What is significant about the sale is that while Opsicol is an enthusiastic user of Sandvik equipment, this was its first purchase of a new machine. Nicolan Govender, national sales manager for Sandvik distributor Pilot Crushtec International, explains how this came about.
"Our association with Opsicol began when it bought a used Sandvik product from another contractor and contacted us for assistance in providing replacement spares and servicing advice.
"This relationship has grown owing to the mine's ability to draw from the knowledge and experience of our regional sales and technical team which keeps in regular contact with operators of Sandvik equipment."
When Opsicol was faced with the need to increase its fleet in order to swell its output of export coal production, it decided that firstly it had to be a Sandvik and secondly that a new machine presented a better business proposition.
"Having been exposed to Pilot Crushtec International's service standards it made sense to take advantage of the many benefits that this brings. These include on-site commissioning, training and a 12-month warranty," says Govender.
The QA331 has been on site since January and Opsicol is well satisfied with its investment.
