Massive investments puts hirer in pole position with one of the industry's newest and most distinctive fleets.
With a combined 60 years' experience in the industry, Barry Verrent and Mick Lippard know a thing or two about plant hire. After managing equipment rental companies for the past two decades, the two came together to form Cobalt Plant Hire in 2022, with a vision to lead one of the most successful plant hire businesses in the sector.
To flourish in the plant hire industry Barry and Mick understand the need to consistently invest in the latest machinery to make an impact and continually attract business. So, when in the market for new machines, the team turned to JCB - placing an order for £4 million of JCB equipment - in the form of 85Z-2 and 86C-2 midi excavators, 6-tonne and 9-tonne site dumpers and a raft of 140X and 220X tracked excavators. Each is decked in striking Cobalt blue livery which gives the fleet significant standout on site.
Superb support
Despite having worked in the industry for over 30 years apiece Barry and Mick began Cobalt Plant Hire from very humble beginnings, and it was the relationship with dealer Greenshields JCB - which Barry has known for over 25 years - that gave them the kickstart they needed to get the business up and running.
Cobalt Plant Hire Joint Managing Director, Barry Verrent said: "We chose JCB as it is British and we have a great relationship with the team at Greenshields JCB. The service has been really good. They were, have been and continue to be very supportive of us - right from the very early days of Cobalt when we were starting out with nothing. JCB was the one manufacturer and dealer combination that backed us, fighting to secure finance for us too. They've been behind us all the way and are a big part of why we've stuck with JCB."
With the company's latest investment of £4 million in JCB machinery highlighting the company's growth and success, it's safe to say Greenshields JCB backed the right horse.
X-static operators
Plant hire is all about putting the needs of your customer first. Those customers are looking for modern machinery, which is reliable, effective and reasonably priced with a fuss-free approach to the rental process. This is something Cobalt Plant Hire pride themselves on and have built their company around. Barry continues: "We take the hassle out of plant hire. We say what we do, and we do what we say, and people want that. It's simple."
Their recent addition of 19 new X Series models emphasises their commitment to providing the very best for their customers as the spacious CommandPlus cab is widely regarded as the best in business with low noise levels and double cushioned cab mounting to ensure the height of operator comfort.
Barry Verrent added: "We really like the X Series. It's a powerful excavator. Operator comfort is also a big thing for us and so we really like the comfort levels in the cab. As long as the operator is happy, we're happy. The customer feedback has been very good. Even customers who were previous users of competitor machines - they're now sold on the X Series."
The combination of Cobalt's superb customer service and its show stopping JCB fleet, make Cobalt a first port of call for many contractors and developers. One current site is Esquire Homes' exclusive development of 30 premium specification 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes at the new Hill Farm housing development in North Kent. It is here that a range of the new additions to the fleet are shown working in tandem, with 6T-2 and 9T-2 site dumpers supporting 140X and 220X tracked excavators.
The future's bright (blue)
With bulging order books and a wealth of happy customers, don't be surprised to see a lot more eye-catching machines on sites around the country. With its commitment to customer service and an extensive fleet of the latest JCB equipment, it's fair to say Cobalt has all the elements in place for success.