Reid Lifting Partners with Equipment Corps in Canada

The UK’s Reid Lifting, a manufacturer of lightweight gantry and davit cranes, has redoubled efforts to target the Canadian market through Equipment Corps, of Stoney Creek, Ontario.

Equipment Corps had previously consumed the Canada-based stock of the Chepstow, Wales manufacturer, but Reid has sharpened its focus on the key marketplace and shipped its second container of new equipment to the strategic partner. The latest shipment included the popular Porta-Gantry and, notably, four 1,000kg capacity Porta-Gantry Rapide units, in addition to lifting accessories. In totality, the 40-ft. container included equipment ranging from 500kg to 5,000kg in capacity.

Equipment Corps has two facilities—the other is in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada—and 35 employees. It specializes in the provision of industrial and construction tools, in addition to fabrication equipment. A broad portfolio already included Reid gantries, having stepped in to take the fleet of a previous partner that chose to leave the market.

Mike Orzel, vice president at Equipment Corps, said: “We specialize in material handling, supplying very large hoists and winches, so this product range fits perfectly with our equipment blend. We were formerly a customer of another Reid dealer and have spent the last five years leveraging the inherent advantages of the equipment as a temporary field tool.”

Simon Luke, managing director at Reid, said: “We want to establish ourselves as a truly global brand and to achieve that we need to add to the European and other markets where we already have a strong presence. The Americas are a prime target for us as we enter Q2 2019 and Canada is a region that has already demonstrated its potential. Equipment Corps has a proven ability to move equipment in key sectors; through new stock and enhanced after-sales support, we can take our partnership to another level.”

Pictured (left to right): Equipment Corps’ Mike Tobola, account manager; Mike Orzel, vice president; Luke Habza, account manager; Dave Kisel, account manager; and Tim Bedard, owner.

Orzel pointed to millwrighting, civil construction, and mining as hotbeds of activity that will drive increased utilization of lightweight gantry cranes. However, he said: “We are finding applications in all sectors and demand will continue to grow, supported by our revamped inventory and marketing endeavors. Where competition for similar solutions does exist [in Canada] it is not represented by the extent of our range or the product expertise boasted by the Equipment Corps and Reid partnership.”

Orzel added: “Our staff has the ability to fulfill all project requirements. We service many markets, from oil and gas to steel, and are renowned for offering the best equipment, suited to the job in hand, supported by unrivalled customer care. Enhanced Reid representation aligns well with our mantra.”

Reid was recently purchased by Pure Lifting, a holding company formed to create a global business of innovative and portable equipment.