The UK’s largest independent hire company, GAP Hire Solutions (GAP), has established a specialist pump services division; and as part of the £18 million investment has selected pumps from Atlas Copco Power and Flow. Atlas Copco will provide 310 bespoke surface dewatering pumps of various sizes, including 4”, 6”, and 8” pumps.
GAP continuously strives to make its customers’ lives easier by offering market-leading equipment and identifying demand for a pump rental service. To enhance the customer experience and meet environmental ambitions, GAP has created a high spec Pump Service. The hire company wanted a pump partner who could supply it with reliable and high-quality equipment tailored specifically for its customers’ needs while also being able to withstand the rigors of the rental market.
“At GAP we work closely with our customers to understand what equipment they require and continually look to expand our portfolio and services as appropriate,” says Richard Broughton, Head of Pumps Services at GAP. “We have entered the pump rental market with our Pump Services division and needed to source a pump OEM that could offer innovative solutions, with the ability to adapt, build, and supply a turnkey range of dewatering pumps.”
GAP Pump Services is currently operating from six locations nationwide in the United Kingdom in Tilbury, Derby, Tewkesbury, Bury St Edmunds, Warrington and Harthill with plans to open further facilities very soon.
Atlas Copco is renowned for its high-quality pumping equipment and is a trusted brand worldwide. Its energy-efficient pumps are durable, provide excellent long-life high performance, and are easy to service.
“We approached Atlas Copco and were incredibly impressed with their commitment to innovation and their ability to listen to and understand the market requirements from a modern pump rental business,” explains Richard. “We had some very specific demands, and Atlas Copco rose to the challenge.”
“At Atlas Copco, we always try to accommodate our customers’ requirements and are as flexible as possible,” says Colin Baker, Regional Sales Manager UK & Ireland at Atlas Copco Power and Flow. “GAP offered strong and loyal qualities and we are delighted to have been chosen to supply the pumps to their new division.”
“At Atlas Copco, we understand pumps, their application and most importantly the people using them. We pride ourselves in providing effective solutions that are key to our customer’s success, whilst offering sustainable and reliable products,” states Saksham Dube, Divisional Product Manager Surface Pumps.
GAP had various demands from the pumps so they would best meet the requirements of their customers. First, the pumps required engines compliant with the Stage V emissions regulations as well as being able to run on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel. The pumps also needed to have long-run fuel tanks so that GAP’s customers could remove the need for hiring external fuel tanks and therefore eliminate the risk of ground contamination. Furthermore, the pumps needed to include solar panels so they can charge batteries while on standby in remote locations.
Another key demand from the pumps was their ability to provide diagnostics. Atlas Copco pumps feature smart control panels, and the Innovative Build feature allows for exceptionally easy field service and maintenance so users can reduce downtime.
The pumps needed to be robust, with exceptional corrosion resistance, and so were supplied with galvanized frames. Finally, GAP required the canopies to be painted in its livery and branding.
“Atlas Copco’s manufacturing facility in Italy worked hard to ensure all of the special conditions were met, appropriate testing had taken place, and the pumps were delivered in time. Already more than 200 pumps have been delivered,” continues Saksham Dube.
“We are proud to offer the Atlas Copco pumps as part of our portfolio. Their value proposition is very much aligned with our needs, and we continue to work together to look at new pump builds which allows us to advance our offering and better support our customers,” concludes Richard.
Atlas Copco’s pump range has been developed as a result of over 140 years of experience with construction customers worldwide and includes small portable pumps, electric submersible pumps, centrifugal drainage pumps, high head pumps, and wellpoint surface pumps.
