Ashleigh Contracts’ Machinery Retirement Auction Splashes Onto the Market
A notable shift is underway in the marine construction scene as Ashleigh Contracts, the highly respected marine civil engineering specialist, launches a high-profile auction to retire over 200 pieces of equipment.
In collaboration with Wilsons Auctions, this no‑reserve event has set the stage for a compelling, sustainable resource relaunch across the UK and Northern Ireland.
Auction Highlights and Logistics
Taking centre stage are two headline grabbers: the Hitachi EX1200 Long Reach and the EX1200 XXL Heavy‑Lift excavators.
- Hitachi EX1200 Long Reach: a powerful 125‑tonne excavator featuring a remarkable 28‑metre reach. Its catalogue details multiple reach configurations and track extensions.
- Hitachi EX1200 XXL: the heavyweight specialist, tipping the scales at 210 tonnes, capable of lifting 20 tonnes at a 23‑metre extension. This beast comes equipped with a heavy‑duty bucket, extension pieces, and drop bar for a clamshell bucket.
Beyond these, the auction includes a substantial range of assets:
- Excavators
- HGVs, dozers, dumpers
- Generators
- Digger buckets and diverse attachments
Each lot is offered without reserve, meaning that the highest bidder walks away with the asset—no matter the starting bid.
Sustainability and Industry Impact
It’s not every day that an engineering stalwart such as Ashleigh Contracts steps back and offers its entire equipment fleet for public bidding. This move not only reshapes the asset market for construction professionals and investors—it also represents a bold statement on sustainability.
By re‑introducing these assets into the circulation, Ashleigh Contracts demonstrates a strong commitment to resource efficiency, echoing the industry’s escalating demand for environmental responsibility. Rather than scrapping equipment and creating waste, the company promotes reuse, extending machinery life cycles and fostering better circularity in construction resources.
A Trusted Industry Partner
Wilsons Auctions needs no introduction. Established in 1936, this family‑owned firm has grown to become the largest independent auction house in the UK and Ireland, hosting over 3,200 auctions annually across 19 locations, with an annual hammer total exceeding £620 million.
Their industry-wide reach and decades of remarketing expertise position them as an exceptional fit to manage this large-scale retirement auction. They’re the kind of partner that brings gravitas to asset transitions of this scale.
Event Details
- Date & Time: Friday, 19th September, first lot at 11 am.
- Format: Traditional in-person auction at Wilsons Auctions Belfast, 22 Mallusk Road, Newtownabbey, Belfast BT36 4PP, with live online bidding available for remote registrants.
- Viewing: Assets can be inspected onsite:
- Kircubbin, Co. Down — open viewings on 17th and 18th September, from 10 am to 4 pm.
- Dublin, Glasgow, Maidstone — viewings by appointment only (contact details below).
- Auction Catalogue: Click here to view the Auction Catalogue.
- Viewer and Bidder Logistics: To book a viewing or to register for the auction contact: Wilsons Auctions Belfast on +44 (0)28 90 342 626, or email: richardmcfetridge@wilsonsauctions.com.
Richard McFetridge, Plant, Machinery & Commercial Manager and Auctioneer at Wilsons Auctions, says: “It is an absolute honour to orchestrate this auction on behalf of Ashleigh Contracts. Their assets are of a fantastic quality, which is an excellent opportunity for bidders to secure premium machinery at auction.” He urges attendees to register and book viewings early.
Philip Conacher, Company Director at Ashleigh Contracts, adds: “We’re delighted to partner with Wilsons Auctions for this major event. It’s an ideal opportunity for industry professionals and businesses to enhance their equipment portfolios with well‑maintained, high‑quality stock.”
Wave of Opportunity Ahead
This event isn’t just a sale, it’s an occasion, a chance for construction professionals, investors, policymakers, and sustainability advocates to seize high-grade assets while reinforcing environmental stewardship. With renowned partner Wilsons Auctions at the helm and no reserve on the table, the auction promises fierce competition, fair pricing, and strategic acquisitions.
Whether you’re looking to bolster your fleet with purposefully reused equipment or keep the wheels of the marine‑civil machine turning, this is one auction you won’t want to miss.
