Leading truck and trailer manufacturer, Serco, forecasts another challenging year ahead for South Africa with negative factors such as load shedding and congestion at the country’s ports taking their toll.
However, CEO Clinton Holcroft is optimistic about prospects for Serco, citing innovation and resilience as the company’s beacons of hope and confidence.
Looking back on a “tough” 2023, Holcroft said while trailer orders had decreased and truck demand stagnated, there had been an encouraging surge in the company’s repair business.
Serco’s commitment to innovation and customer service were yielding positive results, which included being recipients of the SPAR Group’s Award for the most Improved Supplier in 2023. “We’re really excited about that as giving excellent service to our customers is what we aim for constantly.”
Holcroft said the impact of load shedding on retailers and the perishable food industry had been significant. However, amid all the chaos and drama, Serco was proud to announce that its Cape Town branch had joined joins the ranks of the solar powered, in line with its Durban and Johannesburg branches.
“Exciting developments continue with the introduction of E-tag axle charging systems on our new trailers. This innovative technology, piloted in collaboration with clients, harnesses power to fuel the fridge and tail lift, reducing reliance on diesel and eliminating cumbersome electrical cables.”
Holcroft is optimistic about 2024, seeing a “reasonable” improvement in Serco’s trailer and truck body sales. Recent product enhancements, including a high-volume dry freight interlink trailer and the lightweight Protec Lite refrigerated trailer, had attracted positive client feedback.
“Serco is meeting challenges, committed to delivering exceptional service, while helping steer the truck and trailer building industry towards a brighter future,” he added.