Merlo machines are popular choices for busy construction sites and large-scale farming operations, but their versatility also makes them perfect for municipalities and communities. Take the Oujé-Bougoumou Cree Nation, located 45-minutes from Chibougamau, for example.

“We got a P 40.17 Plus back in 2016,” said Dennis Bosum, a supervisor at Oujé-Bougoumou. “We bought it for our public works department, but we now pretty much share it among our different operations like the housing department, delivering plywood, anything. I find it very versatile, I’m glad that we bought it.”

The Oujé-Bougoumou community is known for its stunning architecture, designed by Douglas Cardinal in the early 90s. Winners of numerous awards including the United Nations “We the Peoples” Award, the Habitat II: Best Practices Award and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Award in recognition of their housing innovations in balancing environmental and people-friendly planning. 

Since buying their Merlo, the community of about 800 has been able to optimize their projects. Completing projects with speed and efficiency is important, especially when you don’t have to switch machines for each task. Whether it’s changing streetlights or building houses the Oujé-Bougoumou Cree Nation trusts their Merlo to help complete any project. They also have the bucket and fork attachments, with all three getting equal use according to Bosum. 

One of the biggest reasons the community finally committed to buying the telehandler was the cost efficiency it offered. Before purchasing their P 40.17 Plus, they would have to borrow heavy machinery from neighbouring communities and towns, so the machine offered some financial freedom.

“It would cost us an arm and a leg just to rent a machine and do something for a few hours,” said Bosum. Thanks to Merlo’s versatility, the community is able to use their telehandler to complete numerous different projects without having to rely on a fleet of specialty machinery or machines from other communities.

Another aspect of Merlo telehandlers that stood out to the community was its safety features, including the machine’s 360-degree visibility. “The only place you can’t see is under you!” said Bosum.

No matter the task, the Oujé-Bougoumou Cree Nation has been putting their Merlo to work as they continue to be at the forefront of community building.

To learn more about the Oujé-Bougoumou Cree Nation, click here!

To learn more about how Merlo’s telehandlers can help your municipality, click here!