International aerial work platform and telehandler rental and sales specialist Riwal is the Official Supplier of the Volvo Ocean Race 2017-18, a race around the world for professional sailors that will begin in Alicante, Spain, on Oct. 22. The 2017-2018 Volvo Ocean Race will be the longest distance in race history at around 45,000 nautical miles, crossing four oceans and taking in 12 major cities on six continents.
As an official supplier, Riwal provides scissorlifts and vertical masts to support the competing teams to make it to the finish line. During the 12 race stopovers at host cities around the world, the Volvo Ocean 65 boats are hauled out of the water and the Riwal aerial work platforms will be used to perform a variety of maintenance tasks at height. The equipment has already been used during the preparations preceding the start of the race. During the race, the AWPs will travel along with the race teams in shipping containers to ensure maximum availability and uptime for the race teams. In addition to the equipment, Riwal provides training as well as technical support by local Riwal teams and partners.
“We are ecstatic to be an official supplier for the Volvo Ocean Race,” said Norty Turner, Riwal CEO. “Our vision is to deliver the best customer experience in over 65 countries in which we conduct commercial activities. Helping each race team, who are working so hard to excel in a race that is truly global, to make sure their boats are in top condition exemplifies who we are. It is a great example of our ability to provide solutions to customers operating on an international scale.”
“Local availability and reliability of aerial work platforms have been a challenge in previous editions, so we are delighted to team up with Riwal to ensure the quality and support for all of the race teams in preparing the boats throughout the race,” said Nick Bice, director of boats and maintenance at Volvo Ocean Race.
Riwal, headquartered in Dordrecht, The Netherlands, has 67 branch operations in 16 countries and operates more than 14,500 machines and conducts business in more than 65 countries.
