Barloworld Transport launches new unit
Jobs expected to rise to 100
BARLOWORLD Transport has established a new division and extended its range of specialised transport solutions with the launch of Barloworld Cranes.
Steve Ford, the chief executive of Barloworld Logistics, which is part of the listed Barloworld distribution group, said yesterday Barloworld Cranes represented another step in Barloworld Logistics’ journey of investing in niche products and services to enable them to offer their clients more holistic supply chain solutions.
Barloworld Transport is part of Barloworld Logistics.
“It is a natural fit to our business, specifically for clients needing to move abnormal cargo or engaging in specialised projects,” he said.
Barloworld shares dropped 3.58 percent yesterday to close at R84.85. Earlier in the day, shares fell to R83.76, the stock’s lowest level since August 2013.
Ford said that the new division would enable all member companies, including Manline, to enhance both their transport and lifting services.
Neil Henderson, the chief executive of Barloworld Transport, said they had already employed 20 people in the start-up phase but expected the number of new jobs created to increase to about 100 by 2018.
Henderson said it was forecast that Barloworld Cranes would contribute about 3 percent of turnover and 4 percent of profit towards Barloworld Transport for the first full financial year, which is 2016.
He said the target was for Barloworld to account for 15 percent of Barloworld Transport by September 2018.
The initial Barloworld Cranes fleet will comprise seven German-engineered, allterrain Liebherr cranes and six Tadano truck-mounted cranes. The truck-mounted cranes range from 34 to 60 tons while the all-terrain cranes range from 40 to 200 tons.
Henderson said that by drawing on strategic partnerships with well-known industry leaders, Barloworld Cranes would be able to take on projects with loads of up to 750 tons. “Having identified the growing need for dedicated transport and lifting services, the new division will allow the group to provide clients with a comprehensive, turnkey solution, all from one provider.”
“Under the guidance of a strong and highly experienced management team, Barloworld Cranes will offer tremendous value and scope for clients – both in southern Africa and beyond,” he said.
Rebone Motsatsi, an industrial engineering graduate and previously business development head responsible for mining and construction at Barloworld Logistics, has been appointed as managing director of Barloworld Cranes.
Ian Gerrard, an expert in crane rigging, heavy lifting and heavy transport projects with more than 40 years of operational experience, has been appointed operations director of the company.
Motsatsi said Barloworld Cranes would offer support on all types of rigging and lifting jobs and provide a dedicated project management service for all rigging and lifting operations.
He said Barloworld Cranes would also provide 2D and 3D rigging studies detailing all information required to execute the lifts safely and efficiently.
In line with the Barloworld group’s focus on safety, strong emphasis would be placed on the risk assessments for all lifting and rigging operations, he said.
Barloworld Transport in September last year announced the acquisition of an 80 percent stake in Cape Town-based specialist transport company Kumkani Heavy Haulage.