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Steadplan looks to expand its network and operation
Page 52
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Lancashire-based Steadplan, MAN service agent and UK distributor for Belgian trailer manufacturer STAS, wants to expand the network, and develop its rental and contract maintenance portfolio.
Words / images: Kevin Swattow Steadplan, the Clitheroe-based MAN ERF service agent and UK distributor for Belgian trailer-maker STAS, wants to expand its operation.
After signing to STAS in 2006, it was appointed as sole UK agent in April 2008, Steadplan developed its original five-strong service agent network, covering northern England and Scotland, into a 16-strong network to cover England, Scotland and Wales, Steadplan sales manager Jon Wilcock says: "We were the first to set up a [recognised] national service network for trailers. As soon as we set it up, the recession kicked in."
Although the timing couldn't be helped, and having to buy trailers in euros from the manufacturer has made it difficult, Graham Macmillan, Steadplan service manager, reveals the company is still keen to expand.
"We are looking for an agent in the North-East," he says "It is hard to get to it from here."
Growth is also sought closer to home, with Steadplan looking to "expand within the North-West in the near future.'
In addition, it has a satellite depot at Leyland and is keen to add more sites to its portfolio, and other products. "If there was an opportunity to sell a UK-based product that didn't infringe on STAS, and wasn't beholden to the exchange rate, we would be interested," reveals Wilcock.
There has already been growth in its rental and contract maintenance portfolio. Wilcock reveals: "We did one rental deal last year. This year, people have said they don't want to commit to buying, so they rent. We now have 12 trailers hired out, and we are looking to expand to 20. Most are for 12 months, with an option to buy, extend or give it back."
Rental customer
Waste management company Viridor has also taken the rental route, It has several moving floor trailers, and added four tippers through rental. According to Wilcock: "[Viridor] said that it wasn't in a position to buy, so it would look at renting and it has committed to three years" Setting up internal contract maintenance (ICM) was a risk, says Macmillan, but it has paid off. "We now have more than 70 vehicles on ICMs," he says. "We're not a major manufacturer but we're prepared to offer something people aren't prepared to offer.
"We will supply a trailer and everything is in, and we will give it to the local service agent. We want to grow that side of it. With the moving floor, we can do good things with that [on ICM1 because the parts are expensive.
"We are trying to build in the full maintenance over five years and include the floor, so if you are on high-wear work, we will provide a fixed cost for cover," he says. •