With a history spanning over a century, the Malcolm Group has established itself as a leading provider of logistics, construction, and maintenance services.

Through its W H Malcolm Construction division, the business supports public and private sector clients across Scotland and beyond, delivering services ranging from major earthworks to essential building maintenance. To support the daily requirement for safe working at height across its depots, workshops, and live sites, the company has integrated JCB Access scissor lifts and articulated booms into its core fleet.

Operations Manager Graeme Lindsay explained that the move to purchase equipment rather than hiring it was driven by both financial and practical necessity. With the machines in frequent use across workshops and depots, hire costs were mounting; bringing the equipment in-house has guaranteed immediate availability whenever needed.

Building Maintenance Manager Gavin Kilday noted the variety of tasks supported by the new fleet, including repairs to roller doors, high-level lighting, plumbing, and electrical works. While a six-metre working height suffices for many routine tasks, the team requires reach of up to ten metres for larger structures and doorways.

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"Having machines permanently on site removes delays, and improves overall efficiency, the lifts are used daily, either by in-house teams or contractors," Graeme added. "Having them available at all times provides not just convenience, but security and control."

The Malcolm Group has deliberately standardised its scissor lift fleet with JCB equipment. This uniformity streamlines the familiarisation process for staff moving between different locations, ensuring that safety features, controls, and operating procedures remain consistent. This approach reflects the company's broader fleet philosophy, which prioritises simplicity and dependability.

The decision to invest in JCB Access was heavily influenced by the relationship with Scot JCB. "Every machine breaks down, it's how you react when you break down," Graeme explained. Responsive backup and same-day or next-day support have proven vital to the company's operations. The strong service record established with the Malcolm Group's larger excavator fleet provided the confidence to extend that trust to access platforms.

Gavin also highlighted the value of the hybrid articulated booms within the company's operations. "The hybrid capability makes the machines particularly suited to our different environments. They can go from working outside on diesel to inside one of our warehouses, where reduced emissions are essential."

While access equipment accounts for a smaller share of the Malcolm Group's overall fleet than its excavators, the purchasing decision reflects the same core priorities: uptime, support, and reliability. Given the financial impact of operational downtime, both Graeme and Gavin have expressed strong satisfaction with the consistent backup and communication provided by Scot JCB, and they recommend these solutions to other businesses.

Businesses interested in learning more about adding JCB scissor lifts or articulated booms to their fleets are encouraged to contact Scot JCB for further information.