GGR-Unic mini-crawler crane
As part of the deal, GGR-Unic gets a dedicated telephone number and page in the Speedy Lifting catalogue. The company has dedicated seven machines for exclusive Speedy use, although it could dip into its rental fleet of 43 mini-crawlers if necessary, said GGR-Unic managing director Gill Riley.
She commented: “This alliance will help open up the mini crane and vacuum lifting equipment market across the UK. Despite comparatively rapid growth in recent years, the mini crane market is still relatively untapped and we see it as ripe for further expansion, fuelled by major construction projects like the 2012 Olympics. Incorporating the recently acquired Speedy LGH, Speedy Lifting is ideally placed to help achieve this offering genuine nationwide coverage through their depot network.
“We have increased our mini crane hire fleet to 50 machines and recruited additional personnel in preparation for this challenge and are looking forward to a very successful partnership.”
Claudio Veritiero, Speedy Lifting managing director, said: “As pressure for tower crane time on site increases, added to the focus on removing manual handling where possible, we are seeing demand for machines that can operate where access and working space are restricted. Mini cranes are increasingly being identified as the ideal lifting tool for these areas and this partnership will allow us to offer an enhanced lifting solution for confined working environments.”
GGR-Unic made a turnover of £9m in 2006, buoyed from sales of about 150 mini crawlers in Europe. The company is expanding its southern depot in Long Crendon, Buckinghamshire, to provide a total of 26,000 square feet of workshop space, dedicated training facilities and training yard. GGR-Unic’s Manchester HQ is also relocating to larger, purpose-built premises directly adjacent to the M60.
