Uperio UK Appoints Adrian Hawkins as Managing Director
30-Second Takeaway
Uperio UK has appointed Adrian Hawkins as managing director, with responsibility for its operations trading as Skyline in England and Highsparks in Scotland. Based in Rainham, east London, he will oversee the company’s locations there and in Douglas, Scotland. Hawkins joins from Wolffkran UK, where he served as sales director after earlier roles with Hewden and Marubeni-Komatsu. His appointment brings experience in equipment rental, commercial development and project delivery to the leadership of Uperio’s UK tower crane business.
Uperio UK
International tower crane rental group Uperio has named Adrian Hawkins as managing director of its UK business. He will lead all UK operations, covering Skyline in England and Highsparks in Scotland.
Hawkins will be based at Rainham and will have responsibility for both the Rainham and Douglas locations. He joins from Wolffkran UK, where he became sales director in 2022.
Career in Equipment Rental and Crane Sales
Hawkins began his crane industry career in 2002 with Hewden, the crane, general equipment and aerial lift rental company. He progressed through sales positions before becoming head of strategic projects.
Following Hewden’s closure in 2016, he joined Marubeni-Komatsu as general manager of sales development. He subsequently moved to Wolffkran UK in mid-2022, bringing his equipment rental and commercial experience into the tower crane sector.
Leadership of Skyline and Highsparks
The appointment places Hawkins in charge of two established UK businesses within the Uperio group. Skyline serves the company’s English operations, while Highsparks operates in Scotland.
Uperio identified commercial performance, operational improvement, project execution and organisational development among the experience Hawkins brings to the role. The company also highlighted his approach to customers, health and safety, and team development.
In its announcement, Uperio said:
“Throughout his career Adrian has built a strong track record in commercial performance, operational improvement, project execution and organisational development. He is known for his customer-centric approach and unwavering commitment to health & safety, while consistently delivering sustainable growth, developing high performing teams and supporting long term business transformation along the way.”
Group Leadership on the Appointment
Group chief executive Rémy Breton said Hawkins’ industry background and leadership approach would support Uperio’s plans for the UK business.
Breton said:
“Adrian combines deep industry expertise with an authentic leadership style focused on people, customers and operational excellence. His experience and vision make him the right leader to support our ambitions in the United Kingdom and continue building a strong, customer-focused organisation.”
Hawkins on Joining Uperio
Hawkins identified safety, customer satisfaction and teamwork as factors in his decision to join the group.
He said:
“I am excited to join Uperio at such an important stage in its development. What attracted me to the group is not only its expertise and reputation in the tower crane industry, but also its strong focus on safety, customer satisfaction and teamwork. I look forward to working alongside our employees and customers to continue building on this solid foundation.”
About Uperio
Uperio is an international tower crane rental, sales and services group formed in 2019 through the merger of Belgian crane specialist Arcomet and French rental company Matebat. TowerBrook Capital Partners acquired the group in 2021.
Alongside its rental and distribution activities, Uperio manufactures Arcomet self-erecting tower cranes and the Opti crane range for applications including smaller contracting, roofing and carpentry projects. Its customer base spans local contractors and international construction groups.
Uperio’s published company profile lists more than 2,200 tower cranes, over 600 employees and 25 depots across nine countries. Its cranes support projects ranging from residential and commercial construction to restoration work and wind turbine installation.
The UK business developed through several mergers and acquisitions. Arcomet UK and Skyline merged in 2016, while Uperio acquired Highsparks in Scotland in 2020. Today, its UK operations trade as Skyline and Highsparks, with locations in Rainham and Douglas.
Official website: www.uperio-group.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new managing director of Uperio UK?
Adrian Hawkins has been appointed managing director of Uperio UK.
Which businesses will Hawkins oversee?
He will oversee all UK operations, including Skyline in England and Highsparks in Scotland.
Where will Hawkins be based?
He will be based in Rainham, east London, with responsibility for the company’s Rainham and Douglas locations.
Where did Hawkins work previously?
He joins from Wolffkran UK, where he was sales director. His earlier career includes roles with Hewden and Marubeni-Komatsu.
What does Uperio do?
Uperio provides tower crane rental, sales and related services. It also manufactures Arcomet self-erecting cranes and the Opti crane range.
