24.01.2006

Sam Walker files for Administration

Samuel Walker & Sons, the UK based sales and service company, located in Glasgow and Manchester has filed for administration today. The company handles all parts service and warranty for Grove in the UK and carries out crane an platform refurbishment work, structural repairs and fabrications and has a significant training operation.

In addition the sales department represents PAT/Hirschmann Load indicators in the UK along with Ascobel rear view and boom nose cameras.

It has been confirmed that the company went into administration at 14:00 today; no one at the company could be reached for comment this evening.

Vertikal Comment
Samuel Walkers is a family company that has been in business for over 40 years and has a reputation in the UK crane hire market for providing one of the best call out services in the industry.

Sam Walker himself is well respected and has generally been known for running a good business. A lot of people will feel very sorry that its trading difficulties have resulted in todays news and will hope that the company can restructure and survive.

Grove and the Manitowoc group will be looking at how they react to this news. With the options of establishing its own service operation, waiting to see how Samuel Walkers restructures or possibly buying into that business. Grove signed a long term agreement renewal in September 2004. click here for full story