Wilkerson Crane Secures Major Investment for Midwest Expansion

BONNER SPRINGS, Kan. – March 17, 2026 – Wilkerson Crane Rental, a key provider of heavy lifting solutions across the Midwest, today announced a major strategic investment from NewMile Capital and Haywood Lane. The infusion of capital is set to accelerate the company's growth, fueling an expansion of its fleet and geographic footprint, along with paving the way for strategic acquisitions in a consolidating market.

The partnership ensures that founders Diana and Jeff Holt will retain a significant ownership stake and remain actively involved in the business they founded in 2013, guiding its next chapter alongside their new partners.

Riding a Wave of Regional Growth

The investment arrives at a pivotal moment for the Midwest. The region is poised for a historic construction boom, with nonresidential construction spending projected to peak at an unprecedented $145.5 billion in 2025. This surge is largely driven by massive federal and state infrastructure programs aimed at modernizing transportation networks and public works. Projects like the $3.6 billion Brent Spence Bridge connecting Ohio and Kentucky and Illinois's $50.6 billion multi-year infrastructure plan are creating immense demand for the specialized services Wilkerson provides.

"We started Wilkerson with the goal of building a company defined by safety, integrity, and exceptional service," said Diana Holt, co-founder of Wilkerson Crane Rental. "As the business has grown, we've been thoughtful about finding the right partners for the next chapter. NewMile Capital and Haywood Lane share our long‑term vision and bring valuable experience that will help us continue expanding while preserving the culture and values that make Wilkerson special."

With the construction and infrastructure sectors firing on all cylinders, the heavy lifting and equipment rental market is experiencing parallel growth. The global market is projected to grow to over $374 billion by 2030. Wilkerson, which serves a diverse client base in construction, infrastructure, manufacturing, and energy, is now strategically positioned to capture a larger share of this expanding market. The new capital will enable the company to invest in a larger, more advanced fleet capable of handling everything from routine lifts to the most complex industrial and infrastructure projects.

A Tale of Two Investors: Speed and Stamina

The partnership brings together two investment firms with distinct yet complementary strategies, signaling a sophisticated approach to Wilkerson's future.

NewMile Capital, a specialized private equity firm, focuses on founder-led, lower middle-market businesses. Their playbook involves partnering with management to drive aggressive growth through operational improvements and a robust mergers and acquisitions strategy. The firm’s team has a notable track record, having previously completed over 30 bolt-on acquisitions in a prior platform, demonstrating a clear capability to execute the kind of "strategic acquisitions" mentioned in the announcement.

"Wilkerson is an exceptional platform in the crane rental and lifting services sector," said John Nelligan, Co-Founder and Partner at NewMile Capital. "Diana, Jeff, Larry and the entire Wilkerson team have built a business distinguished by operational excellence, strong customer relationships, and an unwavering commitment to safety. We are excited to partner with them and Haywood Lane to support continued fleet investment, geographic expansion, and strategic acquisitions that further strengthen Wilkerson's leadership in the region."

Co-leading the investment is Haywood Lane, a Dallas-based firm operating with a "permanent capital" model. Unlike traditional private equity funds that operate on a 3-to-7-year cycle, Haywood Lane's structure allows for a much longer investment horizon. Backed by the Rees-Jones family office, the firm emphasizes being a "mainstay" partner, focused on building enduring value over decades rather than seeking a quick exit. This patient approach is ideal for capital-intensive industries like equipment rental and aligns with the Holt family's desire to build a lasting legacy.

"Wilkerson has established itself as a trusted partner to contractors and industrial customers across the Midwest," said Lance Gurley, Managing Partner at Haywood Lane. "We are excited to partner with the Holts, the management team, and NewMile Capital to help scale the business, invest in its people and equipment, and pursue strategic opportunities that broaden Wilkerson's capabilities and market reach."

The Founder-Led Future and Market Consolidation

A crucial element of the deal is the continued, active involvement of founders Diana and Jeff Holt. By retaining a significant ownership stake, they ensure that the company's core values and operational ethos, built over more than a decade, remain central to its identity. This model—blending entrepreneurial experience with professional investment backing—is increasingly seen as a powerful formula for scaling established businesses without losing the founder's touch.

Larry Smith, President and Chief Operating Officer of Wilkerson Crane Rental, affirmed the continuity of the company's mission. "This partnership marks an exciting milestone for our company," he stated. "With the support of NewMile Capital and Haywood Lane, we will continue investing in our team, equipment, and operational capabilities so we can deliver even greater value to our customers while maintaining the safety and service standards that define Wilkerson."

This strategy extends beyond organic growth. The heavy equipment rental industry is fragmented and ripe for consolidation. Larger national players like Herc Rentals have been actively acquiring smaller regional companies to expand their footprint. The fresh capital and M&A expertise from NewMile Capital position Wilkerson to become a primary consolidator in its own right. The company is now well-equipped to pursue acquisitions of smaller crane and rigging outfits across the Midwest and central United States, rapidly expanding its market share, service offerings, and geographic reach.

By combining the founders' deep industry knowledge with a dual-pronged investment strategy of aggressive growth and long-term stability, Wilkerson Crane Rental is not just preparing for its next chapter. It is being forged into a regional powerhouse, ready to play a critical role in building the future of the American Midwest.