Page 55 - GAP 50th Anniversary Book
P. 55
Celebrating 50 years of GAP /
When I joined the hire industry in 2007, it was a time
when dinosaurs walked the country. This was all before
the 2008 crash which has, over the last 10 years, continued
to influence the shape of the hire sector. Some large
and seemingly infallible once greats have disappeared. Many years ago, I attended an auction at Gordon Anderson
Throughout this time, GAP has taken every opportunity that Plant’s Linwood depot, when Gordon was selling off ALL
presented itself. the company’s ‘operated plant’. We all thought Gordon was
mad doing this but it proved to be one of the shrewdest
I first met Douglas and Iain Anderson in early 2008 and decisions he ever made. Focusing on the non-operated
was immediately taken by their enthusiasm, knowledge plant was obviously the way forward for GAP, as its
and determination. Both always seemed to be ahead of the continuing success shows.
curve, investing in new products and additional locations.
They instinctively know what ‘good’ looks like and proved I have followed GAP’s meteoric progress with great
tough competitors. I always knew if I was up against GAP in admiration over the years - making the company what it
any arena of business, things would not be easy. But over is today, is a great achievement. Douglas and Iain have
time, I have got to know Iain and Douglas on a personal level. always fully supported the SPOA and the Scottish plant
And that is where my respect is at its greatest. How nice to hire industry as a whole. Most businesslike, yet extremely
see two brothers, who are such thoroughly decent people, friendly to deal with, I have always been completely
succeed so comprehensively. I am sure the foundations they comfortable in my association with them and consider them
have laid means the best is yet to come. personal friends since before GAP days.
Tim Smith, Vice President, Brandon Tool Hire Adam Bruce, Managing Director, AB2000
/ Chapter 8 55
