Champion Tools Up For Growth

2nd July 2013

Champion Hire has taken delivery of its 200th Hilti tool in just six months as the company undergoes an overhaul of its small plant, through the manufacturer's Fleet Management programme.

The business, which is based in Sheffield and operates from five depots across Yorkshire and the North Midlands, is in the process of replacing a total of 450 Hilti products as Keith White (pictured) Managing Director of Champion Hire, explains: -A company audit at the start of 2012 revealed that we were holding tools over a decade old, which is neither good for us in terms of downtime and repair costs, or our customers for performance and reliability.  -We have dealt with Hilti since Champion Hire was founded in 1968, and they have introduced us to the Fleet Management concept whereby a monthly fee covers all servicing and repair requirements including reporting, transport, labour and spare parts at no additional cost. The transformation is allowing Champion Hire to stock a young, technologically advanced fleet.  Tools already supplied include GX90 WF gas-actuated nailers, TE80-ATC and TE30-A36 cordless combi-hammers, TE 3000-AVR heavy duty breakers, TE 1000-AVR, TE 700-AVR and TE 500-AVR breakers, plus diamond drills, reciprocating saws, further fastening tools and vacuums. -The removal of our old plant is proving a massive success, concludes White, -It ultimately means we are not only lowering the age of our fleet and supplying customers with the latest innovations, all of which are designed to help them work more efficiently and safely, but we can closely control our finances without the unknown expenses of repair and maintenance. The Hilti Fleet Concept follows recent investment by the company into almost £3/4m worth of Iveco 3.5T pickups and 7.5T Beaver-Tail trucks to service their customers.  Chairman Tim Hale acknowledged that the last 4 years have been tough for the company but is confident that the sector is improving : -We have weathered a long and difficult recession, but there is a lot starting to happen now and our confidence in the future of the sectors we serve is strong.  We have always looked after our customers and these changes we are implementing will enhance our ability to do so.