Heritage - Mainline

Today 08.05.2021

2020

AER Rents acquires the Mainline Hire group

Mainline was acquired by AER Rents, together with the previously acquired Mr Plant Hire Plc business the group now offers a combined fleet of almost 1,500 modern powered access machines, making it the 12th largest UK access supplier by fleet size. The acquisition also provides the group with access to the Super MEWPS sector, thereby expanding the portfolio to include some of the tallest hire machines available in the domestic market.

After 39 years as Mainline Tool & Plant Hire, the business has grown to become one of the region’s leading plant and access hire companies, serving an extensive customer base throughout the Midlands and Home Counties. Currently Mainline’s activities include the hire of tools, plant, access, and power generation equipment to customers across the construction, groundwork, utilities, civil works, and landscaping sectors. Keith and Carole will continue in their leadership roles with the existing fantastic team.

Mainline Supports Development of Local Emergency Hub During COVID-19 Pandemic

Mainline received a call from a local Events Management company requesting to urgently hire equipment for a local Emergency Hub being developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The equipment supplied by Mainline would help load the vital resources required to set the centre up in Swadlincote, Derbyshire.

The team at Mainline supplied the site with a small generator and a telehandler. The hire supplies arrived on site and with the help of a number of other local firms, the site opened on Friday 10th April 2020.

COVID-19 Lockdown

With the nation in lockdown, Mainline continues to keep customers supplied with equipment with a dedicated team of Directors and support staff.

2019

A big push into Forklifts

Major investment in the Forklift fleet continues as demand exceeds expectations. Mainline operates a corporate service whilst maintaining the personal service only an independent family business can deliver. In passing the stringent audit from the Forklift Truck Association (FLTA) we are well placed to continue this growth.

Welcome Matthew, Transport Manager

Dedicated Transport Manager, Matthew Hubbard, joins to enhance the customer experience and increase availability of stock. He is used to working in a very busy operation and thrives on the challenges of delivering to very tight, time sensitive, sites.

More additions to our transport fleet

More vehicles are added to the fleet of in-house transport vehicles. Maintaining our vehicles in house allows us the flexibility to offer the best service to our customers.

2018

Welcome Metro, Operations Director

Mainline welcomes it’s new Operations Director, Metro Werezak, who joins the business with a wealth of knowledge built over 30 years in the Powered Access, Power Generation and Plant rental business. He has held senior positions within major International rental companies within the UK and abroad.

2017

Bigger and better!

Mainline’s 2 acre site is increased by 20% to improve efficiencies whilst ensuring health and safety remains a top priority for the team.

2016

Expanding our transport fleet

We have our own transport fleet so we can be flexible and get kit delivered to our customers on time and on budget. In September we invested in another two articulated lorries so we can deliver even more machines, even more quickly. We’ve also recruited more drivers who will load and unload making your hire experience with us easy and completely stress free.

A new, purpose built management system

In May 2016 we underwent a massive overhaul of our business management system, we’re now using Syrinx which is a purpose built system for the hire industry. Syrinx manages our fleet, our transport, our operations and our database. It enables us to be ‘paper free’ in most areas of our business hence adding to our green credentials. It also enables us to cut costs and be far more efficient, benefits that are passed onto our customers.

2015

25m Hybrid Holland Lifts - Exclusive to Mainline!

March saw the delivery of our 25m Hybrid Holland Lifts which are exclusive to Mainline. They are the tallest hybrid scissor lifts by far and you won’t get one anywhere else. Plus IAPA (International Awards for Powered Access) have just voted them product of the year. Many more new machines planned – watch this space for further developments…

2 New 34m Megastar Scissor Lifts

In January we reached for the stars with two new 34m Megastar Holland Scissor Lifts; the highest scissor lift in the UK. These machines have been in high demand so if you need one please contact our sales team to join the waiting list – T: 01283 222 044.

2012

Introduction of Dedicated Training Centre

The access division of the business brought with it a necessity for training so Mainline began to run courses. We’re proud to be accredited, certified and recognised by leading bodies including IPAF, PASMA and NPORS.

2010

Birth of Renewable Energy Solutions Division

Business had naturally developed in three distinct areas – tool & plant hire, access equipment, and power generation. Mainline was rebranded and split into these three clear divisions forming the Mainline Group of companies.

In April, a fourth division was born as Mainline branched out into renewable energy to complement traditional power generation. Our customer base quickly grabbed the opportunity to enjoy the same service and support that was synonymous with Mainline.

2008

IT systems help find new markets

Plans were afoot to open another depot; sites in Stoke, Nottingham and Coventry were all considered. Unfortunately the recession hit and plans were dismissed in favour of simply increasing the supply boundaries of the existing premises. Utilising key IT systems Keith and the sales team were able to focus their attention on new markets such as maintenance and service industries.

2006

Carl Perry wins best apprentice of 2006

Mainline began to work with Stafford College offering apprenticeships to construction students. Carl Perry won the Briggs & Stratton award for best apprentice of the year whilst working in our depot.

2002

Dedicated Sales Team

A dedicated sales team was formed as part of an aggressive move to grow market share. We were now able to chase and win a wider range of business. Turnover, fleet size and profits continued to grow.

2001

Major investment in Bobcat Mini-excavators

Keith Williams invested in over twenty brand new Bobcat mini-excavators including the first new Bobcat 463 Skid-steer Loader in the UK. Carole became a full time member of the team with a view to driving sales into new markets and developing the IT systems.

1994

Purpose built depot & offices

We commissioned our own purpose built depot and offices with over 10,000 square feet of outside space to accommodate our ever-growing fleet. Located in Swadlincote, South Derbyshire we were ideally positioned to service the whole of the Midlands.

1993

Manufacturers ask Mainline to test equipment

Manufacturers began to approach Mainline to test and evaluate their equipment; we had built a very technical and experienced engineering team which were second to none in the industry. Our testing process and industry experience was valued and well respected resulting in our excellent reputation for high standards and reliability.

1990

Access equipment added to fleet

The fleet grew and we began to branch out into access equipment in addition to the initial tool and plant hire service. Carole became active in the day to day running of the business and joined the team on a part time basis.

1982

Mainline starts with just a few tools & a cement mixer

Keith and Carole Williams set up Mainline Tool & Plant Hire with just a few tools, a cement mixer, and the benefit of their experience. Keith steadily grew the business through his network of acquaintances in the building and housing trade and Carole’s background in sales and IT gave us a significant advantage over competitors. Profits were ploughed back into the business and we were able to react quickly to changes in the market.

Established 1982

The History of Mainline - Established 1982