world news
CASE Construction Equipment has appointed José Cuadrado as vicepresident in the EMEA ( Europe , Middle East , and Africa ) region for CNH Industrial ’ s Construction Equipment businesses . With more than 15 years of international experience within the industrial , construction , and agricultural equipment sectors , Cuadrado brings a wealth of experience to his new role within CNH Industrial . His most recent position was vice-president of Bobcat BU EMEA , where his responsibilities included sales , product marketing , engineering , programme management , and supply chain operations .
Volvo Construction Equipment has completed the divestment of its wholly owned British dealership to SMT . The previously announced deal , signed on 4 July , was followed by a period of employee consultation , and became effective on 31 August . The sale includes the distribution rights for Volvo-branded construction equipment machines , parts , and aftersales in Great Britain , as well as Volvo Construction Equipment Great Britain ’ s headquarters in Duxford , Cambridgeshire , its nationwide operations , most other assets , and the transfer of all employees . The existing management structure remains in place .
Hitachi
Hitachi unveils new oil sensors
Hitachi has unveiled an industry-leading innovation as part of its ConSite remote fleet-monitoring system — the first of its kind in the construction equipment sector , according to the company . The new technology extracts data from two advanced sensors that monitor the quality of an excavator ’ s engine and hydraulic oil 24 / 7 .
Designed to reduce the total cost of ownership , the new oil sensors will enhance customers ’ experiences with their Hitachi construction machinery . Increased machine availability and reduced maintenance requirements — which will save owners time and money — are the key benefits of this innovative feature .
The machine transmits sensor data on a daily basis to Hitachi ’ s remote fleet monitoring system . If the oil quality has deteriorated or the oil has become contaminated , the dealer will be notified via email or text and can take the necessary actions .
For example , an oil sample can be taken and then sent to a laboratory . From this , a complete analysis is generated so that the exact cause is identified . The dealer can then fix any faults quickly and conveniently on site .
The new oil sensors will reduce maintenance costs by providing a more accurate estimation of when an oil change is required . This is more efficient than a fixed oil change interval . Hitachi customers can be sure of the reliability and maximum availability of their Hitachi machine , thanks to the prevention of unscheduled downtime .
“ We are delighted to be the first manufacturer to offer our customers this new technology ,” says manager service business support at Hitachi Construction Machinery ( Europe ) NV , Tom van Wijlandt . “ We know that reliability and machine uptime are vital to our customers , and the new oil sensors will help to enhance this further . Combined with ConSite , this unique development will also continue to improve user experiences of Hitachi construction machinery .”
The oil sensors will be installed in the ZX210-6 and ZX350-6 medium excavators as of November 2017 , but Hitachi will roll them out to other models in the near future . A retrofit kit is also available from authorised Hitachi dealers for the previous generation ZX210-5 and ZX350-5 models .
Hitachi ’ s new oil sensors are designed to reduce the total cost of ownership .
Sew-Eurodrive opens new offices in Tanzania , Kenya
Sew-Eurodrive
Sew-Eurodrive South Africa ’ s MD , Raymond Obermeyer .
Sew-Eurodrive is opening a new office in Kenya , and commencing with a recruitment drive for Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo ( DRC ).
According to Sew-Eurodrive South Africa MD , Raymond Obermeyer , East Africa represents a major growth area for the company , which has its regional hub in Tanzania . “ We have managed to secure a lot of business in Africa , and I see it contributing a large percentage of our turnover going forward .”
The new Tanzanian branch , staffed by 13 people and functioning as an independent subsidiary , looks after a number of countries in East Africa , including the DRC , Uganda , South Sudan , Ethiopia , and Somalia .
The outward focus on expansion on the continent is necessary to counter the prevailing socio-economic climate in South Africa . “ That is the determining factor . We need growth , political stability , and business confidence in order to ensure the continued sustainability of the business ,” says Obermeyer .
Sew-Eurodrive remains fully committed to South Africa . The main Johannesburg manufacturing facility is relocating to a new 50 000m 2 site in an adjacent industrial business park , since South and East Africa , including Tanzania , Kenya , and 14 other countries , now fall under the ambit of the South African head office .
“ At present we are looking after 22 countries in Africa from the South African operation . Therefore , the construction of the new facility will very much be in line with our expansion strategy for the continent . We will have to ensure that we are able to accommodate future growth in all of these markets . We are very confident about our prospects in Africa , and continue to do well in a lot of countries .”
While the investment for the new local manufacturing facility is being provided by the German parent company , the necessary business decisions are all being made locally , says Obermeyer . A key differentiator for Sew- Eurodrive in the local market is that it owns all of its local offices , as opposed to leasing premises , which not only represents a major investment , but is testament to Germany ’ s confidence in South Africa ’ s future .
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NOVEMBER 2017