Jean Philip De Fondaumiere,
Operations Manager, Axess Heavy Machinery

“Isuzu Seminar aims to enhance customer awareness and promote safety”

In this interview with BIZWEEK, Jean Philip De Fondaumiere, Operations Manager at Axess Heavy Machinery, provides an overview of Axess’ role in Mauritius’ heavy machinery industry, with a focus on its partnership with Isuzu. The company prioritizes solutions tailored to the local market, including the construction, agriculture, and logistics sectors. Jean Philip De Fondaumiere discusses the recent Isuzu seminar, aimed at raising customer awareness through safety driving practices, maintenance guidance, and interactive Q&A sessions. He also outlines Axess’ investments in local infrastructure and workforce training, along with the use of digital tools to enhance after-sales services and supply chain management. Sharing his professional background, Jean Philip De Fondaumiere explains how his career path has influenced his approach to leading operations, emphasizing teamwork and continuous learning as key elements for success in the field.

Beyond your partnership with Isuzu, how does Axess position itself within the motor vehicle and heavy machinery sectors? What are your primary areas of focus in terms of products and customer segments?

As of the end of September, Axess leads the motor vehicle market with over 28% market share in new vehicle sales. During the same period, Isuzu has maintained the No. 1 position in the lorries segment, holding a 30% market share – a leadership position we have sustained since 2015.

Together with our valued partner Isuzu, Axess is committed to maintaining our leadership in both the motor vehicle and heavy machinery sectors by delivering a wide range of high-quality products. Our primary focus is twofold: providing comprehensive product offerings and effectively serving our customer segments. We offer a wide selection of vehicles and machinery, including commercial trucks, construction equipment, and agricultural machinery, all tailored to our clients’ needs. 

Our main customer base includes the logistics, construction, and agriculture sectors, and we are dedicated to meeting their unique requirements with reliable and efficient solutions.

Axess leads the motor vehicle market with over 28% market share in new vehicle sales. During the same period, Isuzu has maintained the No. 1 position in the lorries segment, holding a 30% market share

 Can you tell us more about the Isuzu seminar?

The Isuzu seminar is dedicated to enhancing customer awareness and promoting safety. Our agenda includes:

– Safety Driving Practices: Emphasizing best practices for operating Isuzu trucks safely.

– Maintenance Tips: Providing essential guidance on maintaining vehicles for durability and safety.

– Interactive Sessions: Engaging participants in Q&A sessions with our experts to address their concerns.

How does Axess adapt its products and services to meet the specific needs of the Mauritian market, especially in construction, agriculture, and logistics?

Our approach is highly customer-focused. We customize vehicles and machinery that are well-suited to Mauritius’ specific conditions, ensuring they can withstand the local environment. Additionally, we have a strong after-sales support system, ensuring that our clients receive consistent, high-quality maintenance services. By developing sector-specific solutions, we can directly address the needs of the construction, agriculture, and logistics industries, supporting their efficiency and operational goals.

What investments has Axess made in local infrastructure, such as service centers, and in developing local talent through training? How crucial are these investments to your overall strategy?

Investing in local infrastructure and talent is a cornerstone of our strategy. For instance, we’ve established a professional workshop with Isuzu International’s assistance, ensuring timely and efficient service delivery. Furthermore, we provide continuous training programs to enhance our team’s skills and knowledge, allowing us to maintain high service standards and build local expertise. These investments are essential, as they enable us to uphold our commitment to quality and reinforce our operational excellence in Mauritius.

How is Axess implementing digital transformation across its operations, such as in after-sales services, supply chain management, and customer support? Are there any specific digital tools that you’ve introduced to enhance efficiency?

Digital transformation is integral to our operations. In after-sales, we use online workshop manuals, e-learning, a spare parts portal, and advanced diagnostic tools to improve service. For supply chain management, we’ve adopted Business Intelligence software to optimize inventory and logistics. Additionally, we leverage a CRM system to enhance customer relationship management and data analytics to support informed decision-making. By embracing these technologies, we aim to continuously elevate our service standards and operational efficiency.

As a key industry player, how does Axess contribute to Mauritius’ economic development, particularly in sectors like infrastructure and transportation?

Our contributions to Mauritius’ economic development are significant, particularly through the provision of high-quality machinery to the construction sector, which is critical for infrastructure improvements. Moreover, our vehicles support transportation efficiency across various industries, which plays an essential role in the country’s overall economic growth.

What is Axess’ long-term vision, and how do you see the company evolving to address future challenges in the heavy machinery sectors?

Our long-term vision is to maintain our position as a major player within the Mauritian industry, consistently providing quality products and services. As the industry evolves, we are committed to adapting by introducing new technologies and products that meet changing market demands. Continuous improvement and innovation are at the heart of our strategy for sustainable growth.

Could you share some insights into your personal journey in the motor vehicle and heavy machinery industry? What experiences have shaped your career and approach to leading operations at Axess?

I began my career as a mechanic, following my studies in Mechanical Engineering. This foundational experience provided me with invaluable knowledge of the heavy machinery sector from the ground up. Over the years, I was given opportunities to take on greater responsibilities, leading me to pursue Business Management studies in 2006. My journey has included diverse experiences across the Automotive, Agricultural, and Industrial sectors. Recently, one of my key milestones was the successful delivery of the Schwing Stetter Concrete Pump to our clients. Throughout my career, I’ve learned that success depends on a reliable team and effective people management. These experiences have shaped my leadership at Axess, instilling in me a strong emphasis on teamwork, reliability, and continuous learning.