MARKET REPORT HEATING & LIGHTING
Dazzling demand
The market for heating and lighting equipment remains buoyant, as hirers and their customers seek products that increase operational efficiency and environmental friendliness.
Demand for lighting equipment continues to grow across the board, from smaller tripod-mounted lights for interior use by plasterers and other tradesmen, to road-towable machines for use at construction sites and events. Technological advances are being incorporated in new models at a striking pace, and users are keen to reap the benefits.
“Last year we were establishing our business in the UK but we still achieved excellent sales of our X-Eco lighting tower and we are set to double that volume in 2017,” said Paul Hay, MD of Trime (UK). “We have also had significant repeat orders from hirers such as GAP, Charles Wilson Engineers and Illumin8, which has been very pleasing.
“There are several factors behind this growth. More and more employers are aware of their Health and Safety obligations and the need to provide adequate illumination for their workers on construction sites, road maintenance projects and the like, as well as for protecting members of the public attending events and other activities. Many contractors, such as those maintaining highways and motorways, are increasing
Illumin8 is amongst the hirers that have expanded their lighting fleets recently.
Compact products can be transported in greater quantities on one vehicle.
the amount of work they undertake through the might so as to minimise disruption and to complete jobs more quickly. Users also appreciate the fuel savings and the environmental benefits that can be obtained with lights incorporating LED lamps.
“The market can only grow”
“The market can only continue to grow. You only need to look at the car industry, with the planned reduction in the use of diesel engines in vehicles, and consumers moving to hybrid and fully battery- powered models. Battery technology is advancing all the time, giving extended running times, better lighting capabilities and faster recharging. We estimate that traditional metal halide machines still make up approximately 70% of the lighting towers in hire fleets, so there should be steady demand for several years to come as hirers upgrade their equipment.”
Another continuing trend is that the need for lighting towers is far less seasonally dependent than it once was. “Virtually every town and city stages one or more local shows and charity events throughout the year, and more concerts and music festivals are being held, creating steady demand,” said Andy Thompson, Sales and National Accounts Manager with Generac Mobile Products. “Event organisers are aware of the need to provide safe and adequate illumination at areas like pedestrian access points and car parks, as well as for site security purposes.
“Customers are replacing metal halide machines with LED models, and this is accelerating as their performance improves and the light output increases. They also give operational benefits, since the heads do not need to cool down before that can be switched back on, and they provide virtually instantaneous bright light.
“Market requirements also change. We have just introduced our MT1-UFO model which has dimmable lights, giving an output level that can be altered from 1-100%, further increasing energy efficiency and helping operators address potential issues relating to light pollution, which is another important consideration. Our Cube+ model has a very compact footprint, which means more can be delivered
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