Capital Equipment News July 2017

PROFILE

QUICK TAKE • Greater focus on the people aspect, having right people doing the right jobs • Strong emphasis on unparalleled aftermarket service

• To further grow the 160-unit rental fleet • Top line company growth a major focus

Barry Owen spoke exclusively to Capital Equipment News at the recently ended NAMPO 2017.

DEFYING ODDS Barry Owen, the newly-appointed MD of Bobcat South Africa and Goscor’s Earthmoving Equipment division, concurs that he has taken the reins at a time when the local construction equipment industry is not enjoying the best of times, but he has some strategic plans to further grow both the Bobcat and Sany brands under his watch. By Munesu Shoko

to lead these businesses at a time when they need to achieve their maximum potential in a constrained marketplace. However, we have a wonderful brand in Bobcat and a growing brand in Sany and I believe there is enough room to grow.

MS: You join at a time when the local construction equipment sector is on a

downward cycle. Are you convinced you will be able to achieve the envisaged growth? BO: I am coming in at a time when the industry is not experiencing the best of times, but, my mind tells me that it is due for recovery. Due to southern Africa’s infrastructural gap, there are opportunities for both Bobcat and Sany brands and that excites me. Once the recovery comes, in both Bobcat and Sany, I believe we have some exciting brands to be able to gun for more market share. Bobcat is a leading

earthmoving equipment. I am also in charge of the Rental division, which rents out construction equipment to end users. My mandate is to grow these three businesses, and top line growth is a big focus. It’s a challenging, but exciting task

Munesu Shoko (MS): What is your mandate in your new role at the Goscor Group? Barry Owen (BO): I am in charge of the Bobcat South Africa business, as well as the Goscor Earthmoving Equipment division, which takes care of Sany’s

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