Smiths Equipment Hire was officially established as a separate company in 1970, emerging from the family’s longstanding coal merchant and haulage business, Birchfield Haulage Ltd. Over the decades, Smiths has flourished, becoming one of the largest independent hire companies in the Northwest of England, with a reputation for reliability and innovation in the equipment hire sector. In 1998, Smiths expanded by opening a depot in Preston, followed by a sixth depot in Blackburn in 2001. A significant turning point came in 2004, when the Preston depot relocated to a prominent 6,000-square-foot facility along the main A6 road. This new site, strategically placed for visibility, drove a substantial increase in turnover. Two years later, in 2006, the company further extended its reach by establishing a 10,000-square-foot depot in Bolton, the farthest location from its original base at the Old Tramsheds in Blackpool. The Bolton depot played a crucial role in supporting the equipment needs of the Blackburn and Preston locations.
By 2007, the growing volume of equipment at the Old Tramsheds prompted a separation of plant and tool hire operations. Despite acquiring an old ATS tyre depot, Smiths prioritised completing the Bolton facility before addressing other developments. In August 2007, the Clifton Road depot in Blackpool opened, leading to a remarkable 20% overnight increase in turnover. The company’s achievements were recognised in 2008 when it was awarded the Passionate Independent Hirer of the Year accolade at the Executive Hire Show for exceptional service. In late 2010, Smiths expanded further with the launch of a training services centre alongside the Preston branch. Accredited by PASMA, this facility offered equipment training to businesses throughout the Northwest, reinforcing Smiths’ commitment to customer support and safety. That same year, the company established a new depot in Openshaw, Greater Manchester, strategically located on the main A635 road. The site’s expansive 8,000-square-foot space and yard enabled it to accommodate a wide variety of equipment, catering to both passing trade and planned hires.
Smiths achieved a significant milestone in 2011 as the first independent hire company in the UK to meet the HAE SafeHire Standard, demonstrating its excellence in health, safety, environmental practices, and quality. Continuing its upward trajectory, Smiths underwent a comprehensive rebranding in 2014, modernising its image with updated wagon livery, depot signage, and equipment branding to attract a younger customer base. In 2016, the company unveiled its flagship depot in Liverpool on Derby Road. This facility showcased a contemporary design and enhanced kerb appeal through streamlined graphical signage. That year, Smiths also claimed the prestigious Passionate Hire – Best of the Best award, recognising their outstanding performance over the previous decade. This accolade, determined through secret shopper visits, marketing material reviews, and their innovative website, solidified Smiths Equipment Hire as a leader in the industry.
Text source: from theirwebsite
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