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SED 2007 Preview: Powerful argument SDMO Energy believes that hirers should gear up accordingly to meet the continued growth in demand for temporary power generation equipment. There are considerable business opportunities in hiring out power generation equipment and the trend can only continue. That is the belief of SDMO Energy, the UK subsidiary of the French-based manufacturer SDMO industries, which specialises in power generation products. “The National Grid cannot cope with peak requirements at the moment and will not be able to meet future needs,” contends Wayne Steele, Director of SDMO Energy. “The demand for power seems to be insatiable. Walk down any high street and so many of the consumer goods you see are electrical, such as PCs and home entertainment systems, and everyone needs to have power available in their workplace, or on site, to charge items like mobile phones and laptops. “In addition, more offices are having air conditioning installed, and companies need backup electrical supplies to ensure uninterrupted running of computers and other equipment in the case of mains failures. So demand has rocketed, but the investment in the power supply infrastructure has not matched it.” Three production sites SDMO operates three production sites throughout the world and manufactures more than 100,000 generating sets each year. Its product offering is designed to meet the power generation fleet requirements of virtually all kinds of users and hirers, from local independents to nationals, as well as specialist power equipment hire organisations. Products are grouped according to three broad market segments. “Portable Power Equipment includes generating sets and welding sets from 0.9-12kVA, typically for use at general work sites, offices and farms,” states Wayne Steele. “There is also strong demand from DIY users and from people who need power away from home while camping or caravanning. Participation in leisure pursuits like these continues to grow. “Our Power Product range encompasses standard generating sets from 11-630kVA, targeted at a wide range of industries and commercial applications that require standby power, such as hospitals, businesses and factories. Finally, our Rental Power offering serves the substantial requirements of hirers providing equipment for use at fairgrounds, events, construction projects and other industrial applications.” Products with outputs up to 630kVA are distributed from SDMO’s facility in Middlewich, Cheshire, while other equipment of up to 3kW capacity is handled by SDMO’s UK headquarters in Byfleet, Surrey. SDMO established its UK operation back in 1987, opening an office in Cheshire in 2002 to specialise in Portable Power products. “At Middlewich we now have storage space of more than 15,000ft2,” states Wayne Steele. “We moved to this facility in February 2006, after we had outgrown two other locations, and this shows the growth in demand that we have been experiencing. We are able to maintain excellent stock levels and we appreciate that the quick supply of products is essential to our hire customers.” Full frames fitted As a modification specifically for the UK industry, SDMO’s portable power products are manufactured with full frames to protect the engines from the rigours of hire. They are also designed to comply with the latest legislation governing noise and fuel emissions. The company sees great potential for its R2700UK, R3000UK and R4000UK models, which offer outputs of 3.100kVA, 3.625kVA and 4.625kVA respectively and are driven by Honda petrol engines. The smallest model can be fitted with an optional wheel kit to enhance mobility on site. “These machines aroused great interest at the Executive Hire Show, which was the best exhibition we have ever attended. The atmosphere reminded me of the old Hirex days at Wembley. We came away from the event with really excellent leads from hire companies of all sizes.” The manufacturer also offers models powered by diesel and lpg. SDMO’s line-up for the hire industry, which will be promoted on the company’s stand at SED later this month, includes Weldarc welder/generators designed to give maximum operational flexibility on site. Also available is the innovative T16K multiphase generator. Powered by a Mitsubishi diesel engine and available in road-tow and skid-mounted versions, it enables 110V, 230V and 450V supplies to be used simultaneously. In readiness for the expansion that it predicts will continue in the power generation equipment hire market, SDMO Energy has recently expanded its sales force with the appointment of Peter Wilcock serving the south west of England and Wales, and Irene Hyndman covering Scotland and the north of England. “This means we now have five sales people reporting to Middlewich and two based in Surrey,” states Wayne Steele. “We believe it is very important to maintain regular face-to-face contact with our customers. Certainly, the potential in this market is huge and we have the products, the people and the stocks to meet it.” • T
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838120 Executive Hire News › Archives › May 2007 › SED Preview › Powerful argument
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