Consolidation of the aerial industry took a major step this week with the acquisition of Bil-Jax Inc. by the Haulotte Group, through its U.S. subsidiary.

“This acquisition will assist us in further developing our business,” said Alexandre Saubot, Haulotte Group’s chief operating officer. “This will allow us to strengthen our worldwide position, increase our product offerings, and establish a manufacturing presence in North America.”

“We have taken the next natural step of growth and together can offer an increasingly exciting set of access solutions for consumers, while becoming better positioned to compete in the access market,” said Jeff Ott, CEO of Bil-Jax. “We believe this alliance with Haulotte Group will deliver superior value, better choices, and more innovation to our customers and industry partners. Additionally, it will increase product offerings and create a position outside of the U.S.”

In a statement, Haulotte said synergies will be focused in four main areas:
• Scale economics driven by Haulotte’s strong market position for aerial work platforms and Bil-Jax’s 60-year history as a leader in North America for scaffolding and niche aerial work platforms;
• Integration of engineering talent and resources to accelerate innovation and product development;
• Streamlining operations through increased purchasing power and elimination of redundant costs;
• Providing a complete access solution for customers in product and support areas.

Both companies are currently developing a comprehensive plan focusing on the integration of the combined business. Haulotte Group said it expects the integration to be completed at the end of 2008.

Haulotte is widely viewed as the third-largest international player in aerial work platforms behind JLG Industries and Genie Industries. Bil-Jax is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of interior and exterior scaffolding and also makes a variety of aerial work platforms as well as event seating and staging.