Cut costs and speed up your project – without cutting corners.

At Michael Wilson & Son, we are passionate about access platforms and their transformative impact on project efficiency. We have seen it time and again, project after project, but still myths around cost-effectiveness and lack of versatility persist - Access platforms are not just expensive tools suitable for window cleaning and wind turbine maintenance -  they’re an increasingly adaptable access solution that can cater to a wide range of tasks, from routine maintenance to emergency repairs.

As a company who has operated in this industry for over 20 years, it’s no surprise that we are long-time champions of these amazing machines. But for some, this technology still isn’t considered a ‘go to’ solution for access, so, we thought we’d share a couple of recent examples of how these machines can help cut costs and speed up projects – without cutting corners.

TIME SAVING

A great example of how our Palfinger P370KS platform plays a key role in our Emergency reactive maintenance service comes from Christmas Eve 2023. We received a call from a local Council to attend an emergency job: A large Christmas decoration was hanging precariously over a bustling town centre precinct due to a cable coming loose in high winds. In such emergencies, rapid response is critical. Within 1 hour of the call we were arriving onsite. Within 2 hours, we had made the area safe - ensuring public safety over the Christmas holiday without unnecessary delays.

MONEY SAVING

Contrary to common misconceptions about their expense, the last decade has seen huge technological advancements that has made platforms more cost-effective and versatile across the board.  Take, for instance, a minor roof repair project at a local University. Due to the building being situated by a waterway (backing onto a canal) this project needed careful consideration. Traditionally, the solution would require the erection of a bespoke scaffold (costing thousands of pounds) on the side of the canal, liaison with the waterway’s agency, possibly requiring pontoon barges in the water, with a whole host of other factors to consider and weeks of planning and implementation – all for minor roof repairs. The access cost would have been completely disproportionate to the job at hand.  Our solution? To use a 75-meter platform (set up on the other side of the building) to extend up and over the large mill complex and reach the repairs on the water side. The entire job was complete within 6 hours - saving vast amounts of time and money for our client.

Still not convinced?

Here's a quick overview of the key benefits to consider when planning the access solution for your next project:

1)        Speed - Quick and efficient deployment means no delays waiting for scaffolding or other more time-consuming access solutions to be erected.

2)        Outreach – Able to reach up and over (or through) gardens, buildings, around trees, and through tight areas.

3)        Our Palfinger P370KS provides quick, efficient access up to 13 storeys high but through our large rehire network we are able to provide machines up to 75 metres high.

4)        Small Footprint – Our machine is ideal for tight or restricted areas such as city centres, or facilities such as schools and hospitals.

5)        Safety - all our operators are fully qualified and trained for working at height. Access Platforms also eliminate the risks associated with leaving scaffolds up overnight - reducing health and safety, and security risks.

Our commitment to problem-solving and going the extra mile is reflected in our approach to every project. We assess each scenario meticulously and recommend the most suitable solution, be it access platforms, scaffolding, or alternatives.

Our goal is always to provide our clients with efficient, cost-effective, and safe solutions tailored to their specific needs.

If you're looking to streamline your projects and elevate your operations to new heights, don't hesitate to get in touch with us. Let's explore how access platforms can revolutionize your workflow and drive success.