Supply chain solutions provider Makoya Group has celebrated a successful five-year relationship with heavy equipment supplier HPE Africa, the sole distributor of Hyundai construction equipment in South Africa, and has affirmed that the partnership has been integral in securing the company’s success in the energy sector.

Makoya operates a number of multi-user terminals, where Hyundai wheel loaders are hard at work creating stockpiles of coal, about 5 m high, and then loading coal onto rail wagons for the domestic and export markets.

Makoya Group supply chain director Stephen Malgas speaks about how important it is to choose dependable suppliers of equipment and to not only focus on the features and benefits of machines.

“As a specialised service provider for rail, road, sidings and terminal solutions, we offer integrated supply chain solutions to efficiently move various resources and commodities, from the point of origin to final destination, safely and on time,” explains Malgas.

He adds that the company actively embraces technological innovations to ensure a smooth supply chain and the company will invest in advanced solutions to be able to increase its handling capacity.

He points out that a good partnership with the suppliers of these machines is even more critical than Makoya’s investment in high efficiency handling equipment. “We need to know we have total support of the operators and direct access to managers and technical service teams.”

In addition to dependable after-sales service, a ready availability of reasonably priced replacement parts is needed – where all parties are directly involved in the equipment on a daily basis. If there is no commitment, Makoya simply does not purchase the equipment.

“The HPE Africa team – with a solutions-driven approach to business – fulfils our support and service delivery requirements,” Malgas asserts.

For this reason, Makoya chose HPE Africa to supply Hyundai earthmoving equipment, which plays an important role in the movement of coal from mines to power stations and ports. Hyundai machines excel in terms of high productivity and minimal downtime, in tough operating conditions.

Makoya also benefits from the Hyundai factory warranty of two years/ 3 000 hours, offered through HPE Africa.

“We’re committed to the Hyundai brand and the people behind the brand. We’re impressed with the dependable support Makoya receives from HPE Africa. If there is a problem, our mechanics have easy accessibility to the right people – their communication lines are always open; they also believe in relationship-building. With that being said, we congratulate HPE Africa on getting it right.”

According to Malgas, apart from the importance of sound partnerships with suppliers, it is critical that the investment in capital equipment is based on careful selection of the highest quality machinery, best-suited for specific tasks in the supply chain.

“We believe the total cost of ownership is crucial. Key factors, including the purchase price of a machine, its fuel consumption, maintenance requirements and safety features, are all important considerations.”

When Makoya was introduced to the Hyundai brand almost five years ago, the HL780-9s series wheel loaders stood out in terms of consistency in performance. Hyundai HL770-9S and HL780-9S wheel loaders are known for impressive performance in tough applications and the durability of these machines is enhanced by its fuel efficiency. Hyundai has redesigned these machines with new features for improved visibility, enhanced safety and improved comfort for the operator. Maintenance requirements are minimal.

As the preferred coal loader for State-owned Transnet Freight Rail and utilities provider Eskom for over ten years, Makoya has played a key role in the country’s road-to-rail migration strategy. The company has proved the viability of containerised rail transport for coal, by designing and implementing an end-to-end handling service. This complete containerised system is a world first and yields substantial savings for all players in the energy value chain.

HPE Africa works closely with its customer to modify equipment, when necessary, to meet exact performance requirements. Field tests ensure every machine conforms with stringent quality and safety specifications and meets exact application requirements.

The company also offers a critical support service that encompasses a parts, repair and maintenance facility. An operator training programme ensures optimum performance from every machine.