Northgate Vehicle Hire, part of Redde Northgate, has acquired Blakedale, one of the UK’s largest traffic management companies.
Family-owned Blakedale’s fleet of some 334 traffic management vehicles range from 3.5 to 18 tonnes and can be hired by highway contractors on a short- or long-term basis. Vehicles are also available for self-drive hire.
Northgate Vehicle Hire hopes to grow its influence in the traffic management sector after the UK government committed to long-term investment in UK roads until 2050. The acquisition forms part of that ambition.
Martin Ward, CEO of Redde Northgate, said: “We are extremely excited that Blakedale will become part of our wider group.
“It’s a great business with both rental and specialist vehicle build capability that will provide a wider range of essential services to our blue-chip clients.
“It’s a perfect fit with our Northgate Vehicle Hire business, which already operates in the traffic= management sector.”
In 2020, Blakedale relocated to its current site at Matrix Park in Lancashire, where the company designs, builds and repairs its fleet. This includes 18-tonne impact protection vehicles, welfare vans and a range of other bespoke traffic management vehicles.
Despite the acquisition, Blakedale will continue to operate as a separate division, meaning it will retain its site and staff.
Blakedale’s current joint-MD and family shareholder Carmen Bowley will remain on board to support the transition process during the coming months.
