Capital Equipment News March 2022

MINING NEWS

Equipment supplier moves with the times

ELB Equipment is taking a hands-on approach to solve rapidly evolving needs of customers in the mining and construction industries where access to finance and longer lifespans of equipment are among the issues being faced by operators of equipment in post-pandemic times. Companies in these industries face equal measures of opportunity and hardship calling for unique and rapid solutions to a growing range of emerging requirements. The 102-year-old company has introduced new solutions including new products and services, as well as moving a host of specialists to the public stage to ensure that customers get the results they need. The improvements and additions to the range have been driven by customer feedback and in-depth surveys, as well as information gathered on sites. ELB Equipment divisional director Danie Gerber says customers are expecting more from their equipment suppliers and OEM representatives than just servicing and supplying equipment. In these times, they expect suppli ers to ringfence products for their purposes and provide technical assistance with improved access to finance and tailor-made terms to suit individual clients. “Considering that we have the largest branch network out of any equipment supplier in southern Africa, it is com paratively easy to drive change through all regions quickly and effectively. In addition, we have moved our branch and service centre locations in certain areas to better suit our customers. “We have introduced a world-leading, locally developed telematics system which will be a standard feature across our entire range of products. He says these key initiatives are supported by ongoing training of staff in job-related skills develop ment, as well as team effectiveness and accountability training. The company’s management and sales teams also undergo regular leadership and sales development training to harness change. An all-new ERP manage ment system and logistics system overhaul will ensure streamlined business processes and better integration with business requirements. “We know the standards of the products we offer are

among the best and our sales and service staff are among the most experienced. It therefore remains important for us to keep moving forward and finding better and faster ways of delivering the types of services our customers need. “This initiative provides the

management team with a means of evaluating what customers’ requirements are. The survey has provided us with the information and a benchmark to work from as we strive to perform at the highest levels in future,” says Gerber. b

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