Testament to the extensive reach of FUCHS LUBRICANTS SOUTH AFRICA is its Springbok branch in the Northern Cape. The branch is unique in that it supplies the complete lubrication requirements of leading mining businesses in the area.

Area Manager Dirk Coetzee explains that Springbok is part of a wider network serving the broader mining industry, including strategic locations such as Kuruman and Emalahleni. FUCHS Springbok currently services eight major customers and a host of smaller mining and private companies.

“What is interesting is that we are diversifying our reach in the Northern Cape region by branching out into other industrial sectors,” notes Coetzee. He attributes this to the broad product range offered by FUCHS, combined with its focus on niche markets. What continues to distinguish the Springbok branch is its exemplary customer service, with two field service technicians on standby to attend to any specific client issues.

With 24 years’ experience, Coetzee maintains longstanding business relationships with his key clients. He began his career in the lubricants industry in November 1998 at Lubritene, which was subsequently acquired by FUCHS. “We grew rapidly and had to move premises a couple of times,” notes Coetzee. At that time the focus was largely on high performance grease, but Coetzee quickly expanded the branch’s product offering to include commercial oils, which are sold into Namibia as well.

Today the Springbok branch is six employees strong, including one in Namibia. There are two warehouses comprising 700 m2, together with offices and stores. “We also offer our clients on-site services, pump-on services and much more,” highlights Coetzee. Stock is sourced from the main Isando, Johannesburg facility 1 400 km away. Due to the extensive logistics involved, Coetzee always ensures that there is sufficient stock on hand to meet the needs of the branch’s regional client base.

FUCHS has been a trusted partner of the global mining industry for over 85 years, offering a comprehensive range of lubricants for the arduous operating environments represented by surface and underground applications. Products include RENOLIT greases for permanent and long-term lubrication for high performance, reliability and process compatibility, and RENOLIN industrial oils for diverse applications from hydraulic oils to turbine oils.