Robin Leslie, Brae Depot Manager
CALEY MARINA (UK Distributor of Pioner Boats) support GARRIOCK BROS and ORKNEY TOOL HIRE as their most northern agents Canal Road Inverness IV3 8NF Scotland Tel +44 (0) 1463 236539 Fax +44 (0) 1463 238323 Email: info@pionerboats.co.uk Email: info@caleymarina.com
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well over 600 items of plant and 10,000 products in stock at its shop on the Hatston Industrial Estate, near Kirkwall. The business also supplies marine equipment, including Yamaha outboards, navigation devices, and a variety of boats and small craft. “Shetland and Orkney are very similar communities,” says George. “There are several businesses that operate across both island groups, so expanding into Orkney was a relatively straightforward task for us. We were already well known to a lot of people in Orkney and our Orcadian customers were quick to recognise our commitment to the new venture. They’re every bit as discerning as folk in Shetland and appreciate good service. We’ve never looked back since.” Expanding into a neighbouring island community is one thing. Moving into the highly competitive mainland market is a much tougher proposition, but it’s a challenge Garriock Bros. Ltd rose to in 2002 when the company took over a major contract crushing operation in Midlothian. “It was a big step for us, but one we felt 100 per cent confident in taking,” reflects George. “We had many years of heavy plant experience under our belts, the right team of people in place and the determination to make it work.” And make it work they did. Garriock Bros. Ltd’s Edinburgh division, based at the Newbridge Industrial Estate and managed by regional director Michael Broe - who has an extensive knowledge of the crushing industry - is absolutely
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flourishing and firmly established as a key player in the Scottish aggregate and heavy plant hire industry. Three years after launching the Midlothian operation, Garriock Bros. Ltd became the official Scottish distributor of Metso Minerals quarrying and recycling equipment – a testament to the Shetland firm’s professionalism and commitment to customer service. The company is also recognised internationally as a supplier of high quality used Metso crushing and screening equipment worldwide, with machines being sold to satisfied clients as far afield as Africa, Malaysia and Australia. Orkney was again the focus for Garriock Bros. Ltd’s next venture - the 2004 purchase of a vehicle MOT and servicing garage in Kirkwall, now trading as Orkney Motors. Expansion of the Orkney branch has continued apace, with the firm also operating the Kirkwall based car and van hire firm, Drive Orkney. The Shetland branch of Garriock Bros. Ltd certainly hasn’t remained static amidst all this expansion and diversification away from home. Far from it. In 2007 the company bought Shetland based Nicolson Plant Ltd from administrators. The purchase, which also included haulage and transport elements and the Sullom Mine Quarry, greatly expanded Garriock Bros. Ltd’s civil engineering and plant hire capabilities in the islands. Two years later, Garriock Bros. Ltd acquired Hanson’s two quarries, block plant and ready mix plant in Shetland, further