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'We plan to take the first hydrogen 3CX,' family plant hirer says after signing £22 million order with Staffordshire's JCB

Staffordshire's JCB has won a £22 million order thanks to a family-owned plant hire firm's investment in a massive fleet of 220 new machines.

By Beverly Rademacher
Published

Family-owned Flannery Plant Hire, based in Wembley, has snapped up a new fleet of JCB machines including JCB Loadall telescopic handlers, X Series tracked excavators, site dumpers, mini excavators and 3CX backhoe loaders. 

Supplied by dealer Greenshields JCB, the fleet will be delivered throughout 2025 to work on major national infrastructure projects.

JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford and Pat Flannery Snr pictured by Flannery Plant Hire’s original 1972 JCB 3C backhoe loader, which helped establish the business
JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford and Pat Flannery Snr pictured by Flannery Plant Hire’s original 1972 JCB 3C backhoe loader, which helped establish the business

The investment marks the latest major deal between the two family businesses, a relationship that began in 1972 when Pat Flannery founded Flannery Plant Hire with a JCB 3C backhoe loader. 

Now run by sons Martin, Patrick Jr and Paul, the company operates 13 depots across the UK and Ireland, employs 2,200 operators supporting customers nationwide and has more than 6,500 machines in its fleet.

Patrick Flannery, managing director at Flannery Plant Hire, said: “Our customers continue to be delighted with the JCB range and we will continue to invest in the finest quality, innovative equipment available. We are particularly interested in JCB’s development of hydrogen powered machines and we plan to take the first hydrogen 3CX from JCB."

L-R: Flannery Plant Hire MD Patrick Flannery, George Bamford, Mary Flannery, JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford, Pat Flannery Snr, Paul Flannery, Thomas Flannery and Martin Flannery
L-R: Flannery Plant Hire MD Patrick Flannery, George Bamford, Mary Flannery, JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford, Pat Flannery Snr, Paul Flannery, Thomas Flannery and Martin Flannery

Steve Fox, global major accounts managing director at JCB based in Rocester, Staffordshire, said: “We are proud of our longstanding business partnership with Flannery Plant Hire, especially as Pat Sr started the business with just a 3C backhoe. The Flannery family should be very proud of their successful and forward-thinking business.”

Greenshields JCB managing director James Richardson added: “As a dealer, we have been working with Flannery Plant Hire for over three decades, which results in a deep understanding of their customers’ needs and the aftersales support required to keep their machines running smoothly.”