25.03.2026

Palfinger moves to APS

Austrian truck mounted lift and loader crane manufacturer Palfinger has confirmed the appointment of APS - Access Platform Sales- as its UK distributor for truck mounted aerial work platforms.
The move from former distributor CPL, part of the Klubb group, was agreed last year, but becomes effective this month. The move is part of the manufacturer’s strategy through to 2030, which defines aerial work platforms as a “core pillar within its overall product portfolio” placing it alongside the loader crane business.

APS will take over the sales and after-sales support for Palfinger’s entire product range, which extends from 13 metre pickup mounted models through to a 90 metre unit. It will also provide service and parts for all Palfinger products in the UK.

Palfinger’s Bernd Winderle said: “This new partnership with APS represents an important step forward in reinforcing Palfinger’s aerial work platform business in the UK. APS brings the expertise, commitment, and customer proximity that align perfectly with our strategic ambitions.”

APS managing director Andy Bray added: “We are proud to partner with Palfinger to bring its trusted lifting solutions to customers across the UK. We are committed to helping customers work safely and productively at height while ensuring a smooth dealership transition in order to deliver the high levels of service and support that Palfinger users expect.”

Founded in 1987 by Jim DaintithAPS is based in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire and distributes a wide range of access equipment throughout the UK. The company merged with IPS in 2012 to form IAPS, with Tony Jennings becoming lead director, appointing Steve Couling in 2014 as managing director. He, in turn, handed over the management to Andy Bray around a year ago. See APS appoints Andy Bray

Vertikal Comment

This looks like a good move for both Palfinger and APS alike. The distributor has been formulating plans to expand its range and activities since LGMG ended its agreement with APS, at the end of 2024, having decided to set up its own operation in the UK. Since then, APS took on a dealership for JLG, and has been expanding its sales and product support group in the 12 months or so since then.

Andy Bray – and Steve Couling who remains involved with APS as a director – are former Versalift UK managing directors. They clearly see opportunities created by changes at Versalift /Time International as its various manufacturers and brands, including Ruthmann, come together.

For Palfinger, this move provides a new chance to become a full line supplier in the UK market. CPL did very well with the 13 metre Palfinger pick-up model and smaller truck mounted lifts after taking over the line in 2017, but never really got going with its larger truck mounts, which had been distributed by Sky King until it failed in 2019.