Pilot Crushtec International has been appointed as the sole southern Africa distributor for Metso’s aggregates products and services.

The joint agreement, which came into effect on Saturday 2 April 2016, is recognised by both parties as the basis for an operational business model that will drive the marketing of Metso’s comprehensive range of rock processing equipment by a distributor with an industry reputation for service excellence and technical support.

Adrian Wood, head of global distribution, Aggregates at Metso described the announcement as “a really exciting development. Service is a vitally important aspect of our business and Pilot Crushtec International’s recognised strength in this discipline will be of significant benefit to our customers.”

He added that over time the companies had gained a mutual respect out of their ability to stay the course for nearly three decades in an exceptionally demanding and competitive industry. He regards the formation of the agreement as a partnership in every sense of the word.

Pilot Crushtec International CEO Sandro Scherf explains that the association with Metso offers a wealth of opportunities to both partners as well as improving its product offering to customers operating Modular Plants.

“We will be marketing all aggregate producing products within the Metso range including static, tracked and wheeled, crushers, scalpers and screens. An added benefit, which will certainly appeal to our Pilot Modular customers, is that Metso static crushers and screens will in future be specified as original equipment for this semi-mobile range of products.”

Scherf believes that a combination of shared experience combined with a tried, tested – and soon the enhanced service platform – will stand the partnership in good stead.

“We have direct factory support from Metso in Finland which includes one of their senior technical specialists being in residence here for a significant part of the year. In addition we have the immediate benefit derived from Metso South Africa’s service hub which is also based in Jet Park.”

Scherf adds that Pilot Crushtec International has already committed itself to a sizeable inventory investment in terms of finished products and spare parts and has already addressed matters related to after sales service. The company has already taken on board no fewer than 11 of Barloworld’s sales and support team, which means that from an after sales care perspective the operation will be up and running from day one.

Wood also makes the point that a major influence has been the fact that Pilot Crushtec International has always kept its eye on the ball, remained firmly committed to its core businesses of crushing, screening and materials handling. Sourcing, marketing and servicing products provide customers with the solutions they need as well as develop and entrench business relationships.

Eric Bonin, Metso general manager distribution Africa Middle East and Turkey articulates the thrust behind the new venture. “Crushing and screening is a niche business and we needed an associate with the knowledge and experience that would provide us with an effective window into the market. Now that we have the right partner we have great opportunities. A lot of boxes have been ticked from day one and we believe our brand is in very good hands.”