Frank Scarborough reviews the access market

Frank Scarborough former president of Snorkel warns that 2009 may see closures of one or two of the third tier, access manufacturers.

In an article written for Access International's sister publication, American Lift and Handlers, he said, "This is similar to the downturn in the 1990s where a significant number of aerial suppliers either closed or were purchased and merged (11 plus). We've fewer OEM manufacturers in this business cycle to lose."

Mr Scarborough suggests that, because manufacturers have not been able to pass on the rising costs of raw materials to customers, fleet owners will find they are paying more for service and spares. On the flip side, purchasing costs will reduce and he anticipates that credit terms will be artificially lowered with the OEMs buying down the rate.

The whole of this article can be read in the January/February 2009 issue of American Lift and Handlers and will be posted on line in a few weeks