Construction World February 2015

ABOVE LEFT: Ross Demolition’s fleet of FAW vehicles, mainly extra-heavy tipper trucks, is integral to their success. ABOVE RIGHT: Portland cement is well-known for its fleet of FAW 33.330 FC 6 m 3 mixer trucks driving on the provincial roads, operated by considerate and well-trained drivers. SATISFACTION Total customer

projects remain profitable, and the company continues to uphold their reputation for delivering on their promises. This is where their fleet of FAW vehicles, mainly extra-heavy tipper trucks, is integral to their success. The FAW reputation for durability and efficiency matches that of Ross Demolition. “The first FAW trucks to join the RD fleet were purchased to service specifically contracts in Africa where uncomplicated, easy-to-drive/easy-to-maintain trucks were the main criteria for getting our excavation contracts done with minimum downtime,” explains Robert Ross. “At present we operate 28 FAW units, mostly the proven and robust 28.280FD tippers. I am very happy with the operational efficiencies we are getting. In most cases we are realising superb fuel consumption at 2,3 to 2,8 litres per kilometre. “Working in difficult and dusty uneven terrain, steep gradients on and off-site, and heavy payloads, we opted for a shorter wheelbase configuration and a 400 litre fuel tank adjustment. Ross Demolition also provides the construction industry with mine reha- bilitation, plant hire, asbestos removal and earthmoving services. “For every site we clear, we recycle 98% of all the mate- rials – bricks, wood, windows, steel, glass, and roof trusses. We recover it and resell this to the secondary construction tier who is desperate for affordable, good second- hand material.” Robert Ross says that one of their

AW’s core vision is ‘total customer satisfaction’.

most challenging projects was working against the clock on the demolition of the Valkenburg Bridge – it had to be done in only eight hours. “Our fleet of FAW trucks is efficient, robust and reliable. Our drivers are well trained. We employ sound fleet management systems, like trackers to monitor and ensure that we get the necessary performance to maintain our margins,” he explains. “We need our fleet to run at the highest uptime rate possible with the minimum of problems in vehicle maintenance and service requirements. Our FAW fleet stays on the road, is undemanding in its simplicity of operation and great for our bottom-line with their low maintenance cost and minimum downtime. This is crucial to our profit margins,” he concludes. Strong and honest Nico Heyns is the managing director of Port- land Holdings, owner of Portland Readymix. While the business today primarily focuses on the construction industry, since starting its ready mix division in 2002 and the Port- land Hollowcore® division in 2007, Heyns and his partner have led the group over 26 years and remained true to following only tried and tested business principles: fair and honest. It is apparent that Heyns’ word is his bond, and that he expects the same from others, including his vehicle supplier – FAW Trucks South Africa. “I bought my first six 28.380FTs with flat decks as a trial to test the company and its product. I had to see first-hand the

No stone is left un- turned to ensure that the company has the best cutting-edge technolo- gies, production methods and management systems to fulfil this vision. In South Africa for 21 years already, FAW SA has established itself as a leader in the local commercial truck market. Proof of this is the success stories of three customers: Ross Demolition, Portland Cement and Mix Masters. On time – every time “Survival of the fittest through business acumen, keeping your promises and a resil- ient attitude manifested by every employee – that is the recipe for success.” This is the message from a company that has been going strong for 116 years. Ross Demolition, headquartered in Cape Town, has survived many tough economic times spanning four generations of a family of engineers. Since it was established in 1898 by Henry T. Ross, the Ross Demolition group has followed a consistent motto – ‘On time, every time’. At present, Robert Ross, and his son, John Ross, manage the family owned busi- ness which engages in contract demolition work across the whole of South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. While this is only one of six arms of their business operations, it like the other five divisions, depends heavily on a competent and efficient fleet of trucks to ensure all

18

CONSTRUCTION WORLD FEBRUARY 2015