June 2009

If the going gets rough it may just pay to have a Kearney low-loader on your side.

Like most industry sectors right now, the South African road transport industry is recoiling from the effects of the global recession with transport operators, truck manufacturers, trailer fabricators and component suppliers all reporting significant drops in turnover. While many transport-related organisations buckle under the pressures of a depressed market, there are those who are applying creative marketing techniques to counteract the slump in business. 

One such organisation is leading heavy-duty truck trailer manufacturer, Kearney Group, which, in what may well be a first for the South African truck transport industry, hosted a two-day trailer, component and truck expo at ‘Kearney Park’, its Tulisa Park premises, joining forces with no less than 11 truck manufacturers (OEMs) and eight ancillary component suppliers. 

According to Kearny Group Operations Director, Marius Kearney, “there is an urgent need for all players in the road transport sector to work together, to build solidarity and lift business confidence. The Kearney Annual Premier Road Transport Show was launched to achieve these objectives and this year’s event not only attracted hundreds of qualified buyers, but also the presence of a VIP from the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport.” 

Stalwart. Director Eddie Kearney and one of the company’s magnificent end-tippers.

Team players

While the Kearney Group showcased its latest market-leading Payloader trailers, including a new productivity-efficient beverage trailer and a 40-cubic-metre twin-bin side-tipper, component suppliers had their products on display for the many visitors who attended the event. 

These included Maxiprest Tyres, displaying both Bridgestone and Firestone derivatives along with Maxiprest tyre management solutions. Goodyear also had its latest truck and trailer tyres on site.

Leading paint technology company BASF presented its world-beating commercial vehicle finishing products called Salcomix, while Jost Transport Equipment touted its fifth wheels and drawbar couplings, Mico S.A. its ABS/EBS braking technologies and BPW its top-of-the-range EcoPlus axles and suspension systems. 

Trailer PTO and hydraulic components were also on display from both Jost and Delflow, while truckmounted crane equipment made a splash, courtesy of Palfinger.

Most truck OEMs were represented, displaying their flagship truck tractors. These included Scania, MAN, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, Iveco, Astra, Freightliner, Hino, Warrior, Tata, Nissan Diesel and International.

“We were pleased to hear that all our exhibitors benefited from the targeted exposure they gained from the two-day show,” says Eddie Kearney, Managing Director of Kearney Group. 

A Kearney side-tipper manufactured for Reinhardt Transport.

Government joins hands 

The Kearney Annual Premier Road Transport Show was officially opened by the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport which sent its Deputy Director General, Noxolo Manisjwa to address the crowd on behalf of Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC, Bheki Nkosi. 

Acknowledging the importance of the road transport sector to the South African economy, MEC Nkosi stated that: “Our government is encouraged by this initiative of the launch of the 2009 Kearney Annual Premier Road Transport Show, which will lay a firm foundation for not just the recognition of service excellence in this sector, but also its contribution towards the development of small players and new entrants into the market.” 

In closing, MEC Nkosi said: “The show will provide an ever-growing platform for the harness and exposure of the broad skills base and talent that resides in the road transport sector. We also encourage all role players to build partnerships with one another as well as with government as a whole.” 

Forward with positivity 

The expo was also successful in generating orders for new trailers from some of South Africa’s leading fleets and Kearney Group has consequently increased the production of the extensive Payloader range, including tautliner and flatbed trailers, dropside/side-tipping semi’s, ‘Walking (moving)’ Floors as well as timber and cane trailers. 

“With such a comprehensive range to offer the market, along with the solidarity generated by the show, I am confident that not only Kearney Group, but all our associates in the road transport industry will see through these challenging times and come out not only stronger, but wiser too,” Eddie Kearney concludes.