The inaugural South African Premier Business Awards, hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry (dti), Proudly South African and Brand SA in March, saw Bell Equipment share the Manufacturer of the Year award with Power Tech. In addition the Bell was runner-up in the other two categories in which it was entered, namely the Innovation Award and the Proudly South African Award. The awards were presented during a gala evening in Sandton, Johannesburg and were attended by business leaders, captains of industry and senior government ministers and officials. The awards aim to provide a platform for recognition of achievement in business by recognising those local companies that invest in human and technical resources as well as stimulate job creation and broader participation in the economy.

Commenting on the accolades, the Managing Director of Bell Equipment Company South Africa, André Mc Duling said: "We are immensely proud of our achievements as a South African company and it is rewarding when our efforts are recognised in this way. We hope that by participating in these awards that we can increase the awareness of the role that we play as an employer and a contributor to the country's economy. We want to encourage others to be proud and excited by what South African companies have achieved and understand the real value of supporting local manufacturers.

"Sharing the Manufacturing Award is particularly important to us because we have worked tirelessly to earn recognition globally for our South African designed and manufactured range of products. We have emerged as one of the global leaders in the Articulated Dump Truck market and our engineering expertise and product quality are comparable with other global players in the industry. Bell has developed many ground-breaking technological advancements on South African soil with our team of local engineers," he said. Mc Duling also acknowledged the 500-strong South African suppliers that play a pivotal role in the company's manufacturing success by providing support through the efficient delivery of quality components and services.