18
FREIGHT AND LOGISTICS
SAFETY
THE JOINT VENTURE BETWEEN
two leaders in their segments of the truck business, has
already resulted in the delivery of several fire engines based on Hino truck chassis-cabs.
“This co-operation has enabled Hino to offer a comprehensive range of fire fighting vehicles
and we are particularly impressed with the relationship we enjoy with the management of
Marcé and the excellent quality they build into the innovative fire engines they produce,” says
Hino SA’s Senior Sales Manager, Ignatius ‘IJ’ Greeff.
Recently, three fire engines, built by Marcé Fire Fighting Technology on Hino 500-Series
1322 four-wheel drive chassis, were delivered to Free State provincial authorities, for use
in the Dihlabeng municipal area, which includes Bethlehem, Clarens, Fouriesburg,
Paul Roux and Rosendal.
This latest order on Marcé follows a previous one for five units for the Eastern Cape regional
authority. They were built on 4x2 Hino chassis.
The development of the Marcé-built Hino fire engines includes subjecting them to a stringent
series of tests at the Gerotek technical centre, west of Pretoria. Also included, is a slalom at
80km/h as well as driving on the ride and handling circuit, with the water tank full and half
full. The maximum tilt angle was measured at 28 degrees on the tilt platform.
“We are delighted at the positive results of these tests, which were conducted by Gerotek
personnel,” says IJ.
Marcé Fire Fighting Technology, which was formed in 1998 and operates from premises in
Centurion, near Pretoria, started as an importer of fire fighting vehicles and equipment. In
2001 management realised that there was potential in meeting high quality standards, with
local manufacturing. This was executed successfully, using local designs, with additional input
coming from regular visits to relevant global exhibitions for the emergency services.
“My wife, Danielle, has been the driving force in this business, which is named after her
favourite brand of champagne, from a small vineyard in the Loire Valle in France,” says
Commercial Director, Jan Steyn.
The company moved into its current design, engineering and manufacturing base last year,
to cater for the rapidly growing demands for its vehicles. This building also houses the head
office. There is tight control on quality as most of the components, including the impressive
composite sections for making double cab body extensions, are made on site, using the latest
technology and modern equipment. This includes a large painting booth that delivers a high
quality finish.
The company employs 150 people on the Centurion site, with branches in Polokwane,
Stellenbosch, Namibia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana and various agents in Africa.
“We face strong competition from both local and international companies but believe we
now measure up to the world’s best in terms of quality and innovation because we are
very aware that we cannot afford to take any short cuts because we are in a life and death
business,” concludes Jan.
Partnering
with
fire
fighting
specialists
Hino South Africa
has embarked on
a partnership with
Marcé Fire Fighting
Technology, a
specialist vehicle
conversion company
located near Pretoria.
“We are delighted at the
positive results of these tests
which were conducted by
Gerotek personnel.”
