Firmly established roots

Our core family values remain at the heart of all we do, both for customers and our workforce.

A 5th generation family business, established in the 1880's

Our solid history and firmly established roots provide us with a wealth of experience, invaluable to both our business and to our customers.

Our core family values remain at the heart of all we do, both for customers and our workforce. Our dedicated team ensures that we deliver our products and service to the exact requirements of the customer and on time and this is reflected in the repeat business we gain and our customer retention. We are proud to have a highly skilled workforce that has been part of the family business over a number of years.

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Industry Accreditations

1880s – Early 1900s

The Sangwin story began in the 1880s with Joseph Sangwin in Hull. Trained as a bricklayer, he soon established Sangwin & Co., building homes and tendering for major Hull City Council works. By 1898, the company had secured the foundations for Hull City Hall — its first major civic project.

1906 – 1936

Joseph’s son, Joseph Junior, expanded operations to London, working with Joseph Rank Mills and growing expertise in roads, sewers, and piling. Sangwin became a Limited company in 1922, though tragedy struck in 1925 when both Josephs passed away. Walter Sangwin took over, steering the company through this critical period.

1936 – 1979

Herbert Sangwin guided the business through World War II and beyond, diversifying into gravel, concrete, and precast products. Sangwin Builders Ltd was formed in the 1950s, completing key infrastructure projects across Hull, including roads and drainage at Sutton Fields and Boothferry Road.

1979 – 2005

Ian Sangwin became Managing Director in 1979, expanding into plant hire, surfacing, and educational furniture. The business grew with contracts for the MOD, BP Chemicals, and ABP, while adapting to market shifts from hire to subcontracting. Sangwin Educational Furniture Ltd was launched in 2004, marking a new direction.

2005 – Present

Now in its fifth generation of family ownership, the Group remains committed to the same core values it was founded on. Quality workmanship, reliability. integrity and strong customer relationships. From its origins in the 1880s to its position today as a well-respected multi-division organisation, the Sangwin legacy continues to grow — built on heritage, driven by progress.

Education Furniture

With over 35 years of experience, Sangwin Educational Furniture designs, manufactures, and installs quality furniture for education, healthcare, student living, and commercial environments. Our products are built for comfort, durability, and everyday use, supported by in-house design expertise and a commitment to delivering projects on time and within budget.

Plant Hire

With roots dating back to the 1950s, Sangwin Plant Hire was the first crane hire company in Hull and East Yorkshire and remains a trusted name in lifting and plant hire today. Operating a modern fleet of mobile cranes up to 160 tonnes, along with access platforms, telehandlers, forklifts and lifting equipment, we support projects across construction, petrochemical, power, ports and industrial sectors.

Machine Moving

Since 1969, Sangwin Machine Moving has worked alongside Sangwin Plant Hire to provide a complete industrial relocation and installation service across the UK and Europe. From plant removal and assembly to decommissioning, transport, storage and export packing, we manage every stage with precision and care. Our experienced team delivers safe, efficient projects on time and within budget, supporting clients across all industrial sectors.

Surfacing

With decades of experience, Sangwin Surfacing Contractors deliver high-quality asphalt and tarmac solutions across Hull, East Yorkshire and beyond. From private driveways to highways, car parks and large commercial projects, we combine skilled operatives, modern equipment and precise planning to ensure a fast, safe and reliable service.

What Drives Us?

The values that shape how we work, how we treat people, and how we deliver every project.

Health & Safety First

We prioritise the health, safety and wellbeing of our team and customers across everything we do.

Community & Collaboration

We give back to our communities and build strong partnerships by working closely with our customers.

Quality & Excellence

We offer high-quality products and services, maintaining high standards from start to finish.

Growth & Flexibility

We invest in our workforce through training and self-improvement, always staying adaptable to customer needs.

- Mission & Vision

Our Mission & Vision

At Sangwin, our mission and vision anchor every decision, partnership, and delivery. We’re guided by a deep sense of heritage, family values, and a commitment to precision — striving always to execute flawlessly, support our customers’ success, and grow together.