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CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS
JULY 2017
30
PROFILE
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
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
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
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.