08.04.2013
Lifterz gives Dingli a try
UK based rental company Lifterz has placed a “sample order” for Dingli electric scissor lifts with the new UK/Ireland distributor Oswald Record.
The Yorkshire based company, which is a member of the Access Link, has not specified quite how large a 'sampler order' is, although we know that it comprises at least eight units and includes the 19ft JCPT0807DC and the 26ft JCPT1012DC models.
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Lifterz has taken delivery of at least eight Dingli scissor lifts
Lifterz joint managing director Benjamin Bowers said: “I was so impressed when I saw the Dingli product at Vertikal Days last year and then coupled with the news that they had since improved the paint finish with the introduction of powder coating, helped me to decide that they were well worth a try.”
“Dingli have included some of the best of componentry in the machines along with direct electric drive so I expect our customers will be well pleased when they turn up on site. I’m not sure about the AFI orange though!” he joked.
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(L-R) Benjamin Bowers of Lifterz takes delivery from Stan Launchbury of Oswald Record
Vertikal Comment
Dingli was initially distributed in the UK by Leach Lewis, but its bankruptcy last summer caused the Chinese market leader to look for a new company, announcing the appointment of Oswald Record at the end of November. There are some ownership connections between Oswald Record and Lifterz but the two are separate businesses with a different mix of shareholders.
Oswald Record needs to have more Dingli machines out in the market in order for end-users to provide other rental companies with feedback etc.
The fact that these electric scissors are direct electric drive, which should provide longer battery life, will appeal those working on long shifts and assuming all else works out pitch the product against JLG’s E-Series, which in many fleets can generate a small premium for their long battery life, especially when extensive/frequent driving is a factor.
Victor
Please see Vertikal News Stories:
'Lifterz expands as ownership changes'
April 24 -2012
'Dingli announces new UK Distributorship'
November 28 2012
I don't mind being accused of being a 'complainer' or maybe a 'campaigner,' I know that I am. Hypocrite? NO. My business connections have been publicised openly with nothing hidden.
A look at companies house docs will tell you that Benjamin Bowers in the single largest and sizeable individual shareholder in Lifterz and has no connection whatsoever with any of my other interests. Ben stipulates which products he wants for his customers. However, we have always wanted to be different. We buy Iteco products, we have a big fleet of Holland Lifts, Skorkels. On the other hand we have Genies on order and very recently took a considerable number Skyjack booms and scissor lifts.
This chain of comments is great and I love it. Its refreshing and stimulating. But let me take this right back to the begining and state that I believe market forces affect pricing in the mass market and there's nothing I can do about that other than object by not buying product from companies that hire cheaply, or maybe find a good quality lower cost supplier who will help us to restore returns (Hence Dingli). But the low volume speciality, niche items should command a better return and if Holland Lift's new owners are happy to see returns diminish on their excellent product range then there's nowt I can do about that other than open my big gob and show my objection by, regretably, suggesting that we source elsewhere. I think the guys at Riwal UK are great guys and nothing I say is personal against them or anybody else. Holland Lift is a premium product and we pay a heavy price to get such quality and it would be rather nice to see better returns on such kit.
James Alexander
Scott McCall's views are spot on. In that it is rental companies who set the rental rates and not manufacturers. No one can blame Lifterz for trying to buy cheaper machines. But I am sure that everyone reading the article and the comments flowing from it will appreciate that they are now acting as distributor of the machines via Oswald Record and selling them to Lifterz their sister company who then slides them out into the rental market. How successful this approach is will depend on who else agrees to buy the Chinese products...whilst I sympathise with Malcolm Bowers problems in terms of declining profitability in Lifterz. Suggesting that there is an arms length relationship between Oswald Record and Lifterz is the same as saying UK platforms choose to buy Haulotte products...
Scott McCall
John - cheap machines do not make lower rates, the cheap people who put them out on hire make the lower rates!
People may well view this relationship like JLG / Independent Access or Riwal / JLG in Europe, if so they will buy elsewhere but potentially lose out on a new supplier. Only the rental companies can choose which route to go, or maybe this makes room for another Chinese supplier!
Malcolm - nice to see Lifterz trying some new equipment and credit for securing the Dingli dealership. Looking forward to hearing how the market receives the machines.
Dog eat Dog
Robin and Malcolm
As I said before I can see your logic.
It is probably similar to that of Holland Lifts new owners that seemed to upset you so much in article, http://www.vertikal.net/en/news/story/17116/ , please go back and read what you put then.
It seems that competition is only good sometimes.
You comment quite openly about needing higher rates, yet complain bitterly when manufacturers raise the price.
Loyalty works both ways and perhaps you don't purchase the volumes to get the better price.
You are now the competition to most scissor lift suppliers.
I imagine Dingli is a great cheap product and will serve you well,
but they will suffer inflation and increased costs when they start supporting the product.
It may be short lived so don't burn all your bridges.
Mathew 7:3
How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,' when you don't see the log in your own eye? First remove the log from your own eye, and then you'll see clearly enough to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
James Alexander
The Oswald Record business, Lifterz and Lifterz cranes are all owned by the LSG industrials...see link below, and information from their webpage...
http://www.lsgindustrials.com/
Our Subsidiaries
Lifterz
A powered access company operating a fleet of over 550 lifts and booms from its two depots.
Lifterz Crane Hire
A crane hire company with a fleet of 6 mobile crane, 8 tower cranes as well as a fleet of Hiab crane mounted vehicles
Oswald Record
A leading tool distribution company of a wide range of pneumatic & hydraulic equipment and associated tools.
burned-creditor78
It is sad to see childish jibes like from someone who does not have the backbone to put their real name. And before you ask I am not making cheap jibes or having a poke at a known person.
Dingly Dangles if you are are going to criticise an individual you ought to do it openly
Dingly Dangles
Robin Hood Robin Hood agrees with Malcolm again
Victor
Our industry is changing quickly and, understandably, the big nationals are doing all they can to tie up certain markets such as the retail sector single supplier agreements and now the attempts to capitalise on the anti-entrapment fears. As smaller and medium sized businesses we have to do all we can to protect our businesses. Dingli offers a possible solution, I hope..... We'll see.
Respectfully, I struggle to see the logic in the point of supplier loyalty, when all I see is us smaller businesses being relegated into much lower divisions than the nationals in such areas as parts supplies and tiered pricing. In just over a year I have watched our buying prices skyrocket by 15% but cannot see our hire rates going up by the same. I have a great respect for all our suppliers and will continue buying from them but we see buying better where we can as a way of protecting our profitablity. What's wrong with that?
Benjamin Bowers, my son, has no connection with Oswald Record and has his own opinions and if Dingli products don't meet our requirements then we will not be buying any more. However, I suspect that that will not be the case.
Time will tell.
Malcolm Bowers
Lifterz
robin hood
having been involved in importing products and mhe equipment from china for a few years I would say that as long as the product is safe and reliable why not go for the cheaper option. after all surely having a hire company is about making a return on your investment and if this means making a higher return and still keeping your customers happy then I say good on you for taking the chance with a new product. as for saying do they not have loyalty is just stupid if new products and manufacturers are not given a chance then industry would just stand still at the end of the day competition is healthy in my eyes.
Dog eat Dog
I can see the logic of it.
Lifterz need to buy as cheap as possible to get the rate of return they desire.
Only a couple of weeks ago Lifterz were complaining about how ‘the UK rental arm of Holland Lift's new owners destroy the 1% returns we all used to enjoy’.
They just need to be careful they don’t do the same thing when the going gets tough.
Unfortunately cheap machines lead to lower rates.
‘How much are you paying for your scissor lift mate?’
It seems rather unfortunate that the existing and established scissor lift suppliers in the UK are being undermined after all the support they have given over the years.
I predict that Access link members will be buying Dingli machines in the future.
Is there any product loyalty out there?
accessboy
Malcolm Bowers, Chairman of LSGI, said: “Following the retirement of Anthony Record, it made sense for LSGI to acquire the company allowing us to apply our industry expertise and support its growth.
For the full article follow this link.
http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2012/06/28/oswald-record-acquired-by-investment-group-lsgi/
Dingly Dangles
So Holland lift are off your agenda
To make way for this new Chinese vendor
More profit for you,