Sunbelt sweeps in
24 October 2023
Sunbelt Rentals UK & Ireland sees huge potential for its recently launched Flooring Solutions business unit because of the sheer size of the market and the breadth of equipment that users typically need.
The new operation was officially unveiled at a launch event held at one of its depots at Staines, near Heathrow, as reported recently on the blog.
“Every building has a floor and this means that the operation can serve many different industries and applications, from warehouses and transport depots, to retail premises and airports,” Jonathan Newport, MD of Specialist Solutions at Sunbelt Rentals UK & Ireland, told me.
“And given the importance of Health & Safety and the need to avoid slips, trips and falls in the workplace, it is essential to keep floors clean and well-maintained.
“We knew the opportunity existed because of the amount of re-hire business we had been generating and we are always looking at new market niches to explore. We also have the experience of Sunbelt Rentals’ specialist flooring solutions business in the US, which has been trading successfully for seven years and whose expertise we can draw on.”
For the activity in this country, Sunbelt has sourced equipment from some major suppliers including Tennant, which offers walk-behind and ride-on sweepers and scrubber-dryers, floor cleaning and carpet care machines, as well as specialist items.
Sunbelt has entered into an agreement with Tennant to become the manufacturer's preferred hire partner for floor cleaning equipment in the UK, with Tennant becoming Sunbelt's preferred floor care supplier.
“Many contractors and end-users currently purchase equipment or have it on long-term leases, but we can offer them a cost-effective rental alternative that gives them operational flexibility in having the machinery just when they need it, without the capital expenditure. And with higher interest rates now, hire is an even more attractive proposition,” said Jonathan.
Tennant machines in the fleet include the S20 and S30 ride-on sweepers, as well as the 800 model which is nicknamed the Beast because of its heavy-duty capabilities: it can collect debris ranging from cement dust to whole bricks. Battery powered machines are also offered, and products can be fitted with telematics to track operating parameters, location and usage times.
Jonathan said that some machines have been specified with customised options to enhance performance and meet user requirements. A fast-fill option is available on larger scrubber-dryers and some have integral skirts with Hepa filters to deal with dust at source. Extra-comfort seats are included and machines have additional bumpers to protect against knocks and scrapes, and blue safety lights can be fitted to alert people nearby to a unit’s presence.
The fleet also includes the Tennant T7AMR robotic scrubber-dryer, a battery powered model that learns a pre-determined path for regular, repetitive cleaning duties such as in warehouses. Jonathan believes that interest in such equipment is growing because of the recruitment difficulties many contractors are experiencing. Indeed, Jonathon Collett, Tennant’s National Account Manager, told me that there has been a 60 per cent increase in robotic machinery enquiries in the past year.
Tennant wet and dry vacuums, steam cleaners and pressure washers are also in Sunbelt’s fleet, as well as the X5L cleaning machine which has special cylindrical brushes for cleaning escalators.
Sunbelt has invested in bespoke enclosed trailers (pictured below) to transport some machines whose ground-hugging design means they offer less clearance. Supplied by Brian James Trailers and derived from motor racing car trailers, they incorporate internal lighting, storage areas for consumables and opening side doors.
The new fleet includes several Husqvarna floor grinders and polishing machines, such as the HTC T5 compact grinder and the RX6 and RX8 remote control models, as well as dust extractor units like the T4000 and T7500.
Jonathan Newport said that there has been a trend towards grinding and polishing concrete floor surfaces in office spaces, not just to give an attractive appearance, but also the reflective quality of the finish means that less illumination is required, reducing energy consumption.
Also included in the fleet are models from National Flooring Equipment, such as the 5700 battery powered scraping and stripping machine for removing hardened adhesives and heavy-duty floor coatings. The blade securing mechanism is designed for quick replacement and both its angle and pitch can be altered to prevent surface damage.
Jonathan adds that the new Flooring Solutions operation offers opportunities to provide customers with equipment from other areas of Sunbelt Rentals’ business units, such as climate control machines and, indeed, items for other project requirements.
The new activity is operating from three depots at Heathrow, Kettering and Mansfield, with additional locations planned, and it will be fascinating to watch its development.
Photos: Alan Guthrie
● Check out the Site-Eco area of the blog for news of sustainable products and developments relevant to the world of hire. And use the Search Function to find earlier stories on specific people, products and companies.
