The doors to a new 13,780-square-foot parts distribution center (PDC) officially opened in Midrand, launching Navistar's (NYSE: NAV) newest facility in South Africa.
The new PDC will greatly improve customer service and parts availability for customers throughout the region. Located just north of Johannesburg, the Midrand PDC now imports, stocks, markets and distributes aftermarket service parts for the entire Southern Africa region.
"Our strategy in Southern Africa is another sign of Navistar's growing global presence and demonstrates our commitment to serve our customers in the Southern Africa region," said Phyllis Cochran, senior vice president and general manager, Navistar Parts Group.
International brand trucks have a long history in South Africa dating back to 1921. In 2008, Navistar introduced a new distribution strategy in southern Africa, creating Navistar International Trucks Southern Africa, to import and assemble International brand trucks such as the International 9800i and provide comprehensive aftersales technical service and parts support for the International brand.
"Our trucks deliver a strong brand presence in Southern Africa and expectations of our PDC include profitably growing our parts business by expanding our parts availability, service and support capabilities," said Tim Quinlan, regional vice president, Navistar Truck Group.
The PDC will support dealerships in Namibia and Swaziland as well as several in South Africa, including locations in Wadeville, Johannesburg South, Polokwane, Middelburg and Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Harrismith, Richards Bay, George, Nelspruit, and Port Shepstone.
