Asim Iqbal, PIRTEK Bronx owner
PIRTEK USA is tapping into a massive base of construction and industrial activity by opening its first location in New York City. PIRTEK Bronx, a new mobile-only service location, serves a variety of industries including construction, equipment rental and marine.
"It's a 24-hour city that needs a 24-hour service like PIRTEK," said Asim Iqbal, PIRTEK Bronx owner. "There is so much opportunity in this market, not only because we offer high-quality products and service, but also because our service is mobile. With our specially equipped mobile service vehicles, we can go when and where the customer needs us most."
Iqbal has a management background in the trucking industry, where he was a frequent PIRTEK customer.
"I used PIRTEK's service all the time," he said. "I was very familiar with it. After looking into the franchise, I thought it was a great opportunity. The B2B model appealed to me as well as the New York City location."
PIRTEK is a leader in onsite hydraulic and industrial hose-replacement service. There are now 90 PIRTEK franchises and a fleet of mobile service vehicles throughout the country. Globally, PIRTEK has more than 400 locations and 2,000 mobile service vehicles in 23 countries, all providing 24/7 service with a one-hour onsite ETA.
During his 10 years in the trucking industry, Iqbal managed car carriers and became familiar with the ports. He plans to work with customers in the industries PIRTEK typically serves: warehousing, equipment rental, manufacturing, and construction. Having a center adjacent to an island like Manhattan also opens up many opportunities for marine business, which relies heavily on hydraulic power.
Other sources of possible business include the region's huge building projects. Hudson Yards, the country's largest development project by area, is in nearby Manhattan. Iqbal anticipates opportunities from that ongoing work because of all the hydraulic equipment associated with the construction.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is another major company using hydraulics across its system. The MTA provides subway, bus and commuter rail service throughout the New York City area. It also operates many toll bridges and tunnels, which means an abundance of hydraulic hoses in constant use.
PIRTEK Bronx is a Tier 2 location. This mobile-only option enables business owners to start a franchise at a lower initial cost. A franchisee can keep the inventory in a small warehouse or storage facility while leasing two vehicles. Owners of mobile-only locations are expected to advance to Tier 1 in three years. The standard Tier 1 model includes a full service and supply center staffed with six team members and at least two mobile service vehicles.
Iqbal said he considers the Tier 2 option "an excellent opportunity that makes PIRTEK ownership more accessible." He plans to upgrade into a Tier 1 in only two years.
"There are plenty of opportunities here — this market is very favorable for PIRTEK," Iqbal said, adding that he arrived at that conclusion after conducting extensive research into the area's potential customer base.
Nick Ridgway, franchise development manager of PIRTEK USA, said that the opening of a PIRTEK location in New York City and in the state are important milestones.
"We've expanded our reach by breaking into this major market," Ridgway said. "It's also our first location in the state of New York, our 25th state, which means we now cover half the states in the union. That presence will help us support our national accounts and growing our brand."
For more information, visit www.pirtekusa.com/locations/bronx/.
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