2019 has seen Kubota UK turn 40, giving us a chance
to reflect on how the construction industry has witnessed significant change
over the last few decades; whether that be through technological innovation,
shifts in the economic climate or changes in how to hire the right skills. But
one of its oldest partners also has cause for celebration this year.

Our friends at GAP Hire Solutions have been
celebrating the 50th anniversary of the company throughout 2019. Over the last
half a century the company has grown to become the UK’s largest independent
plant, tools, equipment and vehicle rental firm. Established in 1969 by Gordon
Anderson, the family-owned and run business operates from over 140 depots and
employs over 1,800 people nationwide. GAP has remained a family-run business,
ensuring that the same family principles on which the company were founded
continue to this day.

GAP and Kubota UK have worked together for many years, with
the former selling over 500 construction machines since the partnership began,
and for much of their partnership, Kubota UK has been GAP’s sole supplier of
mini and midi excavators. To celebrate this milestone and its longstanding
relationship with the hire company, Kubota has gifted GAP with a gold Kubota
machine. For the next year, 50% of all hire revenue from the golden machine
will go to The Lighthouse Club, a
charity which provides financial and emotional support to the construction
community and their families. The most recent rental of the machine secured
£180 for this organisation.

To support this initiative and local charities affecting the
construction industry, Kubota has pledged to match the money GAP raises through
the golden machine.

Ken Stewart, Head of Procurement at GAP Group, said:

“Here at GAP, we run a large fleet of Kubota excavators
ranging in size from 800kg to 8.0t. When looking at the types of products we
want to buy, price is and always will be an important factor. But we also look
closely at factors such as the cost of ownership, reliability, after sales
support and general market acceptance. In our opinion, the Kubota product
continues to tick all the boxes and is well received by both our customers and
our UK depot network.

“We have a strong affinity with Kubota in general with
their engines being used in so many of our other products such as compressors,
tandem ride on rollers, dumpers, lighting towers and generators to name but a
few.

“We look forward to working with Kubota UK for the next
50 years and beyond!�

Glen Hampson, Business Development Manager Construction
Division at Kubota UK commented:

“GAP
is Kubota UK’s largest independent customer, and this is a testament to the strength
of the relationship that we have built with the team over the last few years.
We know that our machines are well suited to GAP’s needs as they provide
reliable, well designed and robust solutions to withstand the rigours of the
hire industry. What’s more, our responsive dealership network has allowed GAP
to rapidly respond to customer and depot requirements. From all of us at Kubota
UK, we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all our friends and
colleagues at GAP. We can’t wait to see what they do next!

GAP has launched a commemorative book in celebration of the
company’s 50th anniversary, which chronicles the development of the company
from its inception to its plans for the future. The various contributions
throughout the book have come from the Anderson family as well as GAP’s
employees, customers, suppliers and friends of the family and company. You can
find this here: https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/62374499/gap-50th-anniversary-book