The Talisman Hire Kitwe City branch – a joint venture (JV) between industrial and mining solutions company Dickinson Group of Companies Africa (DGC Africa) and construction and industrial equipment rental company Talisman Hire – will provide additional support for the Zambian construction industry.

The JV, first launched at the end of 2024, will also afford access to specialised equipment and tools for the cement and concrete industry, including concrete coring and cutting tools, mixers, pressure washers and valves.

“With servicing and maintenance included, contractors are assured of operational reliability, increased safety and enhanced productivity, [which are] especially important in high-volume, time-sensitive concrete projects,” adds Talisman Hire Kitwe branch franchisor Kevin Mackridge.

The JV’s direct contributions to key infrastructure development include high-volume concrete public infrastructure works and road construction, particularly in the Copperbelt, which includes renting equipment to contractors for applications such as cleaning, coring, drilling and power generation.

“The Kitwe branch is tailored to support Zambia’s surging infrastructure demand, especially for roads, housing, commercial buildings and industrial developments. Its core clients include small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) contractors, civil engineering firms, and cement and concrete sector players who require flexible and cost-effective access to equipment,” says Mackridge.

This is evidenced by Talisman Hire Kitwe’s rental solutions, decentralised technical support and fuel-efficient generators helping to address industrywide challenges, including infrequent power supply, limited access to funding and logistical hindrances.

Equipment Rental Benefits

Mackridge notes that equipment rental ensures that contractors can reduce capital expenditure, as well as eliminate the risk of underutilising owned equipment, by allowing for access to fit-for-purpose equipment as and when needed.

Rental equipment enables contractors to reduce operational costs, such as those related to equipment storage and/or maintenance, while negating the risk of asset depreciation.

“This not only reduces the risk of breakdowns and project delays but enhances planning accuracy and cost control, particularly for SMEs operating in unpredictable environments,” he posits.

The JV participants pride themselves on providing contractors with service and maintenance solutions that enhance productivity, operational efficiency and reliability, as well as increase worker safety.

Mackridge explains that the skilled technicians of DGC Africa and Talisman Hire technical support team are familiar with the Zambian operating context, and can inspect and service equipment timeously.

They can also ensure client support and service continuity by enhancing local workforce training and capacity-building initiatives through the recently formed JV.

“Workforce development is a shared priority: both companies invest in local hiring, upskilling initiatives and mentorship programmes, creating long-term value not just for the business, but for Zambia’s talent pool.”

Mackridge highlights plans to expand the JV’s operations in different Zambian cities, offering “renowned rental equipment solutions, expert services and a wealth of industry knowledge to construction sector players”, including anticipated involvement in Lusaka’s housing and industrial expansion zones.

“As we evolve, our focus remains the same – empowering Zambia’s infrastructure drive with dependable, safe and cost-effective equipment solutions that foster inclusive growth and sustainable development,” he concludes.