30.04.2007

Skylift teams up with JCB

Limerick based Skylift Hire and JCB have announced a new partnership to offer JCB Loadall telehandlers for rent in Ireland.

The move includes a major order from Skylift for JCB a major order for JCB 535-140 and 540-170 models telehandlers to convert and expand the Skylift handler fleet.
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(L-R) Seamus O’Dwyer, financial controller, Skylift, Denis O’Kelly, sales director, ECI JCB, John Cusack and JCB’s commercial manager Richard Myles

John Cusack, Skylift managing director, said “over the past number of years we have become one of the largest indigenous suppliers of Powered Access and Telescopic Handler equipment.

The ambitious nature of our new arrangement with JCB is a key element in our continued growth strategy in the telehandler division. We are extremely proud to be associated with such a globally recognised brand as JCB.

The deal is particularly significant for the rental industry in Ireland. The fact that JCB is working with Skylift in this country is a fantastic endorsement for us and our leading market position in the Irish hire sector.”

Denis O’Kelly of ECI-JCB, the JCB dealer in Ireland, added “ Skylift’s market presence throughout the country and unmatched reputation in terms of service is a perfect fit for an alliance with ECI JCB. Based on the initial impact of the JCB 535-140 and 540-170 models to date in Skylift’s fleet we are satisfied that it will be recognised as one of the more successful equipment partnerships in the country.”

Vertikal Comment

Skylift is celebrating 10 years in business this year and in recent months has been moving ahead at an ambitious rate to establish itself as one of the leading aerial and telehandler operators in Ireland.

The company recently announced a €15 million order with Genie for booms and scissors. It is also interesting to note it appears to have moved away from an earlier plan to distribute JLG telehandlers in the republic.

While Skylift has been expanding rapidly lately it appears to be doing so without sacrificing good business basics. Cusack has a reputation for taking a financially cautious approach to expansion and assuming that this has not changed will be well placed to grab a larger share Ireland's rental market joing a few major companies that look set to consolidate it in fewer larger hands.

The company is certainly one to watch and will surely be of interest to any international company looking to expand in the emerald isle.