19.06.2006

The Platform Co to spend £30 million with Genie

The Platform company has confirmed that it intends to spend £30 million on new Genie self propelled lifts. The order covers models from the GS1932 19ft scissor lift up to the S125, 125ft straight boom.

All diesel powered lifts will include on board 240v generators, providing users with self contained power source for tools and equipment.

The first units under this “preferred supplier programme” are already being delivered.

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A new Platform Company Genie boom at work

“Our choice of Genie as a preferred supplier follows extensive market research and machine testing. It also reflects the Platform Company’s great track record of enjoying success with Genie machines in the past, where they have consistently demonstrated an unbeatable mix of sound reliability, useful working envelopes and strong value for money”. Said, Lee Perry Sales director for The Platform Company.

Vertikal Comment

The Platform Company came into being three and half years ago when the management team bought the powered access business out from Mitie. Hardly a year went by before the team acquired the Meek fleet which had gone into administration.

Lee Perry, Grant Woodward and their management team have built a strong reputable business up, concentrating on service and safety. The fleet is now approaching 3,000 units, most likely making it the second largest aerial lift company in the UK, after Nationwide. (The 2006 top 20 UK rental companies will be published in September).

With the aim to keep its average age under five years the company needs to be buying and selling 600 units a year to stand still.

This order reflects an increasing trend in Europe for larger companies to place large headline orders for the bulk of their needs over the next one or two years. It certainly helps the manufacturer with its planning, while ensuring a good price and a steady delivery stream. The rental company benefits from standardisation and its forward planning and budgeting.

In the USA the large “consolidators” have been doing this for many years, the true test of such orders comes in the face of a strong downturn. Will the rental company’s continue to take delivery of these units and if not will manufacturers be willing or able to hold them to it?

As some manufacturers discovered five years ago the answer is … often not!