Building on the highly successful introduction of the Askari range of electric motors, hydraulic specialist Hydromobile continues to expand its offering and add value for its customers with the launch of a range of high quality crimping machines on the one hand, and chrome rod and honed cylinder barrel on the other hand.
Crimping machines
The company now has a wide variety of hand and electronic crimpers, as well as cut-off machines. The hydraulic crimpers are manufactured in China to the European standard, TÜV. All crimper units come with a full die set, racking and quick change tool. Based on local demand, the most popular models are the P16 hand pump units, the P20 hand and electric units and the P32 electric units.
The smaller hand pump units are fitted with Enerpac hand pumps and are fully assembled overseas, while the full electric units have Askari motors. Hydromobile’s qualified, experienced technical staff are available to advise on the different sizing options that are available.
Operations director, Gert Oosthuizen, says that Hydromobile’s prices are more than 30% lower than the traditional market leaders. ”Crimpers are expensive in South Africa and are regarded as a large capital purchase by most. Ensuring that our crimpers are offered at the best possible price enables our customers to justify the cost of a crimper and allow them to work more independently rather than outsource this type of work. We want to help them to be more profitable, generate more revenue and be more competitive in their own right. While the crimpers appeal to our existing clientele, we are also targeting customers who don’t currently buy from us. The value for our customers is that they receive a reliable product at a reasonable price.”
Chrome rod and honed cylinder barrel
Chrome rod and honed cylinder barrel are also part of the latest offering. Manufactured in Taiwan, these conform to European standard CK45. Sizes available include 16 to 100 mm (rod) and 35-25 to 145-125 (barrel). Rod is also available in selected imperial sizes. If full lengths are ordered, additional discount is also offered. Hydromobile is able to cut the barrel and rod on site according to customer-specific requirements.
Hydromobile started testing this product in January and brought in sample stock for customers to try. The feedback was very positive and based on this the rod and barrel were launched full scale in June. Other cylinder components and kits will also be added to the range in due course.
“The strategy is the same for both,” says Oosthuizen. “We want to expand our offering to our existing customers who manufacture and repair cylinders, while targeting new customers and building new relationships. In the existing economic environment, the cost of repairs and replacement in most industries is under significant scrutiny. Customers are under enormous pressure when it comes to profitability and to be competitive they are more price sensitive and they need stock availability. This is where Hydromobile can contribute.”
Askari
Hydromobile launched the Askari electric motors countrywide in 2014 through its dealer network in response to the customers’ need for a one-stop shop. Initially the motors only went up to 15 kW, but based on customer demand, the range has been extended up to 55 kW. Oosthuizen says that sales from the first to second trading year have more than doubled and Hydromobile has managed to successfully place thousands of motors in the market. From a quality perspective, the warranty failure rate is less than 0,3% of the motors sold.
“We had the right stockholding from the start based on our knowledge of the industry, which was critical for us – yet we humbly continue to learn more about this industry every day,” Oosthuizen adds. “Customers have switched very easily as they trust the quality of our product ranges and competitive price, as well as receiving prompt customer service. What differentiates us in the market is that the price is right, we have the stock and we deliver on service – people know we’re not just here to sell.”
The way forward
Looking at the current economic scenario, Oosthuizen feels that there may not be the same level of new business, but existing infrastructure still needs to be maintained, so the demand will be there, and this is where he sees the opportunities. “We need to have the right stockholding to service aftermarket demand adequately and continually position ourselves according to prevailing market conditions. Then we will be more than ready for any recovery and will be well positioned to lead the pack,” he concludes.
For more information contact Michelle Herron, Hydromobile, +27 (0)11 394 5837, [email protected], www.hydromobile.co.za
| Tel: | +27 11 394 5837 |
| Fax: | +27 11 975 6751 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.hydromobile.co.za |
| Articles: | More information and articles about Hydromobile S.A. |
© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved
printer friendly version