Highlighting its robust and reliable machines that it says deliver low total cost of ownership and operation, UK articulated hauler manufacturer Rokbak presented its RA30 and RA40 at Hillhead, alongside its UK dealer Molson Group.
IM caught up with Jacqueline Reid, Global Director: Marketing Communications & Product Management for Volvo Construction Equipment & Rokbak at the stand. Arguably one of the best rebrands yet in the mining and quarrying sector (Terex Trucks became Rokbak), Reid said the new name and image, including the colour scheme and tagline “whatever happens, we’ve got your back,” had been very well received by dealers and customers alike.
Three Rokbak haulers were at this year’s show, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to get up close to the machines, speak to product experts and see them in action. An RA40 was working at the quarry face demonstration area, where visitors could see it doing real-world work in a live quarry environment. Another RA40 was at the Rokbak stand, and an RA30 was at the Molson Group stand.
“At Hillhead we’re showing visitors how the RA30 and RA40 deliver low total cost of ownership and high productivity on a variety of jobs, including quarries, large-scale construction projects, infrastructure developments and mines,” says Paul Douglas, Rokbak Managing Director of Rokbak. “We’re currently seeing huge demand for our articulated haulers, with dealers and customers excited to get hold of the new machines.”
Since becoming part of the Volvo Group eight years ago, Rokbak says it has introduced multiple improvements with the aim of delivering new benchmarks in terms of hauler power, performance and total cost of ownership. For example, for the European market, both the RA30 and RA40 feature the latest EU Stage V emissions-compliant engine, boasting up to a 7% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to older EU Stage IV engines.
“Over the last few years we have made major improvements in every part of our business,” says Douglas. “The machines we have on the market today are in a different league to what was on offer previously. It has been a process of continual evolution. That’s why we felt it was right to recognise this evolution with a new brand name and to launch an exciting new chapter in our history.”
He adds: “The Rokbak name embodies rock-solid strength, robustness, reliability and the brand’s promise to always have the backs of customers. Our customers were already referring to our haulers as ‘rock trucks’ so it made perfect sense. Our articulated haulers have never been better, and our company has never been stronger.”
Rokbak hasn’t just concentrated on enhancing its haulers in recent years – it has also made substantial investments and improvements in employees, sustainability, processes, facilities and equipment. The production site in Motherwell, Scotland, has firmly moved into the 21st century with facility investments helping to improve safety, quality and environmental performance. These developments have also improved throughput efficiency and reduced manufacturing costs.
