Already this year, Hiab has made a series of moves to build its wholly-owned UK network, including opening a new depot in the south east of England to serve customers in London and its surrounds, and bought Scottish dealer Logan Inglis.

The acquisition of Northallerton-based LGSE continues Hiab’s expansion in the UK as it invests in its network of wholly-owned sales, service and installation depots across the country to further improve its capability and competence to serve its customers in the best possible way.

Describing the move as a further step to bring Hiab closer to its customers, Rogier van der Linde, Hiab MD UK & Ireland (pictured at the opening of Hiab’s London depot earlier this year), said: “This change strengthens our presence and strategy to become a customer-focusedsolution provider. In the past 12 months, we have opened workshops in London andBirmingham, and acquired our service agents in the Midlands and Scotland. By establishing a Hiab-owneddepot in the north-east we have taken another large step to strengthen our presence in the UKand to become the number one partner for our customers.”

LGSE’s existing staff will be retained by Hiab, and the new entity will continue to operate from thecurrent LGSE facility. Founded in 1947 by ex-RAF man Ron Exelby, LGSE (originally LondonderryGarage Ltd) started life as a small business repairing commercial vehicles in a shed next to the A1.

Over 70 years it has grown to become a highly respected business with wide capabilities and aservice-based ethos.