Compaction technology manufacturer Bomag has entrusted local equipment supplier Smith Power Equipment to distribute its light compaction equipment range in South Africa and selected cross-border markets, after the dealer agreement was signed at the end of 2019.

Smith Power Equipment sales specialist Stephen Peyper highlights the Bomag single-direction vibratory plate compactors, designed for use in all earthworks, asphalt and paving applications.

The range also includes reversible plate compactors, which differ from single-direction compactors in that they do not move only in a single, predetermined direction. They are used in heavy industry for heavy pipelines, and in applications where a pavement roller cannot be used.

The compacting rammers, or “tampers”, comprise the tamper BT 65 and tamper BT 60 models, ideal for compaction work in confined areas and where high compaction density is required.

Peyper notes that the range will also include the BW 65 and BW 75 pedestrian rollers, which are compactor vehicles used for the compaction of soil, gravel, concrete or asphalt in the construction of roads and fountains.

Further, Smith Power Equipment will begin to supply the BW 120 and BW 90 tandem rollers, on which operators can sit and steer, this month.

“We felt the tandem rollers were necessary, as about 65% to 70% of the local construction industry is supported by the rental industry, and the tandem rollers are part of our portfolio needed to support the rental industry.”

Peyper emphasises the importance of the warranty offered with Bomag equipment, referred to as the company’s three-to-one warranty.

“This is a one-year standard warranty on the entire machine, and then a two-year warranty on the machine’s engine. There is also a three-year warranty on the machine’s vibration system on the condition that the machine has been serviced at correct intervals and only using genuine parts.”

Peyper highlights the uniqueness of the warranty in the local market, as three- to six-month warranties are normally offered for this kind of equipment.

Smith Power Equipment has also been entrusted to distribute the range in selected cross-border markets, including Botswana and Zimbabwe. The company is looking to appoint a subdealer that can distribute the range and offer aftermarket support in these countries.

Support Structure

Smith Power Equipment has put in place a “dedicated structure” to cater for the Bomag range.

“We tend to have product specialists for each brand that we support. I operate in Gauteng and Mpumalanga, up to Polokwane, in Limpopo, and have 16 years of experience in this field. Then we have Smith Power Equipment product specialist Malcolm Edwards, who has been in the industry for more than 20 years, operating in KwaZulu-Natal, Swaziland, the Western Cape and Eastern Cape. “Our main focus has always been to hire people who know the industry, customers, market segments, the requirements of the brand and its applications.”

Peyper adds that the company is aiming to gain between 30% and 35% of the local market share in terms of light compacting equipment in the next two years, despite Smith Power Equipment having to compete with cheaper imports, particularly those offered at lower prices.

While smaller companies are more likely to prefer cheaper imports, Smith Power Equipment’s main market segment of larger construction companies is ideal for the Bomag brand, he adds.

“These companies understand that if you’re buying a Bomag product, you’re buying a quality product and the warranty, as well as the technical service and expertise we provide –of Bomag machines.”

Peyper places importance on Smith Power Equipment’s enabling more customers to become familiar with the Bomag brand, with the company conducting demonstrations with key customers. This will enable customers to conduct field tests using the equipment, after which Smith Power Equipment will be supplied with a field- test report.

“Every report we’ve received from demonstrations has been 100% positive. We’re here to grow the name by doing things properly and offering the correct backup and customer service. It’s key to support what you’re selling from all departments,” he concludes.