IN FOCUS / ALFASI HIRE Alfasi Hire has two new Liebherr lattice boom crawler cranes, a LR 1130.1 with 137t capacity and a LR 1250.1 with 250t capacity, that have recently joined the fleet.
ALFASI HIRE OPENS IN THE PILBARA
Specialised hire equipment business Alfasi Hire is planning to open a new operation in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Simon Berridge, Western Australia and major projects manager, explains the strategy behind the new branch and the cranes that will be operating in the region. THE FLEET OF NEW CRANES PROVIDES a point of difference for a lot of project managers and subcontractors as Alfasi Hire can offer 2022 compliant elevated work platforms (EWPs), telehandlers, lighting towers, generators, and associated plant in comprehensive equipment packages. With a strong background in quality, safety and environment, Berridge has been in the hire industry for 35 years. Since joining Alfasi Hire in 2010 he has had a number of roles. Berridge started the Sydney operation in 2010 and went on to open the Darwin branch in 2015, which was designed to service activities in the Northern Territory, including the Inpex LNG gas project from 2015–2018. www.cranesandlifting.com.au
He then moved roles to become the major projects and crane manager. More recently, Berridge was appointed as the Western Australia general manager. He retains the portfolio of major projects. With the approval of several key projects in the region, in mid-2021, Alfasi Hire made the decision to open a branch in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. “Alfasi Hire has always taken a progressive approach with the equipment we purchase, including investing in the latest technology in terms of EWPs, scissor lifts, and various types and capacities of cranes,” he explained. “We saw a great opportunity for our type of service in the Pilbara. Our decision
to open an operation there is based on the number of large projects in the pipeline and throughout the region, across various industry sectors, including construction, resources and mining. “With the challenge of Covid restrictions, we were unable to travel, as well and acquiring the required resources and personnel onsite to fully establish the new branch. Now travel restrictions have been lifted we are full steam ahead with the Pilbara branch,” said Berridge. Alfasi Hire began purchasing the required cranes in 2021. Berridge provides details on the types and capacities of cranes being offered by the Pilbara operation. “The new cranes were ordered in 2021 May/June 2022 CAL / 43
