2017 brings new depots, major investment, and new partnerships for the HSS / Laois Hire Group
The HSS Hire / Laois Hire Group are currently focused on a programme of expansion in Ireland. The group recently opened a new super centre in Limerick, a new Laois Hire distribution centre in Dublin, plus another branch is due to open in Waterford in July. This adds to the HSS Hire and Laois Hire Group’s already established network of 26 hire branches and super depots across Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Michael Killeen, managing director of HSS Hire and the Laois Hire Group, says: “We’re committed to offering our customers more availability, more value and more support in order to ensure an unrivalled hire experience. The new branches will help us deliver the highest quality service to our customers.”
As with all HSS Hire branches, the new facilities are supported by an extensive fleet of liveried vehicles and underpinned by an industry-leading operating and distribution system. The company continually invests in its distribution network which is organised into distribution centres and local format branches. Through the network, branches are restocked daily with equipment for customer pick-up. Customers also benefit from the expert workshop and refurbishment capabilities that are a feature of the network operations.
Further expansion
Recent significant investment in plant machinery such as teleporters, excavators, and an impressive fleet of new Kubota diggers signals the groups commitment and serious intent to focus on delivering the newest and best fleet of machinery available to customers today. Laois Hire’s Darran Hutchinson who is a long
Laois Hire’s Darran Hutchinson who is a long serving member of the team adds, “Since the industry started to recover we have expanded greatly and last year alone we have added up to one hundred items of plant. These are currently running at a very high level of utilisation, which resulted in a need for us to return to the market this year to further expand machinery numbers.”
Michael Killeen commented on the impressive rate of expansion. “Even though we consistently invested in new and improved machinery throughout the downturn, we noticed that there has been a significant surge in demand recently. On the back of this, we have decided to increase the pace of our fleet expansion ahead of schedule to match the demands and expectations of our existing and future customers.”
The group’s nationwide reach and dedicated customer service has helped secure them the Irish agencies for top brands such as CompAir compressors, Western Global tanks, Selwood pumps and Husqvarna.
Expanded supplier partnership
Laois Hire is also busy fulfilling an agreement with specialist services giant KN Group. The deal extends the existing successful partnership developed over several years. The partnership now expands to the supply of equipment to KN Group projects across the UK.
Speaking about the arrangement, Michael Killeen commented, “We are delighted that we have been able to maintain and build on our successful partnership with KN Group. As a market leader in the plant and tool hire sector, we understand the importance of efficiency and transparency for successful partnerships to flourish, like the partnership we have been able to build with KN Group over the last number of years.”
Adding to this, Alan Shevlin, group plant manager at KN Group, highlighted the importance of the relationship KN Group have been able to build with Laois Hire. “With the scale and importance of KN Group projects, it is necessary to have a partner we know we can rely on. Laois Hire have continued to meet our specialist equipment demands which includes everything from large machinery including plant equipment and powered access equipment, to an extensive range of small tools. Laois Hire’s ability to offer a 24/7 nationwide support service, made possible by their nationwide branch network, along with knowledgeable staff and competitive rates, means that KN Group can continue to meet the changing needs of all our clients.”
Group Training Division
Although, tool and equipment hire are still at the heart of what HSS Hire do – and plant hire and agencies is central to what Laois Hire offers – the group also now has a range of specialist service divisions that add real value for customers. One such service is the groups training division, now offering even more workforce training courses from more locations.
HSS / Laois Hire Training is the groups division dedicated to developing and delivering health and safety training across a range of specialist areas. It offers a range of accredited courses that are now delivered at any depot in Ireland. Fully equipped with all of the necessary tools and resources, these facilities provide an ideal learning environment for any individual looking to develop their health and safety knowledge and practical skills. At the same time, the training division is able to deliver company specific training according to your specific needs, be it on-site or at an external location of your choice.
“The importance of appropriate training to the construction industry workforce has never been more important. Busy construction sites need to maximize speed and efficiency more than ever. It is vital that skills are continually updated to maintain optimal on-site health and safety and to ensure a safe workforce and a successful project,” says Steve Kelly, mobile trainer for HSS Hire.
For more information about training please contact Steve Kelly on +353 86 022 9540.
