Haulcon MANs up after takeover

The recent acquisition of Haulcon (Hauliers Consortium) by JSE-listed logistics organisation, Super Group, saw the procurement of 16 MAN TGS WW truck-tractors as part of the dry-bulk tanker fleet’s vehicle replacement cycle.

According to Peter Mountford, Super Group CEO, “the Haulcon acquisition is a huge development for Super Group and synergises perfectly with our core interests in mobility and supply chain services”.

“The group’s strategy is to grow the bulk tanker fleet with a sharp focus on cost reduction and optimisation,” he says. “Apart from Haulcon’s longstanding relationship with MAN, there is a massive alignment to MAN across Super Group. The TGS WW was chosen because not only does it offer lowest-lifecycle-cost but it’s an exceptionally pretty truck.”

MAN Truck & Bus SA’s management board member, Mike Macdonald says, “The coming together of Haulcon, Super Group and MAN represents a significant partnership, one that has proved beneficial for all involved, especially in these tough market conditions. The order for 16 MAN TGS WW derivatives is testimony to the solid teamwork and commitment to making things work from all three companies.”

Half of the Haulcon fleet of 46 trucks comprises MAN truck-tractors and the new TGS WW 26.480 and TGS WW 26.440 prime-movers will replace Haulcon’s MAN TGA truck-tractors.

“Our trucks carry dry bulk products over lead distances between 240 km and 500 km so it’s a true longhaul application. Our drivers rated the TGA the most ergonomic and safe truck in the fleet and the new TGS WW has exceeded their expectations,” says Ingrid Masson, Haulcon’s managing director.

With blue-chip clients like Anglo Platinum, PPC and Afrisam, reliability is critical in a fleet delivering to ready-mix plants and construction sites. “Our trucks are expected to travel 22 000 km per month, every month of the year, so uptime is our number-one priority. MAN’s dealer network covers our operational regions perfectly, giving us all the necessary service support to meet our service-level commitments,” adds Masson.

The 360 kW (480 hp) and 330 kW (440 hp) MAN TGS WWs are equipped with the award-winning MAN D26 turbocharged common-rail diesel engine, displacing 2 300 Nm and 2 100 Nm of torque respectively. With a frugal green-band between 1 200 – 1 500 r/min and an automated TipMatic gearbox, the TGS WW delivers excellent fuel consumption and drivetrain longevity.

Both derivatives are backed by MAN’s class-beating four-year/600 000 km driveline warranty. Masson says the new trucks will clock up around 750 000 km over three years and then be traded in.

For Phillip Smith, Super Group’s supply chain management consultant, “success in this industry depends entirely on the relationship between operator, vehicle supplier and the workshop. It’s about how well you work together and both Haulcon and Super Group believe MAN is the right partner to help build our dry bulk tanker division.”