In the heart of Francistown, a quiet industrial revolution is unfolding as UV Botswana is building world-class underground utility vehicles from the ground up, tailored for the toughest mining environments across the globe. The company recently unveiled one of its most ambitious creations yet, a mining vehicle valued at a jaw-dropping P6 million.
Founded in 2005, UV Botswana (Pty) Ltd is a proudly 100% citizen-owned company that has spent nearly two decades refining the art of heavy-duty vehicle manufacturing. Originally focused on a 4-tonne low-profile range tailored for mines in Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe, the company has since upped the ante with an 8-tonne model which is successfully breaking into new markets as far afield as India and Russia. “We design and manufacture robust, reliable and cost-effective underground utility vehicles. Every unit is hand-built from scratch, taking anywhere between six weeks to six months depending on complexity,” explained Richard Van Malsen, General Manager for UV Botswana.
The company’s growth has been nothing short of remarkable. In 2013, the company invested in a custom-built 2,500 square metre facility equipped with cutting-edge, computer-controlled machinery. This expansion allowed them not only to scale up production but also diversify into manufacturing components like buckets and drill booms for other mining equipment. “Our team is extremely skilled and passionate. With a modern factory, in-house design team and global-standard production processes, we build bespoke vehicles for the most demanding conditions,” added Van Malsen.
Their underground utility vehicles don’t just meet global benchmarks but they stand out. While competitors span the globe, UV Botswana holds its own by offering top-tier quality at competitive prices. All production is order-driven, with 30 to 40 units sold annually to mining giants worldwide. And yes, everything happens right here in Botswana. “Francistown is perfectly located to serve the Southern and Central African markets. Plus, we benefit from a stable currency, reliable labour force and strong governance,” noted Van Malsen.
Parts are sourced globally from Germany, the US, Italy, Belgium, Hungary and South Africa and then assembled meticulously in-house. All sales are in hard currency, contributing valuable foreign exchange to Botswana’s economy. Sustainability is also at the forefront of UV’s operations. The company uses a 100KW solar system to reduce its energy footprint and adheres to international environmental standards required by global partners.
As for Van Malsen himself, he brings over 40 years of manufacturing experience across the region to UV’s operations, a key factor in the company’s ability to stay ahead in a fiercely competitive industry. In an era where many African nations are striving to move beyond raw material exports, UV Botswana is a shining example of local value addition. Botswana doesn’t just dig minerals out of the ground but it builds the machines that go underground to get them.
