AHC Tool Hire - Hire, Sales, Service - Stirling, Alloa, Falkirk, Central Scotland

May 1986

It starts with a simple question

John Macpherson founded Alloa Hire Centre Ltd after hearing the same request again and again in his corner shop: “Can we borrow tools?” A small idea turned into a real service for the local community.

1986–2004

Medwyn Place & the handwritten ledger years

Medwyn Place became the first real home of the business. With a small but reliable stock of mixers and mowers, everything was tracked by hand — and the reputation was built the old-fashioned way: by doing things properly.

2004

A bigger home on Alloa Road, Tullibody

After 18 years, the business outgrew Medwyn Place and moved to its current site. The new space unlocked faster growth, a bigger hire fleet, and the ability to expand the showroom and stock.

2004–2008

Expanding the hire fleet and introducing small plant

With more room and more demand, the range grew quickly. New categories were added, and customers had access to more specialist equipment — without losing the friendly, local service.

2008

A new direction: e-commerce

During the early days of the recession, Barry (John’s son) suggested diversifying into online sales. The move paid off, leading to a warehouse expansion and customers far beyond the local area.

2010s

AHC Tools & selling worldwide

As hire and sales grew side-by-side, the business began trading under the name “AHC Tools”, keeping the link to its roots while reflecting what it had become. Sales channels expanded to include eBay, Amazon, and the AHC Powertools website, serving customers across the UK and internationally.

2012

Leadership passes to the next generation

John retired after decades of building the business from the ground up. Barry took over as Managing Director, bringing continuity, ambition, and the same standards customers already trusted.

Today

Still family-run, still built on service

Alongside Stephen and the wider team, AHC continues to grow while staying true to what made it successful: quality kit, fair pricing, and customer service that makes people come back.

2026

40 years of Alloa Tool Hire

From a corner shop conversation to a trusted name in hire and sales — this milestone is a thank you to every customer who’s supported the journey. Here’s to the next chapter.