Zahid Group leads a consortium to take Barloworld private, reinforcing long term Saudi and South African business ties

Zahid Group has spearheaded a consortium to complete the strategic management buyout of Barloworld Limited, taking the 123 year old South African industrial group into private ownership

The move underscores strengthening commercial links between Saudi Arabia and South Africa and highlights Zahid Group’s sustained confidence in South Africa as a long term investment market.

The transaction builds on Zahid Group’s existing minority stake in Barloworld and brings together two established Caterpillar dealers with deep regional roots. Zahid Group has more than 75 years of operating history in Saudi Arabia, while Barloworld has served the South African market for over 96 years.

Under the revised ownership structure, Barloworld will continue to operate as an independent South African business, retaining its brand identity and existing executive leadership team.

As part of the new arrangement, Zahid Group will take representation on the Barloworld board, supporting closer strategic alignment and future growth initiatives. These include collaborative programmes focused on skills development and youth upskilling across both countries, aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives.

The buyout represents a landmark moment in Saudi and South African commercial relations and reinforces Zahid Group’s long term commitment to sustainable growth, industrial capability and international partnership.

Wirtgen Group to present cutting-edge technologies at Conexpo 2026. (Image source: Wirtgen Group)

Wirtgen Group and John Deere are set to make a major impact at Conexpo 2026, unveiling six market premieres and three global firsts alongside a broad portfolio of advanced machines, automation systems and digital solutions

With a total of 24 world and market premieres on display, the joint exhibition will focus on boosting productivity, transparency and profitability across road construction, earthworks and materials processing.

Visitors to the shared stand (Silver Lot SV2415) will experience a construction site-centric showcase, including a dedicated presentation of the John Deere Operations Center located on the ground floor of the Innovation Center. Designed as a central digital hub, the platform consolidates machine, job and performance data in one place. The exhibit will also highlight a comprehensive suite of digital aftermarket solutions on the upper floor.

A total of 14 Wirtgen Group machines will feature the latest automation and data-driven technologies, including the Wirtgen Group Performance Tracker combined with solutions such as AutoPilot 2.0, Smart Level Pro, Smart Pave, Smart Compact Pro and SPECTIVE CONNECT. These technologies automate workflows while capturing and analysing performance data, enabling more efficient, transparent and cost-effective execution across every phase of the construction process.

Global firsts and market premieres

Cold milling specialist Wirtgen will introduce a world premiere that opens up an entirely new application area for customers, with full details to be revealed at the start of the exhibition. Also on display will be the new WR X-Tier generation of wheeled cold recyclers and soil stabilisers. These machines cover applications ranging from structural road rehabilitation to soil stabilisation and material consolidation in road construction.

The WR X-Tier series features an intuitive Human-Machine Interface (HMI) that provides interactive digital guidance to improve mixing quality and productivity. Digital assistants such as MIX ASSIST and Wirtgen Group COPILOT further enhance efficiency while reducing operating costs per square metre.

Vögele will debut the latest Dash 5 paver generation for the North American market, offering improved operator ergonomics, faster setup, higher automation levels and a more efficient drive system. Key highlights include world premieres in the 10 ft class: the SUPER 2000-5 X tracked paver and the SUPER 2003-5 X wheeled paver, both equipped with newly developed screeds. The range is complemented by the SUPER 2100-5 X, featuring a high-compaction screed suited for roller compacted concrete applications.

In the Mini Class segment, Vögele will present the SUPER 800-5 P, the successor to the SUPER 700. This compact Dash 5 paver introduces the ErgoBasic 5 operating concept and a redesigned hopper wall geometry that improves visibility and loading flexibility. All Dash 5-X-Tier pavers can be fitted with the latest digitalisation and automation solutions.

Automation and precision compaction

Hamm will focus on automated compaction technologies, highlighting enhancements to the Smart Compact system. Smart Compact Pro now integrates real-time asphalt density measurement through the new Realtime Density Scan function, enabling automated adjustment of compaction energy and modes on HD+ and HX series tandem rollers. Operators can monitor density development in real time across the entire jobsite, including during static compaction.

This capability supports precise compliance with specifications, reduces the risk of penalties and lowers overall project costs while contributing to longer pavement service life. Hamm will also introduce solutions for earthworks, including automated amplitude adjustment based on new measurement values, and a new compactor model designed specifically for the North American rental market.

Materials processing and digital connectivity

For materials processing, Kleemann will present the MOBISCREEN MSS 1102 PRO scalper, making its North American debut. Designed for quarry applications, the PRO Line screening plant handles throughput of up to 750 t/h and features an intuitive control system that minimises operating errors and training time. Remote operation enhances safety, while the optional Dual Power drive allows for all-electric operation.

Kleemann screening plants can now be equipped with SPECTIVE CONNECT, providing operators with real-time machine data via smartphone. The integrated stockpile monitoring function offers clear visibility of material status, improving productivity and site coordination.

John Deere Operations Center as the digital backbone

At the core of the digital offering is the John Deere Operations Center, which brings together all data required for end-to-end construction site management. Project data can be transferred directly to machines via the integrated Work Planner, enabling partially automated execution. Users gain continuous insight into project progress through performance data generated by Wirtgen Group Performance Tracker solutions covering milling, paving, compacting, crushing and stabilising.

With smart hardware and software, existing machines can be quickly retrofitted to capture and document performance data. These digital solutions help contractors meet reporting requirements with minimal additional effort, reducing administrative burden while streamlining daily operations.

The ELB Equipment team receiving the awards are Melanie Pienaar, national parts manager, Keon Kardolus, divisional director: EMC, Desmond Van Heerden, CEO, Gerrit Kapp, commercial director, Lance Constable, aftermarket director. (Image source: ELB Equipment)

Within a year of becoming the exclusive distributor of LiuGong’s complete equipment portfolio in southern Africa, ELB Equipment has achieved top recognition at the LiuGong Annual Dealer Conference in Liuzhou, China, securing the prestigious president’s Award

When the distribution agreement was signed last year, ELB Equipment CEO Desmond van Heerden highlighted that success would depend on the rapid development of technical capabilities to support the expanded product range, alongside a significant effort to build inventory across the company’s 11-branch national footprint. As a result, much of late 2024 and early 2025 was dedicated to establishing local stockholding of key capital equipment, including wheel loaders, excavators, graders, backhoe loaders, skid steers and mining trucks, while simultaneously strengthening support for LiuGong’s existing customer base.

Just a year later, this investment has delivered global recognition. At the dealer conference, attended by more than 1,300 delegates and over 500 dealers from around the world, ELB Equipment received four awards: Best New Dealer, Outstanding Total Sales, Excellence in Compact Equipment Sales and the headline President’s Award.

“This recognition confirms that our strategic decision is working. Our expanded product portfolio now gives long-standing customers access to a full spectrum of world-class equipment backed by our extensive established aftersales abilities. At the same time LiuGong owners in South Africa now benefit from a support structure built on decades of industry experience and sub-dealer coverage across key industrial centres throughout southern Africa.”

LiuGong southern Africa sales manager Pu Yonghua reaffirmed the region’s importance to the manufacturer, noting that ELB Equipment’s strong customer-first approach is strengthening the brand’s presence across the market.

Reflecting on the past year, Van Heerden said the partnership has progressed rapidly from setting up supply chains and building inventory to outperforming global competitors within the LiuGong dealer network. With further consolidation and expansion planned for 2026, the collaboration is positioned as a long-term growth partnership aimed at capturing an increasingly significant share of the southern African heavy equipment market.

Construction of Bishoftu International Airport begins

Ethiopian Airlines Group, Africa’s largest airline, has officially launched construction of Bishoftu International Airport, marking a major milestone in the continent’s aviation development

Construction commenced on 10 January 2026, following a formal groundbreaking ceremony attended by His Excellency Dr Abiy Ahmed, prime minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, alongside ministers, senior government officials, industry leaders, stakeholders and Ethiopian Airlines executives.

During the ceremony, Ethiopian Airlines also revealed the airport’s architectural design and confirmed the successful completion of the resettlement and livelihood restoration programme for communities affected by the project.

Prime minister Dr Abiy Ahmed, senior government representatives and Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew jointly unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the official start of construction.

Commenting on the occasion, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said, “This is truly a proud moment for Ethiopian Airlines and for all of Africa. We are embarking on a new chapter with the groundbreaking of Bishoftu International Airport that will redefine the continent’s aviation ecosystem. As we celebrate 80 years of service, this project stands as yet another milestone, underscoring our commitment to shaping the future of the African air transport industry, while supporting the growing demand for our passenger and cargo services. Bishoftu International Airport is a major step towards addressing the infrastructural gap in Africa and a key player in implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and at Ethiopian we are committed to realize the completion of this project.”

In his address, prime minister Dr Abiy Ahmed described the groundbreaking as a landmark moment in Ethiopia’s path toward modernisation and economic growth. He highlighted Ethiopian Airlines as a symbol of national pride, not because it has been without challenges, but because of its resilience, ability to overcome obstacles, and pioneering role in African aviation. He further noted that the airline’s strength is rooted in its corporate culture, which prioritises safety and security, encourages leadership driven by creativity and hard work, is supported by a workforce of more than 26,000 employees who identify strongly with the national carrier, and is reinforced by a continuous commitment to learning and capacity building.

Bishoftu International Airport is set to become a transformative infrastructure project for Ethiopian and African aviation, strengthening trade, tourism and connectivity across Africa and beyond. Phase One is scheduled for completion by 2030, with capacity to handle 60 million passengers annually. Once fully developed, the airport is expected to accommodate up to 110 million passengers per year, positioning Ethiopia as a leading global aviation hub.