The labour unrest South Africa experienced in 2015 left its mark on the country’s economic growth potential. Three of the main industry groups shrunk in size: mining, agriculture and manufacturing - traditionally labour intensive sectors that employ unskilled workers. However, trade and industrial policies encourage local firms to explore new areas of growth based on improved competitiveness. Infrastructure, mining, finance and retail development across Africa are helping to fuel a growth trajectory in which South Africa can participate.
The diverse local economy with key sectors roughly contributing to GDP, are: agriculture, mining, manufacturing, electricity and water, construction, transport, logistics, to name a few. Capital Equipment News is in the forefront of reporting on all these sectors, giving in-depth coverage on the latest trends in equipment innovations that enhance labour saving concepts in all key areas.
The January issue of Capital Equipment News features the latest technology for infrastructure development in the road building industry. The Wirtgen Group with a portfolio of six strong brands is the global leader that offers impressive innovative solutions, internationally recognised processes and a mature seamless range of products, be it for earthwork and rock construction, new road construction or road rehabilitation, asphalt or concrete roads.
Caterpillar continues to expound on the diverse applications of its product range with the latest excursion into Angola where various items of Cat equipment was used in a development in the sugar industry.
Terex Trucks heavy haulers with their strong 60-year heritage have made strong inroads into Africa and have recently delivered units to Davis Granite in Zimbabwe.
On the materials handling front Barloworld Handling feature their Hyster XM big truck range which offers a wide choice of capacities, engine power outputs, wheelbases, masts, attachments and optional features, enabling customers to select the optimum solution for their requirements.
Safety in working at height has become a prerequisite in industry today and CEN has a regular feature from the Institute for Work at Height that promotes the requirements and legislative rules that keep the industry safe.
The truck industry continues to maintain an even keel despite the negative economic factors. New dealerships continue to be opened with the recent MAN Pinetown facility being the latest in line. Mercedes-Benz continues to maintain its leadership and has achieved a milestone at their East London assembly plant with the handing over of their 125,000th truck which rolled off the assembly line in December 2016. MAN have appointed a new Managing Director, Markus Geyer, who takes up his appointment in January 2016