As an international reference of access platforms, what’s the actual situation of the industry?
The aerial platform industry is growing globally. Already a well-established market in Europe and North America, the use of powered access platforms is expanding in Latin America, the Middle East and Asia. China is a particular hot spot right now. Europe represents around 30% of the total global market, with North America accounting for 50% of the market.
The European access market is actually doing pretty well just now, with the region’s biggest rental companies investing in renewing their aerial platform fleets. Most manufacturers are expecting growth in sales this year for Europe.
What is going to be the novelties on this 2017 edition?
There are more than 100 exhibitors and many of them will have new machines on show. Of particular interest will be the new scissor lifts and articulated boom from JCB (who is exhibiting in the adjoining International Rental Exhibition). JCB’s entry into the powered access sector is a major story and its machines will attract a lot of interest.
There will also be important product launches from Haulotte, Skyjack (a new articulating boom), Genie (new XC high capacity booms and a large hybrid articulating boom) and JLG. Magni, the Italian telehandler manufacturer, will also show some scissor lifts that it is selling through its agreement with Dingli in China.
Has APEX any activity or conference for exhibitors? Can you recommend something?
In fact, APEX is one part of the event in Amsterdam. On the same three days, in an adjoining hall, there will be the International Rental Exhibition (IRE), which is a showcase for compact construction equipment, tools, portable compressors etc. This is targeted at equipment rental companies – the same companies that will be attending APEX. Visitors to both exhibitions will have free access to the adjoining exhibition.
Also, the European Rental Association (ERA) will hold its annual Convention during the IRE exhibition. More than 350 delegates will attend this convention, including many of Europe’s largest rental companies, such as Loxam, Kiloutou, Cramo, Ramirent, HSS, A-Planat, Boels Rental, etc.
Why have you chosen Amsterdam?
Amsterdam is a very easy place to get to from anywhere in the world, with direct flights from most major cities. That makes it the perfect location for the event. Also, the Netherlands is a very active access rental market – many of the industry’s pioneers were based in the country – so it is an appropriate city to hold the event.
Some tips to have success as an exhibitor at APEX
For exhibitors, many of the world’s largest rental companies will be attending the show, so keep a close eye on name badges and make sure you welcome people to your stand.
For visitors, make sure you visit some of the smaller stands and not just the major players. And remember that the IRE rental show in the adjoining hall will have some big-name suppliers – Caterpillar, JCB, Case, Atlas Copco, Hitachi – as well as rental software providers.
What makes it stand out from other similar shows?
It is the only international exhibition in the world solely dedicated to access equipment. Every type of access equipment – self-propelled booms, scissor lifts, hoists, vertical mast lifts, trailers, Spider platforms – will be represented at APEX. It makes it very easy for visitors to see the entire spectrum of equipment available in just a day or two.
Please, give us some participation results of the last edition
More than 4400 people attended the 2014 APEX show – which was held on 24-26 June - with the numbers rising to 5500 when visitors to the neighbouring International Rental Exhibition (IRE) are included. Visitors registered for each show had free access to both shows.
Attendees included CEOs and senior figures from the European and worldwide rental sector, including delegates attending the European Rental Association’s annual convention. Representatives from Loxam, Cramo, Ramirent, United Rentals, Hewden, HSS and many more attended the show.
The 2014 edition of APEX was the eighth time the show has been held. All previous shows, from the first event in 1996, were held at the MECC exhibition centre in Maastricht, NL.