Despite the prevailing tough economic conditions which many South African companies are currently encountering, generator hire company Rand-Air reports that there is an ongoing demand for their generators as projects are still going ahead, albeit that demand patterns have changed over the past few years in the generator and standby power sector.
Rand-Air Fleet Manager Craig Swart reports that this is good news for the company, as it is testimony to the high standards of quality and technology of their products
“Customers look for these aspects in a product during challenging economic and operational times, such as those which the industry is currently experiencing,” Craig explains.
“There is a definite shift in the industries where our generators are most in demand. We are seeing more interest from companies which perform routine maintenance projects. For example, projects requiring a plant shutdown. Our capacity to cater for this demand was evident when we recently assisted a leading petrochemical company which needed to carry out routine maintenance,” says Craig.
When South Africa experienced its power capacity problems in 2008/9, there was significant demand for standby and emergency power as companies from both the domestic and industrial market. During this time, and even up until fairly recently, companies which supplied generators and standby power enjoyed a ‘boom’ period while additional power stations have been under construction.
However, Craig points out that the generator and standby power sector will need to adjust its strategy to mitigate for the fact that the national power supply has now largely stabilised. In addition, he adds, further key power generation installations are approaching the commissioning stage and will add significant capacity to the national grid.
According to Craig, Atlas Copco has developed technology whereby a number of generators run in parallel to each other from a central location. These feed into a central software programme where their performance may be monitored at all times.
“This is important, as the necessary changes can be made so that the generators run smoothly at all times and to full capacity. This adds significant value from an operational perspective, as human resource skills can then be used on other important aspects of the project.
“Rand-Air – operating in East Africa as Atlas Copco Rental – has significantly increased its capacity in the East African region with a branch in Nairobi and a new Business Development Manager, Hillary Kiongo.
Hillary and his dedicated team will be responsible for rental business within the region including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Madagascar and all of the East Africa region,” says Craig.
The combination of Rand-Air’s consistent and dedicated focus on customer service and our extensive industry experience in the generator and standby power market means that we can meet the specific requirements of clients when it comes to supplying generators for any industry and any project, large or small, near or far, in a cost-effective and timeous manner,” Craig concludes.
Contacts
Louwrens Erasmus
Rand-Air
(011) 345 0700
Kendal Hunt
Managing Director
Kendal Hunt Communications PR and Media Liaison Agency
[email protected]
