10 Jun 2004
Apex 2005 – The International Access Platform Exhibition & Conference in MECC Maastricht, The Netherlands
APEX 2005: Perfect Timing
The timing of the next APEX aerial platform exhibition and conference, to be held again in MECC Maastricht, The Netherlands on 22-24 September 2005, will be perfect to capitalise on the recovering European and global access market.
After three years of low sales, rental companies - who are the main buyers of powered access equipment - are now starting to reinvest to replace older equipment or to expand their fleets. Rental companies in the US have already started to invest heavily - expenditure is forecast to increase by 30% this year alone - and most manufacturers are expecting the European market to follow next year.
Pierre Saubot, chairman of Pinguely-Haulotte and president of the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF), said IPAF would work together with the APEX organisers to ensure a good show for both exhibitors and visitors, and he is optimistic about the exhibition: "The worldwide market for access equipment has many good reasons to show strong signs of improvement in 2005, so I think we will have a very good APEX."
In addition to reinvestment by Europe's existing rental companies, APEX will also provide a timely meeting place for the growing number of rental companies in the new European Union countries in central and eastern Europe, an access market that is still very immature.
The show will also take place little over a year after the introduction of the new European Temporary Work at Height Directive, which requires employers and self-employed workers to carry out a risk assessment before carrying out work at height. The Directive was due to be enacted in national law throughout the European Union on 19 July and is likely to lead to a tightening up on the standard of the equipment used to work at height. It will also provide a further incentive to use dedicated access equipment such as aerial platforms.
Notes for editors
Apex
APEX is organised by Industrial Promotions International (IPI), one of the top international exhibition companies in The Netherlands, with the support of industry magazine Access International published by the KHL Group and trade body IPAF. The first APEX exhibition was held in 1996 and will be taking place next year for the fifth time. It will again feature a free conference for all visitors. The conference will include a keynote speech from a senior figure in the industry as well as seminars on equipment trends, safety, operator training and regulations.
1. Aerial platforms are used to provide safe access for people working at height, replacing traditional forms of access such as ladders, access towers and scaffolding. They include self-propelled scissor lifts and boom lifts, push-around vertical mast platforms, truck and van-mounted aerial platforms, and mast climbing work platforms and passenger hoists.
2. Access equipment is used in a wide array of industries, including construction, building maintenance, the utility sector (repair of street lighting and power cables and tree trimming), and other applications such as shipbuilding, fire fighting and outdoor events for TV/media.
3. The European Temporary Work at Heights Directive (2001/45/EC) is required to be enacted in national law in European Union countries on 19 July 2004, although there is an optional two-year transition period.
To download high resolution photo's and the APEX logo we advise editors to visit the website: www.apexshow.com
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Paulien Boumans
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