator from dealer BTE Plant Sales, with whom they have been dealing, since before its first mini excavator bought in 2001.

“Kubota was our choice for mini excavators due to its superior reputation with our customer base, who regard it as one of the most reliable in the field,” said Director Adam Langham.

Kubota’s U27-4 is a 2.6-tonne zero tailswing model, boasting the company says the largest cab in the 2.5-tonne class. Powered by a 15.6kW (21.6hp) diesel engine, the machine is ideal for customers that want to tow the machine to site behind a light commercial vehicle.

Keith White, a founder member of Champion Hire, remains as Managing Director, along with Finance Director Kevin O’Connor and Adam Langham as Director of Operations. Together they bring a wealth of knowledge to the business, jointly serving the company for more than 100 years.

Each of the company’s depots are similarly structured, with an experienced trade counter, plant engineers, transport and sales team. While Kubota dealer BTE will take care of the mini excavators during the warranty term, Champion Hire has its own well trained service team to maintain Kubota’s high standards.

Mr Langham has been building a solid base from which to expand, spending over £1m over the past year, increasing the company’s plant hire fleet and its transport infrastructure. He believes in driving for greater efficiency in all areas of the business, to create a harmonious, comfortable and profitable working environment for everyone.

In 2008, Champion Hire had grown to nine depots, but following the banking collapse this was reduced to five outlets. However, this provided the opportunity to analyse where efficiencies could be made, resulting in a better managed and more profitable company. Turnover has grown since the end of the recession to the same level as 2008 and Champion Hire has become far more profitable.

“BTE are proud to have reached the milestone of supplying Champion with their 100th U27-4, a fantastic achievement that reflects the strength of our long-standing partnership,” said Dean Burgwin, Sales Director at BTE.

“BTE genuinely appreciates their involvement with Champion Hire and looks forward to supporting Adam with more machine sales in the future.”

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