Australian Boom & Scissor Lift acquired by Charles Wilson

UK equipment rental giant Charles Wilson has increased its global footprint, with the self-funded acquisition of Australian Boom & Scissor Lift (ABS) in Sydney, New South Wales. The family-owned company, which purchased West Yorkshire-based MTS Plant Hire earlier this year and M&J Hire in 2022, continues to expand geographically and in the range of equipment that it has to offer.

Founded in 1997, ABS delivers a premium powered access service across metropolitan Sydney. The company, which will retain its name and branding as part of the Charles Wilson group, also provides long-term rental solutions in the Blue Mountains, Wollongong, Central Coast and Newcastle. It boasts a fleet in excess of 300 machines, including diesel and electric scissor lifts and booms, with a host of additional new machines on order.

Available for both indoor and external use, the company’s largest scissor lifts have working heights of up to 26m, while the booms can reach working heights of 24m. ABS also offers electric vertical lifts, with platform heights of up to 10m. The business shares the same high quality and dedicated customer service philosophy as Charles Wilson’s many plant and equipment divisions in the UK.

With more than 1000 products available across the group, through its CW Plant Hire, CW Instant Hire, CW Instant Power and CW Instant Access divisions, Charles Wilson Engineers employs more than 400 staff across the UK and has in excess of £260m in equipment assets.

The company is actively seeking further growth opportunities, leading to additional expansion in the future. With the self-funded acquisition of MTS Plant Hire and now Australian Boom & Scissor Lift, the business looks set to exceed its £100m revenue target in the coming years.

“Australian Boom & Scissor has an exceptional reputation within the market and the company is a perfect fit for Charles Wilson, as an integral part of our lifting and access business. This is really positive first move into the Australian market,” said Chief Executive David Gallagher.