Dynapac appoints distributor in Namibia

Jannie Kirsten, Managing Director of Desert Mining Suppliers is well regarded in the mining and construction industry in Namibia. For 15 years, he worked for a mining equipment company, which was, in turn, a subsidiary of the South African corporate, Anglo American. During this period, he was promoted to branch manager, and when the opportunity arose, he spearheaded a management buyout to form the company Desert Mining Suppliers in 2004.

Apart from Dynapac equipment, Desert Mining Suppliers also are long-standing agents for drilling equipment and consumable brand, as well as a range of heavy mining equipment. The company has it headquarters in Windhoek.

In 2007, the mining and industrial equipment manufacturer Atlas Copco bought Dynapac to complement its existing product offering. Atlas Copco Namibia also has its offices in Windhoek, and will be assisting Desert Mining with product, sales and technical training, open days, marketing, spare parts supply and any other back-up assistance that Kirsten’s company may require.

Full range now available
Now, Namibian construction companies can purchase Dynapac’s full range of equipment comprising heavier ride-on rollers to the more lightweight walk-behind rollers, as well as pavers, planers, plate compactors, rammers, pokers, trowels, cutters, grinders, submersible pumps and vacuum treatment equipment. The full details of Dynapac’s offering can be seen on http://www.dynapac.com

At present, with the recovery from the economic downturn, the Namibian economy is buoyant. The major driver is mining, which is being led by the resurgent uranium sector. There are also expansions in gold and fluorspar production.

“In terms of construction, road building has increased, part of this being the roads which need to be built to support the new mining projects such as Trekkopje and Rössing South,” explains Kirsten. With the country’s uranium resources in mind, discussions have been taking place about the possibility of the country launching its own nuclear power programme, a move, which would largely free the country of its dependence on South African power supplies, and boost local economic growth.

Built for Namibian conditions
Kirsten emphasises that Dynapac equipment, with its rugged reliability is particularly suited for application in Namibia. However, as the Dynapac brand was marketed in Namibia in the past, much of this quality equipment is still in daily use.

“We are carrying out a survey of this existing equipment, and, when it is complete, we will ensure that we are able to give this equipment the support it deserves,” says Kirsten. While Dynapac has a global reputation for quality, in Namibia, support for the brand flagged in the past. However, Kirsten is confident that the Dynapac brand can be restored to its position as the market leader.

“To ensure that Dynapac is the preferred supplier to the Namibian construction industry, we’re driving our support for Dynapac as strongly as possible,” emphasises Kirsten.


Superb support standard
Desert Mining has already risen to the challenge of the long distances between Namibian urban centres. With its previous experience, Desert Mining has found effective ways of getting support to its customers, no matter where they are in Namibia. The company has outfitted a number of field-service vehicles which desert Mining technicians will use in their maintenance of Dynapac equipment.

As part of being the distributorship, Desert Mining had to undergo a stringent approval process by the parent company. Part of this process was that the Namibian company had to send its technicians for formal training in the maintenance of Dynapac equipment.

Desert Mining will hold a certain amount of Dynapac inventory such as the popular rollers and some other new equipment in stock. This equipment will be appropriately supported with spare parts and service.

However, if there is an urgent demand for a component that is not in stock in Namibia, this part can be sent from South Africa within 24 hours. And, if Dynapac in South Africa does not have the part, it will be flown in from Sweden.

For further details please contact:
Elfrieda Tyrer, Marketing and Communications Manager, Atlas Copco South Africa - CMT
 +27 11 821 9197 
 elfrieda.tyrer@za.atlascopco.com 
 

Or contact Desert Mining Supplies directly:
Jannie Kirsten, Desert Mining Supplies
 +264 811 282115 (Mobile) 
 +264 61 262115 (Office)
 jkirsten@desertminingsuppliers.com 
 www.desertminingsuppliers.com