In 1946, Djibouti was a young port city finding its place on the world’s shipping lanes. That year, A.C. Ries opened its doors, and it has been open ever since.
The company’s story tracks the nation’s. First came the vehicles that connected Djibouti’s streets and boulevards. Then, as the port grew into the crossroads of Africa, came the machines: the excavators, loaders and road equipment that built its harbour, corridors and skyline.
Eighty years on, A.C. Ries spans four divisions: automotive sales for Ford, Nissan, KIA and TATA; Komatsu and Ammann equipment; a modern rental and leasing fleet; and the after-sales operation that stands behind all of it.
Three generations of the founding family have led the business, working with Djiboutian managers and technicians who have often spent their entire careers in the company.
The anniversary will be marked quietly, the way the company prefers to work: by delivering vehicles, keeping machines running, and being here: as it has been since 1946.