External maintenance and commercial landscaping provider Ground Control has cemented its position as the country’s biggest private gritting company and winter maintenance provider, with the acquisition of JW Crowther & Son, known as The Gritting Company.

The investment will immediately boost the company’s gritting operation by 25 percent and means it will now service over 8,000 different locations - including three of the biggest supermarket groups - all of whom rely on Ground Control to make their sites accessible and safe in the event of inclement winter weather.

“JW Crowther is a well-respected competitor in the winter maintenance industry and bringing them into the Ground Control family significantly increases our winter maintenance capabilities across the UK," said Simon Morrish, CEO of Ground Control. "The combined infrastructure, people and systems of our companies and the joining of two very experienced teams expands our ability to offer customers a worry-free solution for their business continuity needs. Combine this with a comprehensive suite of products and services and what we have is a market leading winter and exterior maintenance capability that is available to all 24/7.”

Nigel Crowther and Paul Crowther, both owners and directors of JW Crowther & Son since 1997, will remain with the business for a transition period to ensure a smooth handover. 

“We wanted to find a buyer who understood and respected our business and could continue to drive it forwards following our departure, as well as ensuring our colleagues and customers were left in safe hands,” said Paul Crowther. “Ground Control’s focus on the customer, health and safety and the wellbeing of their employees, combined with their passion for the environment, made them the obvious choice”.

“I am looking forward to working for Ground Control and the opportunity to expand our existing service,” said Michael Crowther, Sales Director of the Gritting Company. “By joining our experience and technology, and through Ground Control’s range of services, I believe we can create real extra benefits for our existing and new clients.”