International industrial productivity solutions provider Atlas Copco South Africa will showcase its newly formed Construction Technique business area in Southern Africa to the construction- and rental-orientated audiences at bauma Africa.

“Atlas Copco Construction Technique is enthusiastic about its participation at bauma Africa as it is the first construction- specific exhibition of its kind in Africa. The company’s objectives at the show are to make existing customers aware of the new fourth business area in the Atlas Copco Group and to leave customers convinced, in no uncertain terms, that Construction Technique is the reference for construction-related equipment in Southern Africa. We want to show them who we are, what we stand for and what we can offer,” says Atlas Copco Construction Technique GM Philip Herselman.

Construction Technique was established in the fourth quarter of 2011 as a commitment to ensuring that customers always come first across all facets of the business. “This necessitated an intense and on-going focus in two main areas. Firstly, Atlas Copco Construction Technique is concentrating on increasing sales and service synergies between the four construction-related divisions – portable compressors and generators, road construction equipment, construction tools, and parts and service,” says Herselman.

“Secondly, we are addressing various growth initiatives, including a significant enlargement of the company’s Southern African footprint so that the business is there for its customers irrespective of how remote their location.”

Directed at attendees from sub-Saharan Africa, Herselman says bauma Africa, to be held from September 18 to 21 at the Gallagher Convention Centre, is the ideal platform for Atlas Copco Construction Technique to display some of its construction equipment.

Organisers predict that the trade show will attract local and international interest, he notes.

“Visitors to the Atlas Copco Construction Technique bauma Africa stand will find themselves on a construction site where they will have the opportunity to see the company’s equipment in a construction environment. The company’s road construction equipment division will showcase a popular-size roller and paver specifically for this market. Portable energy will also be showcased in the form of low-pressure compressed air equipment, an on-site power generator and lighting tower, as well as pneumatic handheld equipment, possibly some hydraulic attachments, and light compaction construction equipment from the company’s construction tools division.
“With its transitional year of 2012 behind it, Construction Technique kicks into top gear this year and, since the formation of the business area, our ongoing and focused commitments are already paying dividends,” notes Herselman, adding that it is encouraging for Atlas Copco to see growth across all of its divisions.

The company has expanded its parts and service network to offer support to customers and equipment across the Southern African countries of Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, Malawi and Mozambique within the mining, construction, tunnelling, oil and gas, water and wastewater sectors, with more growth anticipated. Herselman attributes this success to a healthy increase in revenue and order intake within the relevant targeted market segments.

“Increased performance, reliability, low maintenance and improved uptime all add up to what is important for customers, which is sustained productivity and low total cost of operational ownership. Atlas Copco is committed to its customers’ needs through its specially designed and engineered products, and building long-term customer relationships,” says Herselman.

He states that “relationships do not end with the supply of equipment. When customers buy products, they are investing in equipment as well as a long-term partnership with Atlas Copco”, adding that the company offers advice, maintenance and after-sales services throughout the equipment’s operational life.

Atlas Copco is an industrial group with positions in compressors, expanders and air-treatment systems, construction and mining equipment, power tools and assembly systems.

Atlas Copco’s Construction Technique business area provides construction and demolition tools, portable compressors, pumps and generators, lighting towers, and compaction and paving equipment. Further, it offers service through a global network. Construction Technique looks to provide solutions for sustainable productivity in infrastructure, civil works and road construction projects.