Stevens Equipment Rental Celebrates Half a Century of Heavy Metal
In an industry that rarely slows down, longevity is a badge of honour, and Stevens Equipment Rental wears it with pride. What began as a one-man operation in 1975 has grown into a national name synonymous with earthmoving excellence. As it toasts its golden anniversary, the family-run firm isn’t just looking back—it’s gearing up for an ambitious future that blends tradition with innovation.
With a formidable fleet of over 180 machines, ranging from articulated dump trucks and dozers to excavators and wheel loaders, Stevens Equipment Rental stands as one of the UK’s premier plant hire businesses. But it’s the company’s roots, grounded in grit and family values, that continue to steer the ship.
“We have thrived for 50 years because we have never wavered from our fundamental beliefs” said Managing Director Andrew Stevens. “My father built this business based on hard work and trustworthiness. Because of his efforts, we are still known today for our family values with a reputation for honesty and fairness. We’re looking forward to the next 50 years and our commitment to our values will continue to drive us onto even greater success.”
One Man, One Dump Truck, and a Dream
The story began with Peter Stevens and a single Scammell Himalayan dump truck. Back in 1975, Peter charged out the vehicle at £4.50 per hour. Christina, his wife, was there from day one—managing the books, juggling logistics, and ensuring the business had more than just horsepower to keep going.
Peter’s first contract, with Tarmac Construction in Cockermouth, wrapped up on time and on budget. That early win opened doors, and the fleet soon expanded to include a mix of Scammell Himalayans, Terex R-17s, and Aveling Barford SN35s. As new technologies emerged, the company adopted articulated dump trucks like the Volvo 860s and Moxy D16Bs—a forward-thinking move that would later define their fleet.
Building a Reputation on Rock-Solid Reliability
Peter Stevens wasn’t just building a business—he was setting a benchmark. Contracts soon followed for large infrastructure projects, including the M6 Gretna bypass, A66 Keswick bypass, Sellafield nuclear site, and Barrow-in-Furness hospital. The company’s growing reputation for dependability saw it become a trusted partner on some of the UK’s most critical jobsites.
And it wasn’t just about turning up. Clients came to count on Stevens Equipment Rental for honest rates, reliable machinery, and no-nonsense service. This credibility became a cornerstone, ensuring repeat business and long-term partnerships.
Growth Beyond the Northwest
As word spread, Stevens Equipment Rental began expanding operations beyond its Cumbrian base. Projects rolled in from Darlington, Sheffield, and Newark. But the real game changer came with their first ventures into Scotland—supporting major infrastructure projects like the Ludag-Eriskay causeway in the Outer Hebrides, and the construction of the A74M and M80 motorways.
By the late 1980s, the firm was operating over 100 dump trucks, including one of the UK’s largest Moxy fleets. The evolution of the fleet kept pace with market demands, shifting gradually from Terex to Volvo Construction Equipment—a brand that still makes up the bulk of their ADT stock.
A New Generation Steers the Business Forward
In the early 2000s, Peter’s sons, Andrew and Michael, took over the reins. Recognising the shifting landscape of construction and plant hire, the brothers broadened the company’s horizons. Wheel loaders, previously a rarity in the fleet, became a regular fixture.
By 2013, it was time for a rebrand. Stevens Equipment Rental Ltd was born, marking a new era with the same family ethos. Then in 2021, Andrew Stevens became sole owner, taking the business through a fresh phase of expansion. Excavators, tracked dozers, crushers, and screeners joined the ranks, ensuring the company could meet the full spectrum of customer needs.
Today, the fleet boasts machines from top-tier manufacturers such as Volvo CE, Caterpillar, and Liebherr—an investment not just in quality, but in uptime, emissions reduction, and operator comfort.
Fleet, Facilities and Footprint
Stevens Equipment Rental has never rested on its laurels. From a single depot in Cumbria, the company expanded to include a second site in Northamptonshire and has its sights set on a third location in Scotland.
This strategic growth means faster turnaround times, localised service, and quicker mobilisation across the UK. Whether it’s quarrying, infrastructure, waste and recycling, or port operations, the company is equipped to deliver.
“Merging modern equipment, first-class customer service and traditional family values has proved a winning combination,” said Andrew. “Today’s projects need low emissions, high performance machinery with minimal downtime. Customers want the best equipment and expert help that’s just a phone call away. We’ve built our business around this premise and together with our customers we’re excited to move to bigger and bolder jobsites in the next 50 years.”
Sustainability and Digital Transformation
While the legacy is important, Stevens Equipment Rental isn’t stuck in the past. The firm is actively exploring more sustainable machinery, lower-emission models, and smart technology that supports digital site integration.
Volvo CE’s advancements in telematics and hybrid machinery offer compelling avenues for reducing carbon footprints and enhancing machine uptime. As the UK construction sector aligns with Net Zero ambitions, rental firms like Stevens play a vital role by providing access to greener, smarter equipment without the capital outlay.
Eyes on the Road Ahead
It’s not every day you see a company mark half a century in such fine form. Stevens Equipment Rental is a textbook case of how family values, operational integrity, and forward-thinking strategy can build a business that not only survives, but thrives.
The next chapter looks promising: a third depot in the pipeline, a modernised fleet ready to tackle tomorrow’s challenges, and a customer base that trusts them to deliver, come rain or shine.
With legacy as its foundation and innovation at its core, Stevens Equipment Rental is all set to dig deep into the next 50 years of construction.
