South Africa’s materials handling and logistics sector is transforming rapidly, as rising operating costs, supply chain uncertainty and sustainability pressures push operators to adopt smarter, more efficient technologies.

Consequently, commercial and industrial machinery maintenance company Everest Material Handling is positioning itself as a key enabler of data-driven, safe and locally resilient handling operations.

Everest director Stephen Pelzer says digital information systems have become central to fleet management and optimisation: “Data and condition monitoring have become critical for customers that need visibility on machine performance, component life and costs, every hour.”

By working closely with clients, Everest tracks running hours, tyre wear and use patterns across fleets, enabling operational teams to make informed maintenance decisions and avoid unplanned stoppages.

Electrification is another trend shaping the sector, and as major industrial players pursue emissions reductions and lower total cost of ownership, electric forklifts are replacing diesel, gas and petrol alternatives.

Electric units, many powered by lithium-ion batteries, now dominate new forklift imports into South Africa, and this shift is also driving demand for compatible components, specialist maintenance expertise and improved safety systems.

Digital Fleet Intelligence

Everest has responded to current trends by expanding its electric fleet offering and investing in advanced safety technologies.

AI-enabled monitoring systems fitted to forklifts use cameras and proximity sensors to detect pedestrians entering predefined danger zones, visual alerts and audible alarms warn operators in real time, while onboard cameras assess driver behaviour to reduce misuse and extend equipment life.

Operationally, downtime remains one of the most significant challenges for mining, manufacturing and warehousing customers, and any interruption in materials handling has a direct impact on throughput and revenue, Pelzer highlights.

Everest addresses this risk by maintaining solid tyres mounted on rims, allowing on-site tyre changes in about 20 minutes. Conventional mobile press methods can take more than an hour, thereby increasing lost production time.

Local Supply Advantage, Sustainability Focus

Pelzer notes that supply chain disruption and inconsistent availability of imported components further complicate operations and that many materials handling products used in South Africa are sourced from overseas, exposing customers to long lead times, port delays and currency volatility.

Everest has reduced this exposure through local manufacturing, and its tyres are produced from scratch in Pietermaritzburg, in KwaZulu-Natal, thereby eliminating import duties and container delays, and ensuring immediate availability.



The company also carries up to three months of inventory on key product lines and operates an express delivery system for spare parts.

Meanwhile, sustainability considerations are increasingly influencing procurement decisions across industrial sectors and Everest has aligned its product strategy with these expectations by focusing on durability, reduced waste and circular economy principles.

Working with rubber technology group Nuvo Solid Tyres, Everest produces “premium solid tyres designed for long service life in demanding applications”. Longer-lasting components reduce material consumption, energy use and emissions over time.

Further, it operates a second-life tyre programme, where solid tyres are reclaimed before reaching critical wear limits, and then recut and reintroduced into lower-intensity product applications. This extends product life while offering cost-effective solutions for customers with lighter-duty requirements.

The company’s extensive parts inventory, estimated at around 30 000 items, also supports repair rather than full replacement, further reducing material waste.

Pelzer says that as automation and digitalisation accelerate, skills development remains a parallel priority. Everest supports customers through technical guidance, on-site assistance and product training, while training its staff to ensure accurate specification and advice.

The company’s e-commerce platform offers detailed technical data and sizing information, enabling customers to source the correct components with confidence.

Looking ahead, Pelzer expects data-driven maintenance, increased automation and customised solutions to define the next phase of sector growth. 

With continued investment in local manufacturing, safety technology and digital infrastructure, Everest aims to strengthen its position as a leading materials handling parts and tyre supplier in South Africa and the broader African market.