Specializing in the rental of lifting and handling equipment, Laibe Location operates in a wide range of sectors, from the automotive industry to municipal equipment. William Laibe, rental manager, discusses the specifics of his business and the reasons that led him to place his trust in Haulotte for certain sensitive operations, particularly in the sports sector.
A family business rooted in eastern France
Based in Étupes, in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region, Laibe Location is a family business with over 50 years of experience. It operates within a 120-kilometer radius, covering departments such as Haute-Saône, Territoire de Belfort, part of the Jura, and as far as Alsace and the Vosges.
« Our core business is the rental of aerial work platforms and handling equipment. We mainly work in industry, particularly the automotive sector, but also occasionally on construction and municipal sites,« explains William Laibe.
This diversity of uses requires machines that are robust, versatile, and easy to operate.
Among the machines offered to its customers, Laibe Location regularly relies on Haulotte aerial platforms. This choice is based on several decisive criteria: « We prefer machines manufactured in Europe. And at Haulotte, we particularly appreciate the hybrid engine-battery system: the user has nothing to prepare and can start working immediately in electric mode, without any questions. »
The hybrid’s autonomy, combined with reduced noise and zero emissions, perfectly meets the requirements of enclosed environments such as gymnasiums and sports halls.
Maintaining sports facilities: a demanding field of work
Laibe Location’s regular assignments include numerous jobs in sports facilities such as stadiums, gyms, climbing walls, and temporary events. « For example, we were called in for the Motocross World Championship to position cameras at height using our aerial platforms,« says William.
In gyms, there are many constraints : sensitive floors, restricted access, and no CO2 emissions allowed. « Non-marking tires are a real asset on linoleum floors. And the electric mode is ideal for avoiding noise pollution, » he explains.
The platforms are also used for complex operations such as cleaning or maintaining climbing walls: « You need to be able to maneuver with precision at great heights without vibrations: Haulotte’s hybrid or electric platforms are perfect for this. »
Well-targeted models for specific needs
When asked about the most suitable models for his work, William Laibe mentions the 12- to 20-meter articulated MEWP: « They offer excellent stability and good outreach, which is essential for reaching certain areas without repositioning the machine. »
He also notes a strong market trend: « Demand for hybrid aerial platforms is soaring. Customers are increasingly looking for versatility: the ability to work indoors and outdoors, with zero emissions and tires suitable for all types of ground. »
Among his most memorable experiences, William Laibe cites an unusual job: « When installing windows at a height of over 20 meters, we used a hybrid HA20. Thanks to the absence of vibrations and the precision of the controls, the joints could be installed cleanly and without difficulty. This is typically the kind of situation where the quality of the equipment makes all the difference. »
With a promotion coming up in the company, William Laibe intends to continue on the path of versatility: « We want to continue offering high-performance equipment that is suitable for a wide variety of contexts. Haulotte solutions are already helping us a lot to achieve this goal. »