Canadian Equipment Rental Fund, a Calgary, Alberta-based rental company, announced CA $2.5 million (about U.S. $2.17 million) in revenues for the third quarter, a 67-percent jump from the same period in 2005.

Earnings of CA $487,000 (about U.S. $424,000) were up 218 percent year over year. President Wayne Wadley attributed increases in gross revenues to aggressive fleet growth and strong demand. Wadley said the fourth quarter should be strong as contractors are predicting a need for more heaters and light equipment than in previous years.

CERF expects strong demand from mega projects such as refinery expansions, oil industry construction projects and pipeline terminals expansion, as well as trickle down from projects in Fort McMurray and strong commercial and home building industries in the Edmonton area.