NEWSBRIEF

rentequip widens fleet with cat

Essex-based Rentequip is to widen the range of equipment it offers for hire and has purchased 14 Caterpillar integrated toolcarriers from dealer Finning. This includes the first ten Cat IT14G's to be sold in the UK. The machines have been modified to accept non-Cat quick couplers. This allows them to carry the extensive range of attachments which are already in the Rentequip fleet.

sandhurst appoints buszard

Sandhurst has appointed Robin Buszard as divisional sales manager for the North of England, Wales and the Irish Republic. Buszard, who joins Sandhurst after three years with Takeuchi, will have responsibility for SMC and Krupp, including the appointment of distributors and direct sales to national accounts and OEMs.

a-plant advantage scheme launched

A-Plant has launched its Advantage programme replacing the former customer loyalty scheme which dates from 1992. Customers enrolled in the new programme can use their accumulated points to reduce hire costs as well as for corporate travel, gifts and donations to charity. With the latter option, A-Plant will add a further 25 per cent if the donation goes to the NSPCC. Details from local A-Plant centres or from Carli Milsom on 01942 723749.

planet supplies platforms for bluewater

Planet Platforms Southern has supplied seven access platforms, three Protec fibreglass towers and a complete inventory of steps and ladders to the Bluewater retail complex. They will be used to provide safe access for routine cleaning and maintenance work in the retail malls and the three themed forecourts of the complex; the Sun, Moon and Star courts.

hewden tool guide launched

The Definitive Tool Hire Guide, the latest catalogue from Hewden Hire Centres, is now available. Fully illustrated in colour, the format has been extensively researched so as to make it comprehensive and user-friendly.





More jobs are likely to be created as result of the merger of four businesses within the Raymond Group to form a single trading organisation; Raymond Access. Chairman Cavan Raymond anticipates that as well as new depots in Edinburgh and the West Midlands, there will be new jobs within the administrative and sales departments. First post offered will be that of national account co-ordinator.



AMEC Mining's 230t class Liebherr 994 excavator which operates at the Blindwells opencast site near Edinburgh has been fitted with noise reduction panels which have lowered noise levels by 16 dBA to just 73dBA at 20 metres. The work was carried out by consultants Thimble Design Contracts who also undertook the technical study and post installation testing.



MITIE Powered Access has agreed a £2.2 million deal for equipment with UpRight UK. This order, for more tan 60 UpRight scissor and Sigma arm platforms, follows on the company's order in January this year for 90 units to equip its three launch access hire outlets.



Korean specialist component manufacturer Powerking has extended its operations to Europe and is looking for UK distributors. The company is already established in the Asian and North American markets with a range which currently comprises replacement tools for hydraulic hammers, wear parts and hydraulic pump components. Gary Chatwin heads the UK operation which is based in North Yorkshire, telephone 0385 3866 824.



Kent's largest plant hirer Anvil Plant Hire of Gillingham, celebrated 25 years in business with the purchase of ten JCB 9014 mini excavators. The machines went to work immediately on a large cabling contract for Ashbourne Communications.



The Aerial Access division of British Engines has been purchased by SEV Group. The acquisition will secure the jobs of Aerial's 22 existing staff who will continue operating from their Newcastle base until moving to new premises early next year.