The crane on the move is again that of VERLINDE FRANCE, as Partner Company Akhanani Cranes announces that due to growing demand from the mining industry, the company is expanding its service and supply of Verlinde products to Rustenburg in the North West province of South Africa. Best known perhaps as one of the host cities of the 2010 World Cup, Rustenburg is the fastest growing city in South Africa - leading to an ever greater need for lifting services in commercial and mining projects.
Akhanani has experienced considerable growth in the past twelve months and this latest expansion is a vote of confidence that this trend is set to continue in 2012, with plans already in place for a new product catalogue with everything from cranes to shackles.
"We are so grateful for the success that we've had and attribute it to our strong commitment to customer relationships, and partnerships with the likes of Verlinde France," said Arno Dahms, Managing Director of Akhanani Engineering. "We ensure that our customers and potential clients are provided with detailed information about everything that goes into a project and we make sure that we are always available to lead them through each step of the process. I think this is something that is truly appreciated by our clients."
Akhanani is an appointed and accredited distributer for the world's premier supplier of hoists and lifting equipment, VERLINDE FRANCE, who remain delighted to be supporting Akhanani in their expansion plans. "Far from being new to Africa, Verlinde France has been doing business here for decades," said Simon Rothechild, business development manager for Verlinde France. "We have had local representation in South Africa for many years and the time is right to make the next move."
This latest expansion announcement comes hot on the heels of Verlinde France further pan-African expansion into Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya. Despite the recent upsurge in activity, Verlinde France is not new to Africa, having supplied cranes to Africa for many years and as many of the South African group of nations and cities like Rustenburg begin to develop their infrastructure, Verlinde France is well placed to help them grow.
Working in partnership with companies like Johannesburg based Akhanani, the African market is clearly on the rise for Akhanani and Verlinde France. The mainstay of the north west Province economy is mining. With 80% of the world's Platinum production, Rustenburg has been mining Platinum since 1929, but gold, uranium and diamond mining also make the province in need of sophisticated crane and lifting services.
Commenting on developments in North West Africa, Verlinde France managing director Thomas Descamps said: "Verlinde France recognised many years ago that cities like Rustenburg were going to make their mark, not just in South Africa but on the world stage and we are proud to be involved. Mining remains a specialist operation requiring specialist equipment and Verlinde France is now perfectly placed to help this expanding economy flourish."