One of the best-known names in the toilet and welfare hire industry in the county of Kent has been acquired by leading resource management group Heathcote Holdings in conjunction with its plant hire division.

Maidstone-based Four Jays Group, which has supplied toilets to many of the fruit farms and vineyards across Kent for their seasonal workers, will become part of what is thought to be the South East’s largest family-owned toilet, welfare and commercial hire companies.

The deal is part of family-owned Heathcote Holdings’ ambition to be the South East’s one stop solution company of choice. The company has said it will invest in new hire equipment, service vehicles and IT systems at Four Jays to make the customer experience as simple and efficient as possible.

Following the acquisition, the company will be able to supply nearly 2,500 mobile toilets and more than 200 welfare units – which offer temporary facilities including toilets, seating areas and kitchens – supported by 20 service vehicles.

Nathan Heathcote will take over the day-to-day management of Four Jays’ operation, which is based near Sutton Valence, from previous owners Jonathan and Sarah Worsfold.

“Four Jays has much in common with our company. We are both family businesses and serve customers involved in construction, events and hospitality, as well as the agricultural community,” he said.

Nathan added: “Through the combination of Four Jays, Countrystyle Recycling and FGS Plant we are now able to offer sites and events the complete package, from welfare to plant hire and a full waste management service.

“The fit is perfect as our waste and plant hire companies serve many of the same industries that Four Jays has done for the last 50 years, and we have exciting plans to invest in the business. We’re keeping the Four Jays name because, like ours, it is known for trustworthiness and customer service.”