Snorkel enhances German operation

Powered access manufacturer, Snorkel is strengthening its operations in Germany, as it targets the major rental companies.

As part of its re-brand from UpRight to Snorkel, the company is enhancing its capabilities in Germany. Existing German distributors will continue to sell Snorkel lifts into end users and smaller rental companies. A new entity, Snorkel Deutschland, will support these dealers, while also targeting the major rental companies.

Richard Tindale, sales and marketing director for Snorkel, said, "Our rebrand is much more than a purely cosmetic exercise.

"We have enhanced every facet of our global operations, from the machines we produce to the customer service we offer. The time is right for Snorkel to show rental companies how they can really benefit from our strength."

The company's partner in Snorkel Deutschland is Hubarbeitsbuehnen Bielefeld GmbH, an aerial lift dealer in Germany. Based in the city of Herne in the Ruhr valley, Bielefeld has worked for more than 15 years in the powered access industry and has built a strong reputation with the major rental companies in Germany.

Owner Carsten Bielefeld said, "Bielefeld is delighted to be part of Snorkel Deutschland.

"Snorkel Deutschland will provide a single source solution for rental companies, delivering the right machine for working at heights from 4m to 40m."

Bielefeld's ensures its own employees are IPAF-qualified and offers IPAF PAL card training to its customers.

Previously, UpRight Deutschland (part of the Power-Lift GmbH group) was the company's Master Distributor in Germany, supporting a network of regional sub-dealers. Power-Lift and the other regional distributors remain an important part of Snorkel's operations in Germany, supplying Snorkel lifts to end users and smaller rental companies. Snorkel Deutschland will support them with strategic stock of spare parts and machines.

Richard Tindale said, "Power-Lift GmbH has been a great distributor for us over the past four years.

"However, we believe Bielefeld is the right partner to take Snorkel forward, particularly with the larger German rental companies. Power-Lift remains a valued Snorkel distributor - we will continue to work closely with Holger Johan and his team on a regional level."