“With a relatively buoyant outlook, and a number of economies across the continent experiencing some of the fastest and highest growth
in the world, it is no wonder that current investment in infrastructure is so significant and growing. This is very good news for earth moving equipment companies operating in Africa,” comments Elaine Crewe, CEO of BAUMA CONEXPO AFRICA.
The recently published report, Deloitte on Africa: African Construction Trends 2014, notes that investment by value of mega projects under construction in Africa grew by 46.2% in 2014 (from US222 billion in 2013 to US$326 billion in 2014). The average project value increased by 84%, from $689 million in 2013 to US$1.27 billion in 2014.
“Power will be one of the continent’s biggest opportunities for the construction industry in Africa going forward because the ability to source power comes in many different formats, all of which present huge opportunities for the construction industry,” comments Terry Gillham, Bell Equipment Director of Sales and Marketing. The development of road infrastructure is another substantial opportunity for construction in Africa, he says.
For construction players, quality equipment is integral for the success of these projects. “The right choice of the right equipment is very important because a contractor doesn’t want to be going into any major construction project in Africa in particular, with incorrect or inferior equipment,” says Gillham. “It must be good, reliable equipment that is well supported by a company with the ability to service that equipment because of the remote locations of these projects,” he adds.
“Customers are looking for durability and equipment that works well and performs under stress – this is critical in all African countries,” comments Riccardo Balma, Africa Marketing Manager at CNH Industrial Construction Equipment, one of the exhibitors at BAUMA CONEXPO AFRICA 2015.
Investment in technological advancements is another pertinent factor for equipment suppliers. “Research and development (R&D) is very important for all equipment suppliers, particularly those servicing the mining and construction sectors, not only to retain their place in the market, but to continue meeting the needs of their customers, whose requirements are constantly evolving to tackle the new and interesting challenges that come with working in Africa,” says Crewe.
“Today the construction industry focuses on latest technology developments and CNH Industrial Construction Equipment is at the forefront of the industry. After sales service is of great importance to us and this is why we offer extended warranty coverage and a wide range of maintenance plans that can be customized with the dealer. Dealers play a key role to build this customer satisfaction.
CNH Industrial construction equipment focuses not only on technology to improve equipment performance,” says Balma, “but also on keeping equipment as cost effective as possible. “
“BAUMA CONEXPO AFRICA looks forward to having new technologies and developments in earth moving equipment on display in September. An equipment trade fair of this nature will assist construction players to optimise their operations, and therefore contribute to the growth and development of the continent,” says Crewe. “As an African manufacturer we are proud to be able to showcase our products at an African trade show of this stature,” concludes Gillham.
Balma says that BAUMA CONEXPO AFRICA 2015 offers a big opportunity for CNH Industrial Construction Equipment as the company has a strong focus on Africa. “BAUMA CONEXPO AFRICA provides continent-wide opportunities for customers to meet both us and our dealer – and we will be present to showcase the strength of both our products and our services,” he concludes.
BAUMA CONEXPO AFRICA takes place from 15-18 September 2015 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre (NASREC).
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Simoné du Plooy
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