Equipment hire and construction service specialist United Rentals is embarking on a new phase of growth aimed at providing more value to businesses across Australia and New Zealand.
With a focus on growing its fleet, expanding its footprint, and building trust through collaborative, community-driven partnerships, United is laying the foundation for better outcomes for local businesses and its customers.
As the largest equipment rental company in the world, United works together with its customers, communities and employees to find tailored solutions with a shared commitment to service and safety.
This collaborative mindset is a major part of the company’s ‘Work United’ philosophy, which focuses on partnerships that help overcome any challenge.
“Our goal in the ANZ region is simple – to be the most trusted partner in the industry by delivering smarter solutions and building stronger communities,” says Neil Littlewood, United Rentals Regional Vice President.
“This next phase of our growth is about investing in people, innovation and infrastructure to help the industry move forward.”
Five-pillar growth strategy
United Rentals’ regional approach is built on a five-pillar strategy designed to deliver real-world value.
First, the company continues to expand its rental fleet. From earthmoving, traffic solutions, shoring, propping and fluid solutions; to bespoke containers and engineered systems, the goal is to offer unmatched availability and reliability.
Second, it is scaling its physical footprint with more branches, logistics centres and support infrastructure across both metro and regional areas. With more than 60 branches and more than 700 staff already across Australia and New Zealand, United Rentals says it is prioritising accessibility and local responsiveness.
The third pillar is a sharp focus on delivering tailored support to the construction and hire industry. Across temporary works design, fleet deployment or site facilities, United Rentals positions itself as a project partner, not just a supplier.
Fourth, the company is focused on helping local businesses deliver better project outcomes. By reducing coordination complexity, ensuring equipment readiness, and offering expert advice, it seeks to support clients in staying on schedule, within budget, and compliant with safety standards.
Finally, United Rentals wants to bring greater choice to the market. By offering a full spectrum of specialty and general hire solutions under one umbrella, it wants to simplify procurement for its clients, while also reducing reliance on multiple vendors – all without compromising on quality or service.
As part of this growth, United is reinforcing its commitment to safety and innovation. With an ISO 45001 safety and system management certification, the company manages all its operations by implementing effective controls to protect the health, safety and welfare of all workers and visitors by eliminating or minimising risks to health and safety.
The 5S process
United Rentals implements a rigorous standard across its branches known as ‘5S’.
The system – Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardise, and Self-discipline – enables United teams to maintain peak performance while operating with the highest safety and quality standards.
“By eliminating clutter, optimising workflows and adhering to strict cleanliness protocols, branches are designed to support seamless operations and superior customer service,” Littlewood says.
“The 5S process is ingrained in our culture, ensuring every branch reflects our commitment to operational excellence, productivity and creating a safe, welcoming environment for both employees and customers.”
Excellence in service
Through its acquisition of businesses such as Orange Hire, Royal Wolf and Shore Hire, United is now a leading supplier for a range of products and services. These include:
Earthmoving and traffic management (Orange Hire): With adaptability and reliability at its core, United has an average fleet age of just three years, ensuring that its customers benefit from the latest, safest and most reliable equipment on the market.
Shoring, propping, and fluid engineered solutions (Shore Hire): Using leading design and analysis engineering software, United can monitor intricate and robust structures from the ground up to ensure projects are completed effectively and safely.
Storage containers and worksite facilities (Royal Wolf): United delivers innovative and reliable containerised solutions for hire and sale, and can provide modifications to meet customer specifications.
Focus on people and purpose
United Rentals supports diversity and inclusion across its businesses. It has a number of employee resource groups across Australia and New Zealand.
These include Veterans United, Women’s United, LGBQTI+ United and Mental Wellness United. It also runs a comprehensive mental health strategy and an internal Compassion Fund. These offer benefits and support to the team and make sure United can recruit the best people.
Its social impact work is equally hands-on. Through partnerships with Variety Australia and Save the Kiwi in New Zealand, the company supports causes with meaningful outcomes – from accessible transport for children to environmental regeneration and species conservation.
Additionally, United Rentals says it is committed to helping communities and customers in protecting the environment by conducting its operations in an ecologically sustainable manner and minimising its contribution to pollution.
“United is committed to working with our customers to reduce environmental impacts, without sacrificing the quality and reliability of our services and products,” Littlewood says.
“With a highly skilled team, we thrive on delivering innovative, solution-driven outcomes and are eager to continue to build a network of trust and mutual support in this industry.”
