Coordinating our African network

The Africa & Israel zone has the distinction of relying exclusively on a network of partner distributors.

But, even if Haulotte does not have a subsidiary in this zone, trade relations are numerous and dynamic.

Didier Mertens (Business Development Manager in Africa) and Ahmed Errouissi (Service Manager in Africa) are the main contacts in this part of the world.

Ahmed Errouissi arrived in our midst a little over a year ago to take up the post of Service Manager, and in that time he has strengthened our presence on this promising market.  He has forged strong links with our partner distributors in Africa and Israel. “Coordinating the network takes many different forms. For example, answering questions from hotliners on warranty issues, training distributors and customers, monitoring technical safety campaigns and inventorying Haulotte machines”.

Based in France, Mr Errouissi travels regularly to the different African and Israeli regions and analyzes the service needs of the markets in which we operate: South Africa, Algeria, Ivory Coast, Israel, Morocco, Nigeria, Réunion, Senegal, Tunisia. Ahmed’s multicultural background is an important asset: “There is a very diverse range of languages and cultures. Expectations are not the same. For example, in Algeria demand is concentrated on new machines or those less than three years old with warranty issues, while Morocco is more interested in second-hand ranges, with great importance placed on spare parts.”

African countries represent real potential … and real challenges! On this huge continent, the service’s distance management and reactivity make all the difference. “Partners need to feel supported. I am always in contact with them, either meeting them personally or holding online or phone conferences with them, 7 days a week.” In addition, inventorying Haulotte machines makes it possible to offer the right spare parts to distributors. This means they can count on a well-supplied stock to quickly and efficiently satisfy their end customers. “Haulotte has a good reputation, thanks to its customer service and its “made in France” identity, which still carries a certain weight in francophone countries”.