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M A R C O P O LO S O U T H A F R I C A ( P T Y ) LT D

Driving local industry progression

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The MARCO

s a 100 percent subsidiary of Marcopolo SA in Brazil, one of the world’s biggest bus body builders, Marcopolo South Africa (Pty) Ltd (MASA) continues to replicate the Group’s domestic successes in one of its key global markets. The partner organisation was founded in 1949 and is listed on the Brazilian Stock Exchange; and over the past 70 years has evolved and migrated on a worldwide scale to

Marcopolo South Africa (Pty) Ltd (MASA) is replicating its renowned Brazilian successes on a continent strongly benefitting from the Company’s lean approach to bus building

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Writer: Matthew Staff Project Manager: Vivek Valmiki

become an industry leader, producing more than 350,000 units on five continents - a world-class benchmark. Concurrently, MASA has witnessed an exponential growth in its operations as a result of enhanced tender attainment and customer loyalty in a country that has taken Marcopolo to its heart and that offers an abundance of export opportunities too. “With the objective of reinforcing the core business, the Marcopolo Group is structured in three main business units: Marcopolo embraces

OPOLO Way the fabrication of buses and coaches; Volare is an independent business unit under the Group specialised in the fabrication of midi-buses; and finally, Moneo is the financial service provider,” lists South Africa General Manager, Mikel Ecenarro. “Last but not least, the Marcopolo Foundation is the social development arm of the Group where founding members’ values are converted into socioeconomic development projects. “All together they stand for a solid group, offering a wide range of

products and services worldwide.” From South Africa specifically, MASA has capitalised on the robustness and reliability of its products and their seamless fit with local requirements. Consequently, thousands of vehicles have been delivered over the decades to countries all over the continent as either a main contractor or relaying for the OEM chassis builders. Ecenarro continues: “Marcopolo adopts two different approaches when it comes to identifying new opportunities. There is a commercial

structure in Dubai that takes care of the LHD markets in Africa, while MASA here in South Africa takes care of the RHD. It is a well-coordinated team that is constantly seeking new opportunities to present the three brands to customers on the continent. “In a practical way, we create a market matrix (crossing customer requirements and Marcopolo Group’s product portfolio) and study the best way to offer the most suitable product in each case. In most of the cases this exercise is done together with the

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– BUILD IN AFRICA FOR AFRICA – SERVICE IS OUR FIRST PRIORITY: The Cage cc was established in 1996 in the Industrial area of Alberton. The company, Customers and products have grown from strength to strength ever since. Now more than ever THE CAGE cc is proud to supply competitive products to “LARGE” trailer industry. We have a personal relationship with our clients and suppliers and therefore we can provide them with their business requirements in giving them a product with the best quality. A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH: The Cage cc headed up by Deon Reyneke since it’s inception is situated in Alrode, Alberton, In Gauteng, South Africa. And is fully geared to produce just about any type of “Large”

Trailer. We strife our self into servicing the more particular customer especially in the Bus Luggage Trailer Industry and the custom build units. The Cage cc also has a complete separate division for the repairs and service of Trailers. We as The Cage cc would like continue in keeping our clients that’s why our goal is to deliver quality products. CUSTOM BUILT TO PERFECTION: The Cage cc are the best known in the industry for supplying quality newly build trailers, like Bus Luggage Trailers, Tri-axles, Super Link and Tautliners. The Cage cc prides itself in building standard and custom trailers as well as refurbishing and rebuilding of trailers. We also repair and service trailers.

WE SPECIALIZE IN: • Fitment of Bus Tow Hitches • Bus Luggage Trailers (Local and Cross border) • Tri – Axles • Super Links • Taut Liners • Walking Floors • Ridged Bodies • Drawbar Trailers • Pup Trailers • Super Link Side Tippers • Login Trailers • Skeletal Trailers • Low Beds • Customize Trailers.

KTS Properties 11 Jurie Street Alrode 1449 T: +27 11 908 0147, +27 82 559 1969 F: +27 86 513 5294 E: enquiries@cagetrailers.co.za deon.cage@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/Cage3657 www.cagetrailers.co.za

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Transforming visions into new products and services

OEM, putting together experience and vehicle specs to perfectly suit customer expectations.”

A move forward

Primarily feeding MASA’s growth is the wider Group’s three continuous improvement pillars of being peopledriven, internationalisation, and lean manufacturing principles. “These three master strategies combined have raised a 15,000-employee company, with manufacturing capacities on five continents and a powerful engineering mindset, resulting in a wide product range portfolio,” Ecenarro says. “But most importantly it defines the ‘Marcopolo Way’ and a passion for the brand on behalf of all stakeholders involved.” Applying such an ethos in Africa, MASA’s progression since operations begun on the continent in 1996 has been representative of the Group’s overall development across all other

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regions. In 1999, the Company was awarded a tender to build buses for Great North Transport as a platform and milestone which prompted the creation of local manufacturing facilities, and the rest is history. Ecenarro continues: “During the first years of production and sales, a combination of locally-assembled units and imported CBU (completely built-in unit) and PKD (partially knocked-down) settled the Marcopolo footprint in terms of product quality and service standards. The products were gradually adapted to local market requirements in a joint effort of our headquarters’ engineering department and the local team. “Meanwhile, product expansion and diversification-wise, Marcopolo has used four different strategies to identify customer requirements; to design the required solutions; and to adjust global mobility trends to specific market conditions.” The four aforementioned strategies

or more than 20 years, The Cage CC has thrived from its base in Gauteng, South Africa, as one of the country’s leading manufacturers of bus luggage trailers. Taking the process a few steps further through the complementary provision of repair, maintenance and refurbishments of all types of trailers, the Company has even moved into bus tow-hitch fittings more recently to complete its turnkey offering. Established in 1996 in the industrial area of Alberton, the Company’s products and consequently - customer base have gone from strength to strength on a year-on-year basis. Now, more than ever, the Cage CC can proudly boast a repertoire that includes the supply of competitive products to the region’s large trailer industry. “We have a personal relationship with our clients and suppliers and therefore we can provide them with their business requirements in giving them a product with the best quality,” the Company explains. Service has always been The Cage’s first and foremost priority, quickly cementing the business’s status as a force to be reckoned with. Headed up by Deon Reyneke since its inception in Alrode, the emphasis has been on complete client satisfaction, epitomised by its desire to be fully geared-up to produce almost any type of large trailer. The Company continues: “We strive to service

each particular customer in the bus luggage trailer industry and across custom-build units. The Cage CC also has a completely separate division for the repair and service of trailers and our goal is to always deliver quality products in-keeping with our clients’ demands.” The Cage CC’s products are renowned for being built to perfection and it has become the best known in the industry for the supply of its new-build trailers which include bus luggage trailers, tri-axles, super link and taut liners. From this initial platform, the Company’s expertise then facilitates a whole host of additional customised options from its experienced and expert workforce; leaving no stone unturned and no client unsatisfied. To this end, The Cage CC can look forward to a positive future in the ongoing provision of the following industry specialties: fitment of bus-tow hitches; tri-axles, super links, taut liners, walking floors, ridged bodies, drawbar trailers, pup trailers, super link side tippers, login trailers, skeletal trailers, low beds, and customised trailers.

T +27 11 908 0147, +27 82 559 1969 E enquiries@cagetrailers.co.za deon.cage@gmail.com

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AFRICAN AUTO ENTERPRISES

frican Auto Enterprises’ partnership with Marcopolo has been going strong since 2008, supplying plastic components at competitive prices. The Company, established in 2000, offers unparalleled expertise in vacuum thermoforming to customers from a variety of industries, and its professional knowledge and skilled craftsmanship comes from years of dedicated work and service to its loyal customers.

Driving forward with an innovative outlook and a 2018-2022 strategic plan

refer to new product creation, new generations, facelifts, and localisation. The former, as it sounds, leverages internal skills and experience to identify future needs and to transform them into a vision represented by new products and solutions; while new generations accounts for reconfigurations of existing products in line with ever-changing industry demand and technological advancements. Lower level transformations facilitate the facelift element of product portfolio evolution, while finally - localisation ensures that all regional requirements and regulations are adhered to and implemented within the Company’s products; as opposed to adopting a standardised international approach. A recent example embracing a number of these facets has seen a renewed positioning in the coach sector, segmenting the product family in both heavy and light vehicles.

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Thermoforming is a low-cost alternative to injection moulding for producing plastic parts, offering a greater degree of versatility in the finished product. Both thermoforming and injection moulding have the ability to produce parts in volume with the accurate replication of the original parts.

Additionally, “within 2018, Marcopolo will bring new solutions to the African markets, in terms of both local, manufactured products and also those coming from overseas in CBU or PKD format”, Ecenarro adds. “Servicewise, MASA is also prepared to make a move forward. Actually recognised as the best after-sales service supplier in South Africa, we are on our way to create a closer look at stakeholder requirements (end users, operators, municipalities, maintenance teams, etc.) and bring new value-adding solutions to the fore.”

The power of information

Thriving as a global group with local targets, the business is able to share best practices from adjacent regional subsidiaries before implementing the best solution applicable to each respective presence point. In 2018, for MASA, this will translate into a more innovative outlook that aligns to the 2018-2022 strategic plan and that looks

Your Proficient Partner in Plastic Products! Contact us for all of your THERMOFORMING, INJECTION MOULDING & FIBREGLASS needs!

We are market leaders in Thermoforming, Injection Moulding & Fibreglass and currently supply both interior & exterior finishes to all the major bus & coach, armored vehicles and automotive commercial companies in Southern Africa. African Auto Enterprises 3rd Floor, Harrack House 171 Eloff Str Ext, Selby T: (+27) 011 493 3264 E: mark@aaenterprise.co.za vanessa@aaenterprise.co.za www.aaenterprise.co.za

Driving You

COOL Supplier of passenger and driver’s seats to the commercial passenger transport industry, covering the bus and rail markets.

Crisp-Air is a respected manufacturer and distributor of quality automotive aftermarket air conditioner (AC) systems for passenger cars, bakkies, trucks, special conversion vehicles (passenger, ambulances, military vehicles) and buses. Products and services • Manufacture and supply of AC systems for light, medium and heavy commercial vehicles including buses • New AC installations • Servicing of AC units • Repairs & maintenance of AC units

Tel: 082 411 5151 084 821 3555 Email: info@seatking.com www.seatking.com

Why use us? • National coverage • Long established business (more than 35 years) • We come to your premises for servicing and repairs in major cities in SA • Competitive pricing • Excellent after sales service • ISO accredited • Local manufacturer • 100% black owned level 1 BEE supplier

5 Cypress Dr, Glen Anil, Durban Brunton Circle, Modderfontein, Johannesburg Bella Rosa St, Belville, Cape Town Dbn : +27 31 569 2439 Jhg : +27 11 609 2140 CT : +27 21 824 0815 Email : sivesh.naidu@crispair.co.za

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“While on the outside it might look like the industry of bus building hasn’t evolved too much, there are plenty of trends being driven...”

“The employment strategy at MASA is based on meritocracy, training and experience... and this means that we try to hire the best professionals we can...”

in capital expenditures and has recently upgraded capacities within its factory, and has equipped said factory with the latest technologies and machinery. Simultaneous updates of its ERP system has compounded internal, structural improvements to this end and last but not least, “MASA is restarting its lean thinking strategy this year”, Ecenarro emphasises. “We have hired a new KPO (Kaizen Promotion Officer) and also appointed a new consultancy company that will help the company to go lean. “It is a systemic and strategic approach that will cover all of the Company’s processes and manufacturing (both direct and indirect).”

Key strengths

to react to pertinent industry trends. “While on the outside it might look like the industry of bus building hasn’t evolved too much, there are plenty of trends being driven from two main sources: bus operators looking for higher efficiencies, and endusers looking for a better travelling experience,” Ecenarro says. Inevitably, digitalisaiton is first and foremost among these resultant trends, as the GM explains: “It’s here to stay! Operators are keener on implementing telematics on their vehicles while the full system includes FMS reading from the chassis - a typical GPS system that locates the unit within metres of precision - and GPRS communication systems embedded that offer online information to the operator’s control centre. “This combined information allows our customers to read the operation online, to understand the behaviour of vehicles and drivers, and also to make an intelligent management of assets.

The power of information to operate, maintain and out-perform is already available.” From a passenger perspective, Wi-Fi and USB chargers further adhere to the tech era’s demands, while the second big trend is seeing the builder of a chassis or body take care of their own products, allowing operators to focus their efforts on capturing new customers.

Lean thinking

Marcopolo is not just reacting to trends but dictating and pioneering them in many cases, as is witnessed across the building materials used during buses’ manufacture. Heightened usage of new cloths and plastics in the interior complements a change in the structure make-up which now comprises more steel, stainless steel, aluminium and derivatives. Facilitating each of these new strategies and indeed its own ongoing growth, MASA continuously engages

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MASA was initially incepted as a manufacturing facility triggered by South African demand, and the faith shown in the Company has been repaid ever since virtue of concerted localisation strategies and efforts. Encompassing personnel, supply chain and CSR considerations, the ability to perform to global standards, but as a local entity is no easy achievement, but has been accomplished nonetheless. From a workforce perspective, MASA initially leveraged Brazilian personnel to build the culture and expertise but this has long since evolved into a more complete local investment strategy, and when it comes to hiring, the Company overcomes competition challenges via the proposal of self-tailored training programmes and ongoing partnerships with local academic institutions. “The employment strategy at MASA is based on meritocracy, training and experience,” says Ecenarro, “and this means that we try to hire the best professionals we can, independent of their country of origin and based on the value they can offer to the

“...our big leaps in lean transformation will... offer stakeholders even more quality across both our supply chain and customer base.”

68 Malcolm Moodie Crescent Jet Park, Gauteng Tel: +27 (0)11 397 8731 Email: manager@proseat.co.za

Company. However, there has been a tendency in the past few years to rely more on local people for middle and top management and during 2018 the last Brazilian expatriate will finish his cycle and from then on all contracts will be local.” Now an active and integral member of South Africa’s overall localisation strategy, MASA’s supply chain ethos and formulation of business partnerships has followed suit in recent times, in accordance with BBBEE initiatives; complemented further by its dedicated CSR foundation’s numerous initiatives. Ecenarro details: “These are usually related to the collaboration of the Company in basic and technical training programmes in schools near the factories. There are also seasonal initiatives to help those with basic hygienic, food and health necessities though. “This aligns with a strategic country initiative that Marcopolo has had the

MASA partner MASA partner, Proseat uses ISRI, the only ISO rated (IATF16949, ISO14001, ISO18001) seat manufacturer in South Africa.

honour of co-leading in Brazil called Caminho ad Escola (“On my way to School”). Running for more than 10 years, it is an initiative that provides a reliable and safe means of transport to protect the country’s most valuable future asset: its children.” As a result of this initiative, thousands of new buses have been

ISO 14001:2004 IATF 16949:2016 www.isri.co.za

built to safely transport children in rural and city areas to their nearest schools, and it has proved to be a scheme that epitomises both the manufacturing skills and ethical attributes of the Company. In Africa, such a combination has resulted in a wide product range portfolio in all market segments, making it the highest manufacturing capacity on the continent (able to build as many as 1,600 units a year). Ecenarro concludes: “Looking forward, we can also identify our aftersales service as a key strength and I expect differentiators like this to lead to the industry recognising Marcopolo as the most professional company on the continent in the future. Professional, efficient, cost-effective, customer-focused and facilitating the best mobility experience; our big leaps in lean transformation will then offer stakeholders even more quality across both our supply chain and customer base.”

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2 Barlow Road Industrial West Germiston Johannesburg 1401 South Africa Tel: +27 11 4180800