JCB secures large order from French hire firm
A FRENCH plant rental company has invested millions of pounds in a fleet of 20 new JCB Loadall telescopic handlers.
Bleu Blanc was founded in 2003 and has been a JCB customer for the past 12 years. It is one of the country’s most important regional rental companies covering Western France with a network of 20 depots.
Rather than their traditional yellow, all the machines are being painted in the firm’s striking blue and white corporate livery.
Employing 90 people and with a fleet of more than 8,000 machines, the company’s main bases are in Brittany, Normandy and Maine et Loire Sarthe. Bleu Blanc is owned by its chairman, Philippe Jan.
The latest investment in JCB Loadalls, manufactured at JCB’s World HQ in Rocester, comprises 10 535-140 models, nine 540-170s and one 535-95.
Tim Burnhope, JCB’s group managing director of Product Development and Commercial Operations, said: “Bleu Blanc has been a JCB customer now for 12 years so we are delighted to win this repeat business from such an important rental company.”
Mr Jan said: “It’s vital in our industry to offer the most modern and up-to-date equipment to our customers and this latest investment in JCB machines delivers on that promise.”
Bleu Blanc also operates JCB backhoe loaders and the latest machines have been supplied by JCB France dealer M3 (Dubreuil Group), which covers Western France.
The new Loadalls are already lined up to work on house building and construction projects across the region.
The deal is the latest in a series of plant hire and rental contract wins for the Staffordshire firm, which is one of the UK’s most successful exporters.
