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New initiatives in the mast climber industry

Words: Dan KamysCanadian mast climber manufacturer Hydro-Mobile used the World of Concrete trade show as a springboard for new initiatives designed to raise performance levels in the industry. The company will create a new ethos within its dealer network and an increased perception of mast climbing work platforms, in general.

Hydro-Mobile exhibited key products from its range and highlighting both major product improvements and a groundbreaking new product. The updated M2 and P ranges were represented at the show and feature important product updates, and Hydro-Mobile announced the new S series, an electric rack and pinion drive unit which provides up to a 60-foot-long platform on a single mast, with climbing speeds of up to 30 feet per minute and the ability to lift 8,000 pounds at 50-foot platform length and 13,000 pounds at a twin mast platform length of 120 feet.

Hydro-Mobile equipment was present at the SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 competition. The company was a platinum sponsor of the event, having taken part in the regional competitions leading up to the main event at World of Concrete.

Vincent DeQuoy, president of Hydro-Mobile, is excited about 2014 and beyond. “We have the team in place to take us forward, we have the desire to make it happen, we have the distribution to make it happen, and we have the products to make it happen,” he says.

Hydro-Mobile, like all other mast climber manufacturers, was hit hard by the recession and has worked hard to maintain a strong nucleus of expertise and experience to facilitate post-recession growth.

DeQuoy continues, “We had to take some tough decisions in the past few years, like everybody else, but what is extremely important for Hydro-Mobile is that we managed to keep our management team intact and in AGF we found an investment partner who had faith in our team. These will be critical success factors as we move forward. Hydro-Mobile is extremely proud of its association with the masonry industry.”

Hydro-Mobile sees the importance of giving back to the industry, and DeQuoy explaines the ethos: “In addition to providing strong support for the SAIA and taking an active role in the ANSI committees for mast climbers and transport platforms, Hydro-Mobile has recently become a member of IPAF, with the intention of providing comprehensive industry and manufacturer training throughout its international and domestic markets.

“This represents a major commitment to increasing quality and training levels within the industry,” he continues. “A manufacturer whose name is synonymous with contributing to improvements for the industry in which it operates maintains a high level of credibility. Additionally, our distributor network is enthusiastic about the challenge ahead, and it’s been extremely gratifying to work with committed, professional mast climber people who want to raise the bar.”

A new addition

The company recently announced that Kevin O’Shea has joined the team as director of safety and training. O’Shea is chairman of the SAIA Mast Climber Committee, member of both the A92.9 and A92.10 ANSI committees, and a key member of the SAIA/OSHA Alliance team. He is known around the world as an industry expert and is the recipient of a number of awards, including International Safety Champion and SAIA Outstanding Council Chairperson.

O’Shea is excited about the challenge ahead: “I’ve spent the last 10 years raising awareness, expertise and knowledge about mast climbers within the industry bodies, with users, with owners and with regulators, and there is still a lot of work to do,” he says. “Hydro-Mobile is equally committed, and it’s exciting to be part of such a vibrant, forward-thinking team. It’s an important time for the mast climber industry; the market is improving and equipment owners need a lot of training, advice and support to be able to manage their liabilities as they strive to get the most out of a fleet of equipment which is ageing, or cannibalized, or improperly serviced and inspected, or all three.

“Additionally,” he continues, “many experienced industry personnel have been lost in the last few years, and it’s imperative for equipment owners that the use, installation and dismantle, and maintenance is carried out by properly qualified staff. Hydro-Mobile is absolutely committed to working with its customers and distributors to provide support in these areas. What our distributors do and how they do it reflects on us, so it’s vital that we work to maintain the consistency and quality of our distributor network.”

The company places great emphasis on highlighting the local support provided through its distribution network, and Hydro-Mobile hopes that a comprehensive approach will appeal to potential customers and new distributors.

The company also will be highlighting its new website, which will be introduced in early-2014, featuring enhanced access and assistance for customers and distributors.

For more information, visit www.Hydro-Mobile.com.
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