Volvo Rents recently announced the acquisition of Palmetto Equipment Sales and Rentals, Inc., a two-location construction equipment rental company with stores in Ladson and Ridgeland, South Carolina.

The move comes on the heels of Volvo Rents’ recent acquisition of another South Carolina-based company, Blue Eagle Equipment, and brings the company’s statewide presence to a total of six rental centers.

“As the recession abates, the construction equipment rental industry is projected to be one of the fastest growing industries in North America, as more people choose to rent rather than commit to capital expenditures,” said Michael Crouch, Vice President of Business Development for Volvo Rents. “This puts us in a very favorable position as we continue to expand our footprint in various markets across the country, including South Carolina.”

According to ENR Southeast, a regional trade publication of McGraw-Hill Construction, South Carolina’s final overall value for 2011 construction contracts was about $7.8 billion, a 12% increase over $6.6 billion in 2010. In 2012, McGraw-Hill economists predict an 8% increase in construction activity.

In addition to Volvo Rents’ expanding line of Volvo compact equipment – such as backhoe and skid steer loaders, compact wheel loaders, compact excavators and compaction equipment – the rental center carries a comprehensive line of essential equipment and tools for the construction, commercial, industrial and homeowner markets. The focus is on daily, weekly and monthly rentals.

“The Volvo name inspires confidence worldwide and will no doubt elevate our stores to the big leagues,” said Casey Brabham, a 15-year veteran of the construction equipment rental industry who co-founded Palmetto Equipment Sales and Rentals in 2001. “As a member of the global Volvo family of business, the stores will have access to some of the most advanced equipment, technology and marketing in the world.”

Brabham will remain manager of both locations. Co-Founder James Miller, Jr. will continue to serve as a sales manager.

Although store hours will be Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the company offers 24-hour service, every day of the week.

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