In what was expected to be a PIP (Product Improvement Program) on The SEDCO 702 semi- submersible drill rig owned by the Transocean group (The world’s largest offshore drilling company), it rather turned out to be the first biggest parts sales deal which Mantrac Ghana, Takoradi has ever witnessed for the oil sector business. With a team Comprising of the Service Manager, the Product Support Sales Representative and two CAT engineers, the journey to offshore materialized with Mantrac’s personnel already geared up to show the customer, the capabilities of the Local CAT Dealership.

The PIP was conducted on six 3612 main engines onboard the drill rig. The Improvement was to check the torque specifications on the connecting rod bolt of the 3612 engines which Caterpillar have found to have slacken  in other models of that engine. This took a period of six days to complete the job which baffled the customer, looking at the size of the 3612 engines.

The PSSR Mr. Kwabena Boateng Yeboah took this opportunity to find ways in which Mantrac could support this offshore customer. With his CSP (Counselor Sales Person) knowledge and excellent sales skills he was able to discuss engine oil sales when he realized that the customer was using competitive oil, Mobilgard ADL 40. This discussion led into other discussions with the decision makers in Nigeria and within a period of four days the first consignment of quantity 20 of the 1000L Cubes was supplied to customer.

A second consignment was also supplied to customer. This wonderful feat was achieved through the collaborated ‘ONE VOICE’ slogan which has always been the hallmark of the branch.

Since 2001, Mantrac Ghana Cat Oil demand has seen consistent growth from a few hundreds of litres to the current 2 million litres. This growth rate has been largely contributed by the Goldfields and Newmont Maintenance and Repair Contracts and other major mining customers. The non-mining sector’s demand, although modest, has been steady over the years.

In June this year, Caterpillar acting through Exxon Mobil (the sole suppliers of CAT Oil), presented an Excellence Award to Mantrac Ghana Limited, with the citation “ In recognition of Total Sales of 2 million litres of Cat Oil Sales 2009.  Achieving highest growth rate across EAME (+67%)”.  

The picture below shows Mr. Mahmoud El Maghrabi, Mantrac Ghana Territory Manager, receiving the plaque from Mr. Richard Metz, Strategic Global Alliance Manager, ExxonMobil Lubricants & Petroleum Specialties, in the presence of key Mantrac Ghana Product Support team members and ExxonMobil officials.

ExxonMobil officials conducted a weeklong Cat Oil Sales and Product Training for Product Support Sales Representatives, Service Engineers and other support staff.