Hassane Khalil, Managing Director of ICOGEF Équipements, shares his entrepreneurial journey, his company’s ambitions, and its approach to navigating the challenges and opportunities of the Ivorian market.
The industrial equipment sector in transformation
Founded in Côte d’Ivoire seven years ago, ICOGEF Équipements has become a leading player in materials handling and lifting solutions in the country.
« After 16 years working for international companies, I decided to take the leap and start my own business, » shares Hassane Khalil, whose passion for entrepreneurship drives his vision.
Today, ICOGEF Équipements represents several prestigious brands, including Haulotte.
« It has been a challenge to position high-end products in a market often focused on low-cost alternatives, but we’ve succeeded by emphasizing quality after-sales service. »
In just a few years, ICOGEF Équipements has grown to employ 55 staff, operate a diverse fleet of machines, and manage approximately 400 to 500 machines under rental-maintenance contracts, alongside a dozen workshop vehicles. With annual sales between €6 and €7 million, the company is recognized for providing comprehensive, tailored solutions and exceptional after-sales support.
The industrial equipment sector in transformation
Côte d’Ivoire, the economic powerhouse of West Africa, has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, with an average annual GDP growth rate of 6.5% from 2021 to 2023, according to the World Bank. The African Development Bank corroborates these figures, reporting a rise from 6.2% in 2022 to 6.5% in 2023.
This sustained economic expansion has driven major infrastructure projects, such as bridges, interchanges, and the construction of Africa’s tallest tower, all requiring equipment capable of operating at significant heights.
« The construction industry is by far the largest consumer of aerial work platforms. Companies are increasingly seeking machines that can reach heights of up to 43 meters for demanding tasks, » explains Khalil.
The industrial and food processing sectors are also rapidly expanding markets.
Khalil elaborates, « Modern power plants, factories, and warehouses are adopting international standards, necessitating reliable and efficient equipment like Haulotte’s offerings. »
After-sales service and training that make the difference
For Khalil, after-sales service is a cornerstone of ICOGEF Équipements’ strategy.
« In Côte d’Ivoire, a major challenge is ensuring the availability of spare parts and providing technical training. We are investing heavily in training skilled local technicians and maintaining stocks of essential parts. »
ICOGEF Équipements goes beyond merely supplying machines. The company partners with its customers to deliver tailored solutions that optimize costs and improve efficiency. « We don’t engage in one-off transactions. Each project is an opportunity to offer customized solutions, » Khalil emphasizes.
This dedication has earned ICOGEF Équipements a stellar reputation. Khalil recounts, « Recently, we repaired a damaged Haulotte aerial work platform thanks to the swift intervention of our team and Haulotte’s technical support. The customer was so impressed that they immediately placed an order for a second machine. »
Haulotte: a key partner for local development
ICOGEF Équipements integrates Haulotte products into its comprehensive solutions.
« Haulotte stands out for the reliability of its machines and its exemplary technical support. With team members like Ahmed Errouissi, technical manager, and Thierry Séon, regional manager, we ensure complete customer support from installation to maintenance. »
At the recent Agrofood & Plastprintpack West Africa trade show, ICOGEF Équipements showcased Compact 8 and Compact 10 scissor lifts. Khalil remarks, « This event was an excellent platform to demonstrate how Haulotte solutions address local company needs, particularly for warehouse operations in packaging plants where lifting solutions may not have been initially considered. »
Changing Mindsets: From Buying to Renting
ICOGEF Équipements integrates Haulotte products into its comprehensive solutions.
« Haulotte stands out for the reliability of its machines and its exemplary technical support. With team members like Ahmed Errouissi, technical manager, and Thierry Séon, regional manager, we ensure complete customer support from installation to maintenance. »
At the recent Agrofood & Plastprintpack West Africa trade show, ICOGEF Équipements showcased Compact 8 and Compact 10 scissor lifts. Khalil remarks, « This event was an excellent platform to demonstrate how Haulotte solutions address local company needs, particularly for warehouse operations in packaging plants where lifting solutions may not have been initially considered. »
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, ICOGEF Équipements has ambitious goals. Khalil outlines, « We aim to expand our fleet, strengthen customer service, and complete our ISO certification process to deliver international-quality standards to our clients. »
He concludes, « With partners like Haulotte and a motivated team, we are confident in our ability to contribute to Côte d’Ivoire’s economic development while meeting our customers’ unique needs. »
ICOGEF Équipements embodies a new generation of African companies, blending local market adaptation with international standards to offer high-quality, sustainable solutions.