It is vital for companies to visit their foreign partners in person from time to time to strengthen global business relationships and grow their markets. Recently, we had the opportunity to visit Knott’s South African representative, Burquip, a major player in the region’s aftermarket.
Knott and Burquip collaboration
Knott is known worldwide for its brake systems and trailer components, used in a wide range of industries from agriculture to logistics. Burquip, as Knott’s representative in South Africa, plays a key role in the local expansion of the brand and the strengthening of its market position.
Based in Johannesburg, they manufacture axles and overrun devices, which are sold through several trading points in South Africa – Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, and Durban. The company, which employs 130 people, has a strong majority share of the trailer aftermarket, a clear demonstration of its market dominance.
Strategic business agreement with AL-KO
One of the keys to Burquip’s success is the strategic business agreement it signed with AL-KO last year. Under the agreement, they took over AL-KO’s markets, manufacturing and service operations in South Africa, significantly increasing their market share. Nevertheless, Knott will remain their main supplier, thus strengthening the Knott brand in the region. This move has brought a significant change not only for Burquip but also for the entire South African trailer industry, as the merger has further increased the availability and quality of Burquip’s products.
Factory visit and experiences
During the mission we had the opportunity to gain insight into the production processes and meet the local team in person. Burquip’s production plant is equipped with modern technology to ensure that products are manufactured to high quality standards. Expert engineers and technicians are dedicated to ensuring that Knott’s products meet the needs of the South African market in every respect.
During the visit, we learned about a number of innovations that have been introduced to optimise product development and production. These include increasing the efficiency of production lines and developing customised solutions to meet customer requirements.
Strengthening the Knott brand in South Africa
Burquip will continue to operate as a Knott agency and is committed to making the brand even better known in the South African market. The company aims to further increase its customer base and ensure the competitiveness of its products through continuous improvements.
The visit confirmed that the cooperation between Burquip and Knott is based on solid foundations and will ensure the long-term success of the companies. Strategic partnerships and innovative developments will enable Knott and Burquip to further strengthen their positions not only in South Africa but also in global markets.
Summary
Business missions play a key role in maintaining business relationships and exploiting market opportunities. Our visit to Burquip highlighted the importance of the South African market for Knott, and its continued development is making the brand an increasingly dominant player in the region. The agreement with AL-KO has further strengthened Burquip’s position, enabling an even broader market presence and customer service.
Future plans include the introduction of new technologies and the further expansion of the South African market, which will contribute to Knott’s global growth and recognition. Experience clearly shows that the collaboration between Burquip and Knott is exemplary and will ensure successful long-term cooperation in the Southern African region.