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Executive Report: Safe and sound Amongst several new launches from GenSet at the Hire Show are products designed to help hirers meet new Health & Safety regulations. GenSet has taken a bigger stand at the Hire Show to promote the latest product developments across its various divisions. Many of these have been introduced to ensure compliance with new regulations concerning noise emissions. On 3 January, the second element of Directive 2000/14/EC on noise requirements came into effect, aimed at harmonising laws on noise emissions, measurements and the labelling of 60 different types of equipment used outdoors. The first component of the Directive was introduced in 2002, and its permitted levels have been reduced by a further 2dB under the new regulations. New at the Show will be a redesigned version of the company’s 6kVA compact portable MiniTower, which retains a Yanmar engine but features an enhanced sound reduction canopy. “A particular challenge has been to ensure that the machine still provided easy access for servicing and maintenance,” states Chief Executive Jeff Davies. “The new version also features an hydraulic mast incorporating the same technology as on our successful VT-1 SuperLight and LinkTower units, and we have taken the opportunity to restyle the machine.” The VT-1 SuperLight will be promoted at the exhibition and will be shown powering several LinkTower units to illustrate the machine’s ability to provide an auxiliary electric supply. It is designed to be towed at high speeds with its four metal halide lamps still attached to the retracted, seven-section 9m mast, safely out of harm’s way above the machine canopy. The LinkTower is a standalone tower floodlight with four metal halide lamps. Up to four of the compact units can be connected and run together from a 110V or 240V supply or can be powered by a single generator. “The VT-1 has been a tremendous success,” contends Jeff Davies. “We sold approximately 1,200 last year, which is more than double the 2004 figure. In September we sold 24 to Fastline (which meets the rail maintenance equipment hire requirements of its parent, Jarvis, and which is targeting new markets like event hire), and it recently placed an order for more. The temporary lighting market grows year on year, driven by Health & Safety considerations. Tighter regulations mean there is a greater requirement for better illumination of car parks and public outdoor areas, and more hirers are recognising this as a potential revenue stream. Although the peak sales period is September to December, we find there is demand all year round.” Jeff Davies states that GenSet’s core generator business is also growing. “We achieved a 40% increase in 2005, and we continue to develop new products for the hire industry. At the Hire Show we will promote new models in our established HireMan range, from 30kVA upwards, which also incorporate new noise reduction technology.” HireMan silenced static sets are powered by 1,500rpm water-cooled diesel engines, providing power for facilities such as hospitals and factories, and are fully bunded. Another feature on the stand will be a site container housing a selection of PowACcomm generators, designed with an anti-vandal specification for installation in temporary buildings and welfare units, and at unmanned or remote locations. “We will show models with different specifications to demonstrate how we can tailor the generators to specific modules that hirers operate, such as in terms of fuel type and exhaust configuration,” contends Jeff Davies. On
a
dedicated
area
of
the
stand,
sister
company
GenQuip
will
launch
an
‘economy’
version
of
the
Groundhog
360
road-towable
mobile
welfare
unit,
designed
to
enable
contractors
to
meet
Health
Anyone who cannot wait until the Hire Show to see something new from GenSet can visit the company’s website, which has just been redesigned. The company says that the new layout is more user-friendly, contains a greater amount of product information and can be updated more easily. • T
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777000 Executive Hire News › Archives › January 2006 › Executive Report › Safe and sound
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