Black Gold Rush — “Hitachi rules Africa's black carpet”
“Hitachi has captured a significant proportion of the South African mining equipment market. Thanks to local knowledge, technical expertise and high level of service.”
The country has the world's seven largest output of recoverable coal reserve (286 billion tones in 2005). Hitachi has captured a significant proportion of the South African mining equipment market. Thanks to local knowledge, technical expertise and a high level of service. It is no coincidence that HCSA's largest depot is suited as Middleburg in Mpumalanga, close to the major coal mines. Middleburg Branch Manager Jan Steyn and Service Manager, Neels Hassbroek have spent their working lives in the area and possess a vast knowledge of the coalfields, mining companies and their specific machines requirements. Two examples are: the huge expense of Anglo Coal's Kleikopje Colliery close to the neighbouring city of Witbank. HCSA Middleburg branch was opened in 1980, but Jan didn't take over the reins until 1996. Since then, he has been instrumental in Hitachi driving market demand. “ The business has changed a lot during my time with HCSA,” he explains.
—The business has changed a lot during my time with HCSA—
Neels has daily contact with Graspan's Workshop Foreman Assistant, Henko Coetzee, who organises any services relating to breakdowns and warranties on the site. “Our Hitachi fleet is very good,” Henko says, “and the move to the bigger machines, such as the ZX850s, has certainly paid off. The EX1200s are also much better than other products in its class.” Hitachi machines are ultra-reliable and that is crucial to our operation in the time. The durability of the excavators and dump trucks is vital as they have to work virtually non-stop under the most challenging conditions. “ The availability and cost of parts are critical, but this is also a strong point of the service provided by HCSA. We are very happy with the help we receive from Neels and his team — they are always available and will come to our assistance at a moment's notice.”
—Hitachi machines are ultra-reliable and that is crucial to our operation in the mine.
Hitachi will come to our assistance at a moment's notice—
