JLG has confirmed APS as its distributor for the UK, in what it describes as “a new long term strategic partnership”.
APS has been the Hinowa spider lift distributor for the UK since 2005, which it retained after the Italian manufacturer was acquired by JLG in 2023. The company has also been selling JLG products to smaller rental companies and end users since it news(44520)(parted from LGMG) in late 2024, and recently added Ausa telehandlers to its portfolio. This new relationship, however, goes far deeper and not only adds JLG-Power Towers low level lifts to its range, but more significantly, also includes the takeover of JLG’s service operation in the UK.
APS subsidiary PSR /Platform Service & Repair will also take over the JLG support operation in Middleton on the north side of Manchester, and assume responsibility for warranty, service, repair and spare parts provision for all JLG and Power Towers products in the UK.
APS has been selling Hinowa lifts since 2005
JLG will retain the right to sell direct to major rental companies and key accounts in the UK through its existing sales team.
Rogerio Dos Santos, vice president JLG Europe, said: “This partnership with APS reflects our commitment to continuously evolving and reinforcing our business model to better serve our local customers. By combining our resources with APS’s operational proximity and service capability, we are building a stronger platform for sustainable growth in this important market.”
“APS has demonstrated a deep understanding of the British access market and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction. Their proven track record with Hinowa made them a natural strategic partner as we refine our operating approach.”
“This partnership is a deliberate decision structured to ensure business continuity, protect customer relationships and create long term opportunities for the teams involved.”
Rogerio Dos Santos of JLG APS managing director Andy Bray added: “We are delighted to extend our partnership with JLG, having enjoyed tremendous success with the Hinowa. This new agreement builds on longstanding collaboration and mutual success. It allows us to provide our customers with an even wider range of access solutions, backed by the trusted support, service, locally based parts stock holding and proven aftercare that APS is known for.”
Vertikal Comment
This move is not a total surprise, JLG has done this before in countries where it has been operating its own distribution operation. In 2023, for example, it appointed Zip Up Svenska as its Swedish distributor, and closed its direct sales and service operation in Sweden - JLG Sverige. Given a chance, the company prefers to work through independent dealers, rather than having to manage and deal with local distribution challenges such as properties, staff, cash/receivables and taxes etc..
For APS, this looks like a good move, tying in its major product lines, while offering it strong growth potential for its service operations. The company has been busy adding to its sales and support teams in recent months in preparation for this move, among other things. It also follows the recent takeover of the Palfinger truck mounted lift distribution in the UK. See: Palfinger moves to APS
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