The International Powered Access Federation this week reported in its IPAF US Powered Access Rental Report 2011 that rental revenues for aerial work platforms in the United States decreased slightly in 2010 (-4 percent) and totaled approximately $5.7 billion, but an upturn is expected for 2011 (+5 percent) and even stronger growth in 2012 (+11 percent).
“There are strong indicators for a real recovery of a somewhat embattled AWP market in recent months,” said IPAF CEO Tim Whiteman. “The US market is seen to be more mature, more generalist, more concentrated and is expected to recover more rapidly than Europe.”
The results are based on independent studies conducted by Ducker Research, using mainly primary research in the form of interviews. The sample of rental companies interviewed here represented about 60 percent of the estimated total AWP rental market.
The reports highlight key facts and figures, such as fleet size, utilization rate and retention period. New for this year is the analysis of fleet mix, comparing the proportion of scissorlifts and booms. Booms represent around 40 percent and scissors account for about 60 percent of the U.S. AWP fleet and no change is expected in the fleet mix in the next few years.
IPAF has also published the IPAF European Powered Access Rental Report 2011. The European study covers 11 countries: Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Seven individual country/regional sections are included in the European report.
“These reports from IPAF are invaluable in providing an insight into the current powered access rental market,” said Kevin Appleton, chief executive of the Lavendon Group, one of the largest access rental companies in Europe. “They identify future trends, issues and opportunities that may affect those in it. I have found them to be essential reading and would recommend them to anyone responsible for powered access rental management.”
The IPAF US and European Powered Access Rental Reports 2011 are available in English and can be purchased at www.ipaf.org/reports.
IPAF is a not-for-profit members’ organization that promotes the safe and effective use of powered access equipment worldwide. Members include rental companies, manufacturers, distributors and equipment owners.
