The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) and PLATFORMDER have formed a partnership to advance safety standards in the Turkish powered access industry.
According to IPAF:
As a result of a collaboration that started three years ago with a basic Memorandum of Understanding, IPAF and PLATFORMDER, the Turkish Mobile Elevating Work Platform Rental, Manufacturer, and Dealer Association, have now signed a transformative agreement aimed at enhancing safety, training, and standards within the Turkish powered access industry. The agreement, formalized in December 2023, will come into effect in January 2024 following the signatures of Saruhan Gunaydın, president of PLATFORMDER, and Romina Vanzi, head of regional development at IPAF.
Both IPAF and PLATFORMDER, operating as non-profit organizations, have joined forces to pioneer a unique collaboration. This marks a historic moment for IPAF, as it signifies the organization's first agreement designating a national association as an IPAF dealer/agency in its respective country. The collaboration underscores IPAF's strategic initiative to integrate with local associations, fostering a dual-local and international presence.
"We are honoured to be the first national association that IPAF has chosen to partner with in this unique capacity. This agreement represents an opportunity for PLATFORMDER to provide our Turkish members with access to world-leading guidelines in the Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) sector and deliver top-quality training programs," said Gunaydın.
The collaboration encompasses a range of initiatives, including the co-branding of training materials, translation of essential documents, and the adaptation of IPAF's training portal for the Turkish audience. Abdullah Tuncer, deputy secretary-general of PLATFORMDER, has been appointed as the IPAF Turkey country manager, reinforcing local representation. This appointment ensures more personalized support for existing members, who will benefit from closer assistance, and tailored services in terms of language, pricing, and the personalization of services. Among the materials IPAF aims to gradually make available is the digital card, accessible via the ePAL app, slated for release in Turkish in 2024.
"IPAF is enthusiastic about this landmark collaboration with PLATFORMDER. As a non-profit organization, our shared mission is to promote the safe and effective use of powered access equipment. This partnership allows us to integrate with local associations, bridging the gap between global standards and local expertise," remarked Ms. Romina Vanzi, Head of Regional Development at IPAF.
Vanzi emphasizes the importance of such agreements, urging more collaborations as IPAF has much to offer various markets, including mature ones, and recognizes the value of local expertise of national associations.. The blend of global standards and local knowledge, she notes, is a winning combination.
In endorsing this collaborative effort, Peter Douglas, IPAF CEO, stated, "Sharing is essential for growth. Local associations should leverage the wealth of knowledge and resources developed by IPAF through its committees. While we acknowledge our strengths, we also recognize the challenges of being present in over 80 countries. Agreements like these signify maturity, unifying efforts, and messages, steering associations toward a common direction."
The agreement strategically positions PLATFORMDER as a pivotal player in advancing safety practices and training programs within the Turkish-powered access industry, offering Turkish members a gateway to international best practices.
