HME and Finning
Two Decades of Collaboration and Evolution
In the world of heavy equipment rentals, reliability, performance, and availability are the qualities that make or break a provider’s reputation. As a leading force in the rental realm, Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals (HME) understands this reality all too well. That’s why they’ve worked tirelessly over the past two decades to build strong relationships with clients across mining, construction, forestry, and other demanding sectors, serving as their reliable partner in jobs well done. When HME first started as a small operation in Camrose, Alberta, they needed quality equipment to build their fleet and hit the ground running. That’s when we introduced ourselves.
As a company that shares the same commitment to comprehensive solutions and world-class customer service, we’re proud to say that we’ve been partners with HME from the very start of their incredible journey, back when they were known as Dutchmen Equipment & Rentals. Fast forward 20 years, and this partnership has never been stronger. Finning’s dedicated workforce works closely with HME’s team, ensuring that their ever-growing fleet continues to run smoothly through tailored purchasing and maintenance solutions. This customized approach has been essential to HME's business model, allowing them to focus on providing adaptable, agile services to their customers while knowing their equipment is in peak condition.
“HME has been strategic in developing the rental market, with Finning and Caterpillar being instrumental partners. It has been a valued partnership for over 20 years now, and we look forward to working together for many years to come.” — Jesse van der Werf, President & CEO for HME.
What Makes HME an Industry Leader?
What began as a small, three-bay shop in Camrose, Alberta, is set to exceed a 1500 employee count by the new year. This impressive growth can not only be seen in the rapid expansion of their rental fleet but also in their new physical infrastructure. The brand-new office in Spruce Grove serves as a testament to HME’s long-term commitment to growth, while the upcoming service facility in Fort McKay will provide cutting-edge maintenance and service capabilities for their fleet to maintain their high standards of customer support.
Another notable trait for HME is their ownership of the largest private fleet of ultra-class trucks in North America, with over 70 units available for their clients and still growing. With over 1,000 pieces of equipment in total—excavators, loaders, graders, compactors, trucks, and more—they offer options for every operation. Despite the diversity of their solutions, HME’s fleet is primarily made up of Cat equipment, further highlighting the strength of their partnership with Finning.
But it’s not just about infrastructure and fleet size; it’s about how HME conducts their operations. HME’s ability to stay nimble and adapt quickly to changing market conditions has played a key role in their success.
As an equipment rental provider for the most demanding and dynamic industries, HME pivots quickly to meet shifts in demand, address unique challenges, and take advantage of new opportunities. This adaptability, combined with an aggressive growth strategy, has allowed them to thrive in an ever-evolving market
Beyond the numbers and the buildings, HME is also deeply involved in the communities they serve. Through local sponsorships and community engagement initiatives, HME has become more than just a business—they’re a valued community partner. Their approach to growth is holistic, ensuring that they give back to the regions where they operate while continuing to grow their business footprint. A great example of this is their ongoing support for the construction of the Spruce Grove Civic Centre, now named Heavy Metal Place due to their sponsorship. When complete, this facility will serve as both an ice rink and a community hub for events.
A Powerful Partnership With Finning and Cat
For HME, the decision to build the bulk of their fleet with Cat equipment over the years was based on their need for quality, reliability, and ease of service. Since Cat’s track record for producing equipment that can withstand the rigors of heavy-duty work is unparalleled, the choice was easy. When it comes to keeping their fleet in peak condition, HME knows that Cat’s equipment lineup—backed by Finning’s support—is the best option available. From on-site technicians, component performance guarantees, component rebuilds, and tailored maintenance plans, Finning helps to ensure that HME’s fleet remains reliable, efficient, and ready to perform when it matters most.
“We’ve been working with HME since day one. It’s been a mutually beneficial partnership. As they’ve grown, we’ve continued to support their evolving needs and solve new challenges. It’s been a pleasure to help them grow into the industry leader they are today.” — Cheryl Gray – SVP Mining at Finning.
For HME, choosing Cat and Finning isn’t just about owning the best equipment—it’s about having a partner they can rely on to keep that equipment running at its best. HME’s success over the past 20 years is a testament to the power of this partnership.
With Finning by their side, they have grown from a small operation in Camrose into one of the worlds largest Mining rental companies. As HME continues to expand, evolve, and excel, we remain committed to supporting their journey.
Ready to partner with a team that delivers comprehensive equipment solutions and support tailored to your precise challenges? Reach out to us today, and let’s get started!
Finning is the world's largest Caterpillar dealer, selling, renting and providing parts and service for equipment and engines to customers across diverse industries, including mining, construction, petroleum, forestry and a wide range of power systems applications. We operate in Western Canada, South America, and UK and Ireland.