CAT EQUIPMENT Barloworld is the official dealer of CAT machinery in Southern Africa
Machinery and global brands distributor Barloworld Equipment group has invested $14-million in its equipment operations in Kitwe, in Zambia.
The investment comes after growth opportunities for distribution were identified across Africa in the mining, infrastructure, power, agriculture, automotive and logistics sectors. This is part of Barloworld’s drive to increase localisation in Africa.
Working closely with the equipment business to advance delivery of plant, stock and equipment to optimise efficiencies in its supply chain, it has invested significantly in facilities outside South Africa to ensure that it provides customers with support to repair and improve all products that it supplies throughout Southern Africa.
The company further notes that, using a network of highly skilled technicians, often operating from customers’ facilities, ensures a high level of equipment availability to optimise the value that customers receive.
Moreover, Barloworld is investing in Africa to expand its automotive division through car rental companies Avis and Budget brands. It acquired the rights to operate the Budget Car Rental brand in Southern Africa, excluding Angola, in 2015. Avis – a business partner of Barloworld for 45 years – is operational in Angola, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland and Zambia.
Barloworld is also the official dealer for construction and mining equipment manufacturer CAT across Southern Africa, with an 85-year legacy, and is a trusted and well-known supplier to Africa’s resource rich industry, particularly the mining industry.
Moreover, Barloworld has, with time, proven its capability to operate in difficult trading conditions through the success of its operations in Southern Africa. Gathering support for its reliable customer service in the region is an important part of Barloworld’s strategy in Africa, as it aims to drive localisation in terms of local investment and the employment of local people.
Owing to its commitment to invest in resources, localisation, careful business planning, investing in the best employees to run operations and by imparting knowledge and sharing in skills development with business partners in Africa, Barloworld has ensured its business sustainability in Africa.