Five highlights from Milwaukee® World of Solutions event
During the early days of February, the Pro Landscaper team attended the Milwaukee® World of Solutions event in Rome, Italy, to view the company’s fast-growing Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE) range. The professional tool and equipment manufacturer lit up the city with a multitude of red lights creating a glowing epicentre of innovation from the home of La Nuvola.
1. Evening presentation
Hosted by Oliver Lerch, president product and marketing EMEA, and James Dickinson, president sales power equipment EMEA, attendees learnt about the history of MILWAUKEE®, upcoming projects, new products and ongoing initiatives.
The event was last held in Rome during 2012, and since then, the company has grown 14 times in size. As it evolves its trade-specific solutions, the company continues to introduce new battery-powered equipment for the outdoor landscaping industry.
2. Highlight industry issues
The presenting duo also spent time dissecting key industry issues. Where one in three jobs are poorly resourced, the skills gap is affecting 25.5% of construction roles across Europe. In addition, the ‘great retirement’ sees an aging workforce with 20-30% of the industry set to retire over the next decade.
In response, not only do MILWAUKEE® offer safe and user-friendly outdoor power tools and equipment for both professionals and apprentices, but through its job site solutions (JSS) initiative, they are able to “help the construction industry to increase productivity, save costs, and cut the cord on the jobsite,” it says.
“For years, the sector and the government have been searching for a solution, and we believe technology is a critical part of the answer,” explains Ian Wakelin, JSS director.
He adds, “by investing in better physical technology, we can boost output, lower the barrier for new entrants, and build a more resilient, productive workforce for the future.”
Through the support of over 150 trade schools and colleges, MILWAUKEE® has every intention of counteracting the current skills decline.
3. Exploring the workstations
From product presentations, in-depth explanations and numerous demonstrations, day two covered every corner of Milwaukee®’s wide range of solutions across 10 dedicated workstations, including OPE, accessories, hand tools, and PPE.
4. The growing OPE range
From hedge trimmers, mowers, blowers and chainsaws, Milwaukee®’s OPE, including cordless garden tools, “bring power, battery life and ergonomics,” says the company. The range spans over 50 different 12V and 18V trade-focussed tools.
5. The red glow
An exhibition centre with an impact – La Nuvola lit up the city with red lights, from morning until night. A slightly unnerving experience, our entire vision was red as soon as you stepped inside. It is evident the company intends to disrupt every aspect of the industry.