Riwal Growth, Expansion and Internationalization

Riwal Growth, Expansion and Internationalization 

How the Company Was Founded

Established in 1968 in Dordrecht, Netherlands, Riwal began as a different name under its founder, Dick Schalekamp. It first began as a rental company known as Richards and Wallington cranes, providing a singular service for crane rental. 10 years later in 1978, rental of aerial work platforms, or AWPs, was added to Richards and Wallington's services.

In 1989, after 18 years under one rental company, a new company was founded to oversee operations of aerial platform rental services, called Riwal Lift, b.v. That same year, the company was transferred from Dick Schalekamp, Sr. to his sons.

Growth, Expansion and Internationalization

Six years later in 1995, Riwal Lift became the official dealer of the multi-billion dollar international corporation, JLG Industries, in the Netherlands. Partnering with this large and reputable manufacturer of lifts impacted the name, services and business approach. By becoming a dealer of the JLG Industries brand, the business was able to expand its services and sales, as well as convenience for its customers. In 1998, on the 30th anniversary of the company's establishment, the various growing departments of rental services merged into a single company with one name: RIWAL.

Up until then, services operated exclusively within the Netherlands. However, in 1999, Riwal set up a joint business venture with JLG Industries. In 2001, the company made its first debut outside of its national borders by establishing a branch of business operations in Denmark. Rapid development of the company continued across Europe and the Middle East. Over the next several years, in addition to Denmark, the company established branches and partnerships in 12 more countries, including France, Spain, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Poland, Slovenia, Croatia, Kazakhstan, India, Great Britain and Brazil. It continues to expand to this day, with the newest addition of AWP rental operations in Gank, Belgium, in August of 2013.

In addition to its expansion across international borders, the company also continues to develop additional facets of business operations. Since 2007, the company's training department has offered industry Safety Training Courses. It continues to teach and train field workers, technicians, and employee and supervising contractors through its various industrial courses.