Bell Equipment has exceeded expectations with its half year results recording an increase in sales of 35% compared with the same period last year, reaffirming its position as a leading heavy equipment manufacturer and supplier in the South African mining, construction and agricultural industries. Company chief executive, Gary Bell said the results indicate a continued strong level of support from customers, particularly in the mining sector, as well as other stakeholders such as suppliers, employees, financiers, government and trade unions. “As a company we believe we are working hard to earn this support through our Project 2014 business improvement programme, which has strategic areas of focus for all levels and areas of the business to promote a sustainable profitable future for the benefit of all our stakeholders.  Customer-focus, particularly understanding customers’ equipment and after sales needs, has always been Bell’s core strength. Commented Bell: “Apart from growing the business through taking up opportunities and opening new frontiers, we have strengthened our existing customer base by implementing a strategy of upgrading and investing in our customer service centres across the country to improve our coverage and support. We are pleased to have recently opened new premises in Port Elizabeth and earlier this month we broke ground on a new facility in Middelburg.” Meanwhile the unveiling of the new Bell E-series articulated dump truck at Intermat in Paris earlier this year looks set to grow on Bell’s proud heritage as a specialist and world leader in the design, manufacture and supply of ADTs. “The E-series concept was well received by customers and should continue to give us competitive advantage going forward. With margins under pressure across all industries, customers are looking for the lowest cost per tonne solution. We are confident that our innovatively designed products and superior customer service can match customer expectations,” said Bell. He added that the company is continuing to do leading Research and Development. “The design is what gives us our edge in an environment where customers are facing increased competition and rising fuel costs. These machines will ensure that we maintain our technological advantage in the market and give our customers the added benefits of higher productivity, greater durability and lower life-time operating costs. By owning the intellectual property we are able to ensure the best solutions are provided to customers.”

Looking to the future, although Bell Equipment has taken a cautious approach due to the global economic outlook, the company remains ready to take advantage of the recovery. “The government infrastructure plans in South Africa, the above average growth and development in Africa and Asia and the demand for many resources means that the short to medium term outlook remains positive. We are in discussions with government to see how we can add to our direct and indirect employment in South Africa and stand to benefit from various government initiatives relating to infrastructure, economic development, job creation, local value add and local procurement,” said Bell. The company also sees new opportunities opening up. “We are evaluating, with potential partners or on our own, the best approaches to certain key global markets. We also remain confident in the potential for Africa and South Africa. Bell Equipment employs nearly 3 500 people directly and another 30 000 indirectly benefit through its 440 South African suppliers, as do nearly 400 trainees and apprentices. We recognise the need to play an effective role in the future of South Africa. This is best achieved through economic development and local value-add. These are essential components of our triple bottom line,” said Bell.