Barloworld: Abnormal load haulage firm acquired

BARLOWORLD Transport had acquired an 80 percent stake in Cape Town-based specialist transport company Kumkani Heavy Haulage for an undisclosed amount, it said yesterday. It said Kumkani, which currently operates throughout southern Africa as far north as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Malawi, would be rebranded Manline Kumkani, with the strategic acquisition allowing it to provide an unparalleled service offering in the abnormal transport and project cargo sector. Manline Kumkani will form part of the specialised business unit within Barloworld Transport with Manline Mega, Barloworld Cranes and Timber24. Andrew Nicholson, the managing director of the specialised division of Barloworld Transport, said there was dynamic growth ahead for Manline Kumkani, with plans afoot to expand the fleet over the next year. “This initiative will be supported by the continued expansion of Manline Mega,” he said. Manline Kumkani operates in the modular abnormal sector that generally moves loads of more than 80 tons or that are very long in length. It runs 80 Gold Hoffer modular axle lines and 14 dedicated trucks that can be configured to move any load. Manline Mega specialises in abnormal loads and project cargo, moving anything up to 80 tons with its own fleet of 50 trucks. The unit plans to add another 20 trucks to this business over the next six months. Kumkani founder and managing director Ryan Wall will remain in his current role. Barloworld shares lost 0.69 percent to close at R100.60 yesterday. – Roy Cokayne