Champion Hire has celebrated the delivery of its hundredth Kubota U27-4, with a special golden livery.

The company has worked with supplying dealer BTE Plant Sales since before its first mini excavator, a Kubota K008, in 2001. That was followed by the first KX36 in 2003 and then in 2005, the company’s first KX61-3.

“Kubota was our choice for mini excavators due to its superior reputation with our customer base, who regard it as one of the most reliable in the field,” said Director Adam Langham.

Kubota’s U27-4 is a 2.6-tonne zero tailswing model, boasting the largest cab in the 2.5-tonne class. Powered by a 15.6kW diesel engine - it is ideal for customers who want to tow the machine to site behind a light commercial vehicle. 

Champion Hire founder, Keith White, remains as managing director, along with Finance Director Kevin O’Connor and Adam Langham as director of operations. Together they bring a wealth of knowledge to the business, jointly serving the company for more than 100 years. Indeed, Champion Hire has many long-serving staff across the company, with all of its depot managers having served a minimum of 20 years and in some cases over 30 years.

Mr Langham has spent over £1m over the past year, increasing the company’s plant hire fleet and its transport infrastructure. He believes in driving for greater efficiency in all areas of the business, to create a harmonious, comfortable and profitable working environment for everyone.

In 2008, Champion Hire had grown to nine depots, but following the banking collapse this was reduced to five outlets. However, this provided the opportunity to analyse where efficiencies could be made, resulting in a better managed and more profitable company. Turnover has grown since the end of the recession to the same level as 2008 and Champion Hire has become far more profitable.

“BTE are proud to have reached the milestone of supplying Champion with their 100th U27-4, a fantastic achievement that reflects the strength of our long-standing partnership,” added BTE Sales Director Dean Burgwin. “BTE genuinely appreciates their involvement with Champion Hire and looks forward to supporting Adam with more machine sales in the future.”

www.championhire.com/