Ainscough makes a move on Pickfords-Vanguard

Vanguard Industrial Ltd, which traded as Pickfords-Vanguard in the UK, has been acquired by Ainscough Engineering Services (AES) from administrators. Pickfords-Vanguard, a specialist in the removal and installation of heavy plant with an annual turnover of more than UK£ 15 million (US$ 28 million), operated from seven depots around the UK. AES specialises in alternate lifting solutions of mechanical & electrical plant.

Ainscough Engineering Services is a limited company, separate from Ainscough Crane Hire Ltd, the UK's largest crane rental company, but linked by the Ainscough brothers’ common ownership. Martin Ainscough commented, “This acquisition is a great fit with our Engineering Services Business and now gives us national coverage for the movement and installation of all types of plant and machinery.

Pickfords-Vanguard is a very highly regarded and old established name in the business and although some rationalisation will be required we are delighted to have secured the employment of over one hundred of the most experienced people in the sector. At a stroke this acquisition will more than double the size of our Engineering Services business and should also provide major synergy benefits with our crane hire business.”