J.A. Plant Pool (Gh) Ltd (JAPP) is making waves in the importation, assembling, retail servicing of vehicles and other implements in the country. Maxwell Akalaare Adombila (GB) caught up with the Managing Director of the company, Mr Lolu Akindele (LA), on the company’s operations, strategy and vision.
GB: In specifics, what does J. A. Plant Pool do?
LA: J. A. Plant Pool (Gh) Limited (JAPP) is into the sale of earthmoving and heavy-duty equipment, buses, generator sets and spare parts in Ghana. We also provide an effective after-sales support in repair and maintenance, sale of genuine spare parts and training of drivers, operators and mechanics.
We represent major international heavy duty and earthmoving manufacturing companies like XCMG, Yutong, Sinotruk, Weichai and HBIS.
GB: JAPP aims to be a bigger brand in the construction and mining industry by 2017. What is the strategy to achieve this?
LA: Working to the mantra ‘service excellence’ as both a strategy and core belief at JAPP, we are excited and incredibly full of anticipation in seeing what we will co-create with our customers.
That is always focusing on the expectations and needs of the consumer, by constantly asking the customer what constitutes excellent service and making the customer the starting point for change.
This will lead to an improved relationship between JAPP and customers, promotion of innovation and creativity in the delivery of services, recognition of employees who deliver excellent service, higher level of confidence in JAPP and services that are designed and delivered with clients in mind. A case in point is our products and support service packages, which have made us a referral point for most businesses and individuals that have dealt with us.
GB: How have you survived the various challenges facing businesses like yours in the country?
LA: Developing our core values, which are the principles that form the foundation of our activities in dealing with clients have been our main operating strategy.
Beyond that, we are a Christ-centred company that believes that God is the foundation of all wisdom and knowledge and as such are guided by Godly principles.
Our adherence to moral and ethical principles is uncompromising and we do what is right even when it is not the easiest solution. We create an enabling environment of mutual respect and cooperation, where all are committed to the ultimate goals of the organisation. We are positioned to deliver the highest level of standards and solutions possible in our service delivery. We always challenge ourselves to go beyond expectations to achieve results.
JAPP also understands that we are dependent on our customers. For this reason, we go to a great length to understand our customers and tailor products and services to best meet their needs, wants and aspirations. We do not leave any stone unturned in our quest to understand and delight our customers. Again, we aim to be innovative, effective and efficient within our company to help create inspired and visionary solution for business operation and that is the result we are seeing.
GB: One of your success stories in the country is the importation and sale of Yutong buses. What lessons do you think entrepreneurs in the country can draw from such a milestone?
LA: Entrepreneurs in Ghana should not only see themselves as organising and managing an enterprise but as individuals with innovative solutions to society’s most pressing social problems.
This is what the importation and sale of Yutong buses sought to do in Ghana. It transformed the road transport industry. Other lessons include perseverance and with that I mean that never giving up in the face of challenges. Also, being able to take calculated risks is a key factor.
GB: What should your stakeholders, especially customers and prospective ones in the real estate, construction and mining industry expect from you in 2015 and beyond?
LA: JAPP will continue to supply quality products, improve our service delivery channels and generally ensure total customer satisfaction. Our customers can also expect closer collaboration this year that will help grow their businesses.
GB: What is your advice to customers?
LA: Customers should pay special attention to the maintenance of their equipment as and when it is due. In doing so, we advise that original replacement parts should be used; equipment should be operated and maintained by well-trained operators and technicians and manufacturers’ specifications as contained in operator’s manual should be adhered to; that is overloading, under/over inflation of tyres, among others, should be avoided.
GB: Are there any benefits for first-time customers as well as repeat ones? How can one locate and access your services?
LA: Maintaining customers and increasing our market share is of paramount importance to us. JAPP offers negotiated discounts on outright purchases. Where a customer is unable to purchase outright, we provide a flexible payment plan that best suits the customer. We also link customers to financial institutions to help finance
their purchase.
JAPP currently has two main branches in Accra and Kumasi. We also have satellite workshops in Cape Coast, Sunyani, Tamale and Takoradi to ensure that we stay close to our customers as much as possible.
GB: What are some of the new things happening at JAPP?
LA: In order to ensure greater focus and more efficient services, new subsidiaries have been created. These are the Yutong Ghana Ltd, which will be responsible for servicing the transport sector. We recently signed a technical agreement with Yutong China in this regard. J.A Hiring, which is another subsidiary, will also be responsible for hiring of equipment and also taking up contract jobs.
Beyond the subsidiaries, we have also introduced Weichai Generators to our product line in order to overcome the current ‘dumsor’ challenges.
GB: Who is Mr Akindele?
LA: I am the chief servant here, where I provide the leadership to ensure that all stakeholders enjoy maximum returns.
I have over 20 years banking experience, having worked in top management banking positions in both Nigeria and Ghana.
The last being the General Manager in Intercontinental Bank Ghana Ltd (now Access Bank). While there, I was able to contribute my quota to the transformation and progression of the bank.
My areas of strength include strategic planning, business development and staff capacity building.
I am happily married with children and also a Pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).