HEWDEN

In 1961 Matthew Goodwin established Hewden (Plant Hire) and Ronnie Stuart established RG Stuart Plant.

Discussions commenced between the two companies in 1967 and on 16 May 1968 Hewden Stuart was born after a merger was agreed.

The company continued to grow through numerous acquisitions and mergers which saw the expansion from its Scottish roots into England and Wales. By 1970 the group employed 810 people and had a turnover of £3, 611, 000.

By Hewden Stuart's tenth anniversary year in 1978 they were reporting an £84m turnover with a £6.5m profit. In 1980, turnover exceeded £100m, making Hewden Stuart the first company of its kind to break this barrier.

In 1988 the group encompassed seven separate divisions with 210 depots, over 70, 000 items of plant and over 3, 000 employees. The group also invested £42m in expanding and modernising its fleets.

The company continued to grow through acquisitions and in 1999 Hewden re-branded resulting in every division trading under one name: Hewden.

In 2001, Hewden accepted an offer to be acquired by Finning International Inc and became part of a highly successful international business.

In 2005, Hewden held its first auction, now an annual event, as a platform to sell quality used equipment and re-invest in the rental fleet, reducing the average age profile of equipment. Attracting international buyers from across the globe, the Hewden Auction is now Europe's largest disposal of construction equipment, vehicles, cranes and associated items.

During 2005/6, Hewden streamlined the business creating 'One Hewden' for their customers with one point of contact for all services from plant and tools to communications and events.

The 'One Hewden' strategy focussed on customer research results which confirmed the top customer requirements of availability, reliability and proactive contact. These criteria still remain core priorities today.