13.05.2016

AFI Middle East expansion

UK based rental group AFI has invested heavily in its Middle East powered access rental business Access Rental Gulf.

The new investment totals $16.3 million and includes new machines for the fleet, the launch of a new depot in Qatar and a second depot in Saudi Arabia, together with the relocation of the company’s first Saudi depot to larger premises.

Access Rental Gulf was established in 2008 with two locations, Jubail in Saudi Arabia and Dubai in the UAE. This years investment takes the fleet up to 726 machines, and is expected to top 800 units by the end of this year.

Commercial director Rob McMeeking said: “During the past year our business has increased by 27 percent, and with the support of AFI we are now able to capitalise on this by opening two new depots. We have also relocated our original Saudi depot from Jubail to larger premises in Dammam. Our offering is underpinned by the experience we have in the team – our three directors average over 20 years in the industry, and our new Qatar team also has strong experience which is unusual for a new set up. Throughout the business we have 60 employees and staff turnover is very low, which brings consistency”.

“Qatar is the third largest market in the Gulf Cooperation Council, behind Saudi and Dubai, so it is a logical step in our expansion to go there. Construction spend will be high as the country increases its infrastructure in advance of the 2022 World Cup.”