Vp’s history goes back 50 years to the original plant hire company founded in Harrogate in 1954 by Fred Pilkington, grandfather of the present Chairman. The company, then known as Vibratory Roller and Plant Hire (Northern) Limited, grew to offer a broad range of non-operator equipment.

The company obtained a London Stock Exchange listing in 1973.

The company’s first overseas acquisition of Florida Hi-Lift, an aerial access platform hire and sales company was made. In 1982 Vibroplant entered the USA with American Hi-Lift, which grew to become one of the largest aerial access rental businesses in North America. American Hi-Lift, was sold in 1996 to facilitate further expansion within the UK market.

In 2000 the decision was taken to exit the UK general plant hire market and to develop Vp into specialist rental markets which offered the opportunity for consistent growth and in which the group could become major players. The Vibroplant name was changed to Vp at this time to reflect the major change of direction for the business.