Grinding Power, based in Jet Park, Gauteng, is one of the longest standing Chicago Pneumatic distributors in South Africa and management attributes this success to the affordable quality and reliability of this globally renowned brand.
Recognising the potential for a service orientated company that would close the gap between the manufacturer and the end user, Managing Director, Andrew Fogarty, established Grinding Power in 1991. Setting the foundation for the sales, service and repair of pneumatic tools, the company evolved into delivering sales in industrial tools and compressors for the construction industry. With more than 25 years’ experience in the pneumatic tool industry, Andrew together with his team has taken the company to the next level. In 2014, Black female-owned consortium Losika Investments purchased 30% shares in the company and on 1st March 2016 KANG Ubunye Investments bought 21%, earning Grinding Power level 2 BEE status under the latest BBBEE codes.
According to Grinding Power shareholder and Sales Manager, Gavin O’Neill, when it comes to affordable quality and reliability, the Chicago Pneumatic range speaks for itself. “With an impressive manufacturing history that dates back over 100 years, Chicago Pneumatic skillfully keeps all that make the products great whilst remaining on the forefront of state-of-the-art technology. What makes the Chicago Pneumatic offering particularly appealing to customers is durability; their ‘built-to-last’ reputation gives end-users peace of mind with the knowledge that a 10 year old tool will continue to operate and spares are available. Chicago Pneumatic does not expect customers to pay more for quality and performance so putting myself into the customer’s shoes, this is the kind of support that I would look for when buying a tool.”
As a distributor and repair centre for Chicago Pneumatic industrial and construction tools for over 25 years, Grinding Power’s extensive product range in the hand-held pneumatic tools and equipment for the construction sector includes: Breakers, chipping hammers, rock drills, clay picks, rivet busters, submersible and sludge pumps, cut-off saws, scrabblers, portable diesel compressors (130 – 400 CFM) and generators..
2/Grinding Power_CP Distributor
2/…Grinding Power_CP Distributor
Grinding Power’s main focus with the Chicago Pneumatic range includes small, medium and large construction companies, large corporates and government infrastructure projects. “The versatility of the tools is such that it is equally suited to the single business owner who is looking for quality products at highly competitive rates, supported by excellent and personalised service,” adds Gavin.
“The Chicago Pneumatic products find their way to the surface mining industry through our resellers who are based in areas such as Lephalale, Carletonville and Klerksdorp,” explain Andrew and Gavin. “Chicago Pneumatics’ excellent product support is a true value add, especially in the mining industry which is renowned for its strict SHEQ policies. All products have to be registered and are expected to pass safety compliances before being allowed on site. All product information on SHEQ compliances such as noise and vibration levels is at the customer’s fingertips and can be easily and conveniently downloaded from the Chicago Pneumatic website.”
Grinding Power’s countrywide footprint covers Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Kwa-Zulu Natal, the Free State and the Eastern and Western Cape. The company’s Port Elizabeth branch supports and services the construction industry in the Eastern Cape region with a small stock holding of mainly breakers, compressors and parts. Grinding Power’s customer base also extends to countries outside South Africa’s borders to Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Andrew says that here too they are seeing a growing demand for Chicago Pneumatic tools.
Grinding Power has the capabilities and capacities to independently support both the brand and the products across the African continent. “We are self-sufficient and have the necessary expertise to offer turnkey service packages from onsite assistance to service exchange or back-up units in the event of emergencies,” states Andrew. “We also rebuild Chicago Pneumatic units and collect and deliver free of charge. We believe our true value add as a customer-oriented distributor is that we go the extra mile for our customers.” Grinding Power organises demo days on customer request to afford customers and their end-users the opportunity to test the equipment under full power on various materials.
Grinding Power is one of the largest stock holders of Chicago Pneumatic tools and consumables. “We believe that good stock holding and an efficient repair facility are fundamental practices to solid product support. To this end, our stock holding policy ensures that common units, spares and accessories are readily available and we have a quick turnaround on repairs to ensure minimum downtime for the customer.” Andrew and Gavin affirm that there are plans to extend their support program to the rest of the range, especially the hand held pneumatic concrete and compaction equipment. “If a tool stops, production stops so it is imperative that, in the event of a breakdown, we are there for our customer with expert, fast support to keep downtime to the absolute minimum.”
Product knowledge is essential for Andrew and Gavin who point out the importance of offering advice on the right tool for the right application. “Training thus plays a fundamental role in our company’s success. We attend different forms of product training on the brand, technical and application. Training programs that offer personnel the opportunity to put theory into practice by using the products and addressing the range in real applications after attending theory are extremely beneficial.”
Media Contact:
Jacques van der Westhuizen: Chicago Pneumatic Business Development Manager
Southern Africa - Chicago Pneumatic Construction Equipment
Phone: +27 11 821 9000 - Phone dir: +27 11 821 9535 - Mobile: +27 81 016 0307
E-mail: jacques.vanderwesthuizen@cp.com / www.cp.com
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