Volvo Penta industrial engines are found in a number of key areas where quality, reliability and efficiency are paramount, among others; power generators, water pumps, cargo handling, fork lift trucks and underground mining equipment. The engines range from 5 litre 4 cylinder to 16 litre 6 cylinder fixed and variable speed, producing 75kw – 650kw at fixed and variable speeds. 

The Volvo Penta agreement combines the respective expertise of both organisations to provide world class service to the customer and is seen as a valuable extension to Babcock’s existing representation of leading brands which includes Volvo Construction Equipment, SDLG Construction Machinery, Winget Concrete Handling Machinery, Tadano Cranes and DAF Trucks. 

Prerequisite to the agreement, Babcock has ceased manufacturing generator sets and will allocate all resources towards customer support. This enables Babcock to bring their considerable support services expertise to the industrial engine market by providing: 

- Technical services to Volvo Penta customers
- Control and administration of all warrantees
- Execution of warranty repairs
- Distribution of Volvo Penta parts and consumables
- Training to OEM engine service providers on the latest engine technology

Eric Lerche, General Manager – Industrial at Babcock says “This agreement builds on Babcock and Volvo’s excellent relationship that has been developed over a number of years in southern Africa”.

Lerche went on to say “With the Babcock emphasis on customer support, I see a tremendous opportunity for growth in the Volvo Penta business. Strong customer relationships are at the heart of a successful services business and at Babcock we pride ourselves on our ability to operate in partnership with OEM customers, working closely to deliver jointly agreed objectives and knowing each customer and their environment well enough to be able to anticipate their future requirements. To ensure customer expectations are exceeded, we have already trained over 100 people to ensure full integration with Volvo systems and processes.”  

In June 2012, Babcock opened its new centre of operation for their industrial business unit in Witfield, Boksburg. The facilities serve as a parts distribution centre and warehouse facility for commercial and after-market activities supporting Volvo Penta Industrial Engines, Lincoln Electric Welding and SDLG Construction Machinery. Lerche said that aftermarket support of Volvo Penta will be provided in conjunction with Babcock’s well established equipment business unit which allows them to capitalise on the existing experience, ongoing success and established distribution network throughout southern Africa.

Already one of their top OEM’s in the power generation business and the appointed sole distributor of Volvo Construction Equipment in the region, Babcock looked to be the natural choice for Volvo Penta when considering alternative avenues to strengthen the support and distribution of their products.  

"We have a very strong presence in Southern Africa, a valued reputation and a high level of customer satisfaction," said Rudi Jones, Managing Director for Volvo Penta in Africa "We are in a good  position in the Industrial engine market and constantly increase our share as well as penetrate new segments. The new agreement with Babcock will assist us to support the expansion of our business in the country." There are around 5000 Volvo Penta Industrial Engines working in various industries across Southern Africa at the moment.”  

End.

For further information, please contact:

Eric Lerche     
General Manager     
Babcock International Group – Industrial 
Tel: int +27 11 270 3700    
Email: eric.lerche@babcock.co.za 

Rudi Jones
General Manager
Volvo Penta – Southern Africa
Tel : int +27 11 842 5000
Email: roedolf.jones@volvo.com

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Babcock is the UK’s leading engineering support services organisation with revenue of circa £3bn in 2010 and an order book in excess of £12 billion. Defence, energy, telecommunications, transport and education are all sectors where Babcock is trusted to deliver critical support. The Africa division is a dynamic and diversified Group, a leading supplier of engineering support services to the energy, process, mining and construction industries and the exclusive regional distributor for many leading international brands and products in the region.