Genquip Groundhog


proud to be a British manufacturer, to have a full range of welfare products, both mobile and static


‘‘


train our customers and yard staff how to service and maintain their equipment, and do pre-hire and post-hire checks, then the longevity of the units will obviously increase.”


’’ The Groundhog yard is always a hive of activity.


The Groundhog ‘estate’ reaches beyond the existing building and yards, although a new unit is currently taking shape to the front of the factory. What’s this going to be?


“It’s going to be a two-storey building, with state-of-the-art offices, EV charging outside, solar-attenuating glass windows throughout


and a wildflower ‘green’ roof. We’re going to be able to triple our office space,” says Ryan. “A big part of this is incorporating our training facilities. We’ll have a dedicated training room with a two-post ramp to put a Groundhog on, so the entire course can take place in the new building, which will also double as a showroom. It’s a significant project for us.”


Peter, now that you have had to step up, I was wondering how your job and the company structure might have changed?


, which will be completed in April 2024.


“Genquip and Groundhog have been partners for many years, so the stability has always been there. Obviously, we lost Dennis, which we’re still getting over, but he was with us for 45 years. He and Paul had a very close partnership, so we're battling through it. Otherwise, we’ve appointed my son Harry as our new salesperson - he’s settling in well and is already winning new business - Leanne, who was our customer support administrator, is taking a finance manager role and we’ve just taken on new admin in the office. I’ve always said that people reveal their true colours in adversity.


“It’s a bit strange for me, as whenever anyone says Genquip my name comes up. However, Ryan and Operations Manager Lllyr Hopkin are getting out to more shows, Harry is knocking on customers’ doors and making connections and we’re a much bigger organisation than we might appear to be. What I’m most looking forward to is working with Ryan, delivering the carbon plan and moving the business forward.”


I’ve no doubt that we will see a lot more of Harry going forward. As his dad, and previously occupying his role, I wondered what advice you might have imparted?


nent of Groundhog's state of the art manufacturing facility.


“The only advice I give to any salesperson is that you’ve got two ears and one mouth – you do a lot more listening and talking with customers. To be a good salesperson you’ve got to tell the truth and have integrity, and this is what I’ve impressed on Harry.”


Lastly, what does it mean to you to be a British manufacturer? The last word goes to Groundhog CEO Paul Ratcliffe.


We are extremely


New cabins receive a final fit out.


“We are extremely proud to be a British manufacturer, to have a full range of welfare products, both mobile and static, designed and built within our own facility since the birth of Groundhog back in 1987. With steel sheets going on one end, these being processed utilising the very latest machinery, assembled, painted and completely fitted out internally to our clients’ individual specifications, with the completed unit popping out the other end, all on one site. A brand which is recognised throughout the industry for its quality and after sales service, built by a team, many of whom have served 10, 20, or 30 years plus, which enables us to have the expertise to ensure the build quality as well as after sales and technical support is maintained.” n


HIGH ON THE HOG The lockdown order book has been cleared, lead times have shrunk and Groundhog is very much open for business. Find out more at https://www.groundhog.co.uk.


July/August 2023 - Executive Hire News 25


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