African Agri spoke to three leading machinery and equipment brands—John Deere, Case IH, and New Holland—to learn more about what visitors can expect at Nampo, and to gain insight into the extensive logistics behind the scenes.
Case IH: Power and Precision
André Olwagen, Strategic Marketing Manager and Product Portfolio Manager at Case IH, is leading the company’s Nampo presence for the second year and says they’re coming in strong.
Case IH will showcase several heavy hitters, headlined by the 260 Series Combine Harvester, a brand-new model for South Africa, and the 715 Quadtrac, currently the largest tractor in the country.
Another highlight is an in-line ripper, recently introduced to the market and already receiving positive feedback. Olwagen estimates the total value of Case IH’s showcased machinery and equipment at between R50 million and R60 million.
The logistics have been formidable, with machinery imported from across the globe.
“Some containers took between 65 and 90 days by sea to reach South Africa,” said Olwagen.
Once in the country, the machines had to be assembled and transported to Nampo. Case IH partnered with a logistics company to handle the move, including a crane truck for the heaviest units.
Wet weather added to the challenge. “Setting up has been tough, especially with 35-ton machines on soggy grass,” he said. “But we did what was needed to make it work.”
John Deere: Bigger and Better
Lucas Groenewald, Marketing Manager and Division 1 Sales Southern Africa for John Deere Africa and Middle East, said their Nampo preparations began as early as July/August last year with budgeting and planning.
By January, the team was sourcing stock from dealers, building toward a major reveal: the launch of a new tractor on Tuesday, touted as “the biggest tractor in the country.”
This marks Groenewald’s 28th Nampo, and he says the stand has been gradually upgraded with paving and roofing to withstand any weather conditions.
John Deere began delivering its machinery to the site last week.
“We have more than R100 million worth of agricultural machinery and implements on display,” Groenewald noted.
The full team has been on site since Monday, putting final touches in place ahead of opening day.
New Holland: Celebrating 50 Years of Twin Rotor Technology
At the New Holland stand, Marketing Manager for Southern Africa, Jaco du Preez, said they are celebrating 50 years since the launch of their twin rotor technology.
Their extensive double corner stand (A2 and A3) will feature the full New Holland range, including a selection of utility construction equipment from New Holland Construction.
“We’re displaying equipment valued at between R80 million and R85 million,” du Preez shared.
This year’s focus is on technology upgrades and new features for their combine harvesters, including the PLM Intelligence console.
Planning for Nampo began in November, made easier by the availability of much of the stock locally. However, wet conditions and road closures delayed transport.
“Despite the delays, everything is now in place,” he said. “We’re busy with final preparations and excited to welcome visitors.”