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Buckingham Plant Hire steps away from the heavy plant sector

Buckingham Plant Hire Ltd, one of the UK’s longest-established plant hire specialists, is 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 works towards its net zero objectives.

Buckingham Plant Hire Ltd established an enviable reputation as a proficient heavy plant specialist, with its business model based on investment in premium-quality equipment, supported by highly skilled, directly employed engineers, technicians, and operatives.

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, Paul Wheeler recalls: “Our concept was the delivery of a fully inclusive service to our customers, backed up with a rigorous regime of diligent maintenance, devised to keep our equipment in first-class condition. 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.”

Buckingham’s Directors are adopting an innovative approach to the complex task of dismantling their heavy plant division and have commissioned Euro Auctions Group to conduct a single-sourced dispersal sale of their entire heavy plant fleet at their Silverstone Road headquarters on 27th February 2025.

ACE Plant was established in 1973 and acquired by Buckingham Plant Hire Ltd in 2016. Operating as a regional light plant specialist, the business became part of Buckingham’s Consolidated Plant Group in 2017 and moved into purpose-built facilities at the Silverstone Road HQ in 2021. ACE Plant’s activities are heavily focused on future sustainability, with the ACE brand leading the charge towards the ultimate objective of a carbon-zero hire fleet.

ACE Plant’s new product range already includes lithium hybrid tower lights, lithium UTVs, and golf carts, with the imminent introduction of lithium-powered tractors and more. ACE Plant will also continue to operate and develop its engineering and manufacturing division, which is focused on innovations to improve the environmental control of dust and the secure storage of bulk fuels on remote site locations.

George Wheeler leads the third generation’s involvement in the business as Operations Director of ACE Plant, and comments: “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. It’s an exciting journey to be on.”

“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 utilisation of diesel-powered equipment declines, we’re looking forward to being at the forefront of this vital transformation.”

Whilst the Wheeler family are excited by the prospect of future developments and possibilities for additional diversification within the established business group, there is inevitably significant sadness surrounding the decision to step away from the heavy plant world, of which Buckingham Plant Hire has been a part for such a long time.

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