The Nilfisk Group have acquired the Midlands based Company ICM - Industrial Cleaning Machines. ICM were established in 1986 and specialise in the sales and service of industrial cleaning machines.
ICM have a substantial industrial customer base across the UK and a well placed workshop and logistical centre in Wolverhampton. Services include new and second hand equipment including full machine refurbishment.
ICM have an excellent service reputation in the industry, providing free site surveys, onsite demonstrations, operator training and all inclusive maintenance packages.
This acquisition supports the recent set up of the Nilfisk Outdoor Division and builds on other recent machine brand acquisitions including Egholm and Jungojet.
The recently announced acquisition takes Nilfisk UK firmly into the Outdoor/Engine driven machine arena allowing them to drive growth in their full range of the green maintenance, utility vehicle and 1.5 cubic metre road sweeper sectors.
Martin Chambers, Director of Operations and Service for Nilfisk UK stated; ‘the acquisition of ICM in the Midlands is a perfect fit for us and although it will be very much business as usual in Wolverhampton, ICM provides a great platform for us to realise our growth ambitions for larger cleaning equipment. The takeover provides us with a well located workshop and engineers with engine powered equipment competencies. This will improve our repair and turnaround of larger equipment and provide us with an excellent logistics base for all areas of operation and pushes our service engineer numbers past the 50 mark.’
‘We have picked an independent company with a great reputation for it’s customer service, flexibility and fast response which will further enhance the service Nilfisk offers its customers’
Nilfisk will be extending their ‘closer to market’ strategy as a result of the changes, holding UK stock at the midlands based facility.
Martin Chambers explains the need to separate service divisions in the UK and how it is likely to affect the overall business; ‘We have a huge portfolio of equipment now, truly everything from a tub vacuum through to a runway cleaning application. Managing the overall service function is complex and is best structured into separate teams who have the benefit of relevant experience, correct skill sets and appropriate van stocks.’
‘Our Retail Service Division demonstrates this practice well, with the first time fix rate increased to 95% as a result of dedicated teams and stock holding. The acquisition of ICM and the continued focus on our Outdoor/Engine division will allow us to do the same across the UK within this service critical sector.’
