PALFINGER has moved to strengthen its position in the UK access sector with the appointment of Access Platform Sales (APS) as its new national distribution partner for aerial work platforms, signalling a more focused push into a market where demand for safe, efficient working at height continues to grow.
The agreement sees APS take responsibility for sales, distribution and aftersales support of PALFINGER’s aerial work platform range across the UK, bringing together one of Europe’s best known lifting technology manufacturers with a long established domestic specialist in powered access.
For PALFINGER, the move forms part of a wider strategic shift. The company has identified aerial work platforms as a key growth area within its Strategy 2030+ roadmap, positioning the sector alongside its more traditional strengths in loader cranes and lifting systems. With electrification, digital integration and lightweight engineering reshaping equipment design, the manufacturer sees significant long term opportunity in expanding its footprint within the access market.
The UK has become an increasingly important battleground in that strategy. Infrastructure projects, utilities work, facilities management and construction activity continue to drive demand for reliable access equipment, while regulatory pressure and safety expectations are pushing operators towards more advanced, compliant machines.
APS, with more than three decades of experience in the sector, is expected to play a central role in translating PALFINGER’s product offering into practical, on the ground support for UK customers. The company has built its reputation around technical expertise and nationwide service capability, factors that are likely to be critical as PALFINGER looks to scale its presence.
Bernd Winderle, Vice President Sales and Service EMEA for PALFINGER Platforms, described the partnership as a significant step in the company’s UK ambitions, pointing to APS’s customer proximity and sector knowledge as key advantages in a competitive market.
From the APS side, Managing Director Andy Bray positioned the agreement as an opportunity to bring a globally recognised product range to a broader UK customer base, backed by an established support infrastructure. With 35 years in the industry, APS is expected to focus heavily on continuity of service during the transition, as well as maintaining uptime and operational reliability for end users.
The partnership also reflects a broader shift within the powered access sector, where manufacturers are increasingly relying on specialist distribution partners to deliver localised expertise, faster response times and closer customer relationships. As machines become more technologically complex, aftersales support and service capability are becoming as important as the equipment itself.
PALFINGER and APS have indicated that the coming months will focus on ensuring a smooth handover and maintaining consistent service levels for existing customers, while also positioning the brand for further growth in the UK.
For fleet operators and contractors, the success of the partnership will ultimately be measured by availability of machines, parts support and service response times, particularly as utilisation rates remain high across construction, utilities and maintenance sectors.