APS and IPS complete merger

Access Platform Sales (APS) and Independent Parts & Service (IPS) have merged to form IAPS Group.

The two companies announced they were joining forces in September 2012 and now describe themselves as the largest independent full service distributor of powered access platforms in the UK.

They formally completed the merger on 28 February, following the integration of back office functions, service teams and spare parts facilities.

While IAPS Group is the umbrella organisation, the business still operates in three distinct divisions:

Access Platform Sales (APS) offers a wide range of powered access platforms, lifting solutions and compact plant equipment. It is the official UK distributor for Hinowa tracked lifts and compact plant, Omme, Youngman BoSS X-Series, Wienold Lifte, Bison X-Step and is a Genie Aluminium regional dealer. APS is also a dealer for Niftylift and Snorkel products.

Independent Parts Specialists (IPS) supplies replacement parts and is the official UK supplier for Genie, Grove Manlift, Manitou, Pop-Up, and Snorkel /UpRight. Customers are served via four mobile parts sales vans covering the UK and a 17,500 square foot parts warehouse.

Platform Service & Repair (PSR) is the new name for the service division, incorporating inspection, service and repair. A team of 23 mobile service engineers covers the UK, supported by three workshops in the West Midlands, South East England and Scotland. They are the appointed warranty repair providers for a number of the leading manufacturers represented by other divisions within the group.

Jim Daintith, chairman of IAPS Group, said, “While IAPS Group is the parent company, we were very conscious that we had two strong brands in APS and IPS, so it was important to retain and build on them.

“Our belief was always that, together, we have a compelling full service distribution package that will be highly attractive to equipment manufacturers as well as customers. We are already seeing evidence of this in our recent contract wins to support Youngman BoSS in France and our appointment as the exclusive UK distributor for the innovative X-Step low-level access platform.”

The company will shortly launch a new website, ww.iapsgroup.com, containing information on all three of its business divisions.