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Meet Hitachi Dealers
With an abundance of multi-billion dollar development projects filling the government calendar through 2015, the word is out, construction opportunities in Ethiopia are limitless. Funded by government aid, private and public sectors, in addition to international support, Ethiopia will accomplish their goal – to reduce poverty and provide roads, telecom and electricity for the 90% plus of their population that has been without.
— “Construction opportunities in Ethiopia are limitless.” —
Established in 1957 by founder Hagop Behesnilian, Hagbes, an international private company, is on top of Ethiopia’s growing market as they strive to make a higher quality of life available to all. Hagbes has over 360 dedicated employees and continues to expand. This company’s many services include providing importation and distribution of construction machinery, agricultural tractors and implements, diesel engines, pumps/generating sets, and industrial/agricultural machinery.
Knowing all regarding Ethiopia’s market, Taye Eshete, Manager of Market Research & Business Development Department explains how, “…the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has been steadily growing since 2003.” This is no secret to Chinese and European investors. Ethiopia is renovating and redefining itself utilizing all its untouched natural resources. Dams, dikes, new roads, water sanitation projects, pressurized irrigation systems, and educational institutes are making Ethiopia in high demand for all models of construction and heavy earth moving equipment.
— “Ethiopia is renovating and redefining itself utilizing
all its untouched natural resources.” —
Hagbes is prepared for this young, flourishing market with continuous support from the Hitachi Middle East Center. Tibebu Mulugeta, Manager of Parts & Service, and Endalkachew Kassa, Manager of Heavy Machinery Service Center in Kality recalls the “intensive and useful training,” Hitachi presented in Tokyo and Dubai. Both attended the Hitachi Middle East Center - Service Managers Meeting in July that provided valuable information regarding Dash 1 and Dash 3 engines, and the opportunity to learn from other dealers.
— “The customers trust me…trust my knowledge regarding our products.
Relationships and friendships are important to us.”
Hagbes’ standard services include onsite servicing/training/parts replacement/assessment reports, and regular service programs for all their clients. Mr. Mulugeta values the importance of having confidence in a product and sharing information with clients.
Managers as well as some sponsored clients attend the most current exhibitions, trade fairs and seminars. Evidence that communication and education are a valued priority.
The Customer’s trust is of utmost importance to Nigiru Mulualem, General Manager of Operations at Hagbes. “The customers trust me…trust my knowledge regarding our products. Relationships and friendships are important to us.” Mr. Mulualem was first introduced to Hitachi Machinery at an exhibition in France 6 years ago. “…after seeing the 700 and 800 excavators…we could see the competition’s limitations.” Soon after, Nigiru Mulualem presented the Hagbes company profile.
— “We believe in face-to-face meetings with clients…
watching the market and visiting the competition.”
“We believe in face-to-face meetings with clients…watching the market and visiting the competition…we are also impressed with Hitachi’s humanitarian efforts,” says Mulualem, referring to the Hitachi demining equipment that rids countries of active landmines. “We are actually trying to sell one here….we are lucky to be working with Hitachi.”
Hagbes is currently working on the 2nd largest project in Ethiopia. Wondwossen Geremew, Manager of the Heavy Machinery Marketing Department summarizes how Hagbes convinced the head of this project to compare Hitachi to the competition. “We stressed Hitachi’s major points - reduced fuel consumption, productivity, durability, engine, and over all performance.” The private owner optimistically purchased 28 Hitachi units.
Ethiopia is Africa’s second-most populous nation. With the tactics to convert sugar to ethanol, 50,000 acres of sugarcane will turn Ethiopia into a major player undoubtedly attracting worldwide attention over the next two decades. Hagbes, located in the capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, is well underway establishing themselves as the hub for billion dollar construction projects and unforeseen possibilities.
