Isuzu funds manufacturing cherry picker localisation

Isuzu Motors SA (IMSA) has issued an enterprise development grant of close to R500 000 for the localisation of an extended reach aerial platform, also known as a cherry picker.

The SLT 180 telescopic aerial platform will be developed and manufactured locally by Isuzu business partner Smith Capital Equipment (SCE), and will reach heights of 16m to 18m, which previously could only be achieved with imported platforms.

Currently SCE locally designs and manufactures the following ranges of aerial platforms: telescopic (T100, T120, T140) and articulated (9SS, SL125, 12SS, 15SS, 21SS).

The first engineering prototype of the SLT 180 manufactured in SA is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

'Safety is of paramount importance when designing such a structure, therefore caution needs to be observed,' said IMSA Technical Operations senior vice-president, Dominic Rimmer.

'With the growing preference for telescoping aerial units over articulating units, the SLT 180 will be the first locally manufactured telescoping unit able to reach heights beyond 16m.

'This new venture, which is supported by the investment from Isuzu, will allow SCE to upskill the development capabilities of the company and its labour force,' said Rimmer.

'The development of this new product will help with job retention as it poses new market possibilities likely to expand the company's product range, and consequently cultivate internal skills development.

'The enterprise development grant aligns not only with Isuzu’s transformation values, but also government’s call for localisation and enterprise development partnerships in the automotive sector.'

The SLT 180 will typically fit on an Isuzu truck, and is set to provide truck-body solutions for Isuzu customers in a range of industries.