Juanita Pienaar spoke with Marcus Gartside, National Sales Manager at Concord Access Solutions (CAS), about the company’s growing footprint across Africa, its strong partnership with Genie, and how innovation and reliability continue to set it apart in the competitive access equipment industry.
A continental footprint with deep local roots
Concord Access Solutions has steadily established itself as one of the leading access equipment providers in South Africa and across the continent. “Over the past three to four years, we have extended our reach into Africa as far north as Nigeria, across to Ethiopia, and the oceanic islands of Seychelles and Mauritius, while growing and solidifying our market share locally,” says Gartside.
The company’s expansion mirrors Africa’s growing investment in infrastructure and mining. “The copper belt of the DRC and Zambia consistently invests in new equipment, both in access and lighting towers,” he explains. “However, new projects and mines in countries such as Tanzania, Ethiopia, and especially Namibia this year have seen a range of machines up to 43 metres being ordered.”
With branches in all major centres across South Africa, CAS is strategically positioned to provide local expertise with regional reach. “We look beyond the initial sale of a product and focus on retaining our clients for the long term,” Gartside emphasises. “Our teams are on call 24/7, 365 days a year, holding stock of service parts and critical spares to maintain both our rental fleet and client-owned machines.”
Backed by the Bud Group
A key strength behind CAS’s success is its affiliation with the Bud Group, a diversified services, manufacturing, and distribution group operating in 12 African countries. “Bud encourages entrepreneurial spirit and provides the resources required for organic growth,” Gartside notes.
He adds that Bud’s network of well-known companies - from consumer brands like Cerebos and Corobrik to industrial distributors of Crown, Bobcat, SANY, and Tennant – reinforces CAS’s credibility. “As Concord Access Solutions, we represent top manufacturers such as Genie, Pramac, and Palazzani, as well as Terex RT and Franna cranes,” he says. “This gives us an incredibly strong foundation to deliver world-class solutions across multiple markets.”
A partnership built on quality - the Genie story
CAS’s long-standing relationship with Genie, a Terex brand, lies at the heart of its product offering. “Genie is one of the pioneering access equipment manufacturers with 60 years of experience and innovation,” says Gartside. “The first Genie scissor and boom lifts arrived in South Africa in the early 2000s, introducing safer and more productive ways of working at height. Twenty years later, our partnership continues to thrive because of a shared commitment to quality and service.”
In an increasingly crowded market filled with low-cost alternatives, CAS and Genie remain focused on innovation. “Many manufacturers are expanding their ranges to compete on price,” Gartside explains. “Genie has not fallen into this trap. They are focused on continuous improvement within their existing range and on introducing technologies that truly make a difference.”
Next-generation engineering
One standout innovation is Genie’s Next-Gen scissor lift range, which represents a complete redesign from the chassis up. “The attention to even the smallest detail is astounding,” Gartside says. “These models offer improvements in major structural components, technological advancements, and overall usability. It’s a game-changer for safety and productivity.”
Genie’s Xtra Capacity (XC) boom lifts are another example of forward-thinking design, offering platform capacities up to 454kg – double the industry norm. “In heavy industrial applications, that extra capacity can make a real difference,” Gartside remarks.
The company is also leading in hybrid technology with its FE (Fuel-Electric) boom lifts, the first true hybrids on the market. “These machines deliver the flexibility of diesel when needed, and quiet, emission-free electric operation when conditions allow,” he says. “It’s about giving clients the best of both worlds – efficiency and sustainability.”
The latest addition to Genie’s lineup, the S-85XC FE or DC, takes innovation even higher. “It’s a 28-metre boom lift with either DC battery or FE hybrid power and the same 454kg capacity,” Gartside reveals. “We expect to see it arrive in South Africa in early 2026, and it’s going to be an exciting development for the market.”
Moving toward sustainable solutions
While Africa’s infrastructure challenges have slowed the transition to electric and hybrid equipment, CAS is proactively preparing for the future. “We are seeing growing demand in urban areas with stable power supply,” says Gartside. “We have a full range of DC units with maintenance-free AGM and Lithium-Ion options, as well as our expanding FE hybrid boom range now in its third generation.”
Energy efficiency is also a key focus. “Genie products make use of high-performance AC drive motors, gravity-lowering systems, and regenerative braking that puts power back into the system,” he explains. “These advancements contribute to lower operating costs and reduced environmental impact.”
Completing the portfolio with Pramac and Palazzani
To ensure a full suite of access and site solutions, CAS complements its Genie range with specialist brands such as Pramac and Palazzani, both based in Italy.
“Pramac light towers and Palazzani crawler boom lifts fill the gaps where Genie doesn’t offer a similar product,” Gartside explains. “Palazzani crawler booms are designed for highly specialised environments, with working heights of up to 58 metres. Pramac light towers, on the other hand, are incredibly fuel-efficient and robust – ideal for Africa’s demanding site conditions.”
The company’s flagship Pramac model, the PTL-4, is tailored to local requirements. “It offers a day/night sensor for automatic operation and can run autonomously for up to 225 hours, or around 25 nights,” Gartside notes. “It’s an example of how we collaborate with manufacturers to deliver solutions that make sense for our clients.”
Service, support, and safety
Beyond product excellence, CAS distinguishes itself through its comprehensive after-sales support. “Our main Johannesburg branch carries an extensive range of parts to ensure fast turnaround,” says Gartside. “If we don’t have an item in stock, we’ll fly it in from our suppliers to minimise downtime.”
Training is another cornerstone of CAS’s customer commitment. “Proper training goes far beyond just learning which joystick operates which function,” Gartside stresses. “Our accredited operator training covers everything from safe operating procedures to emergency recovery. Operators must be constantly aware of their environment and potential hazards. Safety is non-negotiable.”
This philosophy extends to the company’s broader service ethos. “At CAS, we believe any capital purchase should be a simple, efficient, yet pleasurable experience,” he says. “Our clients enjoy peace of mind with our 24/7 backup service, flexible financing, and extended warranty options that maximise productivity and equipment longevity.”
Built on trust and longevity
Many CAS customers have been with the company for decades, and their machines have stood the test of time. “It’s always gratifying to see a first- or second-generation machine still operating after twenty years,” Gartside reflects. “It’s a testament to the build quality of the equipment, our maintenance expertise, and the trust our clients place in us.”
This trust also underpins CAS’s approach to replacement and upgrades. “When equipment reaches the end of its life, our clients know we’ll recommend what’s genuinely in their best interests,” he adds. “That’s why they continue to choose us.”
The value of proven quality
In a market increasingly flooded with low-cost imports, CAS remains steadfast in its belief that quality and local support matter most. “There will always be a market for cheaper products,” Gartside admits. “But we’ve built our reputation on offering world-renowned brands backed by the best warranties, affordable service plans, and proven technical support.”
He concludes: “Our goal isn’t just to sell equipment. It’s to build long-term partnerships based on trust, reliability, and shared success. That’s what keeps Concord Access Solutions, and our customers, reaching new heights.”