When electronics manufacturer Foxconn announced a $10-billion investment in Kenosha, WI, Liftpro owner Tyler Nehls couldn’t be happier. He started his Kenosha company 10 years ago with 10 aerial lifts. That number grew to nearly 400 last year and jumped again this year in part because of the Foxconn announcement.
“Even though there are no guarantees of how much business we would get from Foxconn, there should be plenty of ancillary companies moving to the area that will keep us busy,” said Nehls. “Hence, late last year we made a significant purchase of new Skyjack lifts and look forward to another good year.”
As the name implies, his company rents a full line of boom and scissor lifts and telehandlers. “We’ve been asked by customers to rent other equipment including light towers, skid-steer loaders, and backhoes,” added Nehls. “We don’t want to be all things to all people. Instead, we want to focus on what we do best, renting aerial equipment.”
He continued, “It’s also difficult to compete with large national companies that can maximize their more diverse lines during our long winter season. Equipment that doesn’t rent here for them can be shipped to warmer climates. We can’t do that, but what we can do as a smaller company is go above and beyond and give customers the personal attention they want and need.”
Nehls’ equipment focus is one reason he has never attended The Rental Show and didn’t go this year to New Orleans, even though many of his industry friends attend every year. “I know there’s much to learn at the show, but I’m never really shopping for new or different equipment like other stores, and I try to stay up with reading about what’s new in the lift arena.”
Never say never though. In the meantime, he and his eight employees expect a busy year ahead meeting the expectations of large and smaller customers alike.
