Bence Builders Merchants has credited Hiab’s after-sales support as one of the main reasons for its continued custom.
What started as a simple three-crane order five years ago has grown into a sustained partnership between Cheltenham-based Bence Builders Merchants and Hiab. The Hiab L-HiDuo 135LL-1 cranes, rear mounted to MAN TGM 26 6×2 trucks, are said to have assisted Bence in providing a high standard of customer service and productivity whilst the family-run business has grown its Hiab fleet from three to nine cranes over the last five years — and it has plans to gradually replace the remaining fleet with Hiab cranes in the near future.
As well as the initial product sales, the after-sales service provided by Hiab’s authorised service centre (ASC) Micklegate Fluid Power, is described as having been crucial in securing and retaining business with Bence over the years.
Clive Taylor, the merchant’s Operations Manager, said: “It is great having Micklegate on hand for all our servicing needs. They always come to service our vehicles in the morning, and by the afternoon if any repairs are needed, we’re notified straight away along with a quote, and they are repaired as soon as possible. They are always on time and consistently go above and beyond for us. They really are like an extended part of our team.”
The Hiab L-HiDuo crane is specifically designed to provide” unparalleled productivity for loading and unloading heavy building materials”. The crane can be fitted with up to three hydraulic extensions and is operated using the crane specialist’s XS Drive radio remote-control, giving the operator safe, productive performance with true efficiency.
Clive continued: “We switched to Hiab following bad experiences with a previous supplier and we instantly knew it was the right choice when we met their sales representative who was knowledgeable and understanding of our needs. We originally put in an order for three cranes and now, five years on, we have nine Hiab cranes in our fleet and plan to gradually replace the remaining cranes in our fleet with Hiab’s too.
“The product knowledge, professionalism, and bespoke service Hiab offer us is unmatched and the reliability the products bring to us, our team and our customers makes them great to work with. They really are the full package.”
John Abbott, Sales Executive for Hiab UK, added: “Bence Builders Merchants is a long-standing, valued customer and it’s been a pleasure to work with them and watch them grow over the last five years. Success stories like this are only made possible by our service partners who are key stakeholders at all points of contact from building the initial relationship, right through to the end of the equipment’s lifespan.
“Micklegate is a prime example of the standards we set for all of our service centres, and we can’t thank the team there enough for the work they continue to provide for us and our customers.”
Paul Gibson, MD at Micklegate Fluid Power, commented: “We welcome the opportunity to work with dynamic and expanding local businesses and we’ve developed a close working relationship with Bence over the years. Our technical team have over 100 years of combined experience with Hiab products, and we are continually investing in our fleet, systems, and staff training in line with our customer’s needs, so we can continue to deliver the best possible service.”
For more information on Hiab, click here.
