INTERVIEW
18
ACCESS, LIFT & HANDLERS
MARCH 2014
A New York and New Jersey
staple since the mid ‘80s,
Able Equipment continues
to expand its footprint and
rental offerings.
Lindsey
Anderson
reports.
than the smaller iron when it comes to aerials,”
Laganas says. “However, we will purchase
more 20-foot, 26-foot and 32-foot scissor units
as well as some more rough terrains from
Genie, as well.”
While Able doesn’t have specific jobs that are
requiring the tall booms, Laganas says the big
units will be used for bridge work in the New
York, New Jersey and Philadelphia areas. “We
anticipate having those units in work on that
type of construction,” he says.
It’s obvious Able is experiencing growth – not
just refleeting. The company had a 35 percent
increase in rental revenues from 2012 to 2013
and while they remain somewhat humble about
2014’s expectations, Laganas notes a new
location will help the company extend its reach.
“We don’t really know what to expect for
2014 but we are opening up in a new market
and we’re looking forward to work in Philly,”
he says. “While we experienced an increase in
market share, that was predominantly in New
York, and maybe a little in New Jersey. I like
to try and be modest about the growth we’ll
see in 2014. We are anticipating a 20 percent
increase in rental revenues.”
Ready and Able
In 2013, Able invested in $13 million worth of
equipment and the company says it expects to
do at least $6.5 million of capex this year, with
80 percent of that $6.5 million going toward
aerial equipment. Able currently has two Genie
180-foot booms on order and they are looking
to purchase two to three more 150-foot booms.
“We’re top heavy on the heavier iron more so
S
teve Laganas, co-founder and treasurer
of Able Equipment, doesn’t shy away
from the fact that Able started out as
a rigging company. In 1986, the company
was involved with New York construction
and industrial markets and provided rigging
services to customers. Able had been called
upon to dismantle a tower that was being used
to test radar for a local company, but it needed
equipment beyond its scope – it needed access
equipment.
“We decided at that point that we wanted
to venture into new opportunities,” Laganas
says. “That’s how we go started with the aerial
division. When we were hired to dismantle
that tower, we needed aerial lifts and that’s
how we got started with the knowledge of
the aerial side of business. We sought out
suppliers, started to buy equipment and rent it
out to our customers and then looked for new
opportunities and customers.”
The company originally started with Condor
lifts and then quickly added JLG and Genie
units. “We saw the writing on the wall,”
Laganas says of the aerial industry.
After a typical winter storm, Able’s
yard is pictured here covered in snow.
Able has a number of ReachMaster lifts,
including these two FS138 and FS121s.
