Buckingham Plant Hire step away from heavy plant
Company to focus on range of sustainable light plant services under the ACE Plant brand
BUCKINGHAM Plant Hire Ltd, one of the UK’s longest-established plant hire specialists, are stepping away from heavy plant operations after 69 years in the sector to concentrate on developing the sustainable divisions within the business group.
Buckingham will continue to provide a full range of light plant services through the ACE Plant brand and will focus on developing a sustainable hire fleet as ACE work towards their net-zero objectives.
The decision to step away from heavy plant activities coincides with the retirement of Paul Wheeler, who has served as Buckingham’s managing director since 1975.
Reflecting on his long career in the heavy plant sector, Mr Wheeler recalled: ‘I’m proud of everything we achieved over the years and immensely grateful for the commitment and dedication we’ve had from so many colleagues who have supported the company and its ethos since those early beginnings.
‘Stepping away from our traditional roots in heavy plant has been a difficult decision, as it truly represents the end of an era. However, realistically, the UK heavy plant sector is going through a period of radical transition, and it’s time to hand over to the next generation. The decision to retire the heavy fleet is part of a longer-term business strategy designed to embrace a sustainable future.’
ACE Plant were established in 1973 and acquired by Buckingham Plant Hire in 2016. Operating as a regional light plant specialist, the business became part of Buckingham’s Consolidated Plant Group in 2017. Its activities are heavily focused on future sustainability, with the ultimate objective of a carbon-zero hire fleet.
ACE Plant’s new product range already includes lithium hybrid tower lights and lithium utility task vehicles (UTVs), with the imminent introduction of lithium-powered tractors and more. ACE Plant will also continue to operate and develop their engineering and manufacturing division, which is focused on innovations to improve the environmental control of dust and the secure storage of bulk fuels at remote site locations.
George Wheeler, who leads the third generation’s involvement in the business as operations director of ACE Plant, commented: ‘By retiring our heavy plant fleet and focusing our resources on ACE Plant’s sustainable lithium-powered range, we’re taking a decisive step towards supporting the UK’s net-zero goals.
‘The shift towards sustainable plant operations is not just necessary – it’s inevitable. Our investment strategy demonstrates our commitment to change, ensuring that we operate responsibly while helping to shape the industry’s future. As the utilization of diesel-powered equipment declines, we’re looking forward to being at the forefront of this vital transformation.’
Buckingham’s directors have commissioned Euro Auctions Group to conduct an unreserved one-day dispersal sale of their entire heavy plant fleet – which comprises 72 late-model Volvo and Caterpillar machines – at their headquarters facility at Blackpit Farm, Silverstone Road, Stowe, Buckinghamshire MK18 5LJ, on 27 February 2025.
