Foton truck line to help power Guyana’s transport sector

Guyana’s heavy-duty transport industry on Wednesday has received a major boost as Machinery Corporation of Guyana (MACORP) and its subsidiary, Industrial Supply of Guyana (ISG), officially launched the Foton line of commercial trucks.

The commissioning ceremony was held at MACORP’s new US$30 million facility at Covent Garden, East Bank Demerara — a state-of-the-art hub currently under construction that will support servicing, training, and deployment of the new fleet.

The event marked the formal introduction of Foton-Auman trucks, manufactured in China, into the local market. The trucks are expected to significantly enhance operations across Guyana’s logistics, mining, construction, and agriculture sectors, offering a new generation of durable, fuel-efficient, and technologically advanced vehicles tailored for local conditions.

Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill, praised the move as a strong signal of private sector confidence in the country’s economic trajectory.

“I come here today with a real sense of pride,” said Edghill. “MACORP and ISG have demonstrated vision. They’ve seen the direction Guyana is heading, identified the need in the market, and moved decisively to meet that need. They’re no longer just bringing in equipment, they’re assembling it, supporting it, and training Guyanese to operate and maintain it. That’s the kind of development we welcome. Congratulations to the entire team.”

MACORP’s President and General Manager, German Censcra, highlighted the company’s 32-year presence in Guyana and its focus on building local capacity through technical training and long-term investment in human capital.

“As we introduce the Foton Auman truck line to Guyana, we are integrating engineers and technicians trained right here through our in-house programmes,” said Censcra. “These vehicles are backed by specialised training for heavy-duty truck maintenance, strengthening our technical workforce and reinforcing the high standards of service we’re known for. Over 90 per cent of our staff are Guyanese, and we believe national development is strongest when our investments reflect that commitment.”

The new fleet includes a wide range of vehicle types, from dump trucks and flatbeds to fuel tankers and concrete mixers — all designed to withstand Guyana’s rugged terrain and meet the demands of a rapidly expanding infrastructure sector.

The Covent Garden facility, scheduled to be fully operational by early 2026, will serve not only as a logistics and maintenance hub but also as a technical training centre. So far this year, more than 25 technicians have graduated from MACORP’s in-house training programme, with many now moving into specialised roles focused on heavy-duty commercial vehicles.