The firm also revealed it plans to spend £25m on new equipment over the year to offer the latest ranges, including a new anti crush warning system.
Its big access rental businesses Panther and Nationwide Platforms, along with vehicle mount specialists EPL Skylift, have operated under the umbrella brand Lavendon Access Services.
The bringing together of the four brands will see an unparalleled fleet of more than 11,300 powered access platforms, as well as Europe’s largest provision for powered access training, united under one single name.
The change, which takes effect from February, will give customers seamless access to the largest collection of working at height solutions from one single business, operating from 43 depot across the country.
Mike Potts, Nationwide Platforms’ chief executive, said: “Our customers will continue to do business with the same powered access specialists they have always dealt with.
“Now we’ll be able to offer them access to our entire fleet, allowing us to make sure they have access to the right product, at the right place, every time.
“As a business we are always striving to take new steps in delivering the service our customers should find in a market leader. I am confident that the new single UK brand will help us move forward and be of great benefit to those we serve.
He added: “In addition to this, we are investing up to £25m in new equipment for 2012, supplementing our already extensive range of powered access equipment.
SkySiren launch
SkySiren reduces the risk of injury through entrapment when operating a boom type MEWP.
Entrapment can occur when an operator is pinned between an object and the control panel.
Since 2003, eight people have been killed and many injured when trapped or operating a MEWP.
The two most likely causes of injury in these situations are the initial entrapment crush forces, which can be considerable, and asphyxiation. This means it is vital that an operator is freed immediately and first aid is administered.
SkySiren can be retro-fitted to most boom lifts in a matter of minutes. Designed to stop the powered access platform immediately when its operator becomes trapped, the device is also designed to alert colleagues to the incident, enabling them to carry out an emergency rescue procedure and administer first aid.
The system is also designed to be as un-obstructive as possible, with Lavendon Access Services modifying the prototype based on the feedback received over the course of years of trials.
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