Riwal UK directors Dave Freebody and Tim White (L-R) with the new trucks.

Aerial work platform and telehandler specialist Riwal has invested in a fleet of transport vehicles to serve its business in the UK.

Since establishing in the UK in 2009, the company has used sub-contracted hauliers, but decided to bring core transport requirements in-house due to fleet size growth and depot expansion.

Marketing manager Kris Demedt says Riwal's UK network has grown to four depots, covering London East, London West, Midands and North West.

"Riwal's rental fleet growth has been in aerial work platforms as well as telehanders. Telehandlers are an important part of Riwal's rental fleet, as they are often used by our customers in addition to aerial work platforms, for example on construction sites," he adds.

Demedt declines to reveal the value of the company's latest investment in MAN trucks, King trailers and MAN rigid plant vehicles.

The trucks will be used around the Riwal UK depot network and are expected to improve the company's control over transport quality and efficiency.

Tim White, Riwal UK's managing director, says the company undertook an in-depth review of its external transport usage and how it could best service its customers, keeping in mind the increasing safety requirements to major sites like Crossrail and The Olympic Project.

"We chose a Euro 6 engine on all vehicles to reduce our carbon emissions and all trucks are Crossrail-compliant, with reversing cameras and additional mirrors and signage to ensure the safety of all road-users," White explains.

Established in The Netherlands in 1968, The Riwal Holding Group has a rich history. Dick Schalekamp began the rental company as Richards & Wallington Cranes. About 18 years later, the rental of aerial work platforms was added under the name Riwal Lift. In 1989, Schalekamp transferred the company to his sons.

In 1995, Riwal became the official dealer of JLG Industries in the Netherlands. At the 30th anniversary of the company, the various departments merged under a single name: Riwal.

In 2001, Riwal first stepped outside The Netherlands by establishing Riwal in Denmark. Riwal has since opened branches in Slovenia, France, Norway, Kazakhstan, Brazil, Croatia, Poland, Spain, Great Britain, Germany, India, Sweden and Belgium. Today, it employs over 1,100 people and has operations in 17 countries on three continents.