WHO ARE THIS YEAR'S BIGGEST ACCESS RENTAL FIRMS?

The edited access50 listing of the world’s biggest access rental companies by fleet size remains healthy as the market takes stock

European rental companies have seen less dramatic percentage growth

PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK

The access50 compiles the world’s leading 50 access rental companies by the size of their MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform). This list is a revised edition of the original, which featured 80 companies.

Both the original and edited versions highlight the current state of the market, and that it has found new ways to grow.

One of the major acquisition stories since the 2022 access50 listing was published was United Rentals’ investment in Ahern Rentals, which last year sat in 10th place with 30,4000 units in its MEWP fleet.

There has been plenty of speculation as to why United made the investment – one reason is likely an alternative way to procure fleets when supply chain constraints make equipment difficult to get hold of. Nevertheless, it means that United is soaring ahead at the top of the table, where it is long established.

Sunbelt follows in its customary second place, followed by two China-based rental companies that have been working their way up the table at a blistering rate in recent years. Shanghai Horizon is in third position, while Zhejiang Huatie Emergency Equipment Science & Technology powers into fourth, having been tenth last year.

A perfect storm

Despite their climb, the fleet growth of the Chinese rental companies in the listing has not been as huge as in recent times. In previous tables, more than 100% increases year-on-year have been seen. The two companies mentioned above have grown 35% and 39%, respectively,

reflecting the current annual fleet growth in China. The largest fleets among the European rental companies can be found at Loxam and Mateco in fifth and seventh positions respectively. They, along with the other European rental companies on the list, have seen less dramatic percentage growth in their fleets compared to previous years. The European market has been hit by a perfect storm. The storm comprises supply chain issues, rising inflation, and other issues. The future of the access rental sector remains strong, although it may not be quite as buoyant next year. The same thing is true for the US, which again is reflected in this year’s listing, There are growth opportunities with the promise of a vast number of construction projects going forward.

Despite no companies from India being in the list, rental companies there – such as Sudhir Power and RentEase International – are seeing strong growth. It is also worth noting that Turkish rental companies are also seeing significant growth year-on-year.

Overall this is a less dramatic listing than in previous years, with more subdued fleet rises. However, this doesn’t mean a long-term dampening of the market will follow. More likely, it is merely a breather before the next major climb. iC

ABOUT ACCESS INTERNATIONAL

Access International is the global leader for access industry information. The magazine is published six times a year. The accessM20 was originally published in the May-June issue and the access50 in the July-August issue.