EVENTS
Chryso Southern Africa Group and delegations from these countries will be visiting bauma CONEXPO AFRICA 2018 .”
Exhibitors ’ expectations
The feeling among the exhibitors we spoke to ahead of the trade fair was of general – if somewhat cautious – optimism , with many pointing to the expected upswing in the mining and construction sectors . Several exhibitors will also use bauma CONEXPO AFRICA 2018 as a springboard to launch new products , services and offerings to a market they believe is finally beginning to recover from a tumultuous few years .
Like many other exhibitors at bauma CONEXPO AFRICA 2018 , Wirtgen South Africa plans to showcase its the Wirtgen Group ’ s latest innovations alongside its equipment . The company , which attended both previous editions of the show , plans to use the show to highlight its commitment to working together with its customers in every environment . According to Wirtgen South Africa sales and marketing manager Waylon Kukard , South Africa ’ s political and economic instability over the past few years has had a negative impact on the equipment industry , and the company hopes that the market will now start to stabilise as it is an integral part of the southern African countries and is key to South Africa ’ s growth . When it comes to trends to watch in the mining and construction industry , Kukard points to an increased focus on both safety and efficiency , as well as towards autonomous operation . “ The primary area for investment in Africa as a whole is infrastructure ,” he adds . “ This is a vital area for any country to grow its economy and to promote investment .”
Chryso Southern Africa Group was also involved in the show since it first started in
Elrene Smuts , group communications manager for Chryso Southern Africa Group .
Bell Equipment
2013 , and based on previous experience , the group is expecting an excellent visitor turnout from within the mining and construction industries . According to group communications manager Elrene Smuts , this year Chryso expects to see growth in export volumes , with generally flat volume growth in the construction sector and an increase in mining volume growth . “ While there are very low activity levels in the building sector , the demand for construction chemicals is significantly impacted by refurbishment in the building sector ,” says Smuts , which is something the company expects to see continue for the next couple of years . The mining sector , as always , will be primarily affected by a combination of commodity pricing and demand .
In terms of focus areas for African growth , Chryso identifies countries in East Africa – primarily Kenya , Uganda and Tanzania , although with possible recovery in both Zimbabwe and Mozambique – as well as West Africa – Nigeria , Angola and Ghana , which Smuts says could see a possible recovery linked to higher oil prices .
South African OEM Bell Equipment will also make its third appearance at bauma Africa this year , having attended both previous events in 2013 and 2015 . “ We ' re proud to be associated with a great local show of this calibre ,” says Mark Hughes , director of sales and marketing at Bell Equipment Sales South Africa . “ Since this is the third such show , we are confident that it has established itself in the market and will be well attended by decision makers and our customer base from all industries and sub-regions .”
“ Apart from showcasing our extensive product range ,” he adds , “ we will use the show to officially introduce our new strategic
Mark Hughes , director of sales and marketing at Bell Equipment Sales South Africa . partners and products following our exclusive distribution agreements concluded last year with Kobelco for its range of excavators and KAMAZ for its range of heavy-duty tipper trucks .”
Hughes also echoes the general feeling of optimism going into 2018 . “ The newly established stability in the Zimbabwe mining industry bodes well for strong growth , and the construction industry in South Africa is another primary area for investment . We are already seeing the first signs of support and aid to the Zimbabwe for its agriculture sector .”
As far as the outlook for southern Africa ’ s mining and construction markets in 2018 goes , Hughes says Bell expects to see continued high demand from the coal sector , but that there are concerns that platinum group metals will remain under pressure . “ As for construction , the market is steady but remains under pressure , largely due to the lack of government spend , although the road construction and aggregates sectors are holding up well .”
Maximum Equipment will this year be exhibiting under the Hidromek brand name . “ We are really excited about this year ’ s event , because in addition to showcasing our range of Hidromek excavators – including launching the new heavy-duty 39-tonne HMK 370 LC HD excavator to the South African market – that we will also launch the Hidromek TLB [ tractor-loader backhoe ] range ,” says Vaughan Ellis , MD of Maximum Equipment .
This optimism carries over into the market as a whole . “ We expect to see a reversal of the last two years ’ decline and a turnaround in the industry in southern Africa ,” says Ellis , adding , “ The major challenges facing the market for 2018 will likely be socio-political issues and the resultant rand volatility .” He identifies new industry players , improving technology and advances in machine design as areas to keep an eye on , pointing to infrastructure development in South Africa and Zimbabwe , as well as new mining opportunities in the SADC region , as primary investment areas for the region .
This is also the second show for southern African Kubota distributor Smith Power Equipment ( SPE ). Operations manager Robert Keir explains that this year the company will showcase new equipment in addition to its Kubota excavators . “ We are going to be showcasing our new brand , Ausa , which includes articulated dumpers , rough terrain forklifts and telehandlers .” SPE is optimistic about South Africa ’ s mining and construction markets in 2018 says Keir . “ We think it ’ s going to be a good year .”
This will be the first participation in bauma CONEXPO AFRICA for global wet-processing technology company CDE . Wayne Warren , business development manager for sub-
20 _ QUARRY SA | MARCH / APRIL 2018