Capital Equipment News September 2016

CONSTRUCTION NEWS

CATERPILLAR ENDS MINI EXCAVATOR PACT WITH WACKER NEUSON

Caterpillar will shift design and production of its smallest hydraulic excavators to its own facilities beginning in 2018 as its six-year strategic alliance with Wacker Neuson is phased out. Caterpillar says it will focus on growing its global mini excavator business as it leverages existing facilities and design teams to deliver cost-effective and efficient new machines weighing less than 3 t. Its Building Construction Products Divi- sion will design and manufacture the new machines, building on the proven attributes of the larger Cat mini excavators. Five of the current models – the 301.4C, 301.7D, 301.7D CR, 302.2D and 302.4D – manufac- tured by Wacker Neuson, will phase out in mid-2018, and the 302.7D CR will phase out at the end of 2019. The 300.9D will also phase out at the end of 2019 or later if mutually agreed by both parties. “Wacker Neuson has been an excellent alliance partner, providing Caterpillar high quality mini excavators in this smaller size class for the past several years,” says Korey Coon, general manager of mini hydraulic excavators and small track-type tractors at Caterpillar. “The market for these products has grown, and we believe that internally designing, manufacturing and distributing these excavators will provide an even higher value to our customers, dealers and shareholders.” Spare parts availability, technical support South African articulated hauler specialist Bell Equipment has announced that renowned managing director of its Bell Equipment Sales South Africa (BESSA) division, Bokkie Coertze, will retire from his position in December 2016. Current BESSA financial director, Menzi Dumisa, has been groomed to take over the reins, the local manufacturer has announced. Dumisa joined Bell Equipment in December 2007 as BESSA financial manager and be- came financial director in May 2011. In March 2015 his responsibilities were extended to in- clude Bell-owned Africa operations as part of a group-wide restructuring process. “Dumisa’s background may be in financial management but during his time with Bell he has worked closely with Coertze and devel- oped a good understanding of our business and appreciation for our customer-focused approach. We are confident that his appoint- ment will be a natural career progression,” says Gary Bell, Bell Equipment group chief executive. “Coertze has been a driving force

The Cat 301.7D, manufactured by Wacker Neuson, will phase out in mid-2018.

and warranty for current models will continue as Caterpillar and Wacker Neuson work together going forward. Other products

sold and serviced by Wacker Neuson at Cat dealers and rental stores will not be affected. b

Changing of the guard for Bell sales operation

Menzi Dumisa will take over from Bokkie Coertze as MD of BESSA.

Bokkie Coertze will retire as MD of Bell Equipment Sales South Africa.

during his tenure as MD, providing motiva- tion to his team and support to our customers during both the bullish times and the cyclical troughs. We thank him for his loyal service and leadership over the years,” says Bell. The BESSA managing directorship is a key

position within the Bell Group, responsible for the management of operations at Bell Customer Service Centres throughout South Africa and the company’s African subsidiar- ies, including machines sales, after sales service and parts supply. b

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS SEPTEMBER 2016 14