4 minute read
Reinforcing Terberg’s presence in South East Asia
In our previous issue, we published an interview with Jeremy Boanson-James introducing our new subsidiary in Dubai. However, Jeremy has since moved to Singapore and has more great news to share, “At the end of 2023, Terberg acquired Zenith Engineering, our reliable distributor in the region for close to 20 years, to strengthen our presence here.
Zenith not only supplies RCVs but also builds trailers, tankers and static compactors, all designed by our Engineering department. We plan to continue these product lines and we have invested in a new factory space of 11,000 m² and have already moved the operations there. The relocation took only three weeks thanks to the superb team in Singapore. Production and service are all under one roof, quite literally, we have no yard here, but this promotes cleanliness and production efficiency.
Selangor plant
Zenith has a manufacturing facility located in Selangor, Malaysia, which is currently undergoing modernization. We have a complete set of OEM jigs to assemble Olympus bodies for our customers in this region. We are currently occupied with assembling Olympus bodies and bin lift kits there. These are required for a large order placed by a waste management company, Alam Flora. Terberg Tractors Malaysia facilitated the bid during the ongoing acquisition, a great example of synergy within the Royal Terberg Group.
Petrol and diesel service fleet are being replaced with 100% electric vans supporting our sustainability goals.
Olympus for the world
Since working in Export for Terberg Environmental my narrative and endeavour have been that wherever in the world you buy an Olympus, it should have the same quality and support. Although the proven core superstructure remains, we customize control and mechanical systems to adhere to local legislation and regulations. Our global manufacturing and service subsidiaries, bolstered by the addition of Terberg Zenith and its team, are steadfast in ensuring consistent Olympus supply worldwide.
Health and Safety
We’re committed to improving health and safety in both locations to match our other subsidiaries’ standards. In the first week, we provided all factory personnel with relevant PPE, including safety boots, a significant improvement from previously. We’ve also upgraded lighting, and fall protection systems, and are procuring modern welding equipment. Additionally, diesel forklifts have been replaced with electric units supporting our sustainability goals.
Service operations
We currently have 12 service vehicles for RCVs and other equipment in Singapore. I aim to replace all of them with electric vehicles, we currently have four. We use a new digital dispatch system that helps to improve customer service and efficiency. In addition to servicing RCVs and tankers at the factory, we are on a campaign to encourage more proactive maintenance.
Finding the right people
When demand calls it’s challenging to find skilled production and service staff. Therefore in Singapore, we are engaging with the ITE training institute that supports younger Singaporeans in finding vocational placements. We are also collaborating with TWI (The Welding Institute) in Malaysia to recruit newly graduated coded welders to support the manufacture of our pressure vessel tanks. The training they receive will ensure that we maintain high-quality welding standards when assembling Olympus bodies.
Terberg Zenith as a hub
Our organisation here will become a hub for the ASEAN region. That brings us closer to our distributors - it helps to be in the same time zone. Again, it’s about Terberg building closer relationships. We plan to expand our already strong presence in the RCV market as the demand for bin lifts and recycling bodies is expected to increase due to changing health and safety legislation – luckily both products are available within Terberg Environmental.
Dust screws
Zenith’s static compactor range, ‘dust screws’ as they are known in the region, are the leading brand in the market and are typically installed at the bottom of waste chutes in highrise buildings.
Electrification
With its tightly packed urban landscape and bustling streets, Singapore offers a prime opportunity for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. From service vans and refuse collection vehicles (RCVs) to electric sweepers, there is a growing demand for eco-friendly transportation options in the city-state. By embracing sustainable technology, Singapore is a leader in creating a cleaner, greener future for all.
Product range
Most of the RCVs in this region are rear loaders. However, we see an opportunity for Terberg Environmental Speedline SLM side loaders. As a result, we have recently brought one to this region to demonstrate its impressive single-man operation. Additionally, Terberg Zenith supplies and services Bucher sweepers. I am looking forward to growing Terberg’s presence in this region and building upon Zenith’s outstanding reputation and the great team of people.”
