Capital Equipment News February 2017

Cummins South Africa – Cummins’ largest distribution arm in Africa – recently celebrated 70 years of doing business in southern Africa. With a business that is largely exposed to cyclical industries such as construction and mining, the global engine manufacturer says dependability is the pillar behind its seven- decade success in the face of challenging business cycles. By Munesu Shoko

ummins Africa recently celebrated its 70-year existence as a distributor of the interna- tional engine manufac- turer, Cummins, in South Africa. Established in 1946 South

as an independent distributor, the company was acquired in 2000 to become a whol- ly-owned subsidiary of Cummins. Cummins later acquired several branches in neigh- bouring countries such as Zimbabwe and Zambia to further boost its distribution footprint, which is the backbone of its business in southern Africa. Cummins Southern Africa is present in 11 countries within the SADC region, supported by a strong foothold of 16 distribution centres covering business areas including construction, mining, agriculture, defence and power generation.

Rachid Ouenniche, MD of Distribution for Cummins Africa-Middle East, says dependability across all areas of the company’s business, from quality of its product through to aftermarket support, is the basis for its seven-decade milestone in South Africa and southern Africa at large. “Ups and downs is the nature of the business areas we operate in. During all these years, Cummins Southern Africa has gone through several business cycles, in which we came out even stronger than before. We have survived three recessions,

and we remain confident that though we are currently at the bottom of the business cycle, we will be strategically positioned when the market returns to its best,” says Ouenniche. Thierry Pimi, MD of Cummins Southern Africa, is proud of the company’s achievements throughout the 70 years. He attributes the success to a quality product that is backed by a strong and competent team with a very positive attitude towards customers’ businesses. Ouenniche says Cummins SA has grown to become the anchor of Cummins’ African

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS FEBRUARY 2017 14