Rental revenues for aerial work platforms (AWPs) in the U.S. decreased slightly in 2010 (-4%) and totaled approximately $5.7 billion, but an upturn is expected for 2011 (+5%) and even stronger growth in 2012 (+11%), according to the IPAF U.S. Powered Access Rental Report 2011.
"There are strong indicators for a real recovery of a somewhat embattled AWP market in recent months," said IPAF CEO Tim Whiteman. "The U.S. market is seen to be more mature, more generalist, more concentrated and is expected to recover more rapidly than Europe."
The results are based on independent studies conducted by Ducker Research, using mainly primary research in the form of interviews. The sample of rental companies interviewed here represented about 60% of the estimated total AWP rental market.
The reports are presented in an easy-to-read format, highlighting key facts and figures for senior management, such as fleet size, utilization rate and retention period. New for this year is the analysis of fleet mix, comparing the proportion of scissors and booms. Booms represent around 40% and scissors account for about 60% of the US AWP fleet and no change is expected in the fleet mix in the next few years.
IPAF has also published the IPAF European Powered Access Rental Report 2011. The European study covers 11 countries: Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the UK. Seven individual country/regional sections are included in the European report.
"These reports from IPAF are invaluable in providing an insight into the current powered access rental market," said Kevin Appleton, chief executive of the Lavendon Group, one of the largest access rental companies in Europe. "They identify future trends, issues and opportunities which may affect those in it. I have found them to be essential reading and would recommend them to anyone responsible for powered access rental management."
The IPAF U.S. and European Powered Access Rental Reports 2011 are available in English and can be purchased at www.ipaf.org/reports.
