APEX 2011 opens in Maastricht

The APEX 2011 aerial platform exhibition has opened at the MECC exhibition centre in Maastricht, The Netherlands, with healthy visitor numbers on the first day.

Organised by IPI, APEX 2011 is the world's largest dedicated access show, with more than 100 manufacturers and suppliers attending.

Exhibitors reported that visitors are ordering machines, with companies including Power Tower, Niftylift and Palfinger Platforms all reporting significant equipment deals.

Palfinger has sold eight of its 'Jumbo' platforms to Australian rental company Lincoln Hire and Power Tower reported making a breakthrough order with Loxam Nederland through its new Netherlands sales company.

However, the market remains uncertain, with recent debt issues in the Eurozone and the availability of finance being two common topics raised by exhibitors.

Stefan Kulawik, international sales director at Palfinger Platforms, said; "There is huge demand for platforms, but we can't support it all because there is [real difficulty] in getting finance." He said Palfinger was working with customers to help them obtain finance.

The improved environment for capital expenditure is reflected in the large number of new machines being launched at APEX.

Access International is the official magazine for the exhibition and there will be regular updates on KHL.com, Twitter and LinkedIn from the show, together with the APEX Daily e-newsletter.