27.04.2009

Gedling retires

Gordon Gedling, founder and managing director of Hoist-it, the Wigan, UK based construction hoist specialist, has retired as of the end of March.

Gedling, 56, founded the company from the garage of his semi-detached home on 1st April 1985, and his retirement date of 31st March 2009 completes 24 years of service with the company.

The company has grown through acquisition and generic growth to become the largest construction hoist supplier in the north of England with a fleet size of over 200 goods and passenger units ranging from 200 to 3200kgs capacity.

Following a Management Buy-in by directors Geoff Beentjes and Barry McHenry along with a move to purpose built premises in January 2005, the company has seen steady growth while its quality and professionalism has recently been acknowledged by a Values Award from Carillion for being its top performing hoist supplier over the past two years.

“Although we are in the middle of probably the worst recession in living memory, I felt it was time to hand the reins over to my younger and hungrier partners” said Gedling. “They have both been with me for over 20 years and have been more than instrumental in the success, growth and strength of the business. They both deserve the opportunity to take Hoist-it to the next level and I am sure that it is safe hands”.

Beentjes, 43, who becomes managing director added, “we have put together a dedicated and professional team who’s quality, training and experience will pay dividends through this difficult period. We are confident of consolidating our position within our specialist field and in meeting our customers growing needs and expectations”.

Gedling instigated the Construction Hoist Interest Group (CHIG) back in 1996 and has been its chairman for most of the time since, he will remain in this role while acting as a consultant to Hoist-it.

Gedling will be launching the CPA/HSE Best Practice Guide on Work at Height on Construction Hoists at Vertikal Days on June 24th.
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