31.10.2012

Warren to acquire APS rental and training

UK rental company Warren Access has agreed to acquire the Upton/Huntingdon based Height for Hire rental business and APS Training operation from APS.

The deal which follows the merger of APS with IPS last month will most likely complete early in the New Year. It will provide Newcastle on Tyne based Warren Access with its first location in the south. The company currently specialises in truck mounted lifts and has recently entered the spider lift market.

Height for Hire which was acquired by APS in late 2010, following the retirement of founder Malcolm Brown, runs a similar fleet with truck and van mounts as well as a few booms and scissors.

Height for Hire will retain its identity and continue to be based at the same location in Upton, alongside the main APS sales and service operation. The APS rental fleet in Scotland, which is largely made up of spider and push around lifts is not included in the deal.

APS chairman Jim Daintith said: “We think that Warren Access is the perfect fit for Height for Hire and our training operation. Graeme, Michelle and Derek Warren are committed to growing a profitable business based on high levels of customer service and the provision of specialist access equipment. This has always been the philosophy of Height for Hire and the experience and marketing skills of Warren Access will prepare the company for a successful future.”

Graeme Warren, managing director of Warren Access, added: “We feel that this is a perfect fit for us. Although we have developed our business in the North East, Michelle and I have strong links to the Peterborough area and we could not have found a more suitable partner to achieve our aim of expanding the business geographically. As well as Height for Hire, the APS Training division perfectly complements our current IPAF Training Centre in Newcastle. Having an existing fleet and experienced people in addition to a well located facility, means we can quickly capitalise on the opportunities that exist in that region and give Height for Hire customers the service they require.”

Vertikal Comment

This looks like a deal that will serve both parties very well indeed, the Warren family has connections with East Anglia so it is not strange territory for them, and it gives a significant boost to its activities.

At the same time it clears APS and IPS to focus on the merged companies strengths of sales & distribution, service & repair and replacement parts. IPS recently sold its training business – Instant Training - to AFI.