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.

By the 1970s, the company reached the point where significant funding was required to facilitate further expansion, and obtained a London Stock Exchange listing in 1973. The depot network was expanded to give national coverage and new product ranges were introduced.

The company’s first overseas acquisition of Florida Hi-Lift, an aerial access platform hire and sales company was made in 1982.Renamed American Hi-Lift, the company grew to become one of the largest aerial access rental businesses in North America. After undergoing major restructuring in the late 1990s, American Hi-Lift, was sold in 1996 to facilitate further expansion within the UK market. Later that year, the company made its first tool hire acquisition; Cannon Tool Hire, a six-depot operation in Kent.

The present day Vp comprises 6 business divisions:- Groundforce, UK Forks, Airpac Bukom Oilfield Services, Hire Station, Torrent Trackside and TPA.