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Explore Transport Limited, a 50:50 joint venture between Laing O鈥橰ourke鈥檚 Select Plant Hire and WS Transport, is being carved into two.

Select Plant Hire is acquiring Explore Transport鈥檚 civil plant and tool business, while WS Transport is taking sole control of Explore鈥檚 transport and rail plant operations.

WS Transport is owned by William Stobart and his son Edward Stobart.

Explore Transport was set up in 2015 to take over Laing O鈥橰ourke鈥檚 Worksop-headquartered transport operations. The relationship expanded in 2017 with the creation of Explore Plant, to which Select sold its construction plant operations to focus on cranes. More than 500 mobile mechanical machines, including more than 200 excavators, were transferred to Explore along with several thousand tools, and a substantial inventory of formwork, lighting towers, bowsers and other equipment.

The two parties said that breaking up the joint venture would enable each to focus on its own core strengths.

The relationship will continue, however, with Explore Transport remaining the exclusive transport and haulage provider for both Select Plant Hire and Laing O鈥橰ourke.

Select Plant Hire business unit leader Mark Herlihy said: 鈥淪elect Plant Hire is delighted to be bringing this business back, and further enhancing Select鈥檚 plant capability, whilst continuing to work in an exclusive logistics partnership with Explore Transport.鈥�

WS Transport managing director David Cox said: 鈥淲e are delighted to confirm that Explore Transport will be continuing the strategic partnership with Laing O鈥橰ourke and Select. Throughout the last 10 years we have seen the business develop into three very distinct streams and this transaction will enable both businesses to continue to develop and benefit from the individual strengths of our organisations.鈥�

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