Articles by Patrick Hill

Software developer Result Group has announced the release of its Asset Controller module for its rentalresult product. The UK-based company said the addition brings key fleet information together at one place.

The HRIA (Hire and Rental Industry Association) in Australia has created a Careers in Hire program. The initiative, launched at the 2009 HRIA Convention, directly targets school-age youth and is intended to counter a possible shortage of skills and workers.

Phillip Hobson is now the senior vice president, operations - a new role within RSC Equipment Rental in the US. He was just previously senior vice president, corporate operations. Mr Hobson is responsible for managing the field performance for the Western division of the organization.

United Rentals is raising net funds of $471.2 million by selling $500 million in senior notes. This is an increase on the $300 million issue previously announced, which was oversubscribed.

Speedy Hire's revenues for its fiscal year ending 31 March 2009 were £476.1 million (€547.5 million), up 2.3% from £465.5 million (€535.5 million) in 2008. However, EBITDA for the UK company fell 4.6%, from £131.6 million (€151.3 million) to £125.6 million (€144.4 million), reflecting a decline in operating margin, from 13.7% to 10.4%.

Pon Holdings B.V. in The Netherlands has combined its global aerial lift, materials handling, and forklift equipment companies into one group: Pon Material Handling. The new company, which rents, sells, and services equipment, is consolidating its headquarters staff to Houston, Texas.

HSS Hire won the tool, equipment and plant hire company of the year award in the Hire Association Europe (HAE)/Event Hire Association (EHA) annual UK and Ireland awards. It also won awards for the best website and for its contribution to environmental issues.

Las Vegas-based Ahern Rentals made a US$13.5 million net loss in the first quarter of 2009. Revenues of $63.2 million were down 19% on the previous year, with same-branch revenues falling 23%.

Rental company Hewden in the UK provided more than 20 pieces of equipment to help events contractor SJM Concerts host the BBC's Big Weekend music festival in Swindon, the UK's biggest free concert.

Terex Corp's Construction division used a customer open day in the UK in May to celebrate the 50-year history of the backhoe loaders that it currently manufactures in Coventry.

First quarter 2009 rental revenues for Finning International Inc were C$140.2 million (€88.33 million), down 20% on the same period in 2008.

Rental company Hewden in the UK provided more than 20 pieces of equipment to help events contractor, SJM Concerts, put on the Big Weekend music festival. BBC Radio sponsored the event, which was held 9-10 May at Lydiard Park in Swindon and is the UK's biggest free concert.

UK chipper and shreader specialist GreenMech and US Compact Power Inc, manufacturer of the Boxer range of compact loaders, have agreed an alliance that will see GreenMech become dealer in the UK, France and Germany for the Boxer range of products and Compact Power import Greenmech chippers into the US.

Rental revenues at H&E Equipment Services fell 22.1% to US$55.5 million in the first quarter of 2009. That was a decline of $15.7 million from $71.2 million in the same period in 2008 for the US equipment sales and rental company.

First quarter sales for Cramo were €106.9 million, down 15.7% from the €126.7 million in the same period in 2008. Measured in local currencies, the decline was 6.7%.

Atlas Copco Rent Service is providing equipment to assist rescue efforts in the Abruzzo region of Italy, struck by a devastating earthquake on 6 April 2009.

Manitou subsidiary Gehl in the US reached agreement with bank creditors on 16 April to withdraw the notice of debt repayment delivered on 31 March. That notice threatened the company's continued operations.

Perhaps most obvious of the innovations from Kaeser at Intermat is the polyethylene rotomoule canopy, available since November 2008 for the five models, M20 to M50, of its range of trailer-mounted compressors. Kaeser said the corrosion resistant cover is more durable than the sheet metal versions also available, and that owners can exchange metal for polyethylene covers.

From compact equipment specialist Ausa comes the 2700 kg capacity, 6.1 m lift height Tauralift T 276 H. The new, 5000 kg machine joins the 2000 kg capacity, 4 m lift height T 204 model, launched last year to establish the Spanish company's telescopic handler line.

SDMO has added the CIR 20 Dry container to its Rental Power range of products. Designed for its larger gensets, the container provides improved transportability, better noise reduction and greater ease of use.