AFI reveals US$24m fleet investment

AFI now has a MEWP fleet that comprises 65% low-emission models. (Photo: AFI)

UK-based company AFI Rentals - part of the AFI Group - has revealed that it has spent more than £20 million (US$24.3 million) on new equipment over the past year.

To expand the “range and availability” of its rental fleet, which comprises a fleet of 7,000 powered access machines across 20 branches in the UK, the company invested in a range of diesel powered units.

Vehicle-mounted platforms from CTE, telehandlers from Manitou and specialist underbridge units from Aspen Aerials were all added to AFI’s fleet in the past year. 

Additionally, many of AFI’s MEWP purchases were part of a major fleet renewal programme intended to accelerate the company’s transition to Net Zero, and to help its customers do the same.

Notable equipment orders placed during the past 12 months include the addition of 50 hybrid boom lifts from Niftylift in March 2022 and last month’s order for 50 electric scissors lifts from Zoomlion.

These and other similar investments - made with manufacturers such as Skyjack, Dingli, Genie, Haulotte and Versalift, mean the company’s MEWP fleet is now 65% ‘green’. 

Nick Higgins, COO of AFI group of companies, said, “Despite global economic uncertainty, demand for MEWPs remains high, but we know that our customers must adapt to fuel prices, energy costs and raw materials increases.

“We will continue to honour our commitment to replace our powered access fleet with specialist hybrid or electric equipment to keep up with market demand and comply with increasingly strict emissions regulations. Over 65% of our rental fleet are now battery and bi-fuel.”

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