US based Wilkerson Crane Rental has acquired Des Moines, Iowa, based Jensen Crane Services from specialist contractor Rasmussen group.
This is Wilkerson’s second acquisition so far this year, following the takeover of St Joseph, Missouri based Ideal Crane in January. It says that this latest acquisition will strengthen its position, fleet and abilities across the central USA. Jensen runs All Terrains up to 800 tonnes, along with a fleet of crawler cranes up to 600 tonnes, it has also established a strong position within the wind turbine installation market.
The purchase will add experienced staff, cranes and equipment that is very similar to its own, and increase its geographic footprint, and customer base.
Wilkerson chief executive Cody Ward said: "This acquisition aligns perfectly with the Wilkerson portfolio. Jensen's presence reinforces our foothold in the upper Midwest, a critical region for both wind energy and large scale infrastructure projects. As we continue to pursue our aggressive growth goals, this strategic positioning allows us to better serve the wind sector and deliver comprehensive lifting solutions for major energy infrastructure developments throughout the region."
Cody Ward
Larry Smith, Wilkerson chief operating officer added: "Jensen Crane Services has demonstrated the same commitment to quality and customer service that defines the Wilkerson brand. We're thrilled to acquire these assets from Rasmussen Group and welcome the Jensen team into the Wilkerson family. Their team has built an outstanding reputation in the region, and I'm confident they will fit seamlessly within our culture."
Wilkerson background
The current Wilkerson Crane business was established 13 years ago and is located in Bonner Springs, Kansas – on the western edge of Kansas City, the original Wilkerson business was founded in the early 1960s or earlier as a construction company specialising in bridge building. In 1969 the company placed its crane fleet into a new rental division, in subsequent years the company went through several large owners before closing its crane operation in 2013 and putting its assets up for sale.
In 2013 Diana Holt was remodelling the Wilkerson offices and heard about the closure plans. Her husband Jeff had worked as a crane operator and then assembly director for Wilkerson since 1996. His father Fred Holt, was the general manager. Wilkerson never registered or traded as Wilkerson Crane - but was simply known as Wilkersons. Spotting an opportunity to keep the business alive, Diana was able to register a new business as Wilkerson Crane Rental, and the rest, as they say is history.
Today Wilkerson offers a wide range of cranes for rent, with or without operators, along with heavy haulage, equipment servicing, and storage services. It runs All Terrains up to 800 tonnes, lattice crawlers to 600 tonnes, boom trucks and telehandlers as well as a new Liebherr MK 140-5.1 self-erecting mobile tower crane.
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