H W Martin buys King Group

H W Martin has acquired the King Vehicle Engineering Group for an undisclosed sum.

The King Group includes King Trailers Limited, King Highway Products Limited, King Transport Equipment Limited and Safety Vehicle Hire and Lease Limited.

HW Martin was established in 1972 as a fencing contractor, and has grown to be a £100m plus turnover business. Its activities now include commercial and safety fencing , waste and recycling, traffic management and vehicle and equipment maintenance and is a parts and service dealer or DAF trucks. It is based in Alfreton, Derbyshire, but has 16 locations from Devon to Scotland.

In a statement, HW Martin said: “We have had a strong working relationship with the King group for a number of years. We are confident that this acquisition will bring benefits to both organisations and further demonstrates our commitment to reinvest profits in the Martin group to ensure continued progress and security.”

King Trailers was founded in 1962 and owner Mark Carrington joined the business as part of a management buyout in 1994 later gaining full ownership. The business subsequently diversified into a wider range of specialist vehicles across different market sectors where it holds dominant positions.

Carrington commented: “Having spent 23 years in the business I was keen to identify a UK purchaser that shared my values for the business that would take a longer-term view of moving the business to the next level. I am committed to staying with the business for the foreseeable future to ensure a smooth transition.”

The King Group will continue to operate from its base in Market Harborough as a stand-alone business within the Martin Group. King employs 125 people at its Market Harborough site and is one of the town’s largest employers.