Penny Hydraulics Limited acquires Sidetracker Engineering Limited

7th April 2022

Sidetracker Engineering Limited has been acquired by Penny Hydraulics Limited in a deal that will enhance both companies’ futures.

Sidetracker are the leading designer and manufacturer of multi-directional fork-lift trucks with narrow aisle and long load capabilities. These elements of design, manufacture, class leading quality with a bespoke product fit well with the nature of Penny Hydraulics’ own strategy of developing niche markets with unique material handling products.

Both are family companies with strong community links. The founder of Sidetracker, Peter Dobson, was a contemporary of Penny Hydraulics’ own founder, John Penny Snr, who both knew each other and developed their businesses alongside one another in the 1970’s.

Robin Penny, Managing Director of Penny Hydraulics, says,

“This is a fantastic opportunity for both companies and we are delighted to have Sam Dobson join Penny Hydraulics to help maximise the potential of the extra capacity for both businesses. We have outgrown our current site and this new venture will allow us to keep more work in-house and to tender for more nuclear decommissioning contracts. Staff at Sidetracker have excellent skills and I am sure that they will all be welcomed into the Penny Hydraulics family.”

Sam Dobson, Managing Director of Sidetracker Engineering Ltd, adds,

“I believe this acquisition will be a great fit due to the aligned family values, skillsets and strategies of both companies. Penny Hydraulics has consistently supported the local community and with most of our employees being from the Clowne area, I believe this venture will be embraced by all.”

Sidetracker engineering will continue as a limited company under the ownership of Penny Hydraulics but with more investment in infrastructure, products and marketing.  

Robin Penny continues,

“Sidetracker has unrivalled expertise building these remarkably manoeuvrable trucks and we can bring further improvements to their systems to expand their position in the market”.

The acquisition was advised by Joanna Dawson of Dawson Radford Solicitors, and Howard Freeman & David Robinson of Shorts Accountants.

Visit both company websites here:
www.sidetracker.co.uk
www.pennyhydraulics.com