Belgium-based mobile track-mounted crushing and screening equipment manufacturer Keestrack Group opened its Southern Africa head office in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, in April.

Keestrack South Africa MD Stan Fischer tells Mining Weekly that the company’s machines will be kept at the office while its sales representatives and agents promote the brand across Africa, with specific focus on Southern Africa.

“We have signed a cross-pollination agreement with Mpumalanga-based HHIL Consultants and have traded shares in Keestrack South Africa for shares in that company,” he explains.

Fischer highlights that, while Keestrack South Africa was introduced to the local market in 2011, the company’s products were first presented to the public at the 2013 bauma Africa trade fair, recently renamed bauma Conexpo Africa.

He adds that, through the Keestrack Group, more than 280 Keestrack machines are sold on a yearly basis worldwide, but mainly in Europe.

This month, Keestrack South Africa sold three machines locally: two Explorer 1500  Double Decks – compact track-mounted two-deck screening plants – and a track- mounted Frontier. The Explorers are due to be delivered at the end of June.

“An agreement with the contractors who bought the machines stipulates that Keestrack South Africa is allowed to take potential clients to mining sites using Keestrack machines so that they can experience first-hand how the machines work under South African conditions,” Fischer explains.

He adds that the company plans to focus on marketing its brand and products in Africa, adding that it will participate in the 2015 Conexpo Africa.

“I believe there are significant opportunities in Africa, with many companies and countries focusing on infrastructure development projects, as well as junior miners and contracting companies,” he explains.

Fischer maintains that Keestrack South Africa’s prospects are positive.“The main challenge is building a brand that clients can trust; we need to get as many potential clients as possible to see our operating machines and get them to change their buying habits,” he concludes.