AS the demand for high-performance ropes escalates across various sectors, Haggie’s renewed focus on Verope underscores its commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions in southern Africa. Since becoming a distributor for Verope in 2011, Haggie has successfully introduced these high-performance ropes into the market, and a recent shift aims to deepen this relationship and enhance their offerings.
As part of a more comprehensive strategy to expand its global footprint and presence in Africa, Verope has revised its approach to the local market. This comes through a joint approach with Haggie, which traditionally manufactures its own ropes, but continually recognises the growing need for high-performance alternatives, something Verope excels at. This collaboration aims to leverage Verope’s high-performance solutions and Haggie’s extensive distribution network to cater to broader market needs.
Game-changing performance
According to Alan Crawford, KZN regional manager for Haggie Distribution, the company is exploring new opportunities across various industries. These include the mobile crane market, the overhead crane sector, geotechnical applications, ports, and any other environments where high-performance ropes are essential.
“High-performance ropes play a crucial role in driving productivity, enhancing safety and reducing operational costs across a wide range of sectors such as marine, shipping, construction and industrial applications,” says Crawford.
Citing Verope’s VeroPro 8 rope, he says it exemplifies the advanced technology driving this shift towards high-performance rope. Known for its compacted construction, this rope features reduced pressure between strands and a plastic layer that maintains lubrication, enhancing performance and longevity.
These innovations result in longer lifetimes and higher breaking loads, making Verope ropes ideal for high-demand applications.
There is a worldwide movement towards increasing the use of high-performance ropes, particularly in high-demand applications. While these ropes come with a higher cost and involve more production steps, they offer significant advantages. For instance, cranes that require three rope changes a year only need one. This reduction in downtime not only boosts productivity but also results in overall cost savings.
Research, development and prospects
The rope industry is constantly evolving, driven by research and development. Verope’s team is at the cutting edge, pushing the boundaries of rope design and application. Their in-house testing facilities ensure the company remains at the forefront of the industry.
Haggie’s role, on the other hand, extends beyond distribution. Practical stock planning and market de-mand analysis ensure competitive pricing and timely delivery. Haggie’s goal is to manage stock effectively and offer economic shipment solutions. This approach aligns with Haggie’s commitment to delivering value-added services, including training and maintenance.
New opportunities
“The growing demand for high-performance ropes presents exciting opportunities for Haggie and Verope,” says Crawford. “As new cranes and port facilities integrate these advanced ropes, the market for high-performance solutions continues to expand. Haggie’s focus on Verope’s innovative products positions them to meet these demands effectively and contribute to the ongoing evolution of the rope in-dustry. By aligning with Verope’s technological advancements and focusing on tailored solutions, we are set to significantly impact the market, driving growth and enhancing performance across various sectors.”