Algeria: the future for access

As a large North African country, Algeria sits on the Mediterranean coast between six other countries, and as such has a commanding presence in the region.

Outemzabet believes growth in North Africa is expected to accelerate in the coming years thanks to an array of  construction projects and the introduction of modern technologies, combined with a stronger focus on safety, and with  Algeria playing a pivotal role as a regional hub.

“Customers are increasingly demanding more advanced technology, efficiency, and sustainability. To stay ahead, the industry must continue to innovate and adapt to these changing needs while maintaining a strong focus on safety and reliability,” says Outemzabet. 

Fayalift is also well placed to take advantage in this growth potential as a distributor for JLG in the country since 2010 and an established record of raising awareness of the benefits of using aerial platforms.

Yassim Outemzabet, owner and Managing Director of Fayalift. (Photo: JLG).

Recently, the company took that a stage further by launching the Fayalift training centre in the port city of Bejaia (formerly Bougie).

To further extend the life of its machines, the company is also setting up refurbishment workshops for aerial lifts in the same region. In addition, Fayalift has invested in mobile workshops to better serve customers across Algeria’s vast 2.382 million square km.

Focusing on the scissor lift market in the country,  Outemzabet, says that while the sector is growing, it remains smaller than the boom lift market in Algeria.

The dominance of boom lifts over scissors in emerging access rental markets is common, where they are first used in industrial settings. On the subject of Algeria Outemzabet adds, “Boom lifts are preferred for their ability to reach greater heights and their versatility in large industrial projects.”

However, Outemzabet confirms, “The scissor lift market in Northern Africa, especially in Algeria, has seen substantial growth in recent years. This expansion is closely linked to…large infrastructure projects, urbanization, investments, and an increased focus on safety. This trend points to a continued rise in demand across North Africa.”

Domestic development 

Since 2007, Algeria has experienced rapid development in various sectors such as healthcare, education, and industry. Projects like highways, bridges, hospitals, and even oil refineries have fueled the demand for scissor lifts, which are now essential for tasks requiring work at height.

One prominent example is the completion of a 1,400km highway connecting Tunisia and Morocco through Algeria, a project that required the use of scissor lifts for bridge construction.

Algeria remains a boom market predominantly. (Photo: JLG).

“The growth of large cities and the need for mass housing have further driven the demand for scissor lifts, especially in crowded urban centres,” says Outemzabet. “Local and international companies alike are increasingly relying on these machines for construction and maintenance tasks.

“Moreover, the push for safer and more efficient construction practices has made scissor lifts a go-to choice.”

Scissor options

In Algeria, compact scissor lifts with working heights between 7m to 8m are in high demand, explains Outemzabet. In this category, models like the R1932 and ES1932 are particularly popular. Another frequently requested model is the ES3246/R3246, which offers a working height of 12m, making it ideal for mid-range height tasks.

Lately, says Outemzabet, the R4045 model, which provides a 14m working height, has gained traction, especially for jobs requiring access to higher points. Additionally, the new JLG ES4046, with its AC electric drive design and integrated components has seen interest from the market.

Compact scissor lifts are highly favoured in Algeria, particularly as they are easy to transport across Algeria’s large geography and manoeuvre in urban areas where space is often limited.

JLG ERT4769 in stowed position. (Photo: JLG).

Medium sized lifts are also gaining traction in Algeria. “As large-scale construction projects continue to rise in Algeria, there’s an increasing demand for scissor lifts capable of reaching higher elevations. This trend is driving manufacturers to develop more advanced models with enhanced safety features and greater stability, ensuring that operators can work securely at significant heights.

“This demand is also pushing the industry to innovate and meet evolving standards, which are becoming more stringent.”

The demand for mid-size scissor lifts are particularly suitable for various construction and maintenance projects. Their all-terrain capabilities also allow for full-height driving within the maximum operation slope, enhancing productivity.

In Algeria, there’s a growing emphasis on renewable energy, in line with national laws promoting sustainable development.

Outemzabet comments, “This shift encourages the adoption of scissor lifts powered by cleaner energy sources, making them an attractive option for customers seeking eco-friendly and cost-effective solutions.”

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