Highlifter, based in Cologne, is a specialist in the rental of lifting and assembly technology. The company offers rental machines with and without operating personnel from the smallest lifting device with 150 kg load capacity, to the large assembly mini crane up to 3 tons of load capacity. Among other things, Highlifter offers Smartlift vacuum and industrial lifters that are particularly suitable for the transport and installation of heavy elements such as windows, doors and other components. The devices are rented to construction companies as well as to metal processors or private customers.
What are the main areas of activity of the company?
Highlifter rents out vacuum and lifting devices with a load capacity of 150 – 3000 kg. When we receive an inquiry, we first analyze the exact requirements to determine which device is actually needed for the construction site, because not every customer can estimate which device they need. It is therefore very important to determine the perfect device for the project. This requires good experience in the field of machine technology and practical experience on construction sites in order to solve every problem with the perfect lifting device. Once the right device has been found, the customer can decide whether an operator should be present or whether the customer should operate the device themselves. If a customer cannot be served directly with our machines, we have a large network of partners who we can then use to provide extra machines.
What’s the news about new products?
We are constantly developing and growing. We can also say the same about our rental machines. We work with the most renowned manufacturers of vacuum and lifting technology who have high quality standards worldwide. We therefore ensure that we maintain the quality standard and replace our rental machines every 3-5 years in order to always remain at the cutting edge of technology. For example, we have recently invested in a new mini crane model C6 from Hoeflon, which reaches a height of over 17 m. We will also be investing in new glass lifters from Smartlift over the next 2 years, the functions and systems in the machines are getting better and better. This approach shows that we are moving with the times and do not skimp on quality, but are always developing new ways to offer our customers the best.
What are the ranges of products?
Our product areas are divided into rental and sales. In rental, our product areas range from small one-man assembly devices with a load capacity of 180 kg to assembly mini cranes with a load capacity of 3 t. This includes not only mobile transport and assembly solutions, but also external solutions such as vacuum suction systems that can be mounted or attached to a crane. We also offer transport solutions to easily transport glass or other elements on the construction site. The smallest device we have is a manual and mobile solution, the Highlifter BL 180 with a load capacity of 180 kg. The next largest mobile lifters are from the Smartlift series, which we offer from 200-1000 kg. This is followed by the mini cranes, which start at a height of 4 m and a load capacity of 1 t and can be up to 20 or 25 m high and a load capacity of 3 t. There are also various vacuum suction systems or glass suction cups that can either be mounted on a crane or attached loosely to a glass lifter. The vacuum glass suction cups can have a lifting capacity of 250 kg or 3 t. The customer can therefore rent anything from us, from small assembly help to a large crane. The customer can decide whether to get a roommate for the machine or whether to operate the machine himself. In the area of ??sales, we offer various solutions from high-quality manufacturers, where the customer can buy machines from the same range as from our rental park at attractive prices.
At what stage is the market where you are currently active?
The situation on the market is of course different in different areas. In the project area, you can already see that larger projects are being cancelled or not carried out due to different market situations around the world. Investments are also currently cautious, so major investments in machines are being held back. In sales worldwide, we assume that at least a 30% decline in customer investment and purchasing behavior is noticeable. However, this reluctance in the construction industry is having a better impact on the rental area. Customers on project-related construction sites are more likely to use rental equipment than to invest in a machine themselves, which brings in a higher sum. In rental, there are different times of the year when things naturally go better or less well. The good times include, as with everyone. For example, there is a lot going on in spring because construction sites are still being closed after the winter. On the subject of glass and window elements, at the end of the year from October to December, winter is upon us, and all projects and buildings are being prepared for the cold days and have to be closed off from the facade. This is where we try to position ourselves most strongly and work with partners nationwide. We have set up our bases flexibly by working with different end customers, tradesmen, construction and project planning. This means we can also cover different areas and different target customers.
What can you tell us about market trends?
The market for construction equipment rental and lifting technology, especially in the area of mini cranes, is developing dynamically, driven by various global trends and requirements:
- Digitization and automation: the digital creation of all supply options on the Internet or in an appsimplifies the process of renting and completing their construction project for the contractor as well as the landlord. We therefore rely on specific processes in processing and simple visualization.
- Sustainability and energy efficiency: There is a growing demand for environmentally friendlymachines, including electric or hybrid-powered lifting technology. This reduces emissions and adapts to the stricter environmental requirements that are increasingly applicable in the construction industry.
- Flexibility and specialization: Suppliers are expanding their portfolio to provide specializedmachines such as mini cranes for tight construction sites or glass suction cups for specific lifting tasks. Mini cranes and small mobile vacuum technology are particularly in demand because they are compact and versatile, for example for renovations or interior work.
- Increasing demand due to infrastructure projects: Large-scale projects such as port expansions,bridge construction or urban infrastructure in Europe, Asia and North America are driving demand for construction machinery and lifting technology, and this will only increase in the coming years.
Cranes and mobile lifting equipment are particularly in demand here to cope with the growing number of construction projects.
- Economic conditions: Fluctuating commodity prices and global uncertainties influence rentalprices and purchasing decisions. Renting is becoming increasingly popular as a cost-effective alternative to purchasing as it offers flexibility for short-term projects.
These trends show that the construction machinery rental and lifting technology market is becoming more innovative, digital and sustainable in order to adapt to the growing demands of customers and the global construction industry.
What are the most innovative products marketed?
This is a very good but also difficult question. The question can only be answered if you know which product is best suited for which task. Therefore, each assembly solution or problem on a construction site always has a different innovative or good solution. However, in our field, the company Hoeflon with its mini cranes and the company Smartlift with its mobile glass lifters have the most innovative, high-quality, and flexible solutions for vacuum and lifting technology worldwide.
What estimations do you have for 2024?
Our estimates for the rest of the year are very positive, as we always have a lot to do in the rental area at the end of the year. We are trying to do a lot of work in advance, including for the new year 2025, but we are trying as best as we can. Of course, we will finish the year 2024. We would therefore like to thank every customer and every partner who has actively supported us in 2024 and we are looking forward to 2025.
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