Ashtead Group is a British international equipment rental company providing a diverse range of tools and machinery to construction, industrial, infrastructure and event customers. Operating primarily through its Sunbelt Rentals division in North America and A-Plant in the UK, the company offers equipment solutions that include earthmoving machinery, aerial work platforms, material handling equipment, power generation and climate control systems. Ashtead Group serves a broad customer base spanning general contractors, utilities, municipalities, manufacturers and corporate events, delivering flexible rental options that help clients manage project demands and capital investment.
Founded in London in 1947 as a small tool hire business, Ashtead Group expanded steadily through the latter half of the 20th century. The company was listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1986, marking the beginning of its international growth. A transformative acquisition of Sunbelt Rentals in the late 1990s gave Ashtead a strong foothold in the United States, where it now operates a network of rental locations from coast to coast. Over the years, Ashtead has pursued a disciplined strategy of acquiring complementary rental businesses to broaden its geographic reach and service offerings.
Ashtead’s core equipment categories cover earthmoving and excavation, aerial access, material handling, pumps, climate control, power distribution and specialty tools. The company also provides value-added services such as equipment maintenance, site consulting, safety training and online fleet management tools. By offering turnkey rental solutions and tailored service packages, Ashtead enables customers to optimize uptime, improve jobsite safety and reduce total cost of ownership.
Under the leadership of Group Chief Executive Brendan Horgan and Chief Financial Officer Robert Walpole, Ashtead Group emphasizes operational excellence, digital integration and customer-focused innovation. Its management team supports a decentralized operating structure that empowers local decision-making while leveraging centralized expertise in procurement, safety and logistics. With a presence in key markets across North America and the UK, Ashtead continues to pursue disciplined growth through both organic expansion and targeted acquisitions.
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