Rivard EXVAC: Is the Wolf in the henhouse?

PRELUDE BY JACK GOODE, VAC EX NEWS PUBLISHER:

Following on from Rivard UK's recent roaring success, we have approached Mick Dysart, owner of the UK Rivard Dealership, for answers to questions that the whole industry are asking.

Have the usual manufacturers been too comfortable, poor on customer service, and lacking innovation for too long? Have they underestimated the threat that the billion-dollar backed Rivard presents? Here at Vac-Ex News, we believe the fox is already in the henhouse, the old guard have been too busy on their laurels, and have failed to notice the immediate threat.

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Column by Mick Dysart - Managing Director of LMD Vacuum Excavation Group

Is Rivard the real alternative to the status quo?

 – MTS and RSP have had a monopoly in the UK market for too long and I believe that customers have been disadvantaged by a lack of competition. The Exvac is a real contender and has been delivered to some of the largest and most influential fleets in the UK, with forward orders well into 2026.

How many fleet operators now own a Rivard?

 – Over a dozen companies have taken delivery of the Exvac over the last 3 years with many repeat orders for new start ups, along with established operators that see the many benefits the Exvac brings to their fleet.

What separates Rivard from the competition in terms of technology?

 – The turbine technology used is the main difference, although not the only significant advantage. The turbine operates at lower airflow compared with the usual ventilator based machines but creates double the vacuum at 0.4bar, this in conjunction with only having 8 filters, a curved tank base, tipping with the lid closed, detachable suction hose, and fixed walkways for enhanced safety whilst working at height, all of these features and more truly make the Exvac stand out in the market.

What separates Rivard from the competition in terms of after service?

 – Our workshops are centrally based in Sutton in Ashfield and we have heavily invested in factory training for the technicians who provide support around the clock for the Exvac nationwide. This is important to me because from experience, when things go wrong, having someone answer the phone after the office has closed is a real life saver. The Exvac comes with a 2 year warranty as standard, fully supported by Rivard in France. We offer a full service package which includes routine inspections, and have a comprehensive stock of spare parts on the shelf to support our customers.

Who owns Rivard?

 – Rivard are part of the Alamo Group of companies. Alamo have an annual turnover in excess of 1.5 billion. They have just invested 20 million euros into a new Rivard production facility to facilitate our growing order book, accelerate our growth plans, and streamline production. This will come online shortly and the first truck off the new production line will be for Carney Plant in the UK. It’s an exciting time to be involved in this transformation. Rivard have been building industrial equipment for over 70 years and have a recognised heritage of quality industrial equipment. Current products include the Exvac, Trenchers, Sewer Cleaners, and the equipment used to clean the Channel Tunnel!

What can we expect from Rivard in 2026?

– Rivard are continually looking to create the best products on the market, and they have recently released the all new 'Europa Max Sewer Cleaner' which will be on our stand at Scotplant in April, along with the first 26Ton Exvac for the UK market. There are several other products in development which hopefully will be available to our UK customers towards the end of 2026.

 There’s a lot going on at both Exvac UK and Rivard and we will be showcasing a range of products at Scotplant in Edinburgh, IFAT Munich, ICE at Leopardstown racecourse in Ireland and No-Dig live in September.

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