Douglas Anderson and his younger brother Iain had been running the company as joint managing directors for 38 years, since 1988, when they were barely in their thirties.
Over the years they built the business into one of the UK鈥檚 biggest plant hire companies, turning over 拢326m last year.
Gordon Anderson Plant was founded in 1969 by their father, Gordon Anderson.
Douglas joined the family business in 1978 after three years working at Caterpillar. Iain, three years younger, joined in 1984.聽聽Douglas and Iain inherited the business when their father died in 1996.
In a statement the company announced today: 鈥淚t is with profound sadness that the Anderson family and GAP Group share the news of the sudden passing of Douglas Anderson.
鈥淛oining GAP in 1978, Douglas was a true visionary in the world of hire, and he dedicated his life to growing the business. His leadership and passion have enabled GAP to be the success it is today.
鈥淕AP Group will continue to build on Douglas鈥� legacy with the continued support and dedication of our workforce.鈥�
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