What Thomas Hoogwerkers does

Thomas Hoogwerkers is a Belgian, family-owned manufacturer of custom aerial work platforms headquartered in Merchtem, Belgium, operating under the unified brand Thomas & Ufkes since a 2026 partnership with Ufkes Greentec. The company designs and builds a full range of elevated-access equipment in three configurations — tractor-mounted (180 PTO at 18m, 240 PTO at 24m, and 300 PTO at 30m working heights), truck-mounted (180/240/300 TR series), and towed/self-propelled (120 NWT through 210 WH/NWS series) — on customer-supplied base vehicles. Core technical differentiators include a quick-change PTO system enabling five-minute (dis)assembly, all-terrain-capable tractor-mounted designs that operate without track plates, a patented-style support-foot stabilizer system, and a PTO drive architecture that connects to customer tractor hydraulics.

The business operates primarily as a quote-based B2B custom manufacturer with one-time equipment sales as the dominant revenue stream, supplemented by recurring and aftermarket revenues from service and maintenance, an extensive spare-parts inventory, the Thomas Rental rental channel, and the distribution of Ufkes Greentec forestry machines (wood chippers, stump grinders, grapples, shears, saws) in Belgium and France. Primary customer segments are forestry and tree-care professionals, construction and maintenance contractors, and utility services, served through a combination of direct sales from Merchtem and a worldwide distributor and service-partner network. Trade-show participation across Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, and France supports broader European market reach.

The company is owned and led by the fourth generation of the Thomas family (Michiel Thomas as Managing Director since 2008), operates from a new 2,400 m² production facility opened in January 2026, and is privately held with no external investors. The only named customer in the input is Brems Dakwerken, a Belgian roofing contractor using a 280 TR truck-mounted platform; no revenue, headcount above six, or financial disclosures are publicly available.

Name

Thomas Hoogwerkers

Legal name

Thomas & Ufkes BV

Website

https://thomas-hoogwerkers.be

Company type

Private

Founded year

1967

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Thomas Hoogwerkers (Thomas & Ufkes) is a Belgian family-owned manufacturer of custom tractor-mounted, truck-mounted, and towed aerial work platforms serving forestry, construction, maintenance, and utility contractors across Europe via direct sales and a global distributor network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aerial Work Platforms / Construction Equipment

NAICS

Construction Machinery Manufacturing (333120), Agriculture, Construction, and Mining Machinery Manufacturing (3331)

SIC

Construction Machinery & Equip (3531), Construction, Mining & Materials Handling Machinery & Equip (3530), Truck & Bus Bodies (3713)

akta.pro primary industry

Cranes, Hoists & Overhead Material Handling (Industrial) (IMAHABAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Truck Body & Upfit Manufacturing (Box/Dump/Service/Refuse) (IMACAGAC), Surface Preparation & Compaction Equipment Rental/Leasing (Compactors, Rollers, Grinders) (TLABAFAJ)

Keywords

• Aerial work platforms
• Tractor-mounted lifts
• Truck-mounted boom lifts
• Towed access platforms
• Forestry machinery

Headquarters

HQ city

Merchtem

HQ country

Belgium

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Aerial Work Platform Sales: Sale of new tractor-mounted, truck-mounted, and towed aerial work platforms. Customers provide the base vehicle (truck or tractor) and Thomas & Ufkes handles the complete build process.
2. Ufkes Greentec Machine Sales: Sale of Ufkes Greentec machines including wood chippers, stump grinders, and forestry equipment as official distributor
3. Used Equipment Sales: Sale of pre-owned aerial work platforms and machines that have been carefully selected and inspected
4. Service and Maintenance: Preventive maintenance, repairs, and service operations with quick response times. In-house specialized maintenance ensures maximum machine efficiency and uptime.
5. Spare Parts Supply: Supply of replacement parts from their extensive inventory, guaranteeing short delivery times and quality matching their machines
6. Equipment Rental (Thomas Rental): Rental services through Thomas Rental division for customers who need equipment without purchasing

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Thomas Hoogwerkers (operating as Thomas & Ufkes) designs, manufactures, and sells aerial work platforms (hoogwerkers) in three configurations: tractor-mounted (180/240/300 PTO), truck-mounted (180/240/300 TR), and towed/trailer-mounted (120/150/180/210 NWT/WH). The company also serves as the official distributor and service partner for Ufkes Greentec forestry and garden machinery (wood chippers, stump grinders, grapples, shears, saws) in the Belgian and French markets, and provides after-sales service, maintenance, and spare parts. Customers supply the base vehicle (tractor or truck) and Thomas & Ufkes handles the complete build from design to finishing.

Product overview

Thomas & Ufkes is a Belgian manufacturer and distributor of aerial work platforms (hoogwerkers) offering a comprehensive portfolio of heavy-duty access equipment. The product range includes three main categories of aerial work platforms: (1) Tractor-mounted units (180 PTO, 240 PTO, 300 PTO) ranging from 18m to 30m working heights, designed for challenging terrain in forestry and off-road applications; (2) Truck-mounted units (180 TR, 240 TR, 300 TR) built to customer specifications for professional roofing, solar, signage and painting work; (3) Towed/trailer-mounted units (120 NWT, 150 NWT, 180 WH, 210 WH) ranging from 12m to 21m for flexible deployment. The company also distributes Ufkes Greentec forestry machines including wood chippers, chipper combinations, stump grinders, and grapples/shears/saws through its partnership established in 2026. Supporting the product portfolio are Thomas Rental for equipment leasing and comprehensive service/maintenance operations with extensive parts inventory.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• 180 PTO Tractor-Mounted Aerial Work Platform Compact tractor-mounted aerial work platform with 18m working height, 13m lateral reach, weighing 2,500 kg. Mounted on standard tractors from 4,500 kg with quick-change system for 5-minute (dis)assembly. Designed for forestry, tree care, and off-road applications.
• 240 PTO Tractor-Mounted Aerial Work Platform Tractor-mounted aerial work platform with 24m working height, 15m/11m lateral reach, weighing 3,750 kg. Mounted on standard tractors from 5,500 kg for all-terrain capabilities.
• 300 PTO Tractor-Mounted Aerial Work Platform Heavy-duty tractor-mounted aerial work platform with 30m working height, 17m/12m lateral reach, weighing 4,400 kg. Mounted on standard tractors from 6,500 kg. Features 359° turning radius and 250 kg basket capacity.
• 180 TR (C) Truck-Mounted Aerial Work Platform Truck-mounted aerial work platform with 18m working height and 10m lateral reach. Designed for roofing, solar panel installation, signage, and painting work.
• 240 TR (C) Truck-Mounted Aerial Work Platform Truck-mounted aerial work platform designed for professional height work applications.
• 300 TR (C) Truck-Mounted Aerial Work Platform Truck-mounted aerial work platform with 30m working height, 17m/13m lateral reach. Designed for roofing, solar panel installation, signage, and painting work.
• 120 NWT Towed Aerial Work Platform Entry-level towed aerial work platform with 12m working height and 6.5m lateral reach. Flexible and easy to transport.
• 150 NWT Towed Aerial Work Platform Mid-range towed aerial work platform with 15m working height and 7.5m lateral reach. Designed for flexible transport and quick site deployment.
• 180 WH/NWS Towed Aerial Work Platform Towed aerial work platform designed for professional maintenance, installation, tree care, and forestry applications.
• 210 WH/NWS Towed Aerial Work Platform Compact and practical towed boom lift with 21m working height, 13.5m lateral reach, weighing 2,500 kg. Powered by 220V with 359° turning radius. Features wheel drive option and rotating basket.
• Used Aerial Work Platforms Carefully selected used aerial work platforms meeting high quality standards. Inspected and in excellent condition for safe and efficient operation at more advantageous prices.
• Ufkes Greentec Wood Chippers Professional wood chippers for garden and forestry applications. Distributed and serviced by Thomas & Ufkes for Belgian and French markets under the 2026 partnership.
• Ufkes Greentec Chipper Combinations Combined wood chipping and shredding systems for professional forestry operations.
• Ufkes Greentec Stump Grinders Stump grinding machines for efficient removal of tree stumps. Professional equipment for forestry and garden maintenance.
• Ufkes Greentec Grapples, Shears and Saws Forestry attachments including grapples, shears, and saws for crane-mounted applications in tree care and forestry operations.
• Thomas Rental Rental services for aerial work platforms providing flexible access to equipment without capital investment, operated as a dedicated Thomas Rental division.
• Service and Maintenance Professional service department with skilled mechanics providing rapid interventions, preventive maintenance, and on-site repairs. Extensive in-house parts inventory with short delivery times, supporting both Thomas & Ufkes machines and Ufkes Greentec equipment.

Quantifiable outcome

• Machines delivered safely, efficiently, and according to schedule worldwide

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Ufkes GreenteccoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026In 2026, Thomas Hoogwerkers and Ufkes Greentec combined forces to create Thomas & Ufkes. This partnership combines decades of experience in aerial work platforms with expertise in Greentec machines. They serve the Belgian and French markets with a complete range of professional machines for horticulture and forestry. The collaboration extends beyond sales to include specialized in-house maintenance, ensuring maximum efficiency and minimal downtime for customers.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Socage: Italian manufacturer specializing in truck-mounted aerial work platforms up to 50m working height. Socage is a closely comparable specialty OEM targeting the same European municipal, utility, and contractor buyers as Thomas & Ufkes.
• Manitou Group: French manufacturer of aerial work platforms and telehandlers serving construction, agriculture, and forestry. Manitou's aerial platform range overlaps directly with Thomas & Ufkes' product portfolio, particularly in rough-terrain and tractor-mounted applications.
• Bronto Skylift: Finnish manufacturer (owned by Federal Signal) specializing in truck-mounted aerial platforms for fire and rescue, utilities, and wind turbine maintenance. Bronto competes in the higher-end truck-mounted platform segment that overlaps with Thomas & Ufkes' TR range.
• Haulotte Group: French manufacturer of aerial work platforms including articulating booms, telescopic booms, and scissor lifts. Haulotte is one of the largest European MEWP OEMs and competes directly with Thomas & Ufkes across tractor-mounted, truck-mounted, and self-propelled categories.
• Multitel Pagliero: Italian manufacturer of truck-mounted aerial platforms from 14m to 70m working height. Multitel Pagliero is a comparable specialty OEM serving similar European fleet operators and rental companies.
• Niftylift: UK manufacturer of self-propelled and towable boom lifts, particularly known for its tracked and lightweight platforms for restricted-access sites. Niftylift is comparable to Thomas & Ufkes' towed range and competes for similar tree-care and rental customers.
• CTE (B-Lift): Italian-British manufacturer of truck-mounted and tracked aerial work platforms. CTE competes head-to-head with Thomas & Ufkes in the European truck-mounted platform segment for telecom, signage, and tree-care applications.
• PALFINGER: Austrian manufacturer of truck-mounted aerial work platforms, knuckle-boom cranes, and lifting solutions. PALFINGER is the most direct European peer in the truck-mounted aerial platform category that Thomas & Ufkes serves, and competes head-to-head for fleet buyers across forestry, utilities, and municipal segments.

Broad incumbents

• Wacker Neuson: German manufacturer of compact construction equipment including mini-excavators, wheel loaders, telehandlers, and aerial work platforms. Wacker Neuson is a broad European incumbent whose aerial platform line competes with Thomas & Ufkes as part of a much larger portfolio.
• Time Manufacturing (Versalift): US-based manufacturer of aerial work platforms under brands including Versalift and Aspen Aerials. Time Manufacturing is a broader incumbent in truck-mounted and specialty aerial platforms with a global distribution footprint comparable in scope to Thomas & Ufkes' international network.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/thomasufkesbelgium
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/thomas-hoogwerkers
• Instagraminstagram.com/thomas_ufkes
• TikToktiktok.com/@thomas_ufkes

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Thomas Hoogwerkers