06.04.2008

United merges Aerial lifts and general rental operations.

United Rentals, which runs the world’s largest aerial lift fleet has announced what it calls “A realignment of its field leadership structure” which it says “is designed to support its corporate strategy for profitable growth.”

The ‘realignment’ which came into effect last week, merges its Aerial Lift and general rental operations and includes the appointment of two new senior vice presidents of operations each responsible for half of its North American market and each charged with the objective of further coordinating its aerial and general rental businesses, optimising its fleet and controlling costs.

Steven Nadelman has been appointed as senior vice president - operations west, with responsibility for the company's Aerial West, Northwest, Rocky Mountain, Southwest and Gulf regions. Nadelman was previously senior vice president - field operations and corporate real estate prior to which he was vice president - southwest region. He joined United in 1998.

Matthew Flannery has been appointed as senior vice president - operations east, with responsibility for the company's Aerial East, Northeast, Northeast Canada, Midwest and Southeast regions. Flannery was previously regional vice president of aerial operations, but has worked with United in a variety of roles, including: district manager, district sales manager and branch manager. He also joined United in 1998.

Michael Kneeland, United’s chief executive officer, said: "As we announced earlier this year, our entire organisation is now pursuing profitable growth in our core rental operations, with an emphasis on EBITDA and profit metrics. Our new field structure improves our ability to act swiftly on opportunities to deploy our capex where it can generate the best returns. In addition, we see benefits to be gained by bringing integrated management to our aerial and general rental operations, both in terms of incremental business and enhanced customer service."

The company's specialty rental operations will continue to me managed by Paul McDonnell in the newly created position of senior vice president - trench safety, pump and power.

The company also announced the appointment of Dale Asplund to the newly created corporate position of vice president - supply chain. Asplund will be responsible for contractor supplies, fleet management and strategic sourcing.

The company also announced that Kurt Barker has relinquished his position as executive vice president - corporate services, as of the end of March. Although he has agreed to continue with the company as a special projects manager.