More Shindaiwas for Martin Plant Hire
29 April 2024
Martin Plant Hire placed an order for ten more Eco300 welder generators from Shindaiwa on the supplier’s stand at the ScotPlant exhibition in Edinburgh last week.
Billy Anderson, Martin Plant Hire’s welding division manager, told me that the operation now has more than 100 Shindaiwa machines in its fleet, including Eco300 and Eco500 welder generators, amongst others.
“We’ve added these latest machines to meet growing demand,” said Billy, who is pictured, right, with Andy Munford, Shindaiwa’s Managing Director.
“As well as serving customers throughout Scotland, we’re supplying them to contractors working as far away as the north-east of England and the south coast.
“Our customers want us to supply them with the equipment they are familiar with when they win contracts in other areas. We’re also winning business from professionals who have been let down by other hirers.
“Martin Plant Hire can also provide any consumables required like electrodes and welding wire, including specialist items, giving greater convenience since customers only have one invoice to deal with,” said Billy.
The hirer’s welding division celebrates 20 years of operation in June, while Martin Plant Hire itself commemorated its 50th anniversary in January, as reported earlier.
The welding activity has dealt with Shindaiwa since the latter’s formation in 2010, and has done business with Andy Munford from before then, when he was with the former Arc-Gen business.
“In the early days, some customers just couldn’t pronounce Shindaiwa and would jokingly say Showaddywaddy after the pop group,” Billy recalled. “Nowadays, though, they ask for them by name because they are so well established, and users appreciate their performance and reliability.”
The versatile Eco300 is popular as it can provide 50A to 300A of DC welding current and offers simultaneous use of welding and 110V/415V AC auxiliary power. The 3kVA 110V supply can power larger power tools such as 9in grinders and provides 8kVA of 3-phase power, giving operational flexibility from both a user and a hirer’s perspective.
The machine can conduct MMA welding directly from the set and, utilising the 3-phase outlet, will power ancillary equipment such as MIG and TIG welders. Pictured below are some of the machines at the company's factory in Four Ashes, near Wolverhampton, before dispatch.
Photo above: Alan Guthrie
● Read the earlier Q&A interview with Andy Munford here.
