A common misperception is that access platforms are used for construction purposes only. According to Brent Viljoen, Branch Manager of Concord Access Rental (CAR), Western Cape, while you will find numerous GAR access machines on building sites in and around the region, they are also gaining popularity in other industries, such as cleaning, signage erection, shopping centre and warehouse maintenance, amongst others. “Improved health and safety standards in South Africa is also leading to a rising demand for Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs) as opposed to more traditional methods such as ladders and scaffolding,” he adds.
Viljoen says that more specific to the Western Cape are applications of GAR access equipment in the film industry, various harbor projects, as well as farming applications to enhance productivity.
Unique to GAR’s coastal branches are trailer mounted boom lifts, which are also available for rental, and are ideal for customers working on various sites that need to move the units themselves, as well as for home maintenance or tree cutting over a weekend by members of the public.
The Cape Town branch of CAR hails from humble beginnings as a family owned business specialising in access platform rentals. African Access, over a period of 15 years, grew into one of the largest independent access rental companies in the country before being acquired by CAR in June 2013.
Operating under the name Concord Access Rental t/a African Access, the company’s focus has been on building its already strong reputation as a leading supplier throughout the Western Cape of MEWPs, which include scissor lifts, telescopic and articulated boom lifts, crawler booms and most recently telescopic handlers.
CAR’s fleet consists of diesel and electric variants of various sizes and in heights ranging from 7m up to 43m, ensuring a safe and highly efficient solution for working at heights in virtually any environment. In the national fleet, a couple of 57m super booms are also available, the highest access platforms in the country.
CAR’s ever growing fleet of machines comprises Genie (their signature brand), as well as other international leading brands, such as Teupen, ATN and PB Lufftechnik for various highly specialised applications.
Viljoen is extremely happy with the progress his branch has made under the Concord group. “Not only have we doubled our fleet (with more machines on order), but we have also introduced a fully-fledged in-house servicing and refurbishment facility, which is continuously busy, as well as a training facility offering accredited training of operators, ensuring maximum productivity and safety on work sites for our clients,” he adds.
When questioned about the future prospects for the Western Cape branch, Viljoen is optimistic. “Besides the growing demand for GAR’s products, we foresee a number of opportunities, as the Cape region is experiencing massive growth in terms of development with many additional projects confirmed for the next few years. Additionally, our satellite branch in the Northern Cape, which services a number of mines, as well as solar and wind energy projects, will now fall under our area as we seek to close the gap between the two regions.
“It’s extremely exciting to be in a growing business despite the tough economic climate, but my enthusiasm is fuelled by the energy and passion of our staff – we work exceptionally hard to offer our clients the best service and a safe, cost-effective solution no matter the task at hand. I have a fantastic team supporting me and thanks to their dedication, we will continue to grow from strength to strength,” he concludes.
Concord Access Rental, part of the Concord group, has been supplying the South African market with industrial equipment and solutions since 1984. With 10 companies under its belt and employing over 1 000 people, the group has a national footprint with branches and dealers countrywide supplying access machines, earthmoving equipment, forklifts, compressors, pumps, generators and cleaning equipment amongst other – all backed by world class aftermarket service and support.