Friday Roundup: Australian electrification | Kennards honor | CEO shifts

The past week in equipment rental centered primarily on personnel changes as well as a key partnership. Businesses the world over were making exciting changes on many levels during the week that was Sept. 19-25, 2024.

To start with, off-grid power distributor Blue Diamond Machinery and energy storage system (ESS) manufacturer Ampd Energy are partnering to “make the electrification of construction sites a reality.”

A new partnership between two Australia-based businesses will see Blue Diamond Machinery distribute the AMPD range of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) across the country.

The agreement between the two Australia-based businesses will see Blue Diamond Machinery distribute the AMPD range of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) across the country, including its 300kW and 500kW Enertainer systems.

The diesel-free units are said to provide up to 85% carbon emission reduction and offer up to 32 times quieter operations than diesel models.

In Europe, Atlas Copco has acquired Netherlands-based compressed air distributor Perslucht Wilda. Headquartered in the central town of Woudenberg, the company has been the main dealer for Atlas Copco in the Netherlands for 40 years.

As well as offering sales of portable air compressors, generators, light towers and small electric compressors, it also provides rental of a variety of machines, inlcuding diesel-powered compressors and generators.

There were several shifts on the personnel front this week, highlighted by news that HSS CEO Steve Ashmore will step down from his role at the end of the month as part of a new strategy.

Ashmore, who has held the role since joining the company in 2017, will become executive chairman for ProService and will remain on the PLC Board as an executive director.

Meanwhile, Canada-based rental company Stephenson’s Rental Services has announced the appointment of Rob Wilson as its new CEO and president.

He will replace Guy Manuel, who is joining the executive board after 15 years as president and CEO.

Rounding out our roundup of news, we go back to Australia, where Kennards Hire named its Walter

Kennards Hire named the Queanbeyan branch in New South Wales the recipient of its Walter Kennard Group Branch of the Year.

Kennard Group Branch of the Year at the annual Group Quality of Management (QOM) Awards.

Initially contesting with over 200 other locations, the Queanbeyan branch in New South Wales came away with the top prize. Kennards said the award was down to its “unwavering dedication to excellence.”