Douglas Anderson: ‘titan’ of UK hire industry passes away

It is with enormous regret that we report the passing of Douglas Anderson, a joint managing director of GAP Group in the UK and one of the senior figures in the country’s equipment rental and plant hire industry.

GAP issued the following statement; “It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the sudden passing of Douglas Anderson.

“Douglas was a true visionary in the world of hire, and his life dedicated to the business has enabled GAP to be where it is today. This is an incredibly tough time for all our family.

“It goes without saying, along with the rest of the Board, we will continue to build on Douglas’ legacy.”

The statement was signed by Mark Anderson, a member of the family and managing director North at GAP, and Iain Anderson, Douglas’s brother and joint managing director of the business.

Douglas worked at the family firm for 48 years, succeeding his father, who formed Gordon Anderson Plant (GAP) in 1969. Under the leadership of Iain and Douglas, GAP grew to be one of the biggest rental companies in the UK, with around 200 locations and 10 specialist divisions.

As well as knowing everything it was possible to know about the hire business, Douglas was unfailingly polite and friendly, with a sense of humour that was always there, if understated.

Steve Mulholland, CEO of the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA), and Brian Jones, CPA president, said; “We were deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Douglas Anderson, joint managing director of GAP Group, yesterday at the age of 70.

Douglas was a titan of industry – not only within the plant hire sector, but in business more broadly. Alongside his younger brother, Iain, he helped guide GAP into the formidable organisation it is today, building on the strong foundations laid by their father, Gordon Anderson.

‘Immensely astute, passionate’

“Douglas was immensely astute, passionate, and good-humoured, and a true friend to all of us at the CPA.

“An industry legend and a gentleman in every sense, his leadership and character have left a lasting impact on colleagues across GAP, the wider industry, and the business community as a whole.

“Our thoughts are with Douglas’s family, friends, and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time. He will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace.”

Paul Gaze, CEO of Hire Association Europe (HAE), said; “From all of the staff and members of the Association, we pass on our deepest condolences to the Anderson Family, GAP Group colleagues, and friends.

“GAP Group is one of the major UK hire businesses and Douglas will be well remembered as a passionate champion of the hire and rental sector.

“Douglas had a great way with people, and every meeting with him was an opportunity to learn from a master of the industry. Rest in Peace, Douglas.”