For over seven decades, Chippindale has delivered premium equipment hire & sales with a personal touch  

Founded in 1949, Chippindale Plant Hire and Sales is now one of the UK’s leading providers of specialist construction equipment and machinery. With a trusted network of industry partners, and unparalleled plant portfolio, the company enjoys an enduring legacy of success. As Managing Director, Paul Blake, begins: “Chippindale Plant has grown from a modest Leeds-based operation into a leading provider of construction equipment hire in the North of England, as well as one of the best-known brands in Yorkshire. From humble beginnings selling concrete and scaffolding, we’ve expanded our offerings over the decades to include the rental of plant, excavator attachments, tools, and site accommodation.  

“The company is also one of the largest businesses in the country selling plant and construction equipment with dealerships like Volvo, BOMAG, Mecalac, STIHL, Epiroc, and Belle. It has a fast-growing online e-commerce store, specializing in garden and construction tool sales for both consumer and professional markets. This diversification has allowed Chippindale to cater to a broad spectrum of customers across a range of industries and sectors.

“Throughout its history, Chippindale has embraced innovation and growth. In 1972, it became one of the first UK companies to equip its entire truck fleet with radio phones, enhancing communication and efficiency. A decade later, in 1982, the company implemented computer systems across its operations, reflecting a commitment to technological advancement, showing a strong history of innovation, and leading from the front.  

“In April 2024, Chippindale celebrated its 75th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its enduring legacy. Following the retirement of Nigel and Peter Chippindale, I assumed the role of Managing Director, bringing with me over 40 years of industry experience to lead the company into its next chapter.  

“Today, Chippindale Hire and Sales operates across eight depots, offering a comprehensive range of services and products. The company’s unwavering focus on reliability, safety, innovation, and customer satisfaction continues to solidify its reputation as one of the most trusted partners in the construction industry.”  

Sustainable approach 

The company provides an extensive selection of plant machinery, site accommodation, attachments and tool hire suitable for a variety of applications. As Operations Director, Tony Atack, details: “Our product portfolio is incredibly diverse, covering almost every aspect of the construction process. We provide Volvo Excavators in a range of sizes, from micro excavators, suitable for tight spaces, to large-scale models for major earthmoving tasks. We also specialize in Mecalac Dumpers, including high tip, tracked cabbed, forward and swivel skip models, designed for efficient on-site material transport. 

“Our offering also includes BOMAG rollers and compaction equipment, and this category features double drum rollers and compactors for surface preparation and soil compaction. We also have JCB and Manitou telehandlers – these are versatile machines capable of lifting and placing materials at height, essential for many construction sites.  

“Additionally, Chippindale offers a range of specialist attachments, such as Epiroc hydraulic breakers, which are ideal for demolition tasks since they can break through even the toughest concrete and rock. In a similar vein, we have crusher buckets, which allow on-site recycling of materials by crushing debris into reusable aggregate. Finally, for smaller-scale tasks and jobs, Chippindale can provide a range of breakers, vibrating plates, mixers, landscaping tools, and drills. What’s more, the majority of these products are available to hire, meaning our customers have flexibility when it comes to the tools they use.” 

The company’s expansive offering is also tailored toward a more sustainable approach, as Paul discusses: “Sustainability is at the forefront of the construction industry, and we are dedicated to expanding our range of eco-friendly machinery – including keeping an eye on all new alternative energy machines and new breakthrough innovations in the market that deliver value and savings for our customers. In addition, we will continue to explore ways to reduce our carbon footprint, from greener depot operations to innovative waste and energy efficiency solutions.” 

Opening the business up to even broader horizons, Chippindale Plant joins hands with industry partners across the UK and Ireland. As Tony reveals: “We’re a part of the AER Rents Group, which is owned by O’Flaherty Holdings, one of Ireland’s largest family business groups. They have a significant automotive business – including exclusive distribution of the Mercedes-Benz brand in Ireland – and an extensive investment portfolio.  

“AER Rents Ltd was created by O’Flaherty Holdings to develop the group’s interests in the plant hire markets across the UK and Ireland. It began by acquiring Mr Plant Hire, now called MPH, in 2014. This was followed by the subsequent acquisitions of Drogheda Hire and Sales, now named DHS Complete Hire, Mainline Group, Welfare 4 Hire, Chippindale Hire and Sales, and Hudson Lifting, to form a complementary network of specialist equipment and plant hire products and services.” 

New depot 

Alongside these partnerships, Chippindale Plant enjoys ongoing organic growth thanks to its industry-leading sales division. As Sales Director, Steve Todd, affirms: “Chippindale Plant is the leading independent provider of construction equipment in the North of England and beyond, including both plant hire and construction plant sales. It specializes in the sale of new and used construction machinery and equipment and offers a wide selection of market-leading products. The division provides a comprehensive range of machinery, including excavators, dumpers, rollers, telehandlers, and more, catering to the diverse needs of the construction and industrial sectors. 

“Beyond sales, the division supports customers with flexible financing solutions, working with a network of partners to offer tailored payment options. It also features a Dealer Servicing, Parts and Tool Shop, providing in-house and on-site servicing to keep equipment in peak condition. Here, customers can find a full range of gardening tools, light equipment, and accessories. We offer next-day delivery on many of these items, which gives us a competitive edge, being one of the only businesses in the UK to offer next day delivery on light equipment.  

“With a commitment to exceptional service, premium-quality products, and expert support, Chippindale’s Plant Sales Division is a trusted supplier of construction, plant, and light equipment across the region.” 

Bolstered by 75 years of success, Paul now considers what’s next for the business: “Our immediate priority is contributing to the AER Rents Group’s first multi-brand depot in the North East. The new depot provides significantly more space, allowing us to scale up our plant, site cabin, and attachment hire operations. This means greater availability of equipment, faster turnaround times, and an improved experience for customers across the North East. With this, we’ll be able to continue establishing ourselves as a major industry player,” he concludes.   

www.chippindale-plant.co.uk