Kenway further invest in new Hitachi machinery fleet

Plant hire firm acquires more than 90 new machines including its first ZX140W-5 wheeled excavator

KENWAY have placed their largest order with Hitachi Construction Machinery (UK) to date, with the purchase of 96 new machines, bringing the total number of Hitachi models in the company’s fleet to more than 400 units. The new machine deliveries between April and August 2015 include: excavators (from 2- to 35-tonne weight class); several short tail swing models; and Kenway’s first wheeled excavator, the ZX140W-5 (pictured).

The nationwide plant hire company is also considering the purchase of two ZH210LC-5 hybrid excavators, six ZW-5 wheel loaders and several other Zaxis-5 wheeled excavators. The order could be extended up to 150 machines before the end of March 2016.

This significant investment coincides with Keyway’s plans to open a new facility in Avonmouth, which will be suitably located to serve the Bristol market. The family-run business, established in 1966, focuses mainly on south-west England from its depot in Gloucester.

Part of the McGurk Group, Keyway also specialize in aggregates supply and offer earthmoving, demolition/recycling, transport and waste removal services. More than 200 people are employed in the construction-related activities, which make up half of the McGurk Group’s £50 million annual turnover.

Several factors were involved in Keyway’s decision to strengthen their Hitachi fleet, including brand recognition, quality of the machines and the after-sales support provided by HCMUK.

‘Our customers ask for Hitachi by name,’ said Eamonn McGurk, founder of Keyway. ‘The technology in Japan is renowned around the world as the best, its equipment is efficient and the machines have a high resale value.’

Service and maintenance are mostly carried out in-house, but some Keyway machines are registered on contracts with HCMUK. Mr McGurk continued: ‘The Hitachi team provides an excellent service and they really understand their products. The parts are of a high quality and the supply chain is excellent. In terms of the build quality, fault diagnostics and problem-solving, Hitachi beat the competition.’