Reliability at Height: Why Malcolm Group Chose JCB Access Across Its Depots

With a history spanning over a century, Malcolm Group has grown into one of the UK’s leading providers of logistics, construction and maintenance services. From large-scale earthworks and infrastructure projects to building maintenance and specialist works, W H Malcolm Construction plays a vital role in supporting both public and private sector clients across Scotland and beyond.

Across depots, workshops and operational sites, safe and reliable access equipment is essential. Whether supporting in-house maintenance teams or external contractors, working at height is part of day-to-day operations. This is where JCB Access platforms and articulated booms have become an important part of the fleet.

Investing in Access

Graeme Lindsay, Operations Manager, explains that the move to purchasing scissor lifts rather than hiring was a practical and financial decision.

Previously, the business hired platforms regularly. However, with frequent usage across maintenance workshops and depots, the costs mounted. Bringing the machines in-house made commercial sense and ensured equipment was always available when needed.

From a building maintenance perspective, Gavin Kilday, Building Maintenance Manager, highlights the variety of tasks the machines support. Access to roller doors, high-level lighting, plumbing and electrical works all require safe and stable working platforms. On many sites, a six metre working height covers daily requirements, while larger doors require up to ten metres.

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

Standardisation Across Sites

All scissor lifts across Malcolm depots are JCB. That consistency is deliberate.

Uniformity across equipment simplifies familiarisation and operation for staff working across multiple locations. While scissor lifts may appear similar, keeping one brand ensures controls, safety features and operating procedures remain consistent.

That approach supports Malcolm’s wider fleet strategy, where reliability and simplicity are key operational principles.

Backup Support That Builds Trust

For Graeme, the decision to invest in JCB Access was heavily influenced by the relationship with Scot JCB and the wider JCB brand.

“Every machine breaks down, it’s how you react when you break down,” he explains. Responsive backup and same-day or next-day support have been critical. The strength of service received on larger excavator fleets gave WH Malcolm confidence to extend that trust into access equipment.

Hybrid Booms That Work Inside and Out

Gavin emphasised the value of the hybrid articulated booms within their 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”

A Long-Term Partnership

For Malcolm Group, JCB Access may represent a smaller portion of the fleet compared to excavators, but the purchasing decision reflects the same priorities: uptime, support and reliability.

Both Graeme and Gavin would recommend JCB Access and Scot JCB to other businesses, citing consistent backup, strong communication and dependable service. In a business where operational downtime has a real financial impact, that reassurance makes all the difference.

Interested in Finding Out More?

If you are looking to add JCB scissor lifts or articulated booms to your fleet, contact us today.