Logan Inglis

POWERED ACCESS (Aldercote)

The company was founded early 2000, the owners are Paul and David Dillon. They were employed at Priestman Powered Access which was owned by their father Tim Dillon who sold the company for cash and shares to Syltone PLC which was subsequently sold to Gardner Denver.

The first platform design was the PA128 a two boom full hydraulic unit in which the initial customers were BT line contractors, the platform had to be reliable and robust as BT contractors are well known for their use and abuse of equipment this design was followed by the PA85 and PA145T. The whole concept of van mounts was improved by design of the platforms, lighter structures, space saving internal column, hydraulic levelling as std, off the shelf components to name some. With the inclusion of the body shop this gave customers a one stop shop.

In 2006 a six month break in platform sales gave Aldercote the opportunity to asses and monitor the platforms sold in terms of performance, warranty and any issues.

Levels were found to be better than forecast and a sales person was employed to promote the products to a wider customer base.

The range has increased to 10 models from 8.5m to 16.5m with new platforms in the design stage to be re leased later in 2009.

Owing to the fact that Aldercote manufacture in the UK they can be more flexible in responding to the customers needs examples of this are we built the first (and only) platforms to be mounted on the new LDV Maxus which included the first pto unit to also be installed on the van. Working with Unimog to mount a platform to give optimum payload for an electricity company and working with a tree surgery company in designing a new concept of access platform.

We are also the only company to have a platform suitable for the Piaggio Porter.