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CONSTRUCTION WORLD
FEBRUARY
2015
AW’s core vision is ‘total
customer
satisfaction’.
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
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
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
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