Africa Power Fencing

Overview 

Africa Power Fencing has been at the forefront of delivering superior electric fencing solutions for the agricultural and wildlife markets in South Africa and across Africa. With over 32 years of experience working with Gallagher products, the company continues to drive success by leveraging Gallagher’s high-performance Energizers, particularly the M12000i, to meet the demands of large-scale projects. 

The Beginning of a Long-Term Partnership 

Martin van der Merwe, the founder of Africa Power Fencing, first encountered Gallagher in 1992 when John Watson managed Gallagher Fencing in Nelspruit. Introduced to the brand by his brother, who was also in the fencing industry, Martin quickly recognized the quality and reliability of Gallagher products. 

Between 1994 and 1996, he served as a sub-distributor for Gallagher before establishing his own business, dedicated to offering top-tier electric fencing solutions powered by Gallagher’s advanced technology. 

Product Evolution and Customer Demand 

Over the years, Africa Power Fencing has relied on Gallagher’s innovative Energizers to support its large-scale projects. Initially, the M5800i was a customer favorite until its discontinuation. The company then transitioned to the MBS6000, followed by the MBS6500i and the powerful M12000i, which remains one of their most sought-after products. 

While the MBS2800 is also in demand, Africa Power Fencing primarily focuses on large projects that require high-performance Energizers. Additionally, the company exclusively promotes Gallagher’s porcelain isolators, which have gained popularity among their customer base. 

Enhancing Customer Support and Service 

Despite being a long-time Gallagher partner, Martin acknowledges that customer service was once an area of concern. However, significant improvements have been made since Mark Smith joined the Gallagher team in late 2021.  

“We started building a strong relationship with Mark in 2022, and I believe he is the best person for the job. His proactive approach to supporting resellers has made a real difference,” Martin shares. 

Gallagher’s commitment to strengthening its reseller relationships has resulted in a more seamless collaboration, with the team providing greater support than ever before.

Areas for Improvement 

While Africa Power Fencing is highly satisfied with Gallagher’s products and service, Martin highlights a few areas for potential improvement: 

Durability of Large Energizer Casings – Compared to competitors, Gallagher’s Energizer casings could be more robust, particularly for the larger units. 

Warranty Approvals – Martin feels that warranty claims are sometimes rejected more frequently than approved, even when installations have been completed correctly. 

Service Center Communication – Improving the responsiveness and clarity of communication between the service center and clients would enhance the overall customer experience. 

Looking Ahead: The Future with Gallagher 

Martin is optimistic about the future, especially with Gallagher’s continued advancements in technology. The i-Series, which has already contributed to the success of Africa Power Fencing, is a testament to Gallagher’s leadership in the industry. 

“Technology makes farming easier. Gallagher is already ahead, and with continuous improvements, they can only move forward. Our success story with Gallagher and the i-Series is just the beginning.” 

With a strong partnership, a commitment to quality, and an eye on innovation, Africa Power Fencing and Gallagher are set to achieve even greater milestones in the years to come.