Rapid Success for Genie® Z®-60 FE hybrid boom in South Africa

Last July, Durban-based Avka Plant Hire took delivery of the first ever fuel electric (FE) aerial work platform in the South Africa.  The 20.16 m (65 ft 7 in) working height Genie® Z®-60 FE hybrid boom lift was provided by authorised Genie Distributor Goscor Access Solutions (GAS).  In just four months the utilisation rates and rental returns on the invested capital (rROIC) were so significant that GAS has since ordered eight more units and the company is considering acquiring another 17 other units before the end of 2020. Deliveries of the first units are scheduled to begin before the end of Q1.

For GAS, the decision to purchase its first Genie Z-60 FE hybrid boom sprang from a visit by the company’s CEO Andrew Kendrick to the Genie manufacturing facility in Umbertide, Italy, in September 2018. “The truth of the matter is that investing in new technology can seem a bit of a gamble, but if you don’t try you will never find out,” said Kendrick. “We were so impressed by the advantages of Genie hybrid technology and the machine’s powerful capabilities, that despite the fact that South Africa is predominantly a traditional diesel-driven market, we were convinced that with its hybrid capabilities and 20 m (65 ft 7 in) working height, which is very popular here, the Genie Z-60 FE hybrid boom lift had great potential in our region.”

Received by GAS in June 2019 into their sales inventory, but not having a confirmed sales order, the company took the opportunity of the South African Construction Expo held that month to showcase their new Genie FE hybrid unit. Seeking to expand its activity to the aerial access sector, for Avka Plant Hire, the show provided the ideal opportunity to discuss the benefits of Genie hybrid technology and offer customers the chance to discover the machine firsthand.