The incredible success can be attributed to the amazing VERSALIFT* products and our top-notch nationwide service facilities in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
The positive results over the past several years are based upon exceptional VERSALIFT ® products, our first class service, and A1 sales activities.
With our comprehensive SERVICE facilities (8 company-owned SERVICE centres plus our numerous and constantly-growing SERVICEpoints in Germany and Austria) and professional SERVICE personnel, we are able to offer customers the best local service in the industry. Our long-time and extremely competent business partner – Hubitec – looks after the needs of VERSALIFT customers in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Our SERVICEpoints – a type of “mobile task force” – are part of our company-owned service centres. The fully equipped service vehicles provide our technicians with the most essential technical documents, tools, and spare parts. This enables our service technicians to perform on-site safety inspections and carry out maintenance and minor repair work on VERSALIFT ® and STEIGER ® aerial work platforms as well as makes and models of other manufacturers.
Faster response times and mobile application possibilities provide major advantages. Our SERVICEpoints are extremely cost-effective as they minimize downtime of machinery and avoid costly transportation costs.
VERSALIFT customers are fully satisfied with RUTHMANN’s and Hubitec’s service and technology. This is confirmed time and again in conversations with customers. Service technicians in both companies receive continuous professional training and always keep up to date with all of the latest technological developments. This enables them to perform their tasks with utmost effectiveness and efficiency.
It has now been five years since we acquired TIME Deutschland VERSALIFT GmbH along with the distribution and service rights for VERSALIFT ® products. With the addition of VERSALIFT ® truck-mounted aerial platforms, our product range in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland has been ideally enhanced. The positive sales results are a reflection of our operational success.
In 2015, our VERSALIFT ® products recorded 5.4 million euros in sales. That is a whopping 70% more than in 2012 – the first full year of operations following the acquisition.
Municipalities, power providers, public utilities, and service providers (specializing in street light/traffic signal maintenance) have boosted sales dramatically. Although we had already been well established in this sector prior to the TIME Deutschland GmbH acquisition, we did not have an optimum selection of van-mounted access platforms at the time.
In addition to the customers mentioned above, our VERSALIFT ® products also appeal to equipment rental companies as well as builders/contractors.
We sold a total of 60 units last year. Amongst the top sellers: the VT 140-F with a working height of 14.1 m and the VDT-170-F featuring a 17.1 m working height. Both models are van-mounted access platforms with a 5 t gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). The star on a 3.5 t van is the popular ETL-36-130-F. This impressive model features a 12.9 m working height and 7.3 m lateral outreach.
Benefits of van-mounted access platforms:
VERSALIFT ® models can be mounted onto a variety of different vans/chassis, including the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and VW Crafter.
An advantageous feature found on many VERSALIFT ® models (including the VT 140-F pictured here on the left) is the convenient door in the partition between the cab and cargo area. Upon arrival at the job site, operators/technicians have direct access to the cargo area without having to leave the vehicle.
The work basket itself can then be accessed via the rear doors. Not having to step out of the vehicle prior to an assignment is not only convenient but it minimizes the risk of accidents posed by surrounding traffic. The cargo area serves as a workshop, keeping tools and material safe and dry during transport.
With the small work bench located inside the cargo area of the van, minor repairs can made on the spot. Parts can be stored and transported safely without having to worry about inclement weather conditions. Many tasks can be completed in the warmth and comfort of the van.
We would like to thank all VERSALIFT customers for the trust and confidence they have placed in us.
Your RUTHMANN-VERSALIFT team.
* VERSALIFT is a trade mark of the TIME Manufacturing Company, based in Waco, Texas, USA. TIME designs, produces and sells truck-mounted work platforms all over the world. In Europe, VERSALIFT ® work platforms are made and sold by TIME Danmark A/S. TIME is the world's largest manufacturer of van-mounted and highly insulated access platforms. VERSALIFT ® provides models in the 10 m to 24 m working height range. VERSALIFT’s extensive product range also includes highly insulated access platforms.