Snorkel Australia integrates aftermarket business

Snorkel Australia Pty Limited (Snorkel) has bought out IPS (Independent Parts and Service Australia Pty Limited) the joint venture partner in its service, maintenance and repair operation.

Snorkel has reached agreement with IPS to purchase IPS' holding in the joint venture company IPSA (IPS (Aust) Pty Ltd). Since 1 January 2010, IPSA has managed the service and spare parts operations of Snorkel in Australia, with the exception of Queensland, where the long-standing service dealer EPMS supports the Snorkel product.

Matthew Elvin, general manager of Snorkel Australia and New Zealand said, "Since its inception, IPSA has proved to be a fantastic asset, providing a high level of support to Snorkel's customers.

"Taking this business in-house will allow Snorkel to develop an even more integrated and enhanced service for all our clients, big and small. We will work closely with our customers, employees and suppliers to make the integration process as seamless as possible."

Snorkel Australia is part of the global Snorkel family, Snorkel has manufacturing plants in New Zealand, USA, UK and China, producing push-around lifts, towable lifts, truck-mounts, scissor lifts and boom lifts for a worldwide customer base.

The IPSA acquisition is in line with the management team's strategy to grow Snorkel, while also strengthening brand awareness. Snorkel expects to have fully integrated the IPSA business by 1 January 2011.