Global Rental Alliance countries represent $75.4 billion in revenue

Words: Kenneth AdkinsThe 13th annual meeting of the Global Rental Alliance (GRA) was held recently at The Rental Show 2015 in New Orleans, La.

All GRA member associations were present, including: Brazilian Rental Association, (ALEC); Canadian Rental Association (CRA); European Rental Association (ERA), Belgium; Hire Association Europe (HAE), U.K.; Hire & Rental Industry Association Ltd. (HRIA), Australia; Hire Industry Association of New Zealand (HIANZ); and American Rental Association (ARA). Representatives included the association executives and volunteer leaders.

Agenda items discussed during the full day meeting focused on advancing the business success of members of the individual associations and promoting the image of the equipment rental industry throughout the world. Current member priorities and member initiatives within the associations were shared, as were trends and industry developments. Topics addressed included technological trends in the industry and status of implementation in the associations, best practices in safety, regulatory issues, and the GRA International Rental Business Leadership Program administered by the ARA Foundation. A focus of discussion on membership trends and growth included the recruitment and involvement of young professionals within the associations, or the next generation of rental owners, with each association describing their focus on this segment of membership.

The agenda also included a review of the global survey initiative of the GRA, with release of a 2013 combined rental revenue figure among the GRA associations representing $US 75.4 Billion. This figure represents a 3.2% increase over 2012 rental revenues, as calculated by IHS Economics, one of the world’s most respected economic forecasting firms. Discussion was held among the associations on the economic forecast for their countries through 2015 and the level of rental penetration as they determine for their respective country. All associations are committed to increasing rental penetration on behalf of their membership through their respective program work.

The American Rental Association and the Canadian Rental Association provided the attendees with a preview of their respective associations. With a group objective to continuously learn about the industry worldwide, a guest presentation was received from the Japan Construction Rental Association, generating discussion and greater understanding of the diversity of our associations.

Conference dates and schedules were reviewed and are available on the GRA website, www.GlobalRentalAlliance.com. A mid-year webinar meeting will be held in August 2015. The next Annual Meeting will be held at The Rental Show 2016 scheduled for February 21-24, in Atlanta, Ga.

The purpose of the Global Rental Alliance is to increase the profile of equipment rental worldwide and to build global understanding of the industry. It is a partnership of rental associations from around the world that meet semi-annually and share information on program initiatives throughout the year. The unity of this group has brought about an increased awareness of overall priorities internationally, adding to the strategic outlook and resources of each rental member association.
OSHA’s 2025 Top Violations: What the Numbers Reveal for Masonry and Construction
March 2026

Each year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) publishes its list of the most frequently cited workplace safety standards based on federal inspection data. The purpose is simple: show employers where hazards are consistently being fou

Combining Modern Healthcare with Tribal Design: Nisqually Health & Wellness Center
March 2026

The Nisqually Health & Wellness Center is a project that the wonderful team here at Warfield Masonry completed in 2020. Built on the Nisqually Reservation (near Olympia, Washington), this project incorporates a variety of masonry materials into its tribal

The Power of the STABILA Laser Technology
March 2026

In modern construction, accuracy is no longer a luxury; it is an expectation. From interior layouts to large-scale site preparation, professionals rely on tools that deliver fast, reliable, and accurate results. Among the most influential innovations of r

More Than Just A Material: Why Workforce Development Matters
March 2026

I was asked by the MCAA to share my path and objectives for Masonry Promotion and Outreach that I have worked on in NC over the years. To do that, I want to take you through my path and the key industry people that it took to impacted me for a lifelong ca