WACKER NEUSON SUPPORTS MAURITIUS

“When it comes to quality products, parts availability, and technical support, the Wacker Neuson brand is hands down the best, with service that is second to none,” says Dave Alcock, Managing Director of Yellow Metal Machine Rental Ltd., the newly appointed Wacker Neuson dealer in Mauritius. “Wacker Neuson is therefore the perfect premium brand to represent us in Mauritius.”

“We are extremely excited to explore the new market that Mauritius presents to us through our partnership with Dave and his team,” says Dennis Vietze, Managing Director of Wacker Neuson Sub-Saharan Africa. “There is an installed base of Wacker Neuson machines on the island and these customers, plus of course all new customers, can now count on direct professional support for their machines from the Yellow Metal Machine Rental team.”

Alcock was looking to open a business in another country to mirror the success of his road construction company in Pietermaritzburg, Kwa-Zulu Natal. While attending board meetings in Mauritius on behalf of his business venture in West Africa, he saw great potential for machine rentals and sales, especially in the construction sector, and gained an understanding of the island’s unique business culture. He opened his Mauritian machine rental business in 2018.

The robust construction industry in Mauritius is primarily fueled by financial services and tourism demand. The constant arrival of people from various corners of the globe seeking business opportunities and retirement options has further catalyzed the expansion of residential projects and subsequent infrastructure development on the island.

“Mauritius is not without its challenges and it’s not easy to enter this market,” concedes Alcock. He explains that you have to earn your customers respect and trust by providing added value. “The best way to build a solid reputation of trust is by supplying superior quality, world-class products and excellent after-market support.“

Alcock initially started in Mauritius with four large excavators, purchased from various suppliers. However, these machines’ were costly to maintain and were heavy on fuel, an expensive commodity in Mauritius, prompting him to change his business model. Wanting to replace these large machines, Dave was now in the market for smaller, premium brand, fuel-efficient equipment to meet the rental requirements of primarily compaction and excavation applications.

“I do not necessarily buy equipment based on price. I look at the quality, reliability, parts and spares availability, and most importantly, the technical back-up,” says Alcock. Wacker Neuson ticked every box so Alcock purchased two vibrating plates which he gave to three of his biggest customers to try out for a week, free of charge, to test market sentiment. “‘The machine is phenomenal and the best we have ever used!’,” was some of the feedback I received, convincing me that a Wacker Neuson dealer partnership was the only way forward.”

Alcock went on to purchase another seven Wacker Neuson machines – a forward-reversible vibrating plate, two RD pedestrian rollers and four rammers. “We visit our customers every second day, doing lubricant checks, etc. to show that our after-market support matches the quality of our machines.”

Alcock is looking at buying a 3.5 ton mini-excavator from Wacker Neuson in the near future. “This is a highly efficient, low fuel consuming, compact and light machine that can be transported on the back of a truck, is easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces and its rubber tracks can cross virtually any terrain without causing damage – a perfect fit for our market.”

Electric equipment is still a relatively new technology in Mauritius and has not yet taken off as well as electric cars. Once he has built his business, he says he will look at investing in Wacker Neuson’s electric products using the same winning formula of allowing customers to try them out. “With a big environmental drive on the island, there is undoubtedly synergy. My plan is to kit out a container as a charging station with backup batteries which can be conveniently placed on site.”

From their offices based in the industrial zone of Geoffroy in the Bambous District, Alcock and his team are able to service customers across the entire island, with the furthest located areas only an hour away. Yellow Metal’s technician is a petrol and diesel engine specialist who maintains and services the Wacker Neuson equipment. If they are unable to repair on-site, the customer is supplied with a rental unit at no cost to ensure continued operation.

There are a few Wacker Neuson machines in the Seychelles which is incorporated into Yellow Metal’s territory. Once the Wacker Neuson brand is well established in Mauritius, Alcock plans to see how they can support customers there from Mauritius.

“With such immense potential on our doorstep, we will double down to grow the business and build brand trust by generating sales and rentals, delivering on promises, expanding resources, and reinvesting in the company and the island,” he affirms. “It’s a privilege to represent Wacker Neuson in Mauritius and we are incredibly proud to have the Wacker Neuson name next to ours. It’s the right brand to show that we are capable of delivering everything that a customer can expect from a premium supplier and we are confident of our success. The combination of quality Wacker Neuson equipment and the excellent support provided by my dedicated, passionate, and competent team is what ultimately sells machines and that is the success story of Yellow Metal Machine Rental Ltd.”

“Sealing this dealership agreement with Yellow Metal Machine Rental is another step on our journey to grow our dealer footprint on the African continent and adjacent islands,” notes Vietze and concludes: “Through these valued partnerships we are able to move our world-class machines and equipment closer to our customers who can also count on outstanding, professional service from our dealers for their ultimate business success.”