Vincent Colleu, executive director, head of construction and infrastructure, talks about the strategy of JA Delmas in West Africa to support their customers
JA Delmas has been present in West Africa for more than 160 years in 11 countries and a Cat dealer for 85 years. It serves three main industries in the region: mining, construction and infrastructure, energy manufacturing and services.
Vincent Colleu, executive director, head of the construction and infrastructure business unit, is in charge of equipment sales including parts, services and rental. He explains how the strategy of JA Delmas is centred around supporting the customer through their network and their two strategic hubs in Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire and Dakar in Senegal, as well as developing technology-embedded solutions and working closely with Caterpillar to develop their expanded product offering.
He shares that “The West African market is growing and we are continuing to work closely with our customers to help them become more efficient and profitable in their operations, wherever they are in West Africa.
“Another major point of our strategy is that we are developing technology-embedded solutions to support customers throughout their projects and in a view to help them increase overall productivity. Our global solution offering covers all aspects of a project, from initial advice, providing new, rental or used equipment, repair and maintenance as well as after sales support, spare parts, financing, technical training, and all aspects of customer support. We are striving to offer our customers a complete solution based around the equipment, the services and technologies.”
JA Delmas is working closely with Caterpillar on rolling out the recently launched new models across its dealership. The equipment includes the new Cat 426 backhoe loader, and the Cat next generation of hydraulic excavator range, as well as the utility range of SEM equipment.
“By providing this new equipment offer, we can help customers select the right machine for the right application. A customer using a machine for two to six hours a day won't have the same requirements as a customer using a machine 24/7.
“The new Cat 426 backhoe loader, for example, is particularly suited to the African market, and the next generation of hydraulic excavators is a great example of Caterpillar answering customer needs by offering choices with combinations of features to match customers’ productivity and cost target.”
The new 300 series raises the bar for efficiency with integrated Cat Connect Technology, advancing productivity and reducing fuel consumption by up to 25 per cent. The machines are adaptable to the level of technology required by the customer. For example in the new Cat 320 and 323 – the Cat Grade 2D system helps operators reach desired grade quickly and effectively and incorporates an e-fence mechanism to allow the machine to work safely under structures or when near to traffic without moving beyond the programmed limits.
Colleu says the Next Gen Hex range is currently being rolled out in West Africa and JA Delmas will hold special customer events to demonstrate and promote this new range of excavators.
He explains that other equipment now available within the SEM range will also be presented throughout customer events later this year.
“We have a strong footprint in West Africa, with more than 2,000 people on the ground, and we’re really investing in our network to support our customers in their operations for today and tomorrow in the region,” he adds.
