MESA, Ariz. — ACME Lift Co. (ACME) partnered with Hitachi Construction Machinery Co. Ltd. (HCM) to add its earthmoving equipment to ACME’s fleet, which will be made available through ACME’s proprietary re-rental operations to equipment rental companies across North America.
HCM acquired a 33.3% equity position in ACME, and the rental company has restructured its balance sheet to reduce its debt service costs and provide liquidity to fund its future fleet growth and expansion plans.
ACME was established in 1997 and has aerial lifts reaching up to 185 ft., the latest 8,000- to 40,000-lb. telehandlers, and large portable air compressors available for re-rent.
“ACME’s rental customer base has been increasingly requesting both wheel loaders and excavators on a re-rental basis,” said Woody Weld, ACME chairman and chief executive officer. “This new partnership with Hitachi Construction Machinery will allow every retail construction equipment rental company in the North American marketplace to have access to a full range of well-proven and highly regarded Hitachi earthmoving products.”
HCM will support ACME through its existing North American distribution channels, with the intention of expanding ACME’s earthmoving equipment re-rental business and provide overall business support.
“ACME brings to the venture unique expertise in re-rental of various equipment product classes,” said Yasushi Ochiai, executive vice president in charge of international business for HCM. “Joining forces with ACME furthers HCM’s strategy to strengthen its value chain business.”
ACME will create regional support centers for its equipment rental fleet, serving all the major market areas in North America. Once this operational footprint is established, ACME intends to serve its customers’ re-rental requirements from a local rather than national supply base. This will create superior product support and logistical service capabilities closer to each customer and jobsite.
For more information, visit www.acmelift.com.
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