06.11.2008

Spanish renters hold extraordinary meeting

ANAPAT the Spanish aerial lift rental association held an extraordinary general meeting in Zaragoza today to discuss the deteriorating market in Spain. The meeting was hosted my Spanish boom and trailer lift manufacturer at its brand new facility on the outskirts of the city.
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Delegates arrive at Matilsa's new plant in Zaragoza

ANAPAT, represents 53 of Spain’s largest aerial lift rental companies with a combined fleet of 37,373 units out of a total population in Spain of around 44,000 units or around 85 percent of the market. The turnout for the meeting which was chaired by Jose Marie Marsal Minguela, director of Gam Vilatel’s aerial lift division, the current president of ANAPAT was very high with most members sending at least one delegate.
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The ANAPAT meeting was well attended

Subjects covered in the closed meeting ran the full gamut from how companies might deal with the current slowdown, to maintaining minimum quality and safety standards.

One point that most companies agreed on was that the current machine population in Spain is too high for current demand levels. The consensus among the delegates was that it was 20 to 25 percent too high.
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Amancio Lebrero of Matilsa presents his company

Matilsa also had the chance to present its new products and new production facility as well as announcing its joint venture with IPS to provide spare parts and service in Spain. Frédéric Allier and Tony Jennings of IPS also made a presentation to the meeting.
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Frédéric Allier(L) and Tony Jennings of IPS present the company's plans for Spain

IPS and Matilsa will set up a 50/50 joint venture – IPS Espana with a significant parts inventory located in the Matilsa facility. The company will have dedicated employees who will be trained to identify and source replacement parts for most brands of aerial lifts.
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A full range of Matilsa booms and trailer lifts were on display

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A glimpse of one bay of Matilsa's new plant, with the paint booth and ovens in the foreground

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Most of the ANAPAT delgates stayed for the evening event