Andries Van Niekerk
Walkerville
Summary
Seasoned Service Manager bringing 30+ years of mechanical and hydraulic experience. Proficient in business practices, standards of operation and customer needs. Empowering leader with passion for developing teams with focus on exceptional service delivery and customer retention.
Overview
42
42
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Product Support and Service Manager
Demolition & Drilling Equipment
04.2012 - Current
- Met with customers to discuss service needs and offer available solutions.
- Analyzed service reports to identify areas of improvement.
- Managed a team of technicians, ensuring timely completion of projects and high-quality workmanship.
- Monitored inventory levels and placed orders to replenish stock.
- Maintained a safe working environment by enforcing strict safety protocols and providing ongoing staff training on proper equipment use.
- Met with customers to discuss service needs and develop effective and practical solutions.
- Coordinated with other departments to maintain streamlined and productive workflow.
- Reduced service downtime for clients by proactively addressing potential issues and maintaining clear communication channels.
- Coordinated warranty claims processing, advocating on behalf of customers to ensure prompt resolution of covered repairs or replacements.
- Increased repeat business by fostering strong client relationships through personalized service and frequent follow-ups to ensure satisfaction.
- Monitored service staff performance and provided feedback for improvement.
- Negotiated with vendors to secure best prices for parts and supplies.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors and suppliers, resulting in improved product support and better pricing for customers.
- Mentored junior technicians, fostering a positive team dynamic that encouraged knowledge sharing and skill development.
- Monitored team performance, adhered to service level agreements (SLAs) and provided detailed job training.
- Collaborated with sales teams to develop comprehensive service packages tailored to individual client needs.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations by staying current on relevant updates and adjusting company policies accordingly.
- Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention
- Managed the assembly of Pedestal Boom Systems
- Oversaw the pre commissioning of all assembled equipment i.e Pedestal Boom systems, Hydraulic Power Packs and Brokk machines
- Quoted on all equipment that needed repairs i.e Epiroc hammers, Pedestal Boom systems, Brokk machines and TEI drifters
- Compiled reports on all jobs to be repaired detailing the damaged parts
Owner
AVN Hydra Tech
01.2006 - 04.2012
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently by team members.
- Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
- Established a positive workplace culture that fostered employee engagement, collaboration, and loyalty.
- Did field service work on Pedestal Booms, hydraulic hammers and Brokk machines.
- Did hydraulic fault finding on hydraulic systems
Hydraulic Fitter/Field Service Mechanic
Consolidated Rock Machinery Pty Ltd
01.1993 - 01.2005
- Repaired Montabert hydraulic hammers
- Did installations on excavators to accommodate hydraulic hammers
- Went out to site to fault find hydraulic and mechanical faults.
- Worked on Montabert Hydrafore drill rigs (hydraulics)
- Worked on Brokk machines and did fault finding
- Assembled Pedestal Boom systems
- Did field service work on Pedestal Booms, Montabert hydraulic hammers and Brokk machines.
Hydraulic Fitter
De Beers Diamond Research Lab
01.1988 - 12.1992
- General maintenance on all machines
- Maintenance and overhaul of pumps, Gearboxes and motors
- Scrapping of white metal bearings, pipe bending, gas welding, arc welding, own boiler making when required, levelling of machines, alignment of pulleys, installation of V-Belt drives and chain drives
- Turning experience and did supervisory work when needed
- Did all installations concerning presses which consisted of all hydraulic work done and commissioning of presses.
Fitter
Iscor Newcastle Works
07.1986 - 12.1987
- Maintained conveyor belts and idler pulleys
- General maintenance on all mechanical equipment
- Maintenance on overhead cranes.
- Transfer to the hydraulic test laboratory
- Repaired and tested various hydraulic parts i.e cylinders, pumps, valve banks and accumulators
Apprentice Mechanical Fitter
Iscor Newcastle Works
01.1982 - 06.1986
- Completed precise measurements for accurate fitting and assembly, resulting in an increased production rate.
- Assisted in the assembly of complex machinery, ensuring proper alignment and functioning of components.
- Enhanced machine efficiency by performing regular maintenance and troubleshooting mechanical issues.
- Gained expertise in various hand tools, power tools, and measuring instruments used in mechanical fitting tasks.
- Supported the installation of new equipment by reading technical drawings and following instructions meticulously.
- Collaborated with senior fitters to diagnose and repair malfunctioning equipment, reducing downtime significantly.
- Demonstrated excellent attention to detail when conducting visual inspections of parts for wear or damage before assembly.
- Participated in routine system checks and preventive maintenance activities to maintain optimal performance levels across all equipment types.
- Acquired valuable hands-on experience in welding processes including MIG, TIG, stick welding during apprentice period.
- Adhered to strict quality standards while assembling components according to designated specifications.
- Performed onsite maintenance and repair work.
- Reviewed finished equipment for accurate fit and assembly.
- Operated drill motors, grinders, chop saws, hack saws, and burning torches to perform tasks.
Education
Newcastle Tech
Newcastle Tech
Ferrum High School
01.1981
Sex
Male
Marital Status
Married
Number Of Children
4
Home Language
English
Second Language
Afrikaans
Health
Good
Residential Address
90 Nel Street, Blignautsrus, Walkerville
Telephone
076 604 8989
Military Training
July 1983 - June 1985, Assault Pioneer (Did Border duty)
Id Number
650721 5169 085
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 07/21/65
- Nationality: South African
Certification
Certified Fitter, Olifantsfontein - 1986
Hydraulics, Garnet Cross Fluid Power - 24 APRIL 1989
Timeline
Product Support and Service Manager
Demolition & Drilling Equipment
04.2012 - Current
Owner
AVN Hydra Tech
01.2006 - 04.2012
Hydraulic Fitter/Field Service Mechanic
Consolidated Rock Machinery Pty Ltd
01.1993 - 01.2005
Hydraulic Fitter
De Beers Diamond Research Lab
01.1988 - 12.1992
Fitter
Iscor Newcastle Works
07.1986 - 12.1987
Apprentice Mechanical Fitter
Iscor Newcastle Works
01.1982 - 06.1986
Newcastle Tech
Newcastle Tech
Ferrum High School
Similar Profiles
Andries van NiekerkAndries van Niekerk
Product Support & Service Manager at Demolition & Drilling EquipmentProduct Support & Service Manager at Demolition & Drilling Equipment
Joe StevensonJoe Stevenson
Heavy Equipment Mechanic/Operator Specialist at International Drilling EquipmentHeavy Equipment Mechanic/Operator Specialist at International Drilling Equipment
Cameron WeisingerCameron Weisinger
Field Technician at International Drilling EquipmentField Technician at International Drilling Equipment
Natasha SwihartNatasha Swihart
Social Worker at Oakview Medical Care FacilitySocial Worker at Oakview Medical Care Facility
Nthabiseng Anah MamugudubiNthabiseng Anah Mamugudubi
Caregiver at Adonai Care CentreCaregiver at Adonai Care Centre