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About the Andrews Sykes Group

As the UK's largest specialist hire company, we provide the best pumping, heating and cooling solution for virtually every need, location and application 24 hours a day, 356 days of the year. Our aim is to help our customers to address the real-life challenges they face-whether planned or emergency-in the fastest, most expert, professional and cost effective ways. We offer the safest, most reliable equipment sourced from the world's top manufacturers.

Andrews Sykes Hire features the two premier brands of the UK hire industry: Sykes Pumps and Andrews family of climate control brand, which are: Andrews Air Conditioning, Andrews Heat for Hire, Andrews Dehumidification, Andrews Chillers, Andrews Boilers and Andrews Ventilation.

The Andrews brand has more than 40 years’ experience dealing with hire, sale, installation and maintenance of all types of comfort cooling, air conditioning, heating, temperature control, ventilation and dehumidification systems, making us the UK's biggest and most reliable specialist hire company.

Sykes Pumps has more than 150 years’ experience in delivering advanced pumping and ground water solutions. No other company has more expertise and heritage in pumping, de-watering and specialist fluid moving than Sykes pumps. Starting on the banks of the Thames way back in 1857, our long history has seen us supporting key projects across the UK, both planned and emergency. A lot has changed over the years but our commitment to delivering the finest equipment and exceptional service hasn't.

Today, Andrews Sykes has depots strategically placed to offer a local service across the world. We have over 300 dedicated employees trained and ready to help you. The dedication of our people and the values of our company give our customers the trust and faith to use our service time and time again.

You can find a list of our locations across the UK and Worldwide.

Group

Heritage

Our Values

Our People

Our Management

Sykes Pumps

Sykes Pumps has strived to deliver the finest equipment with exceptional service to all industrial, commercial customers as well as clients in the public sector and utility field. From our humble beginnings in 1857, we have grown to become a worldwide business. Having been around for over 150 years, Sykes Pumps today is the UK’s ultimate supplier of strategic pumping services. We have more expertise in pumping, de-watering and fluid moving than any other company. From one-off hire to complex schemes, we have been delivering equipment and bespoke pumping solutions for our customers whether it is an emergency or planned works.

Andrews Air Conditioning Services

As a subsidiary of the Andrews Sykes Group, Andrews Air Conditioning & Refrigeration is the UK’s largest specialist provider of permanent temperature control and air treatment. Working with a wide range of customers in private, public and non-profit sectors, our objective is to ensure our customers’ air conditioning operates reliably and efficiently, minimising their overall costs and carbon footprint.
Our customers rely on Andrews Air Conditioning & Refrigeration to design, install and maintain the perfect air conditioning system for their business. Our specialist knowledge and experience in air conditioning services allows us to understand our customer’s needs, and ensures Andrews Air Conditioning Services provides them with the very latest in cost effective and environmentally friendly air conditioning systems.

Andrews Air Conditioning Hire

Andrews Air Conditioning Hire is the UK’s no. 1 supplier of portable cooling services. We have been keeping customers cool and in comfort for over 40 years maintaining an unrivalled experience in creating bespoke solutions. Local authorities, retail and leisure groups, healthcare establishments and IT companies are amongst those who have us to take care of their needs. Andrews Air Conditioning Hire takes pride in providing the best air condiontioning units and cooling solutions, at the right price, whenever you need it.

Andrews Heat for Hire

Andrews Heat for Hire is the UK’s foremost provider of heating solutions and has an unrivalled experience in creating effective solutions of any scale and scope. For over 40 years, we have been providing heating solutions. Construction companies, retail and leisure groups, healthcare establishments, warehouses, facilities management and event companies are just some of the clients that have chosen Andrews Heat for Hire to take care of their needs. From a single unit to warm a small office to a complex installation on a multi-storey construction development, you can trust Andrews Heat for Hire to develop the right solution. Our goal is to provide our clients with a safe, fast, professional and expert solution to the heating challenges they face.

Andrews Chiller Hire

Andrews Chiller Hire supplies superior solutions to cover every possible situation. For consultants, engineers and support staff we provide a first class service for all our customers. Local authorities, retail and leisure groups, healthcare establishments, IT companies and FM companies are just some of those that have chosen us to take care of their needs. As industry leaders, we work with our clients to deliver the optimum chilling solution, whether they require small standalone packages or installed systems in a fast cost effective and professional way.

Andrews Boiler Hire

Andrews Boiler Hire is the UK’s number one supplier of boiler hire services. We provide bespoke solutions to cover every possible situation in the provision of hot water and heating. The products in which we provide include: mobile boilers, packaged boilers, air handlers, system pumps, ancilliaries, pipework and other accessories. We have extensive experience in both the commercial and public sectors and we will deliver the solution you require whatever your application.

Andrews Dehumidification

Andrews Dehumidification Hire is the UK’s leader in drying and humidity solutions. The specific industry knowledge and expertise of our engineers and support staff means that we can handle any situation that requires dehumidification, irrespective of scale. We supply both refrigerant and dessicant drying equipment, thereby covering every possible situation. We work closely with you to keep your buildings environmental profile healthy, either by energy cost savings through our use of equipment, or by noise reduction and pollution minimisation.

Andrews Ventilation Hire

We are the UK leader in portable cooling, extraction and ventilation fans for hire. We have a range of excellent fans that will create a comfortable and pleasant working environment for all our customers. Our environmentally friendly, energy efficient fans provide comfort cooling in larger open spaces and also removes dangerous odours from the workspace like paint vapours, dust, welding fumes and carbon monoxide. We also provide specialist extraction and ventilation for confined spaces. We deliver fresher airflows quickly and cost-effectively at a price competitive rate. Our cooling, extraction and ventilation fans mean you have fresh air circulating as and when you need it.

Climate Contingency Services

So many businesses experience problems because they do not have a contingency plan in place. From broken pumping systems to damaged heaters, a business can come to a stop without the right equipment installed. Andrews Sykes offer first class reliable equipment suited to our customer’s needs. Be sure you are prepared for whatever may come your way. We can help you decide which contingency plan works for you by offering you a guaranteed response time and a peace of mind should an emergency strike at any time.

Operations Worldwide:

Europe

Netherlands:

Andrews Sykes BV was registered in 1971 and has grown to provide comprehensive regional cover of the Netherlands through four strategically placed depots. Today, as part of the largest specialist hire company in Europe, Andrews Sykes BV provide a full range of portable climate control hire equipment whether it is for construction industry, retail, banks, server- and telecomrooms, events or larger Facilities Management companies. Our expertise extends into industrial processes – offering temporary chiller hire or boiler hire solutions to bypass fixed installations or to provide additional temperature control or drying for short term peaks in demand. Due to our large fleet size of high quality climate control hire equipment and long term experience, Andrews Sykes BV has provided thousands of customers with efficient and affordable solutions across the most diverse range of industry sectors.

Belgium and Luxembourg:

With more than 40 years’ experience in the Benelux region, Andrews Sykes BVBA, based in Brussels, offers the complete range of Andrews Sykes climate control services to the Belgian and Luxembourg market. Based from this central location, our dedicated local expertise is provided to Belgian and Luxembourg customers for the hire of air conditioning, heating, chillers, boilers and ventilation. Andrews Sykes BVBA also supply a broad range of complementary portable climate control equipment. They hold central stocks of hire equipment to ensure we can match a broad range of cooling, heating, ventilation and dehumidification solutions for both comfort temperature control and a wide range of industrial processes.

Switzerland:

Andrews Sykes offers portable climate control equipment hire solutions in the Romande part of Switzerland under our subsidiary Climat Location SA. No matter what the demand, whether it is for urgent hire for extreme temperature control to replace existing equipment due to break down or maintenance, we have a team of experts ready to respond, select, and deliver the ideal hire equipment for either short or long term hire tailored to our customers budget.

Italy:

Nolo Climat Srl, part of the Andrews Sykes Group, opened for business on the 1st June 2011. Based in Milan, Nolo Climat specialises in climate control equipment from portable air conditioning to Chiller hire and Boiler hire throughout Italy. The Group chose Italy as the next base in its strategic expansion because it has enjoyed strong manufacturing links with the country for over a decade. From its new depot in Milan, the company will offer its full range of heating, ventilation, chilling and cooling equipment. Milan was selected because it is 20km from the centre of Milan and three main motorway arteries give the company good accessibility for distribution to northern Italy.

Ireland:

For over 12 years, Aska Sykes Ltd has provided pumping, heating and cooling solutions to over 3000 customers in Ireland. They provide nationwide coverage from depots located in Dublin, Carlow, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Lisburn offering a local service to a majority of Ireland.

Like, Andrews Sykes UK, they hire and sell the world’s leading makes of pumps, boilers, heaters, chillers and portable air conditioners as well as supplying stock accessories for all equipment. Aska Sykes Ltd believe in continual reinvestment to ensure that their customers are guaranteed the most reliable pumps and HVAC machines in Ireland.

UAE (& Middle East):

Khansaheb-Sykes Ltd are leaders in dewatering solutions. No other provider in UAE, Middle East and MENA regions has as much local pump hire expertise in deep well dewatering, groundwater control and specialist pump hire solutions. Both pump hire and pump sales are available including diesel centrifugal pumps and bore hole deep well pumps. There is also a wide range of pump accessories for all pump applications.

Khansaheb-Sykes are also key providers in air conditioning hire, chiller hire and packaged boiler hire within Middle East - providing temporary cooling and temporary heating solutions for comfort temperature control and to support essential industrial processes. This is particularly important for emergency cover during breakdowns or maintenance of existing fixed systems. With temperatures averaging 40 degrees C and peaking above 50 degrees C, portable air conditioning hire and portable chiller hire solutions are available to enhance cooling systems. As a subsidiary of Andrews Air Conditioning, Khansaheb Sykes calls upon over 40 years of cooling expertise to always deliver the right and most cost effective air conditioning hire, chiller hire and boiler hire solution.

Khansaheb-Sykes Limited was originally set up in 1975 in the United Arab Emirates, following involvement with Costain International on the Shindegah Tunnel Crossing of the Dubai Creek. As a joint venture with Khansaheb Civil Engineering L.L.C., Khansaheb-Sykes was created as a specialised dewatering contractor and pumping equipment supplier for building, construction and petrochemical operations together with water companies and local municipalities. Since then, we have been involved in all major infrastructure projects such as the prestigious Jebel Ali Port and Dubai Dry Docks.

With over 100 dedicated employees operating from branches in Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi Khansaheb-Sykes provides a comprehensive emergency and service back-up, for both pump and climate control equipment hire and sales. Our local spare parts holding, high quality workshop facilities, mobile service engineers ensures that any customer breakdowns are dealt with quickly and professionally. Emergency ‘out of hours’ call-out services are also available.

Oman:

In the Sultanate of Oman Sykes Pumps are supplied through Al Ansari Trading Enterprise LLC and together, we offer unrivalled expertise in well pointing, deep well dewatering and all general ground water control and pumping needs. Whether it is for pump sales, pump hire, or dewatering pumps solutions, we offer a local contact point that has the complete Sykes Pumps international resource at their disposal.

Kuwait:

In Kuwait Sykes Pumps are supplied through Ali Alghanim & Son General Trading w.l.l. and together, we offer unrivalled expertise in well pointing, deep well dewatering and all general ground water control and pumping needs. Whether it is for pump sales, pump hire, or dewatering pumps solutions, we offer a local contact point that has the complete Sykes Pumps international resource at their disposal.

Bahrain:

In the Sultanate of Bahrain Sykes Pumps are supplied exclusively through YK Almoayyed & Sons (HEAVY EQUIPMENT) and together, we offer unrivalled expertise in well pointing, deep well dewatering and all general ground water control and pumping needs. Whether it is for pump sales, pump hire, or dewatering pumps solutions, we offer a local contact point that has the complete Sykes Pumps international resource at their disposal.

Qatar:

In Qatar, Sykes Pumps are supplied through Al Jabor Trading and together, we offer unrivalled expertise in well pointing, deep well dewatering and all general ground water control and pumping needs. Whether it is for pump sales, pump hire, or dewatering pumps solutions, we offer a local contact point that has the complete Sykes Pumps international resource at their disposal.

United States:

Ameripumps LLC assembles and distributes Sykes Pumps for the North American markets.

Since 2001, Ameripumps has grown its presence to provide a comprehensive and localised product range (for both sales and hire) to meet the rigorous demands of the American market. With pumps ranging from 4 inches to 16 inches and powered by CAT engines. Taking into consideration durability, ease of use, portability, versatility, and environmental concerns, AmeriPumps has created a product that is quickly becoming the local industry standard.

Heritage

Journey through our enriching past and discover the interesting facts that have helped shape and define our company today. Our principles and values and quality of service were born from humble beginnings, more than 150 years ago, and made us into one of the most innovative and successful specialist hire companies in the UK today.

1857-Henry Sykes Ltd Founded

35 year old Henry Sykes came to London from Sheffield and established a small engineering business in Upper Thames Street. From his workshop, Henry Sykes was embarking on a journey that would see his company working on many of the Thames’ most high profile pumping schemes of the late 19th century.

plant working on barge for wharf on river thames
Upper Thames 1860

1868

The business transferred to the more prestigious location of 66 Bankside, Southwark, and began construction of the deep well pumps with which Sykes’ name was to become closely associated. Here he produced Portable Vertical Steam Engines, Portable Engines and Boilers, Friction Hoists and Pumps.

Pile driving Winche

1879-Death of Henry Sykes

Founder Henry Sykes dies and his wife, Margaret Sykes, takes over the business.

Henry Sykes Born 1822 - Died 1879=

1885 Henry Sykes Ltd. enters in to a Partnership with Edmund Jackson

Henry Sykes Jnr, first son of Henry Sykes, takes control of the firm and introduces cousin Edmund Jackson into the business. For the next 40 years, Jackson contributed heavily to the business. Having a flair for mechanical design, Jackson would go on to design highly successful machines such as Pile-driving Winches, Contractors pumps, and the Tripulse - a three throw bucket pump.

Edmund Jackson 1887 - 1939

1897

The business continued to prosper and expand and in 1897 it was turned into a Private Limited Liability Company, the directors being Mrs. Margaret Sykes, Henry Sykes and Edmund Jackson with the shareholders all in the family.

1899

A premises, with river frontage and wharf, were required for the making of new substantial works into the business. The 66 Bankside premises became the headquarters from which all the business was conducted.

1914- First World War

As well as many of their workmen enlisting into the army, Henry Sykes Ltd also created machinery that would see England win against their enemies in the war. They designed and built special rolling-friction winches which were used for a large number of ‘Kite Balloons’ used in the war. This portable winding gear ensured we could observe the enemies position of artillery and troop formations.

Pile driving Winche

1928

Henry Sykes Ltd bought 51 acres of land on the Greenwich marshes adjoining the Woolwich road at Charlton. Extensions and additions have been made from time to time to meet with the expanding business over the years.

1930

Sykes plant helps to build foundation of the site of Ford’s great motor works on the marshes in Dagenham, Essex. Sykes’ drove tens of thousands of reinforced concrete piles on which the whole of this world-famous factory was built.

1939 Second World War

Edmund Jackson remains in the business until his death at age 82. The machines he invented were not only uniformly successful but also pleasing to the eye, some of the first machines in the industry to be so. At the outbreak of the second world war, the company provided a large number of winches for the erection of steel masts at points on the East and South coasts. Unknown to Henry Sykes at the time, they were to become the Radar installations that contributed heavily to our country's survival.

After the second world war, a considerable number of pumps were exported to many parts of the world particularly to Australia, West Africa and Persia.

Pile driving Winche

1944

Sykes Pumps plays a crucial part in Operation Overload and D-Day. When the MOD pumps failed to raise the sunken caissons, Sykes’ Pumps were quickly collected and used. Without the pumps, the Mulberry Harbours would not have floated. The Mulberry Harbours was one of the greatest engineering accomplishments of the second world war.

Sykes Pumps
Mulberry Harbour June 1944

1957-Our Centenary year

Henry Sykes reconstructs a new modern design facility in the Southwark offices.

The company also introduced their latest major development, the ‘Univac’ pump. This pump was evolved by adapting the priming arrangements used in the De-watering pump to Unchokeable pumps. This pump achieved great success and many pumping problems previously considered as verging on the impossible are now satisfactorily dealt with.

1961

Sykes Pumps revolutionises pumping by introducing a fleet of self priming pumps called Univac. These pumps work as portable driven diesel pumps and overcome the toughest and most technically difficult applications in any industry.

Sykes Univac Pump 1961

1964- Andrews Industrial Equipment

Founder of Andrews Industrial Equipment, John Andrews established the idea for his business while on a business trip to the USA. Here, he discovered a company who manufactured steam cleaners and portable heaters who were seeking distributors in Europe. Seeing a business opportunity, John decides to purchase a small number of steam cleaners and portable heaters and import them to the UK to sell, the first steps to forming Andrews Industrial Equipment.

After being asked by a business associate to borrow one of the heaters, John decided to hire the heater out instead. From this came the idea to hire out as well as sell the equipment he had. This was a success and as demand for hire increased, John registered the name Andrews Heat for Hire. Within 5 years Andrews Industrial Equipment had grown dramatically, with depots in Wolverhampton, London, Glasgow, Nottingham.

1969

Until now, Andrews Industrial Equipment had been predominantly a winter business, John needed products to keep his ever expanding work force and depots busy during the summer months. While visiting a trade exhibition, John came across a small Italian company who manufactured portable air conditioning units. John immediately recognised the potential of hiring portable air conditioning units, setting up Andrews Air Conditioning for Hire as part of Andrews Industrial Equipment group.

1970

The early 70’s also saw a rapid growth for air conditioning as office space expanded and computer rooms increased, this prompted John to create an installed Air Conditioning division.

1971

Andrews Sykes BV opens in Holland. Located between Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht, the three largest cities in Holland, Andrews Sykes BV focuses on climate rental control. Today Andrews Sykes BV is the market leader with high standards of service in Holland.

1972

Sykes Pumps introduces Submersible pumps into the business. Being one of the only companies to bring submersible pumps into the pumping industry, they proved to be a hit. Ideal for dewatering at all kind of sites, the Submersible pump changed the way pumping worked forever. Growing from strength to strength, Submersible pumps now have their own division within the business called ‘Sykes Submersibles’.

Sykes Pumps
Pumpex Magazine Published 1972

1974

As the company continued to grow, John Andrews opened an additional 25 depots, strategically located to give local service to the majority of the UK. During this year, John Andrews promotes his company through rally car racing. This proved to be a success for the company and the partnership between Andrews and the rally car he sponsored continued for 17 years, resulting in the longest single deal sponsorship in UK motor sport. The distinctive Andrews liveried cars getting extensive coverage on TV and in the media putting Andrews Heat for Hire and Andrews Air Conditioning for Hire in the spotlight. Even to this day customers still remember the Andrews rally cars.

'Andrews rally car' 1974

1976

Sykes Pumps takes business to Middle East for the first time merging with Khansaheb Civil Engineering L.L.C to become Khansaheb Sykes. A depot is opened in the United Arab Emirates in Sharjah. The lower ground water table of the country proves ideal for Sykes Pumps as they have the best experts in the country specialising in dewatering solutions.

In the same year, Oasis Sykes opened in Saudi Arabia and Dubai. Specialising in dewatering, Oasis Sykes is today known as Sykes Dewatering whilst the depot in Dubai is known as Khansaheb Sykes Dewatering.

Sykes Pumps in the Middle East

1978

Sykes Pumps flourishes in the Emirates and another depot is opened in Abu Dhabi. This depot is dedicated to dewatering contracts in the city.

1987

John Andrews decides to retire from the business. Andrews Industrial Equipment is acquired by the Braithwaite Group. John Andrews remains in the business for 2 years to assist new CEO Andrew Fitton and new MD Peter Webber.

1989

Braithwaite Group acquires Sykes Pumps and merges the two companies, forming what we are known as today: Andrews Sykes Hire Ltd.

1997

Construction to build one of the largest domes in the world commences this year. Due to be located on the Greenwich Peninsular, this dome was named ‘the Millennium Dome’ but is more widely known today as ‘the Dome’. Problems during construction arose as the land was contaminated by toxic sludge from the East Greenwich Gas Works that operated from 1889 to 1985. Our experts at Sykes Pumps worked at the Millennium Dome construction site for three years using submersible pumps to decontaminate the area.

Millennium Dome 2000

2000

Andrews Sykes introduces Chillers and air handling equipment . The Chiller division has grown rapidly into a highly successful division offering wide and varied solutions to customer requirements.

2001

A depot is opened in Amsterdam. This depot mainly supports quick deliveries of emergency coolers in an area with a high density of IT and telecom businesses.

2003

Being pioneers in the pumping industry, Sykes Pumps introduces a revolutionary range of pumps called the super silenced pumps. Technically excellent, these pumps are powerful and have been developed with a clear focus on environmental issues such as sound reduction, the eradication of fuel spillage and fuel economy.

Super Silenced Pump

2005

Andrews Sykes introduce packaged Boilers. Andrews Boilers are designed to be as versatile as possible to cope with many varied applications, emergency break down of customers own boilers, under floor heating system screed drying, domestic hot water requirements and many more.

2007

Sykes pumps celebrate 150 years in the business. No other company has more expertise and heritage in pumping, de-watering and specialist fluid moving than Sykes.

At the same time, we open depots in the South of Holland and the first Belgian depot opened. The Holland depot focuses on supplying a full range of climate equipment including chillers and boilers.

2008

Andrews Sykes celebrates the opening of the first Belgium branch. Located in Brussels, this branch offers the complete range of Andrews Sykes climate control services to the Belgian market.

2011

Another depot has been opened in the North of Holland. With full coverage of the country a 4 hour response is now guaranteed.

Andrews Sykes also celebratee the launch of the new depot in Milan, Italy. This depot will focus on Air Conditioning, heating, ventilation, boilers, chillers, and dehumidification hire equipment.

2012

For over 84 years, the company have occupied offices in the Charlton area of London and have since seen the company grow and expand to become the UK’s biggest and most reliable hire company. In order to keep pace with the continuing growth of the business, the company have made the decision to relocate to larger more efficient and modern premises 400m away at Peninsular Park. The company look forward to the future with great confidence.
Sykes Pumps

Charlton Depot 2012

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