FROM FLORIDA TO THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC WITH POWERSCREEN

Powerscreen customers in the Dominican Republic will benefit from improved product availability and support thanks to a new support center recently opened by longstanding dealer, Powerscreen of Florida.

Powerscreen of Florida was founded in 1984 by Denis Grant and, over the last 27 years, it has earned a reputation as a leader in the sales, rental and aftermarket support of crushing and screening equipment in Florida, Georgia, the Caribbean, and Latin America.  Located in Lakeland, Florida, the company has continually expanded its locations with support centers in Atlanta, Georgia, Haiti and most recently in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic.

The company prides itself on retaining a dedicated staff of employees with many years of service, which is critical to establishing strong relationships with customers.  As a testament to this philosophy, its first employee, Karla Regan, is still with the company, serving as bookkeeper and office manager, and has been an integral part of the company’s growth and success. 

The company grew steadily in the 1990’s and early 2000’s with sales peaking in 2006. Around this time, the company hired Rafael Bournigal, who is Denis’ son-in law, to develop sales in international markets, particularly the Caribbean and Latin America. Rafael brought the management skills he had learned as a baseball executive for the New York Mets in charge of international scouting. The results were immediate.  Export sales now account for approximately 50 percent of company revenue and helped offset the lower domestic sales as the recession continues to depress business in the south-eastern US. 

The company has continued to explore markets outside the US and strengthen its presence in the Caribbean. Key to this plan was the opening of warehouse support center in the Dominican Republic. Under the name of a newly formed company, Powerscreen Caribbean, they will continue to provide customers in the Caribbean with an excellent level of service, thanks to a knowledgeable staff, full parts inventory, service department and a complete stock of equipment available for sale or rent.

In the past 18 months, Powerscreen Caribbean has had many successes in the Dominican Republic. One customer, Constructora Hermanos Yarull, bought 10 machines in the last year, to fulfil its commitment with Barrick Gold quarry. Constructora Hermanos owner Pedro Yarull said, “Our relationship with Powerscreen Caribbean/Powerscreen of Florida started many years ago through Rafael Bournigal.  This company has great equipment, excellent after-sales service, and personnel who care about the success of the customer.  We have many Powerscreen® products including a Premiertrak jaw crusher, three impactors, three Powerscreen Titan 1800 screen plants, three Powerscreen Chieftain Rinsers and many more.  These machines are critical in our construction projects, including a major contract we have in the Barrick Gold mine in the city of Maimon, Dominican Republic.  This company is our main crushing and screening plant supplier and we will continue to work with them.”

Ferreteria Ochoa is said to be the largest company in the Dominican Republic and Latin America for block production. They are located in Santiago, which is the second largest city in the Dominican Republic. Diego Olivares, Managing Director, has just bought a new Chieftain 1400 track machine for his company.  Over the years Ferreteria has acquired numerous machines from Powerscreen of Florida including the Warrior 1800 and the 4242SR.  Olivares explained why he keeps coming back to Powerscreen Caribbean/Powerscreen of Florida, “We are very happy with the equipment and the honesty of the staff.”

Written by: Powerscreen Corporate