Equipment Parts Wholesale (EPW) opens UK operation

Equipment Parts Wholesale (EPW), the US access parts specialist and sister company to MEC Aerial Platforms, has established a UK operation led by newly appointed general manager for Europe Geoff Wray, the former Skyjack UK workshop manager.

The 6000 ft2 covered/4000 ft2 uncovered warehouse in Flintshire, north Wales - close to the border with England - will hold stock valued at £0.5 million from the start of April, covering brands including Genie, JLG, Skyjack, Snorkel, UpRight and MEC, although not Haulotte. Telehandler brands included will be JCB and Manitou, with Merlo to be added later.

Martin Davies, the ex-Skyjack Europe access veteran who is now sales manager with MEC in the UK, will be involved in sales for EPW in the UK and Ireland. Both Mr Davies and EPW USA are shareholders of the European parts business.

Mr Davies, speaking to AI at the Rental Show in Atlanta, said the new warehouse was very close to a DHL yard which will allow the company to offer next day deliveries on orders place up to 5.00pm.

EPW will also offer a two or three day delivery service to the rest of Europe, although the initial focus will be on serving the UK and Irish market. Mr Davies said there were no current plans to offer refurbishment services, although the aim is to offer both IPAF and access tower PASMA training through a sister company, Equipment Training Wales (which will also offer Welsh language training).

Mr Davies said the timing of the move was good; "A lot of rental companies, by default, are buying a lot more spare parts than they were...[and] there's a lot of new equipment coming out of warranty over the next 6 to 12 months. Rental companies are telling me that they are seeing spending on parts go up month on month."