KL Cranes & Lifting Equipment keeps rising
Botswana’s multi- million Pula crane and lifting equipment sub- sector, has for years been dominated by multi- nationals. This situation, to a large extent has not benefited the local economy, more so that the sector has been classified as essential. For years, local consumers across various sectors, were forced to wait for weeks and even months to get after sales services and/ or maintenance after purchasing cranes and lifting equipment from other companies. The delay clearly resulted in operational losses.
However, the sector has transformed drastically since the establishment of KL Cranes and Lifting Equipment in 2006. KL Cranes and Lifting equipment is a Local company based in Tlokweng village, a stone throw away from Gaborone, the capital city in Botswana. It is the only local company that offers integrated solutions for the conception, specific design, manufacture and installation of new cranes, systems, repairs, spares parts supply, inspections, services, refurbishment, upgrade and conversions and all kinds of Lifting Equipment in Botswana.
“We are a one stop logistical shop,” says Annelieze Fernandes, who is the Managing Director of the Company.
Herself, a Business and Marketing professional, with over 25 years’ experience in the Lifting Equipment industry,
Fernandes took over the company from her late husband, who at the time endured the difficult task of setting up the company from scratch in 2006.
With perseverance, persistence, passion, dedication and commitment, Fernandes, stressed out with her colleague, Corrie Le Roux ( Operational Director) and staff that their mission be to leave a footprint in each market.
KL Cranes & Lifting Equipment manufactures EOT & MOT Cranes Single Girder, portal & jib cranes, mono rails beams, specialised in lifting devices, and electrical cranes control panels, among others. In addition, the locally based company, supplies cranes & electrical hoists, remote control for crane & hoist, various Lifting Equipment, Steel wire rope slings, Chain slings, Webbing slings, Chain and Lever blocks.
Simon Sinek, the American Author and Motivational Speaker once said ‘ The hardest part is starting. Once you get that out of the way, you’ll find the rest of the journey much easier’. This quote fits perfectly with KL Cranes and Lifting Equipment experience so far.
as the only company which deals with cranes manufacturing and related suppliers, the first challenge that they experienced was lack of readily available trained cranes technicians. “We all need to understand that there are Industrial Electricians and Electrical Cranes technicians. We were forced to put those ( technicians) on rigorous training process- right in our plant and with on job training to ensure they become industry ready,” she said nostalgically.
The company has grown to 22 employees. With plans to add more as more business opportunities become available. The other challenges that KL Cranes and Lifting Equipment had to deal with during the early days, was perception. “Some were doubting if a local Botswana company can actually produce highly complex industrial machines like cranes,” said Fernandes, adding that, from day one, they have always believed in high standards and customized solutions, quality services and innovative products, that will meet and exceed our customers’ expectations effectively and timeously which will make the difference in this sector. With our highly experienced and trained team with over 70 years’ experience, we only promote health, safety, honesty and integrity through team work. Out Passion is to strive to exceed all expectations through our quality workmanship, service and delivery.
Thirdly, the company also struggled with market penetration in the past, as there were always existing players, with established brands. The only difference was that, the said companies were importing these cranes, with some after sales services being done outside, while KL Cranes & Lifting, is producing and providing after sales services locally and guaranteed to be in compliance with Local and International Standards.
Electrical Distribution, Mining, Water and Construction industries are among the biggest revenue generators for the business. The COVID - 19 pandemic, which has not subsided, had a big impact on the company, same as it has been to other businesses around the globe. The pandemic has even delayed business expansion plans. Nonetheless, the company plans to expand to Palapye and Gantsi region in the medium term.
Palapye is home to the expanding Morupule Coal Mine ( MCM) and Gantsi region sits within the copper belt. In the next ten months or so, another copper mine, Motheo Copper, will be starting production. Fernandes, had earlier indicated the mining sector is among the sectors that are supporting them highly.
KL Cranes and Lifting Equipment, as a responsible corporate strive to uplift the Local Community, by giving back to the communities they operate in.
For example, the woman led company has set up a Computer Lab and donated ten sets of computers to a local primary school. The plan is to extend the Computer Lab by donating another set of ten to the same school in the short term. Working together with Khoemacau local soccer team, the company has also donated ten value food packs, which is to benefit local people within the periphery of the copper mine.
With COVID - 19 slowing down, and the domestic economy expected to go up in the short to medium term, what does the future holds for this company?
“We are planning to expand our product offering. We are working on one product line which we plan to launch soon,” said Fernandes.
In addition, the firm is also looking into getting some interns to work in various production lines.
The company wants to start exporting to other markets such as Zambia, Democratic Republic of Congo( DRC), among others. KL Cranes & Lifting is a member of Botswana Exporters and Manufacturers Association in good standing. This is a business membership organization ( BMO) incorporating exporters, manufacturers, service providers and individuals.