AFI expands Middle East business

AFI is investing more than US$16.3 million in its Access Rental Gulf business.

The includes the purchase of new machines, the launch of a new depot in Qatar and a second depot in Saudi Arabia, together with the relocation of the company’s first Saudi depot to much larger premises.

Access Rental Gulf was established in 2008 in two locations; Jubail in Saudi Arabia and Dubai in the UAE.

Rob McMeeking, commercial director, said, “During the past year our business has increased by 27%, and with the support of the AFI group of companies we are now able to capitalise on this by opening two new depots. We have also relocated our original Saudi depot from Jubail to larger premises in Dammam.”

“Our offering is underpinned by the experience we have in the team – our three Directors average over 20 years in the industry, and our new Qatar team also has strong experience which is unusual for a new set up. Throughout the business we have 60 employees and staff turnover is very low, which brings consistency,” he added.

“Qatar is the third largest market in the Gulf Cooperation Council, behind Saudi and Dubai, so it is a logical step in our expansion to go there. Construction spend will be high as Qatar increases its infrastructure in advance of the 2022 World Cup.”

Recent expansion has brought the Access Rental Gulf fleet up to 726 machines and this is expected to rise to more than 800 machines by the end of this year.