Transforming the Parking Industry

Paul Bates, Group President of PARKPLUS, came on board in October of 2017 to lead the business and has taken the company to new heights, growing the business into 4 new US markets in 2019. PARKPLUS is a pioneering provider of high-density parking systems. The company designs, manufactures, installs and maintains their patented solutions for Automated Parking Systems and multi-level Car Stackers. “We are focussed on becoming local parking vendors, with a presence in established and emerging markets in the US”, says Paul.

Another priority has been introducing innovative methodologies and systems, and having a clear way of looking at problems to determine and implement solutions. “I favor a methodical approach, and paying close attention to detail, with a focus on closing open issues. Being a Mechatronic Engineer by trade, with global experience and 24 years in the industry, my deep electrical and mechanical knowledge in the trade has helped,” says Paul.

"PARKPLUS is a leading provider of high density parking systems, with the most completed projects, and the most extensive product range, in the United States."

“The primary challenge that we overcome for our customers is solving a project’s geometrical and high-density requirements to essentially park more cars in less space, by means of a mechanical or automated system,” explains Paul. “We offer a customized, full turnkey solution across all product ranges.”

PARKPLUS recently celebrated their 50th anniversary. Having reached this significant milestone, PARKPLUS has a wealth of experience across all products and in hundreds of projects in the United States and all over the world. “We are armed with a full suite of systems and technologies, in-house Design, Engineering and Manufacturing and the ability to create bespoke solutions,” adds Paul.

The resolute leader understands that this is a fast-moving niche industry and PARKPLUS is constantly researching and developing to stay ahead of new and emerging technologies, with continued R&D investment to drive market-leader innovation. “PARKPLUS forges ahead to deploy viable solutions into the marketplace. Look at Electric Vehicles (EV), for example, where PARKPLUS has registered patents for cutting edge EV charging technology that readies us for the growing demand and adoption of Electric Vehicles across all of our systems.” Paul adds, “PARKPLUS is the only provider of AGV Automated Parking technology in the United States, and we are working on new developments to take their robotic AGVs to greater levels of autonomy. The AGV is unique amongst Automated Parking options; flexible and modular, the application can be grown or reduced based on demand, and applied to regular and irregular layouts. The technology is EV-ready and equipped for the growing demand of Electric Vehicles. The AGV also has materials handling and military applications.”

“50 years of experience and hundreds of projects give us unparalleled scope and multiple proofs of concept in what is still a developing industry in the United States.” As the United States follows in the footsteps of more mature Asian and European Automated Parking markets, high density urban metros in the US are increasingly adopting these parking systems. “Our competition is essentially very scaled down versions of PARKPLUS, without the depth of knowledge, product range, or in-house expertise. They still need to prove themselves and their capacity to deliver in the market,” adds Paul.

Another PARKPLUS feature is superior customer service, particularly important in their industry. “We provide 24-hour support from a structured, mature support team with full technical experience, and also offer virtual support and equipment-based remote monitoring.”

“We arm ourselves with a ‘never give up’ attitude. That is how we can win the race. All budding entrepreneurs should remember this mantra and surround themselves with pioneering professionals,” says Paul. “The market and opportunities are there, it’s about delivering a high-quality product and doing it right every time.”

Looking forward, PARKPLUS is concentrating on EV charging technology and autonomous vehicle integration. Additionally, they are growing their team and American presence to offer their unique parking solutions to customers across the country.IE