Winners of the European Rental Awards announced

The winners of the 2024 European Rental Awards, with delegates from Zeppelin Rental, Blackwood Plant Hire and GAM

GAM Alquiler, Blackwood Plant Hire and Ecosun Innovations were among the winners of the 2024 European Rental Awards last night in Lisbon.

The companies took home the Large Rental Company, Small Rental Company and Product of the Year accolades respectively in front of 363 guests.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Brian Jones, chairman of the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA), recognising a career in rental that spans more than 50 years. 

Olivier Colleau, CEO of Kiloutou, won the Person of the Year award for his leadership during a time of great profitability for the company as well as his approach to the digital revolution and the energy transition.

JCB and Zeppelin Rental were the winners in the two ERA Committee awards for Compliance with ERA Guidance and Best Carbon Emission Reduction Case Study.

There was also a chance to recognise the winner of the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award Max Rossi, who was unable to attend in Maastricht last year.

The full list of winners, plus the shortlisted companies, is as follows:

Large Rental Company of the Year (revenues more than €15 million)

WINNER: GAM Alquiler (Spain)

The judges said: “2023 was another year of important milestones for GAM, with acquisitions in Mexico and Spain, an extension of its material handling distribution business, and investment in its Reviver remanufacturing plant.”

Shortlisted

• Ardent Hire (UK)

• Kiloutou (France)

• Machrent (Portugal)

Small Rental Company of the Year (revenues less than €15 million)

WINNER: Blackwood Plant Hire (UK)

The judges said; “Blackwood could serve as a model for an independent rental business, investing in a modern fleet, using technology to enhance safety, proactive on training, and innovative in its use of social media to deepen its connection to customers and the local community.”

Shortlisted

• Alquisagar (Spain)

• Dromad Hire (Republic of Ireland)

• Velafl (Iceland)

Rental Product of the Year

WINNER: Ecosun Innovations – Frame-Watt solar system

The judges said: “Carbon emission reduction was a focus for many products in the awards this year, and the judges really liked Ecosun’s approach in developing a product that can be easily adapted to existing rental products, such as site huts.”

Shortlisted

• EODev – GEH2 hydrogen genset

• Komatsu - PC33E-6 mini excavator

• Niftylift – HeightRider 15 Hydrogen-Electric (HR15 H2E)

• Trime – Solar Hybrid power generators

• Wacker Neuson – APU3050e reversible vibratory plate

Lifetime Achievement Award

WINNER: Brian Jones, chairman of the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA)

ERA/IRN Rental Person of the Year

WINNER: Olivier Colleau, CEO of Kiloutou

ERA Technical Committee Award – Compliance with ERA guidance

WINNERS: JCB 

The ERA’s Technical Committee said; “It is clear that JCB is focused on the needs of the rental sector and that was very evident from its active engagement with ERA’s guidance.”

Shortlisted

• Manitou
• Volvo CE

ERA Sustainability Committee Award – Best emission reduction case study involving rental products

WINNER: Zeppelin Rental

The ERA’s Sustainability Committee said; “It was difficult to choose between three innovative companies. Zeppelin Rental deserves praise for its user-friendly app and commitment to the sharing of machines on site.” Congratulations to Zeppelin Rental.

Shortlisted

• Boels Rentals
• Sunbelt Rentals UK & Ireland

The judges were:

• Nina Aasland, CEO, Naboen
• Stéphane Hénon, President, ERA & Managing Director, Loxam
• Hervé Rebollo, Director General, DLR
• Murray Pollok, Managing Editor, International Rental News
• José Cuadrado, Managing Director, Yanmar Compact Equipment - Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA)
• Non-voting chair: Michel Petitjean, Secretary General, European Rental Association