Dutch equipment hire specialist Riwal is to quit the UK market.

A company statement says after 13 years’ activity in the UK, Riwal is “actively considering a plan to cease … operations in the UK as per 1 January 2023”. 

The plan is based on the long-term outlook of the UK rental market and the small market position of Riwal UK. 

Riwal currently employs 51 staff in the UK.

Pedro Torres, CEO of  Riwal Holding Group, says: “We do not see a viable long-term business for our operations, given the fierce market conditions and our limited marketshare. We have always experienced strong support from our highly qualified staff; however, the UK market does not show the same performance and growth that we see in many of our other operations.

“We will, of course, be consulting with the employees and their representatives on the plan before any decision is finalised,” he adds.

The Riwal Holding Group, established in 1968 and headquartered in the Netherlands, is an international rental and sales specialist for aerial work platforms, telehandlers and forklifts.

Riwal is active in 15 countries, managing a fleet of approximately 20,000 machines and employing more than 1,400 staff.