Plant Equipment and Hire January 2019 | Page 34

EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS CAT FINANCIAL OPENS IN SA By Ntsako Khosa Hosted at the picturesque Serengeti Golf Club and Centre in Kempton Park on 19 October, Caterpillar Financial Services South Africa, a subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc., officially opened its doors to local customers. From left: Dave Walton (president and CEO of Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation), Richard Kinsey (vice-president of Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation, with administrative responsibilities for operations in Europe, Africa, Middle East, and the CIS), Dave Brooks (managing director of Caterpillar Financial Services South Africa), Andronicca Masemola (divisional director: Finance at Barloworld Equipment southern Africa), Mubeen Khan (managing director of Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation: Africa and Middle East Region), Emmy Leeka (CEO of Barloworld Equipment southern Africa), Liso Steto (chief director: Black Economic Empowerment at the Department of Trade and Industry), and Ian McCary (acting deputy chief of mission of the US Mission in South Africa). O perating since July 2018, the entity was established to support customers in South Africa. Barloworld dignitaries from around the world were present to share in the experience. Kicking things off was Cat Financial president, Dave Walton. He emphasised how launching the entity signified more than just opening the office — it celebrated Caterpillar’s commitment to supporting customers around the southern African regions. “Two key investments were announced here last year: the opening of a new Caterpillar parts distribution centre and the launch of the Equity Equivalent Investment 34 JANUARY 2019 Programme with the Department of Trade and Industry (dti). And now, the opening of the office further highlights Caterpillar’s commitment to supporting the economic growth, transformation, globalisation, and job creation in the country,” he said. Despite the official launch taking place in October, the office has been in operation since it opened in July. “We provide financing, extended equipment protection, and aftermarket customer solutions to Caterpillar customers,” he said. Emmy Leeka, CEO of Barloworld Equipment southern Africa, took to the podium next. He expressed gratitude for seeing various representatives from around the world, including partners and customers. “I’ve seen relentless execution from the Cat Financial team in the last three months in making sure they can deliver on their promise. From Barloworld, we say thank you for the work you have done,” he shared. Since opening its doors, over R600-million worth of credit and R550-million worth of instalment sales have been approved by the office. Other speakers included Liso Steto, chief director: Black Economic Empowerment at dti; Ian McCary, acting deputy chief of mission of the US Mission in South Africa; and Dave Brooks, managing director of Caterpillar Financial www.plantonline.co.za