GRA reports global growth in rental

The Global Rental Alliance (GRA) – a grouping of some of the major rental association worldwide – reported that rental revenues in its territories increased by 6.6% in 2012 to reach US$73 billion.

The GRA territories are the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Brazil, representing a major share of the total global rental market. The only significant developed rental market not included in the alliance is Japan.

The figures were released following the latest meeting of the GRA held during the ARA’s rental Show in Orlando, US.

At the meeting the alliance discussed technological trends in the industry, safety and regulatory matters, and the GRA International Rental Business Leadership Program, which sees rental employees undertaking work placements with counterpart companies in other GRA countries. Two participants are anticipated during this year.

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.

Attending the meeting at Orlando were: Fernando Forjaz (ALEC president, Brazil), Alexandre Forjaz (representative, ALEC); Paul Phelon, president (American Rental Association), Mark Mandin (president, Canadian Rental Association), Phil Newby (CEO, Hire & Rental Industry Association, Australia), Mark Scarce (National president, HRIA), Graham Arundell (managing director, Hire Association Europe), Adrian Watts, chairman, HAE), Christine Wehrman (CEO, ARA), Mike Blaisdell (chairman, ARA), Michel Petitjean (secretary general, European Rental Association), Nathalie McGregor (managing director, Canadian Rental Association), Peter Lancken (representative, HRIA), Terry Douris (immediate past president, HAE), Dave Mintenko (vice president, CRA); Greg Ward (director, Hire Industry Association of New Zealand) and Phil Tindle (general Manager, Hire Industry Association of New Zealand).