Author: James Morgan
Al-Bahar, Powerplus, SDLG, Shantui and Masaha Global talk to James Morgan about renewed demand for the latest motor grader models across the Gulf and beyond. With the GCC’s road-related pipeline standing at more than $76 billion as of Q1 2021, according to ResearchAndMarkets.com, the development of transport infrastructure represents big business across Gulf. However, as was the case for many industries, this sector was adversely affected by strict national lockdowns and global travel restrictions introduced to combat Covid-19. It’s therefore unsurprising that demand for motor graders took a hit during the pandemic. Fortunately, things appear to be looking up for…
Plant & Equipment travels to Dobříš in the Czech Republic to attend Doosan Bobcat’s first Demo Days for MEA dealers and customers in almost three years. The global pandemic caused myriad challenges for companies operating across the entire spectrum of industry, not least the plant and equipment sector. Strict local lockdowns coupled with wide-ranging international travel restrictions meant that projects of all sizes had to be put on hold and, in many cases, the acquisition of new equipment was placed on the backburner. But manufacturers’ bottom lines were not the only thing to take a hit during this period. The…
While IC models continue to account for the lion’s share of forklift demand in African markets, manufacturers are also noticing a growing appetite for electric units among end users. Hangcha’s 3-tonne diesel model, for instance, remains the company’s best seller in Africa. However, with warehousing, logistics, ports and factories driving demand for forklift trucks across the continent, Zhang emphasises that innovation continues to represent a key focus for the manufacturer. “Hangcha has introduced lithium-ion forklifts that enjoy the same great performance delivered by IC models, while benefitting from reduced noise, zero emissions and low total cost of ownership,” he tells…
Representatives from Hyster, Manitou, Doosan, Hangcha and Heli tell Plant & Equipment why Africa’s expanding material’s handling sector is driving demand for simple and easy-to maintain forklift trucks across the continent. In the context of the global equipment sector, few regions boast the same level of untapped potential as Africa. As nations across the continent continue to invest heavily in infrastructure and industry, manufacturers the world over are working hard to strengthen their dealer networks and deliver machinery that is equipped to meet regional requirements. The forklift and materials handling segment is displaying particular promise, with a 2022 report published…
Keestrack and Sandvik tell James Morgan how they are capitalising on rising demand for crushers across the Middle East’s mining, quarrying, construction and infrastructure sectors. While the Middle East has long since been a global hub for mining and quarrying operations, these sectors appear to be playing an especially important role in the region’s post-pandemic recovery. Home to several industry giants, the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, for example, was forecast to register economic growth of 3 percent in 2021 according to analysis from S&P Global, thanks in no small part to rising mining volumes. The report highlighted various drivers…
Gaby Rhayem tells James Morgan why the ongoing expansion of Bobcat’s MEA product offering is transforming the manufacturer from a compact specialist into an all-round heavy hitter. While it is not always advisable to begin a feature with a history lesson, it is occasionally necessary. Given the tumultuous few years that US-headquartered Bobcat has witnessed, this is just such an occasion. In 2018, after seven years of joint operations, the brand’s South Korean parent company took the decision to split Doosan and Bobcat into independent outfits. Last year, Hyundai Heavy Industries Holdings (HHIH) acquired a controlling stake in the former,…
Category: Small articulated loader (SAL) Engine power: 18kW | 25 hp Max. tipping load: 1.39 tonnes Max. lift height: 2.65m Operating weight: 1.9 tonnes
Although Bobcat has been active across African markets for many years, it’s fair to say that the manufacturer’s activity in the region has accelerated significantly of late. Bobcat’s MEA division recently announced that it had signed new authorised dealers in Zimbabwe and Sudan, and outlined its intention to identify partners in Botswana, Namibia and Zambia in the near future. The news followed a successful first year for Sodim TP, Bobcat’s authorised dealer in Gabon. After joining forces in Q4 2020, the companies succeeded in carving out a more-than 20 percent share of the country’s compact equipment market during the course…
Ala’a Ghazaleh tells James Morgan why Masaha Global’s dual status as dealer and rental operator has enabled it to expand its business, despite Kuwait’s pandemic-plagued equipment market. Governments the world over have seen their fiscal forecasts turned upside down during the past two years, and Kuwait is no exception. What’s more, as it faces what is expected to be its ninth budget deficit in a row, the Gulf country’s economic woes cannot be attributed solely to Covid-19. Even so, things may be looking up for the Gulf state. In January, Bloomberg reported that Kuwait had forecast a narrower budget deficit…
Powerplus Group and Nigerian Sinotrucks discuss why, despite political and pandemic-related challenges, they remain cautiously optimistic about Africa’s dump truck market in 2022. Africa’s construction professionals certainly haven’t had it easy during the past two years. Logistical challenges stemming from the global pandemic have been compounded by political and economic issues across multiple markets, resulting in sustained pressure for the industry. Commenting in December following the publication of RIB CCS’s 2022 Construction Industry Outlook, the company’s CEO Andrew Skudder noted: “In South Africa alone, the total value of plans passed for building construction fell by 37 percent year-on-year in the…