trailer world issue Three 2009

Issue Three 2009 25 Photos:Willms When customers decide to go elsewhere, Andre Cilliers remains calm, since they usually come back to BPW sooner or later. They then stay with the brand forever, attests the 53-year old man- aging director of BPW Axles Ltd. After all, German quality continues to be very highly regarded in the South African business community. The philosophy, product line, and tradition of the BPW subsidiary enhances the prestige of German engineering. The success story of the company dates back to 1962, when son Christian Peter Kotz (now head chairperson) was called to Johannesburg by his father. Christian then looked at the ERN Quality Products running gear plant and bought it to start serving the booming South African transport market. The address has not changed; the outskirts of the thriving me- tropolis are still home to a spotlessly clean factory. Here, the axles and suspension modules that have been produced in Germany and South Africa are assembled for the local market, completed and delivered to neighbouring countries. Computer-controlled wel- ding robots, customized components, and decades of know-how have put the southern-most BPW crew at the top of the list when it comes to professional running gear construction in the region. The products that leave the factory have to meet demanding re- quirements, as they travel over rough, unsurfaced roads in Zam- bia, are used in 22-meter heavy duty trucks for mining, and are fitted to modern, long-distance vehicles designed for maximum fuel efficiency. Returning to stay The oldest BPW foreign subsidiary of the 45 in- ternational locations, in 25 countries, is in South Africa. For over 47 years, the running gear special- ists in Johannesburg have been meeting a wide range of needs with durable, high-tech designs for the southern portion of the continent.

trailer world issue Three 2009

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