Nixon has quit the welfare van market to concentrate on what it sees as high growth areas.
Sunbelt Rentals has bought the 200+ vehicles, increase its existing fleet by 130%.
Nixon Hire, founded in Newcastle in 1967, has gone through a series of transformations over the past five or so years, moving away from its roots in traditional plant hire and towards static plant, with the emphasis on renewable energy and solar power. With welfare vans not being static, they too are now out of the picture.
Chief executive Graham Nixon said: 鈥淭his is a carefully considered strategic deal and a positive outcome for all parties. The sale enables us to lean further and faster into our transition from generalist provider to specialist partner 鈥� directing additional capital into modular buildings, renewable power, site accommodation, site welfare and the other high-growth areas that define the 鈥榥ew鈥� Nixon Hire.鈥�
He added: 鈥淥ur strategy has always been about listening to our customers and staying ahead of where the industry is going, being proactive and making decisive moves. Following a period of meaningful change to our operating model in line with that approach, we鈥檙e now seeing the benefits start to filter through, with healthy and sustainable commercial and operational momentum building across the business.鈥�
Sunbelt Rentals has a much broader offering of both static and mobile plant as well as power tools and other site equipment.
It has now more than doubled its fleet of self-drive welfare vans with the purchase of more than 200 vehicles and expanding its service in Scotland and the north of England, Nixon's heartland, where its coverage had previously been limited.
The newly acquired fleet includes Ford EcoBoost models, many of which are HVO compliant and solar supported. Features include toilet and hand-wash facilities, USB charging, air conditioning and secure storage options.
Sunbelt Rentals operations director Chris Hanley said: "This acquisition marks a major step forward in how we can support our customers across the UK and Europe. From starting with 30 vehicles, we've grown the fleet into a key part of our business offering whereby we support multiple geographical areas and sectors.
鈥淭his achievement is a testament to the work of our team at the Derby depot, who have built this business over the past 10 years. Their dedication and success have laid the foundation for us to reach this exciting milestone.鈥�
聽Chief executive Phil Parker added: 鈥淥ur welfare offering is an increasingly important part of how we support customers across sectors such as infrastructure, utilities and construction. This recent investment accelerates our long-term commitment under our five-year growth strategy, Sunbelt 4.0, helping us deliver more consistent, responsive and environmentally conscious services across the UK and Europe. Whether it鈥檚 a rural utility project in the Isle of Skye or a major infrastructure build in London, our welfare fleet plays the role of keeping people safe, comfortable and well supported.鈥�
Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk
