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Executive Report: Generating growth There is more to UK Generators than its name might suggest. EHN reports on the company’s latest developments. UK Generators’ progress has been swift. It grew out of the original UK Europower operation, which essentially acted as sole UK distributor for Europower BVBA, a Belgian supplier of silenced and super-silenced generators. The business, based in Corby, Northamptonshire, had sought to diversify but lacked the necessary resources, until February 2004 when the company attracted new investment with extended credit lines, and changed its name. “Essentially, the original business had obvious potential but was under-capitalised,” states Director Jane Samsa. “Since the new operation’s foundation we have broadened the range considerably, after listening to customers’ requirements. We also needed to differentiate ourselves within the market, and as well as developing our line-up we offer the ability to adapt products to meet specific needs.” The Europower range remains an important part of the UK Generators portfolio, including petrol, diesel and LPG models. These are available in 1,500rpm and 3,000rpm, with a choice of engines from several manufacturers, including Honda, Yanmar and Briggs & Stratton. A model that is said to be attracting particular interest is the New Boy 3,000rpm water-cooled diesel unit. It draws in cooling air, and discharges exhaust and hot air, on one side only, making it suitable for applications where the generator needs to be installed in a secondary enclosure, such as site cabins, catering trailers, and exhibition trailers. A range of Europower welder generators is also being introduced. The company offers a heavier-duty range of silenced static and mobile Inmesol generators from Spain, developed for construction industry usage. Cabinets are designed to reduce vibration as well as noise and wide doors facilitate service access. Generators are available from 9kVA upwards. Since its rejuvenation, the company has been able to develop its hydraulic generator for the access platform market. Managing Director Mike Webb, who was also with the earlier business, has been particularly involved in its design. It is driven by the host machine’s integral hydraulic supply and produces 3.5kVA of AC power at either 110V or 220V. The product can be used on a variety of equipment, and can help meet on-site power requirements as well as reducing noise and emissions. Jane Samsa is enthusiastic about its potential at home and overseas. “We have just obtained funding under the Department of Trade & Industry’s ‘Passport to Export’ scheme to target markets abroad, and this represents a huge opportunity.” A representative generator line-up will be displayed at SED later this month, together with the company’s UKG Welfare Unit. The original 4.88m long, six-man unit, incorporating welfare facilities to help users comply with Health & Safety regulations, was launched at last year’s show, and since then a 3.66m Compact version has been developed. Weighing 1900kg, it can be towed by a typical estate car and features an anti-theft hydraulic lowering system operated by a manual pump, or an optional electric pump. Control circuits are designed to prioritise the load to internal appliances for efficiency. Also available is the Mini Lite lighting tower, a compact mobile unit available with a GRP or aluminium 5m mast and four tungsten halogen lamps. The lighting unit is mounted with three fixing points for rapid deployment. While it comes as standard with a Yanmar air-cooled diesel engine, the Minilite can be supplied to fit other generators. Jane Samsa expects growth to continue. “Health & Safety regulations mean that all but the smallest building contractors require better on-site facilities and our welfare unit has been a major contributor to our success. It has attracted the attention of many portable accommodation hirers and equipment hirers, who have then been interested in the generators that we offer, and our services as a solutions provider.” • T
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747500 Executive Hire News › Archives › May 2006 › Executive Report › Generating growth
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