GAP Lifting & TIC offers a fully managed service for hire, sales, test and inspection of lifting equipment. We offer a vast range of lifting equipment for hire from manual and powered lifting solutions, material handling, trucks and trolleys, conveyors, jacking and more.
As a full member of the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEAA), we ensure all equipment we supply to our customers complies fully with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER). Since its launch in 2011, we have gone from strength to strength in this sector with over 30 depots nationwide and further plans to expand.
Our customer supplies clean drinking water by carrying out water treatment works along kilometres of water mains. GAP has a contract in place with this customer which includes both the supply of chains and lifting equipment as well as the design, installation and maintenance services across multiple sites. This case study details how GAP delivered excellent customer service to one of our key water facility customers.
GAP initiated a meeting with the customer to discuss the specific contract requirements and agreed on a bespoke implementation plan. As part of our robust and proactive approach to managing customer relationships, we agreed to efficient KPIs to maintain throughout the contract. By implementing the following initiatives, our customer has benefited from cost reductions of around 8.5% to date:
GAP is versatile, forward-thinking, and focused on meeting the customer's needs, resulting in outstanding customer service. We anticipate and respond to our customer's emerging requirements through the following measures:
Site visit by LEEA trained engineer: Our LEEA trained engineer visited the customer site to gather more information on the issues faced by our customer and to propose solutions/improvements. While on site, GAP was asked to find an alternative product to the use of a mobile crane due to restricted access. GAP sourced the equipment required from our approved database of tried and tested suppliers to discuss and review potential solutions. GAP's closest depot to the site sourced the Reid Lifting PORTA-DAVIT to be used in conjunction with the Reid PORTA-BASE and a powered hoist. Our LEEA engineer arranged an on-site demonstration to ensure that the product confirmed in a 'real-world' scenario. After the successful trial, we then proceeded to quote the customer for a hire or buy solution. Our customer chose to purchase ten from us. GAP provided product training on site for all staff involved in the operation of the new product.
Free site visits: We also completed free site visits as and when required to ensure that the equipment provided was fit for purpose and appropriate for the task. For example, a GAP engineer attended one of the customer's many sites with the view of providing a solution for an issue that had come to light during the routine inspection of pumps. After a fault was identified, the pump (which was already in situ) needed to be removed from site to allow the appropriate repair work to be carried out. After a careful and comprehensive assessment, the GAP engineer recommended a wall mounted swing arm should be installed to assist with the removal of the pump. Accurate dimensions were then communicated to our supplier and the item was delivered on-site. The install itself required meticulous planning; lowering the arms through the floor to the correct level, using towers to drill brackets to the wall then manoeuvring the arms onto the brackets. The appropriate testing was then carried out to ensure optimum safety and performance.
At GAP, we pride ourselves on being able to assist our clients with a range of services, including inspections, tests, and refits on customer items. Our team has carried out load testing of lifting beams and davit sockets, and we have arranged for the prompt replacement or repair of any items that fail inspection. By doing this, we ensure that our clients' operators can maximise their working time, making their business more efficient. In addition to these services, we offer a hire service for essential items that may not be economical for the customer to purchase. This enables them to have access to the equipment they need without the high upfront cost of purchasing it outright.
At GAP, we understand that building a sustainable long-term business relationship with our clients is more important than chasing short-term performance goals. That's why we invest one of the highest percentages of turnover in the industry back into our fleet, ensuring that our customers have access to the newest, most reliable, and innovative fleet of equipment nationwide. Our fleet is supported by a robust maintenance regime, ensuring that it is always in top condition. We are always adding new and innovative products to our fleet, and when orders are being placed, we ensure that our customers are aware of alternative, more fuel-efficient products that are available.
Our innovation team works alongside world-leading manufacturers to supply new products and technologies to our customers, which reduce carbon footprint and boost on-site efficiency, safety, and comfort. We source our lifting products directly from industry-leading manufacturers, allowing us to provide our customers with the best equipment and latest innovations available. We also offer our customers pilot innovation schemes, so they can test the latest products and get an insight into the benefits of using GAP’s eco-products.
GAP has extensive knowledge and experience within the utilities industry, working closely with a diverse client base. We are renowned for delivering year-on-year cost savings for clients, exemplary customer service, continuous improvement through innovation, reductions in transportation and travel, maximising operational working time within working time legislation, and providing a standardised stock holding of equipment to reduce lead times.
We are always open to developing new partnerships such as the one described in this case study. At GAP, we strive to provide the best possible service to our clients and work closely with them to help them achieve their business goals.
