Pilot Crushtec is working towards building a strong network of European distributors as it consolidates its global position as a specialist supplier of crushing and screening solutions.
Paul Marais, sales and marketing director at the South African-based manufacturer, says this drive follows the launch last year of the TwisterTrac VS350E Stage V vertical shaft impact (VSI) crusher which was specifically developed to comply with the European Union’s stringent Stage V emissions regulations. Significantly, the first Stage V unit was sold into the UK, underlining both the relevance of the machine to the European market and the opportunity for further expansion.
“The TwisterTrac VS350E is a well-proven range with over 100 units in operation globally,” Marais says. “We have now evolved that robust platform to make it accessible to markets where Stage V compliance is a requirement.”
More than 70% of the installed TwisterTrac units are already operating outside South Africa, with a growing population in the UK and Europe in particular. This expanding footprint is now a key driver behind the company’s search for distribution partners who can provide local sales coverage, technical support and aftermarket service.
“With an established machine population in those territories, there are customers who can be serviced by local distributors,” he explains. “Potential distributors can also speak to existing users about the quality of the equipment and the level of support they already receive from us.”
The search for the most suitable distributors is under way, and Pilot Crushtec says it will use its presence at the UK’s Hillhead exhibition in June to continue engaging with potential candidates.
“We are specialist manufacturers of vertical shaft impact (VSI) crushers and compact modular plants,” Marais says. “Our strategy is to be exceptional in selected product areas and we are looking for distributors whose portfolios and market focus align with that approach.”
In practical terms, this means Pilot Crushtec is seeking distributors with solid technical expertise, proven service capability and a meaningful local or regional footprint.
“Ideally, we are looking for distributors who are active not only in mobile crushing and screening, but also in stationary and fixed operations,” he says. “Equally important are their reputation in the market, the strength of their support teams and their ability to support customers to our standards.”
Marais adds that the company’s approach is flexible and tailored to each market. In some countries, separate partners handle mobile and fixed equipment, while in others a single distributor covers both. Support and partnership remain central to Pilot Crushtec’s distribution strategy with the company playing an active role in backing its partners.
“We are very proactive in our partnerships,” he notes. “We regularly conduct remote training, join customer calls and support sales enquiries. We also provide technical guidance, advice and case studies, so our distributors know they are not on their own.”
