Company Announcement - Aluminium Loading Systems, importer & distributor of high quality loading systems based in Alrode, Johannesburg, has been appointed as the exclusive distributor of superior quality light weight CLM aluminium loading ramps to Sub Sahara Africa.

The aluminium ramps are designed and manufactured by Italian company CLM based in Modena. This specialist company uses very high quality fibre extrusion that originates from Sweden to produce the ramps. “The modern world is rapidly moving towards fibre material,” notes Aluminium Loading Systems Director, Deryck Jordan. He points out that the aeronautical and space industry has been using carbon fibre for many years and that the use of this material has spread to numerous other industries including the automotive sector.

“The exceptionally high strength and light weight properties of aluminium make it the ideal manufacturing material for these ramps,” continues Jordan. “The result is a product that is both incredibly strong and remarkably light in weight, a very important consideration in the transport industry because of its influence on a carrier’s payload.”

In addition to the high strength material, the ramps also feature an exclusive double T-section, a unique design feature which creates a very small surface that guarantees the highest bending strength with the least weight. According to Jordan, the aluminium loading systems are used widely and with great success around the world including the USA, Europe and Australia. “The South African market is also familiar with the CLM loading systems so when in early 2014 the range became available in the local market, we recognised that this product, with its outstanding quality and versatility, holds tremendous market potential. Essentially any market sector involved in the loading and unloading of machines or that transport goods will have a demand for these loading ramps. This includes but is definitely not limited to industries such as construction equipment and mining as well as logistic and machine rental companies. In a nutshell, basically any equipment, machine or vehicle with wheels and tracks can benefit from the CLM system.”

The comprehensive Aluminium Loading Systems portfolio comprises more than 300 standard design types. The application ranges from the disabled community with single style loading ramps ideal for wheel chairs, right up to heavy transport companies that need to load 50 ton equipment. Jordan explains that the track lengths are determined by a simple calculation which factors in height and weight plus traction capacity.

The exceptionally low weight of the ramps belie their incredible strength and Jordan believes that perception is going to pose a challenge. “It is difficult to comprehend that something can be so light in weight and yet be so strong but it is precisely this paradox that is fundamental to the product’s extreme efficiency.”

The aluminium loading systems offer a number of important time and cost saving benefits to deliver a cost effective solution:

• Exceptional mobility: The fully mobile ramps can be conveniently used for loading and unloading anywhere, even in the most remote locations.
• Easy, manual handling: The ramps are light enough to be manually lifted on and off the carrier and are easily placed into position, eliminating the need for special lifting equipment.
• Increased payload capacity: The carrier can transport a higher payload due to the low weight of the aluminium ramps compared to heavy steel structures.
• World-class quality certification: All CLM loading ramps are subjected to very high quality certification. This includes the welding process which is essential for certification. A sample of every batch undergoes rigorous testing.
• All CLM products have a one year warranty.

“Our route to market is via OEM distributors, country dealers and agents,” reveals Jordan.  “While the establishment of an effective footprint of distributors and agents is a challenge, we believe this approach to be the best presentation to market.” ALS is responsible for stock holding, all product training both on site and at customers’ premises and will offer continuous training for all distributors as well as customers. “We consider our distributers as our partners with whom we work closely to ensure the best and most cost effective solution for every application.”

Jordan says in closing that within the next five years he would like to see a distribution footprint “that effectively offers the CLM Loading Systems to rural areas where local entrepreneurs and ourselves can build a partnership that will create job opportunities for the community.”