Atlas Copco has acquired Integrated Pump Rental (IPR), seamlessly integrating the dewatering pump rental specialist into its Specialty Rental Division, a business area of Atlas Copco Power Technique.

Rand Air, part of Atlas Copco Group, has been a trusted rental partner in Southern Africa for over 50 years. Karel Verstraeten, General Manager at Rand Air, states, “Our historical strength in South Africa lies in air solutions, and we have a solid presence in power. We are also making significant strides in developing our rental steam offerings, which are new to the local market. However, we recognized the need for enhanced expertise in our pump rental solutions, prompting our decision to acquire IPR. This integration brings a fully operational, well-known and respected pump rental brand into The Atlas Copco Group.”

According to IPR Managing Director Lee Vine, IPR has maintained a competitive edge in the dewatering pump rental market by continuously upgrading its fleet with the latest technological advancements, ensuring enhanced efficiency, reliability, and environmental performance for end-users.

Highlighting the strategic benefits of the acquisition, Verstraeten emphasizes that it not only enhances their pump rental offerings and unlocks new markets but also facilitates territorial expansion. “With Atlas Copco's strong presence across Africa, our collaboration with IPR, along with the addition of new expertise, capabilities and resources, positions us to accelerate the growth of our rental pump solutions. This will allow us to expand our footprint, especially in the northern regions of the continent, fully capitalising on the significant potential within the dewatering pump sector across Africa.”

Verstraeten further notes that while the primary market impact of this acquisition is essentially on the rental side, it will similarly ramp up their sales efforts. “Leveraging the synergies between Rand Air and IPR, our goal is to grow a competence hub for all of Africa, enhancing both our specialty rental operations and sales efforts.”

In line with its Africa expansion strategy, Rand Air has begun expanding its rental services into other countries on the continent, achieving promising results in Mozambique and establishing a presence in Tanzania. Preparations are underway for the next phase, which will involve extending their full pump solutions northward when the time is right. “We have made a strategic decision to start with Zambia, given the country’s copper mines and its proximity to the DRC, which is also rich in copper and other rare earth minerals,” states Verstraeten.

Ensuring stability and continuity for both companies will be a key priority over the next few months. "We want to reassure our customers of our commitment to maintaining excellent service,” elaborates Verstraeten. “Our next focus will be on exploring how we can enhance value through our expanded offerings. While there are some overlapping products, the true strength of our new partnership lies in the unique and complementary qualities each brand brings to the rental table, allowing us to offer greater value across the board, attract new customers, grow our businesses and strengthen our market position especially within the mining, quarrying, construction and wastewater sectors.” Vine adds that the partnership with Rand Air will grant access to Atlas Copco’s extensive global expertise and resources, further enhancing the mutual benefits of the collaboration.

Verstraeten and Vine agree that Africa’s mining industry offers significant opportunities due to this sector’s demand for diverse product solutions. Vine notes mining’s growing demand for dewatering pumps for effective water management and dry working conditions. “Through our partnership, we can now address previous product gaps, allowing customers to work with a single supplier for all their on-site utility needs, whether temporary or long-term.”

Verstraeten emphasizes that customers who previously rented pumps from IPR and sourced compressors and generators from other suppliers can now meet all their air and power rental needs from a single source. “By cross-referencing our combined customer base, we will uncover opportunities to offer enhanced solutions to customers, some of whom who may not yet realize the benefits of our comprehensive air, power, pump, and temperature rental services.”

Training will play a key role in assisting both teams to familiarise themselves with each other’s products and company cultures. However, according to Verstraeten, IPR, as a dedicated pump specialist, will not be integrated into Rand Air in the same way that power and air services are, given their closer alignment in the rental business.

For both Rand Air and IPR employees, it’s business as usual, with the added excitement of engaging with new colleagues from both sides. “While we anticipate some challenges, the overall mood is extremely positive,” observes Verstraeten. “At Rand Air, we embrace challenges, and in keeping with our culture of flexibility and problem-solving, our employees are adapting exceptionally well.”

Verstraeten concludes: “The integration has been seamless, and the timing couldn't be better, with Electra Mining providing an excellent platform for Rand Air and IPR employees to work side by side. We are confident that this partnership will propel our businesses forward and deliver significant value to our customers, offering a more refined, end-to-end pump rental portfolio and setting a new benchmark for innovative, comprehensive, and exceptional rental services across the African continent.”