A tool and equipment rental company has expanded into South Wales after pumping £1.6 million into a new base in Newport.

Alliance Tool Hire has opened a branch at Queensway Meadows Industrial Estate, marking its first foray into the South Wales construction equipment market.

The firm has taken on four experienced staff members from a competitor that recently shut down its local operations.

Martin Fanthorpe will manage the new branch, working alongside colleagues who together bring 20 years of industry expertise.

Chief Executive Beth Peters said the company sees the move into Newport as a chance to serve a booming Welsh construction sector. She said the business aims to offer a wide selection of quality products combined with top service levels, helping building firms work more productively.

She noted that many national tool hire chains have cut back their Welsh presence or exited the market entirely in recent years, creating opportunities for sustainable expansion and laying groundwork for future growth. The five-year £1.6 million investment marks the beginning of their regional strategy.

The company has already stocked modern power tools and surveying equipment, with plans to add two more team members shortly. They also operate a Lifting Division staffed by LEEA-certified engineers, supported by bespoke software for managing equipment maintenance and compliance checks.

Mr Fanthorpe, the branch manager, said he and his colleagues were delighted to join Alliance and benefit from their support and backing for this fresh operation. He said their focus would be on delivering great service and treating every customer properly. He said they looked forward to reconnecting with existing contacts and building relationships with new construction industry partners to show how they could improve efficiency.