From left: Bob Criste, Stephenson Equipment chief operating officer; Mike Walsh; Charlie Walsh, now vice president of SEI Walsh operations; and Dennis Heller SEI president and CEO.
From left: Bob Criste, Stephenson Equipment chief operating officer; Mike Walsh; Charlie Walsh, now vice president of SEI Walsh operations; and Dennis Heller SEI president and CEO.
From left: Bob Criste, Stephenson Equipment chief operating officer; Mike Walsh; Charlie Walsh, now vice president of SEI Walsh operations; and Dennis Heller SEI president and CEO.
From left: Bob Criste, Stephenson Equipment chief operating officer; Mike Walsh; Charlie Walsh, now vice president of SEI Walsh operations; and Dennis Heller SEI president and CEO.
From left: Bob Criste, Stephenson Equipment chief operating officer; Mike Walsh; Charlie Walsh, now vice president of SEI Walsh operations; and Dennis Heller SEI president and CEO.

Pennsylvania Rental Company Stephenson Equipment Acquires Walsh Equipment

Aug. 1, 2017
Stephenson Equipment Inc., a Harrisburg, Pa.-based rental specialist serving the crane, heavy lifting, construction, paving, road building, road repair and maintenance markets in Pennsylvania and New York has acquired Walsh Equipment, an 85-year-old company.

Stephenson Equipment Inc., a Harrisburg, Pa.-based rental specialist serving the crane, heavy lifting, construction, paving, road building, road repair and maintenance markets in Pennsylvania and New York has acquired Walsh Equipment, an 85-year-old company. Walsh is based in Butler, Pa., with a branch location in Ebensburg, Pa. The partnership extends Stephenson’s operations to six locations in Pennsylvania along with two in New York, employing about 185 employees. Walsh will operate as a division of Stephenson Equipment, serving customers out of the two Walsh locations.

Stephenson, founded in 1957, is celebrating 60 years in business this year.

“Charlie Walsh was named SEI vice president of Walsh operations and will continue to lead his team of managers and employees,” said Dennis Heller, president and CEO of Stephenson Equipment. “This is a perfect venture for Stephenson; both Stephenson and Walsh share many business philosophies and principles, as well we both represent brands like JCB, LeeBoy, Rosco and Tiger. This merger puts Stephenson among the largest distributors in the United States for these manufacturers.”

All 40 Walsh employees will continue to work for the combined SEI company. Charlie Walsh, the third generation of his family to work in the business expressed appreciation to Mike Walsh who will retire from the business after 40+ years of ownership and leadership. “Mike (Walsh), myself and many of our employees have worked with SEI over the years, we know that SEI is truly one of the best dealerships in the industry, they share the same core commitments as we do, providing the best products, parts and service to our customers," said Charlie Walsh.

“Earlier this year we were approached by the Walshes with this opportunity to acquire the company,” said Bob Criste, chief operating officer, Stephenson Equipment. “SEI and Walsh combined is clearly a powerhouse, together we have an outstanding 145 years of Pennsylvania based dealership experience between us.”

“In the construction, road building and road maintenance industry, we as suppliers need to be able to grow and adapt to changes in the way this industry operates,” added Heller. “We believe this merger allows us to better serve our customers’ needs.”

“It is our plan to now offer rentals to the customers we serve, merging with SEI who already expertly provides rentals to customers is very knowledgeable on how to set up and operate rentals in our very niche product market,” said Charlie Walsh, now vice president of Walsh operations for Stephenson. “This will help us quickly adapt and offer this valuable service to customers in our region.”

Heller summed the deal by saying “With the merging of SEI and Walsh we will continue to build on the legacy and foundation that has brought us to this point. We will remain true to our values, our commitment to our customers and our employees.”

Stephenson’s represents brands such as JCB, LeeBoy, Rosco, Bomag, Tiger, Diamond, Manitowoc, Grove, National Crane, Jekko Minicranes, Manitex, Rogers Trailers, Felling Trailers and others.