– Change is in the Air


Used to its full potential it is the perfect answer to ‘on the hoof ‘dust suppression on building sites where ordinary hoses cannot reach. Dust control legislation will see a large niche opening up for this product. Jefferson This is a relatively recent tie-up with MSM and it


consists of a range of basic hand and power tools and safety gear that hire shops should have in stock but often don’t. Look out for the Gecko Gloves which are my favourite – they grip well and last a lot longer than the standard blue gloves available at tool suppliers. Eyes on the Future Even without the ‘steady as she goes’ attitude that


many businesses have adopted since the Brexit vote, MSM always has to have an eye on the future. Richard Denholm argues that, in future, British engineering and design will become even more important to the economy. In the short and medium term those pesky international trade deals might still elude us, so we need to have excellent British kit to buy. Also with eyes on the future is Paul Kelham (Head of Engineering), who has the


responsibility of ensuring that new designs to meet new requirements are initiated and developed. With MSM’s markets in over 20 countries, there is a range of needs to be met. I watched, fascinated, as the in-house design team with 88 years of combined design experience, used sophisticated CAD (with at least two computer screens each – more than I could cope with) to manipulate a design for the best configuration of switches and components and the slickest and most efficient manufacturing method. The MSM team believes that there is always room for collaboration and idea


sharing. Staff members are invited to chip in where they think it might help and there is also input and ideas from some of its major clients like A-Plant and BrightLights. In fact, the current TL90 LED with telemetry to monitor fuel, battery power and faults has been a classic example of collaborative working to ensure that it is as good as can be – even down to the position of the controls for easy access. Parts and Servicing is another vital part of the business, and wherever possible,


for efficiency, parts are made available online or in the catalogue. However, more complicated needs are met by the office based teams who have excellent training in product knowledge and years of experience – Quality Accreditations from the


Makinex Hose2Go


likes of HAE, TUV, ISO, CEA and EHA are hard earned, but ensure that customers’ continuing needs are met. I have first-hand experience of MSM’s commitment to Corporate Social


Responsibility because we reported on the Weld Off last year. Sponsored by MSM and Speedy Hire, the Weld Off was a tightly contested welding competition for apprentices at colleges throughout the country. The Weld Off was designed to nurture and reward talent and recognise the importance of well-trained apprentices to the wider economy. It is also CEO and Managing Director Chris Morris’ responsibility to ensure


that certain developing ‘green’ objectives are met, from the designs of new products, down to the use of fuel, water and sustainable electricity in everything from the premises to the manufacturing and design facilities. And the Here and Now The MSM site at Gosberton is large, and houses the design teams as well as the


majority of manufacturing of lighting towers and generators. We were shown around the factory where a series of lighting towers were being made. As is the case of much modern manufacturing, the pace is steady but thorough, because rectifying mistakes can be expensive. Wherever possible pre- manufactured modules are used to save time and space and money. As we are leading up to the peak time of year for lighting tower demand, the


yards were packed with newly-made plastic wrapped lighting towers. However, also in evidence were several rows of MSM ex-hire lighting towers


dating back to around 2009, up to last year’s models. They encompass metal halide technologies as well as some of the nearly-new LED models. MSM has begun an initiative to sell these towers to the trade only, since they all have lots of life in them. The lighting towers have all been checked over, and come with a full guarantee


for three months, representing a saving for users who would like to own rather than hire them. British and Proud – as Well as Innovative, Green and Practical The tabloid press is fond of denigrating British industry as behind the times and


inefficient, but what might have been the case in the 1970’s and 1980’s is no longer true, especially when we have companies like MSM to point to as examples. It is quite comforting to see the real cutting edge of British design and manufacture with world markets interested in buying its products. It is most likely that it is companies like Morris Site Machinery that will help us over the hump into the post Brexit economy - so thank goodness for them. Thanks for the insights MSM – my optimism glass is definitely half full.


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