Anthony Bamford and Morris Leslie
Perth-based Morris Leslie Plant Hire has kicked off its 50th anniversary celebrations with a £68m investment in a fleet of new JCB machines.
The deal comes less than a year after Morris Leslie Plant Hire ordered £87.5m worth of JCB machines. The entire new fleet will be delivered throughout 2024 as an expression of confidence in the construction and homebuilding market.
The substantial order, which will be supplied by distributor Scot JCB, includes Loadall telescopic handlers, X-series excavators, mini diggers, compaction rollers and construction dumpers. Significantly, the deal also includes 50 JCB backhoes, one for each year that Morris Leslie Plant Hire has been in business and a product on which the company’s success was built.
President of JCB Anthony Bamford handed over the keys to one of the backhoes to the founder Morris Leslie – a special Platinum Edition machine produced to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the JCB backhoe.
Mr. Leslie said: “Over the years we have purchased more than 7,000 JCB machines, so our success over the past half century is closely intertwined with JCB’s and we look forward to building on our partnership in the years to come.”
JCB Scottish Commercial Director David Park added: “This significant order of new JCB machines in the company’s 50th anniversary year underlines Morris Leslie’s commitment and confidence in the construction industry.”
Lord Bamford said: “We are very proud of our long association with Morris Leslie Plant Hire. Like many of our clients, the company has grown from very small beginnings to become a force to be reckoned with in the plant rental sector.
“From one family business to another, we wish Morris Leslie Plant Hire a very happy 50th anniversary.”
