Chicago Pneumatic expands South African network

Manufacturer Chicago Pneumatic has appointed Durban, South Africa-headquartered BO’s Hire & Sales as its latest distributor in the region.

Chicago Pneumatic, which produces light compaction, concrete and portable energy equipment, said BO’s had invested over R34 million (€2.3 million) in new equipment over the past two and a half years.

It added that the rental company planned to roll out a further six new stores located around the Eastern Cape, Kwazulu-Natal and Gauteng, with an additional four earmarked for 2016. The new locations would bring BO’s number of stores to 22.

Jacques van der Westhuizen, business development for Chicago Pneumatic in Southern Africa, said BO’s Hire & Sales has already been successful in bringing Chicago Pneumatic’s construction equipment range to the South African market.

“BO’s success in growing market share in segments where we would like to gain momentum is a true testament to their commitment to the Chicago Pneumatic brand,” he said.

“In only six months it has become our overall number one distributor in South Africa, with record sales for our light compaction range. This has contributed significantly to the overall growth of Chicago Pneumatic in Southern Africa, and is even more impressive when taken in the context of a virtually stagnant economic climate.”

The Chicago Pneumatic range supplied by BO’s includes compaction and concrete equipment, portable generators and light towers, portable diesel compressors, as well as pneumatic and hydraulic demolition and construction equipment.

BO’s has an exclusive agreement for the distribution of Chicago Pneumatic’s light compaction range in South Africa, which currently comprises tampers, pedestrian rollers, floor saws and plate compactors.