POWERING AFRICA Volvo Construction Equipment across the African continent
Commitment to growth The spread of Volvo Construction Equipment facilities across Africa shows our commitment to the continent’s economic growth, says Jonas Gardetun
Jonas Gardetun is Vice President, Hub South, Sales Region EMEA (Europe – Middle East – Africa) for Volvo Construction Equipment
While it has undoubtedly been a tough couple of years for the African market, I am pleased to say that Volvo Construction Equipment has shown strong, positive growth and continues to make a real impact on this exciting and burgeoning market. Commodity prices are on the rise and supporting real growth in the quarry and mining sectors. The African market is certainly dynamic, some might even say volatile – but the robust Volvo Group infrastructure reaching across this vast land-mass makes your Volvo dealership a reliable and committed partner to do business with. Volvo is here for the long term – with a continent-wide network that is second to none. The past twelve months has seen a number of new Volvo facilities opening across Africa – of particular note are those major sites in Middelburg, South Africa, and in Luanda, Angola. 2017 will see more new developments opening, continuing the expansion of the footprint of the Volvo Group across the continent. In terms of new products, this year sees the African launch of the A60H 55 tonne capacity articulated hauler, which is set to have a massive impact on the productivity of our mining customers. Volvo manufactured the first production articulated haulers in 1966, and this A60H increases the payload of our popular A40 models by an incredible 41 %. We also introduce the EC950 crawler excavator this year, with a bucket capacity of up to 6.0 m³, new A40 and A45 models with new technology to make each cycle even more efficient, and G-Series wheel loaders with Z-bar linkage – specifically designed for the needs of the African market. You can read more about the benefits of Volvo Gz wheel loaders in this publication. Here at Volvo, we see Africa as a market of great opportunity – for us and for our customers. It is our job to help you tap into that opportunity and to make the most of it. We look forward to working with you.
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The right to Z-bar and TP linkage: it’s not a case of which one is better, but which one is most suited to the application
t tool for the job The Volvo L60Gz, L90Gz and L120Gz have been specially designed to deliver high performance in bucket handling applications for customers in Africa. The Volvo G-Series wheel loaders with Z-bar linkage have attracted wide attention from African customers since they were first introduced in 2015. Significant orders for the L60Gz, L90Gz and L120Gz have been placed with dealers in west, north and southern Africa. “Volvo wheel loaders are typically designed with a TP linkage, which increases the versatility of the machine by supporting high performance from a wide variety of different attachments,” says Anteneh Gebremeskel, regional product manager for Volvo.
“In Africa, the Middle East, and Russia, however, we noted that a great many of our customers are using wheel loaders for bucket handling applications only. In this case, the increased hydraulic working pressure together with the optimised Volvo-designed Z-bar linkage on the L60Gz, L90Gz and L120Gz provide a high breakout force for digging various materials and, therefore, a high production capacity in bucket handling applications. We listened to the market and designed these G-Series models accordingly.” Another reason for the superb bucket handling of the L60Gz, L90Gz and L120Gz is the harmony between the drivetrain, hydraulics and steering system. Operators can lift the bucket
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quickly and with ease while steering, even at low revs, especially when driving and lifting simultaneously – promoting faster cycle times. Meanwhile, smooth transmission shifts allow seamless manoeuvres with minimal bucket spillage. The simpler design of the G-Series wheel loaders with Z-bar linkage also enables dealers to put together a more price-sensitive package for customers if required, with different optional equipment, buckets and tyres. For instance, Volvo offers two different general purpose (GP) buckets according to customer needs. The heavy-duty GP bucket outdoes competitors not only on innovative design, but also on value for money. The standard GP bucket offers a lightweight, durable, basic specification that matches most competitor GP buckets with regard to wear life.
H-Series for heavy-duty tasks
The L150H with TP linkage offers superior control over both the load and attachment
Volvo H-Series wheel loaders are built to deliver the ultimate performance. These machines are equipped with Volvo OptiShift technology, eliminating power losses in the torque converter and reducing fuel consumption by up to 18 %. Combined with patented Volvo Reverse By Braking (RBB) technology, OptiShift boosts productivity and efficiency in all applications. RBB is ideal for short cycle or truck loading applications – sensing the loader’s direction and slowing the machine by applying the service brakes automatically.
This increases fuel efficiency, improves operator comfort and increases machine lifetime. Load-sensing hydraulics and a robust Volvo engine supply power to the hydraulic functions according to demand, to boost efficiency and lower fuel consumption. The system ensures a fast response for shorter cycle times while delivering smooth operation through superior control of both the load and the attachment.
Load Assist: maximum capacity H-Series wheel loaders can also be fitted with the Volvo Load Assist system. Using a high resolution in-cab display, Load Assist is ideal for short cycle or truck loading applications including quarrying, mining and heavy infrastructure projects. Accurate to within 2 %, Load Assist allows the operator to load at maximum capacity, eliminating material overloading, underloading and reweighing. By optimising loading cycles, this dynamic system reduces vehicle turnaround time, minimises material wastage and reduces machine wear – saving customers time and money. With machine, job and material data at their fingertips, operators can determine their load accuracy and improve productivity. Load Assist is another example of Volvo product innovation helping customers to maximise the efficiency of their operation.
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“Play” your way to success Volvo simulators have made it to Africa, as operators are trained ahead of construction projects to improve operator efficiency and productivity on site.
First introduced in 2011, Volvo simulators allow operators to see and feel how the machine would react in real-life situations. This is thanks to a high-definition 3D display and electronically controlled full-motion platform design, which mimic the real machine. Since launch, some 160 simulators have been sold globally. Several companies in South Africa, including Volvo dealer A. Yazbeck and Sons in Sierra Leone, have purchased Volvo simulators to assess and train operators in a bid to improve productivity and profitability on site.
A choice of location A specialist contracting company, headquartered in Middelburg, South Africa, last year purchased two Volvo Advanced Training Simulators, a Volvo excavator model and a Volvo articulated hauler and wheel loader pair. The company provides high quality opencast mining services, making operators efficiency a productivity a top priority. The wheel loader simulator includes complex machine manoeuvring software, and mimics all the elements of a real machine. What sets the simulators apart, however, is that they are both mounted on a movable platform, meaning training can take place at any location. “Portable simulators make the training process both easier and more cost effective for our customers,” Pettersson says, “helping operators to refine their skills, wherever they may be.”
Enhancing operator performance Volvo dealer A. Yazbeck and Sons, based in Freetown, Sierra Leone, purchased two simulators in 2013. The company wanted to offer its customers a tailored solution, by training operators based on specific working conditions. However, recently the company has put the simulators to really good use. “We recently acquired a sales and maintenance contract for nearly 40 machines, operating three shifts a day for customer Sierra Rutile, requiring our full dedication and support,” says Dilor Yazbeck, head of sales at A. Yazbeck and Sons. “Finding qualified and capable operators for the mining and construction
industry is an ongoing challenge in a remote country like Sierra Leone, and the Volvo simulators have allow us to train those who are less experienced in the most cost-effective way.” Over 140 operators will take part in an intense two-day training workshop, of both theoretical and practical assessments, using the simulators with the most up-to-date software. Based on the result of the tests, A. Yazbeck and Sons will then provide Sierra Rutile with the best operators for the job. “Volvo simulators are of the most advanced available on the market – and so far, they have proved invaluable in fulfilling our customer’s requirements. I have high hopes for the future,” Dilor adds.
Always innovating The latest upgrade to the Volvo simulator software allows wheel loader and articulated hauler operators to practice real-world scenarios in the same virtual environment – meaning they are able to see each other’s movements and work together to complete jobs. Customers can even input a three-dimensional map of their site and material data, enabling day-to-day tasks to be practised without even setting foot in a cab. “The industryleading software offers multiple scenarios in different situations,” says Stefan Pettersson, application engineer. “And by trialling the different routes to time, material types and machine settings, customers can achieve maximum productivity and uptime while minimising fuel consumption and wear.”
Introducing Co-Pilot In the future, to further increase operator efficiency in the field, Volvo simulators will also be available to use in conjunction with the Volvo Co-Pilot system. Volvo Co-Pilot is a tablet-sized Android-based screen interface, which enhances operator productivity. It does this by offering guidance on how to operate the machine components, such as the angle of the bucket, trench profile and depth of dig for excavators.
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The new Volvo facility in Luanda, Angola, covers 10 hectares
Building a strong network The success Volvo is having in Africa would not be possible without first class dealer partners, say Ilkay Fidan and Jonas Rönnebratt
Key to the success of the Volvo presence in Africa is a carefully built network of dealerships stretching from coast to coast. The result network gives Volvo unparalleled coverage of the continent – which is very good news for its customers. Response times are kept to a minimum, parts deliveries are swift and responsive, and well-trained service technicians are never far away from your machine. The map on the page opposite shows the extensive coverage that Volvo has in Africa.
Investment in facilities “The commitment to Africa is shared by our dealers,” says Ilkay Fidan, Business Director for Volvo in Africa. “They are investing heavily in new facilities and resources to be sure that they can give our customers state-of-the-art support. Take for example the new branches at Middelburg, South Africa, and Luanda, Angola.” The site in Middelburg covers 30 000 m², with 2 000 m² of workshop space including 12 bays, all with overhead gantry cranes. The site in Luanda covers 10 hectares with a covered area close to 14 000 m². “This is the scale of the commitment being shown to Volvo and our customers by our independent dealerships,” says Ilkay.
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Volvo currently has affiliations with 11 independent dealers across Africa, which gives them a presence in forty countries. “Local presence enables our distribution to offer turn-key project support, rental solutions, operator training, “Power by the Hour” service agreements and so on,” explains Jonas Rönnebratt, Aftermarket Director for Volvo in Africa. “It also gives the customer one more advantage: besides being able to support the equipment, our dealers have an intimate knowledge of the local business environment and administration requirements. For new contractors, the Volvo dealerships become a gateway into doing business in Africa.”
A stronger market In most African countries, the Volvo dealership is second-to-none in the facilities and support it can offer customers. This has helped Volvo sales to remain strong, even in the recent tough environment. “The African market is getting stronger and more advanced,” says Ilkay, “and so the standard of engineering in Volvo machinery is becoming more appreciated also. In 2016 we saw a 35 % increase in the size of our market share in Africa. The investment that is being made is certainly paying off.”
Annaba
Oran
Tunis
Algiers Setif
Sousse Sfax
Casablanca
Ouargla
Tripoli Alexandria Cairo
Asyut
Port Sudan
Khartoum Dakar Ouagadougou Semera Tamale
Abuja
Addis Ababa
Freetown Monrovia
Kumasi Abidjan
Cotonou Lomé Lagos Accra Port Harcourt Tarkwa Douala Yaoundé
Kampala
Libreville
Nairobi
Port Gentil
Brazzaville Kinshasa Dar Es Salaam
In 2017 there are plans to open another 10 Volvo dealer branches on the continent. “Volvo has strong dealer partners that are capable of growing and adapting as the markets in African countries develop and change, says Jonas. “In this way, Volvo Construction Equipment will continue to be the most competitive brand in terms of total cost of ownership for the customer. We are proud to be able to offer a premium product with premium support as much to the single machine owner as to the key account. Volvo is very much here for the long haul.”
Training for a bright future The commitment of the Volvo Group to the future of Africa is demonstrated by its engagement in the development of vocational skills at a local level. An apprenticeship programme that currently runs in South Africa and UNIDO schools in Ethiopia, Morocco and Zambia is planned to be rolled out further in the future, with the ambition that the schools will help satisfy each country’s requirements for technicians and have a positive effect on local economies; while the students will also develop meaningful careers.
Lucapa Catoca
Luanda
Lubumbashi
Lobito
Kitwe Lubango
Harare Antananarivo Gaborone Mogoditshane Windhoek
Johannesburg Polokwane Steelpoort Nelspruit Rustenburg Middelburg Wolmaransstad Matola Kuruman Boksburg Kimberley Richards Bay Bloemfontein Pinetown
Cape Town George
East London Port Elizabeth Existing facilities New facilities planned for 2017 Scan this code to discover your nearest Volvo dealership branch, or visit volvoce.com