Wilkerson Crane Rental Expands Kansas Footprint with Gilmore Crane Acquisition

30 Second Takeaway

US crane rental company Wilkerson Crane Rental has acquired Gilmore Crane Corporation of Topeka, Kansas, marking its third acquisition of the year. The move strengthens Wilkerson’s presence in northeast Kansas, adds experienced personnel and a diverse fleet, and reinforces the company’s regional growth strategy.

Strategic Acquisition Strengthens Regional Coverage

Wilkerson Crane Rental has acquired Gilmore Crane Corporation, based in Topeka, Kansas, from owners DM Gary Holding.

The acquisition adds a third Wilkerson location in Kansas, improving coverage across the northeast of the state and reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to the region. The Gilmore operation including its facility, fleet, and experienced workforce—will be fully integrated into Wilkerson’s existing operations.

Expanded Fleet and Capabilities

The addition of Gilmore Crane Corporation significantly broadens Wilkerson’s regional capabilities. The Gilmore fleet includes:

• Carry deck cranes

• Boom trucks

• Truck-mounted cranes

• All-terrain cranes with capacities up to 200 tonnes

This expanded fleet mix strengthens Wilkerson’s ability to support industrial, manufacturing, and distribution customers across Kansas and surrounding states.

Third Acquisition in a Year of Growth

The Gilmore acquisition marks Wilkerson’s third acquisition this year, following:

• The purchase of Jensen Crane Services from the Rasmussen Group in October

• The acquisition of Ideal Crane, based in St Joseph, Missouri, from owners Chad and Kelly Duncan earlier in the year

Together, these transactions highlight an aggressive and structured expansion strategy.

Leadership Commentary on Expansion Strategy

Cody Ward, Chief Executive Officer of Wilkerson, said:

“Acquiring Gilmore Crane Corporation represents a significant milestone in our expansion strategy. Topeka is a hub for manufacturing and distribution, and this acquisition positions us to deliver faster response times and enhanced service capabilities throughout the region. We are excited to build upon Gilmore's legacy while bringing the full breadth of Wilkerson's resources to their established customer base.”

Operational Integration and Cultural Alignment

Larry Smith, Chief Operating Officer of Wilkerson, added:

“This acquisition strengthens our operational footprint across Kansas and brings proven expertise into our team. We thank DM Gary Holding for this opportunity and look forward to integrating Gilmore's skilled workforce and equipment into our operations. Their strong safety record and customer focused approach make this a natural fit, and we're confident this partnership will create significant value for clients throughout the region.”

About Wilkerson Crane Rental

Wilkerson Crane Rental is a US-based crane rental and lifting services provider with a growing multi-state footprint across the Midwest and central United States. The company delivers lifting solutions to clients operating in manufacturing, distribution, infrastructure, energy, commercial construction, and heavy industrial sectors.

Wilkerson operates a diversified and modern fleet that includes carry deck cranes, boom trucks, truck-mounted cranes, all-terrain cranes, and higher-capacity mobile cranes, enabling it to support everything from short-duration service lifts to complex, multi-day engineered projects. A core element of Wilkerson’s operating model is regional density, which allows faster response times, improved fleet utilisation, and consistent service standards across its locations.

In recent years, Wilkerson has followed a structured growth strategy that combines organic fleet investment with targeted acquisitions of established regional crane businesses. This approach allows the company to expand geographically while retaining experienced local teams, strong customer relationships, and proven safety cultures. Recent acquisitions—including Gilmore Crane Corporation, Jensen Crane Services, and Ideal Crane—reflect Wilkerson’s long-term commitment to scalable, safety-driven expansion.

Website: https://www.wilkersoncrane.com

About Gilmore Crane Corporation

Gilmore Crane Corporation, based in Topeka, Kansas, has long served the regional lifting market with a reputation built on reliability, safety, and customer-focused service. The company has supported a wide variety of lifting projects throughout Kansas and neighbouring states, particularly in industrial, manufacturing, commercial construction, and infrastructure environments.

Gilmore’s fleet includes carry deck cranes, boom trucks, truck-mounted cranes, and all-terrain cranes with capacities up to 200 tonnes, allowing it to service both confined indoor lifts and large-scale outdoor construction projects. The business has historically placed strong emphasis on experienced personnel, local market knowledge, and maintaining equipment to high operational standards.

Under the ownership of DM Gary Holding, Gilmore Crane Corporation established a solid operational foundation and a strong safety record, earning the trust of long-standing customers across the region. Its integration into Wilkerson Crane Rental ensures continuity for existing clients while providing access to expanded fleet resources, broader geographic coverage, and additional operational support.

Website: https://www.gilmorecrane.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Topeka an important location for Wilkerson?

Topeka is a regional hub for manufacturing and distribution, making it strategically important for crane and lifting services with fast response requirements.

What does this acquisition add to Wilkerson’s fleet?

The deal adds carry deck cranes, boom trucks, truck mounts, and all-terrain cranes up to 200 tonnes, expanding lifting capability and fleet diversity.

How many acquisitions has Wilkerson completed this year?

The Gilmore deal is Wilkerson’s third acquisition this year, following Jensen Crane Services and Ideal Crane.

Will Gilmore’s workforce remain with the business?

Yes. The acquisition includes Gilmore’s experienced staff, which will be integrated into Wilkerson’s operations.

What industries benefit most from this expansion?

Manufacturing, distribution, infrastructure, and construction customers across Kansas and neighbouring regions benefit from increased capacity and faster service.