Riwal scales down in Spain

Riwal is to reduce its Spanish fleet by around 25% to 1500 units but said it remained absolutely committed to the Spanish market.

The Netherlands-based company said its Clem-Riwal business was affected by continuing poor market conditions that had led to an overcapacity of platforms and low rental rates.

Riwal will reduce the size of its fleet in Spain by around 500 machines and slim down its depot network, focusing on three key areas - Levante (Valencia), Center (Madrid) and Catalonia (Barcelona). In the past it has had national coverage in Spain.

These three areas represent 60% of the Spanish aerial platform market, said Riwal.

Dick Schalekamp, Riwal's president, said "Riwal is very committed to the Spanish market as part of its European network and is confident that the company will come out stronger once economic developments become more favourable in the longer term."

Clem-Riwal's general manager, Javier Gomez Gonzalez, said the changes would help it "achieve a new service and pricing policy for the coming years, which will ensure the quality of our fleet and service and will confirm our position as a key supplier for all our customers".

Access International understands that the 500 excess machines will be offered to country managers in Riwal's 14 other country operations, and could well also be used for new start-ups in developing markets.

Riwal's downsizing in Spain follows Lavendon Group's decision to exit the Spanish market and the sale of thousands of excess machines by Spain's big rental companies, including GAM and HUNE.

Riwal Holding Group employs 800 people in 15 countries and operates a fleet of 13000 units.