Editor Allan Leibowitz comments on the news of the week

The equipment rental market is an excellent barometer of economic activity and it comes as no surprise that we see reports of continued fleet expansion and renewal around the world.
This week's news is no exception, and we cover a large order by a new UK-based hirer as well as details of Briggs' purchase of some key Irish hire businesses.
For Forkliftaction News readers, the hire market is interesting for a number of reasons. It shows what equipment is in demand by the most discerning of buyers - the folks who depend on the gear for their commercial survival. Hirers stock their inventory with reliable, robust and versatile machines that are most popular among end-users. Fleet expansions impact on the profitability of manufacturers and help maintain competition in the market, which benefits all equipment purchasers. They also show which geographic locations are doing well - and which sectors of the economy are faring best.
There's a lot to be learned from the rental market - even for those not looking to hire or rent anything!