Monthly Archives: June 2024

Client Focus

SERVICE, SUSTAINABILITY UNDERPIN FLS QUALITY PORTFOLIO

Supporting customers in achieving optimal plant performance is today more vital than ever, in the face of inflationary cost increases and volatile commodity markets. 

These concerns are behind FLS’s service focus at Electra Mining Africa this year, where the company is driving sustainable productivity through its solid and growing support and maintenance infrastructure. According to Alistair McKay, Vice President Mining: Europe, Arabia and Africa at FLS, this includes engaging visitors at the event on the value of the company’s innovative digital solutions. 

“In addition to our market leading solutions for mining plants, we will be sharing our extensive foundation of expertise, technical services, spares and consumables to support customers,” says McKay. “The show gives us the opportunity to demonstrate how these resources can lower operating costs and drive profitability.”

Key to FLS’s success in doing this is its understanding of exactly how its solutions are performing in customers’ processing facilities. As the original equipment manufacturer, he argues, the company is best placed to partner with mines to optimise performance and to maintain equipment health at the highest level. 

“There is a global shortage of skills to conduct this important work, making it essential that we continue to both replenish and enhance the necessary levels of expertise for our ever-advancing equipment,” he explains. “This is why we invest so heavily in our training facilities and trainers – to upskill not only our own people but those of our customers.”

He highlights that there is “nothing worse” than for customers to invest in high quality, high production equipment, which then underperforms due to insufficient knowledge. The company is also leveraging digital solutions in this endeavour. 

“While there is a plethora of digital solutions in the market, we have focused our energies on creating solutions that meets strategic priorities,” says McKay. “This means being able to monitor and analyse the health of the asset, while leveraging this data to optimise the performance of that asset.” 

Visitors at the exhibition can also see how FLS’s digital solutions integrate with its control centre, from which it can provide customers with 24/7 support. 

In terms of new offerings at the FLS stand, visitors will be witness to the launch of the new NexGen Polyurethane formula for the company’s wear products and can discuss application opportunities with the company’s experts. The NexGen Polyurethane is relevant to screening media and mill trommels – particularly at the front-end of the concentrator where impact and abrasion is high. 

“We will also be talking to visitors about our local production facilities that allow products like these to be readily available to our mining customers,” he says.

FLS’s leading slurry pumps will also be showcased for their performance and energy efficiency. McKay concludes that this year’s Electra Mining Africa will be the first since the company’s acquisition of Thyssenkrupp’s mining business.

“We can therefore show visitors our fully integrated FLS portfolio which has leveraged the best-in-class offerings of both companies,” he says. “This range of products and technologies continues to support optimised and sustainable operations at lower costs.”

Visit FLS in Hall 6 Stand D16. 

Client Focus

TRU-TRAC SHOWCASES GROUNDBREAKING CONVEYOR INNOVATIONS 

As global leaders in solutions for conveyor belt misalignment, Tru-Trac will excite visitors to Electra Mining Africa this year with a whole new range of belt trackers among its innovative offerings. The latest range is the outcome of two years of design, development and testing, according to Tru-Trac Chief Operating Officer Shaun Blumberg. 

The stand also features Tru-Trac’s robust range of belt scales, engineered for precision and dependability, and a pioneering step into the future with a cutting edge belt rip detection system.

“With our belt trackers setting the gold standard for effective belt alignment, the new range builds on the success of its predecessors, elevating them to an entirely new level of performance,” says Blumberg. “We’ve introduced exciting enhancements to our belt trackers, bringing notable improvements in performance and reliability.”

Tru-Trac has built a formidable name for itself over the past three decades, extending its footprint and sales not only across Africa but worldwide. Blumberg highlights that Electra Mining Africa is another valuable opportunity to meet face to face with visitors from many African countries where Tru-Trac still has further potential to contribute to efficient and productive mining operations through improved conveyor system performance. 

“We are excited to present our extensive range of conveyor components at our stand, offering a complete view of our innovative solutions,” he says. “Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the design and functionality that contribute to our products’ success globally.”

A real drawcard for visitors will be Tru-Trac’s investment in Internet of Things (IOT) technology, specifically the integration of digital solutions to facilitate predictive maintenance through real-time monitoring of equipment. 

“The mining sector is increasingly turning to IoT to refine data collection and analytics, enhancing overall efficiency. Our IoT-enabled conveyor solutions offer predictive and preventative maintenance, reducing downtime and enhancing productivity,” he says. 

Demonstrating this commitment will be at least two product offerings on show at Electra Mining Africa: the company’s proven range of belt scales and a revolutionary new belt rip detection system that promises to be a real disruptor in the sector. 

“Our belt scales have seen considerable success since their launch two years ago,” he says. “These are critical components in any bulk materials handling operation, providing both accurate and repeatable data on throughput and production.”

Working with specialist design engineers, Tru-Trac has achieved a best-in-class product range which now also boasts a digital reporting platform that allows remote monitoring and reporting. Response from customers in the field has been enthusiastic, says Blumberg, and considerable interest is expected at Electra Mining Africa. 

“Tru-Trac Rip Prevent+, our next-generation belt rip detection system, is set to impress and generate strong interest,” he continues. “This is a disruptive solution which we are launching in Africa with our partners, SHG of Germany. Using artificial intelligence to monitor power consumption for anomalies, this technology gives early warnings of potential belt rips, enabling operators to react swiftly and prevent damage.”

Visit Tru-Trac in Hall 6 Stand F16

Client Focus

SEW DOUBLES DOWN ON DRIVE INNOVATION AT ELECTRA

With so much innovation to see, SEW-EURODRIVE has expanded its presence at Electra Mining Africa this year with added exhibition space in Hall 7 that showcases its innovations in automation and electronics. 

This exciting addition complements the company’s large landmark stand in Hall 6, which has always been a favourite for the event’s visitors, according to Jonathan McKey, National Sales and Marketing Manager at SEW-EURODRIVE. The message that the company is ‘closing the loop’ with its growing portfolio of product developments is loud and clear, says McKey.

“This means diversifying into a range of other opportunities within the mining and industrial sector value chains, with new products being introduced to support this strategy,” he explains. “We are already achieving this in agriculture, for instance, where in addition to our conveyor and pump solutions and variable speed drives in pack houses, we will further expand into pivot and wheel drives for applications on the lands.”

Visitors will also see how sustainability is built into the business’s growth into the continent, including the intensive upskilling underway at its local facilities in various African countries. 

“As leaders in this industry, we play a key role in empowering artisans – both in-house and for customers – through our Drive Academy which pushes the boundaries in augmented reality (AR) as a learning tool,” he says. “This all helps consolidate our foundation of expertise upon which the market relies.”

At the  SEW-EURODRIVE stand in Hall 6, visitors can witness new solutions like the purpose-built SEW X.e agitator, fresh from its launch in Europe last year. Also being launched is a range of planetary solutions that will close the loop in new market segments, as well as the new ECO2 design drive that features environmentally friendly manufacture. 

“We also look forward to discussing our DriveRadar technology with visitors, as the mining sector embraces predictive maintenance to achieve better uptime levels and enhance equipment lifespans,” he says. “Another sustainability focus as a good neighbour is our careful use of natural resources, including our own lubrication solution.”

Among the insights to be gained at SEW-EURODRIVE’s Hall 7 stand is the potential of the latest generation SEW MOVI-C® modular automation technology. This delivers advanced features in a format that is simpler to commission and use, says McKey. 

“We’ve refined this offering to ensure we can give customers those elements relevant to their business – so you get just what you need and have the advantage of being able to supplement later with more features,” he says. “It is easy to be overwhelmed by the complexity of automation in drive technology, so we remove this daunting experience and work closely with customers to migrate smoothly.”

Electra Mining Africa also allows visitors to physically meet the SEW-EURODRIVE experts that would accompany them through their automation journey. The company prides itself on supporting customers from the purchasing decision right through to commissioning and operation. 

“Our automation and electronics division walks with customers through the migration process so they don’t have to struggle on their own to get new systems to work,” he concludes. 

Visit SEW-EURODRIVE at Hall6 Stand J20 and Hall 7 Stand D4

Client Focus

AFRISAM STANDS READY TO SERVE AFTER 90 YEARS 

Started in 1934 as only the second cement manufacturer in South Africa, AfriSam has built a 90year legacy of quality and expertise that ranks with the world’s best. 

According to Richard Tomes, Sales & Marketing Executive at AfriSam, this success is driven as much by its technical performance and service, as by remaining relevant and true to the communities it serves. Tomes highlights the leading role taken by AfriSam in driving product quality alongside rising sustainability concerns to reduce carbon emissions. At the same time, the company plays a broader role in strengthening livelihoods and cohesion in the economies and communities in which it operates.

AfriSam’s 90 years began as Anglovaal Portland Cement Company, diversifying early into readymix concrete and aggregate production as Anglo Alpha. Its more recent history saw the business acquired by the global leader in cement, Holcim, before returning to local ownership. He points to the world class skills and infrastructure within the business, an example of which was its Ulco cement factory being ranked as third-best performer in the Holcim group during its time in that stable.

“To reach 90 years old in a sector like construction really demands a constant commitment to being ahead of the game, and to delivering leading edge solutions at the highest level,” he says. This allowed AfriSam to play a central role over the years in iconic structures from Johannesburg’s 50-storey Carlton Centre in the 1970s to the Gautrain in the lead up to the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

The company is today arguably the most trusted name in South Africa’s readymix industry, having retained and enhanced its institutional skills base in concrete technology. This has been vital for the beleaguered local construction sector, where the right-sizing of most large contractors has left them with fewer in-house resources on this front. 

“Our many years in business has taught us more about our broader responsibility, where we are also proud to play an active role as a responsible corporate citizen,” he says. “This ranges from our leading efforts in making cement production more sustainable, to supporting initiatives that build communities and promote social cohesion.”

AfriSam was the first cement manufacturer to launch a ‘green’ cement, through the scientific addition of cementitious extenders to reduce the content of energy-intensive clinker – while not compromising quality or performance. Through its continuous investment in research and development, it has taken South Africa to the forefront of cement technology related to the use of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) and pulverised fly ash as extenders. 

Returning to AfriSam’s positive local economic impact over the decades, Tomes highlights the key role played by its cement, concrete and aggregate experts in building the country’s infrastructure to its current levels. 

“Irrespective of economic cycles and other disruptions, we consider it essential to maintain and sharpen our expertise and industrial capacity in service of Africa’s development,” he explains. “Even if economies stagnate for long periods, they can recover if there is a core of critical skills to build the necessary infrastructure.”

In this way, he says, AfriSam is creating the opportunities for communities to build livelihoods, especially in an environment where housing shortages are common. Alongside its leading edge technology, for instance, is its quality Starmix readymix solution – a cost effective product suited for the residential builder, which can be ordered in small quantities.

“We recognise the value of sport in improving lives and attitudes, so have over the years partnered with teams from Orlando Pirates to the Springboks,” says Tomes. “Youth entrepreneurship is another important focus for us, to inspire and empower future generations.”

Client Focus

IPR (INTEGRATED PUMP RENTAL) SHOWCASES RENTAL AS ANSWER TO DEWATERING, SLURRY AND SLUDGE

Cost effective and agile rental solutions for dewatering will take centre stage at IPR’s (Integrated Pump Rental) exhibition stand at Electra Mining Africa this year, as well as its quality range of slurry and sludge pumping equipment.

“Showcasing our growing range of rental pump dewatering options, we will also be celebrating our partnerships with world leading pump OEMs Atlas Copco and Toyo,” says Lee Vine, Managing Director at IPR. “The past year has seen us grow our formal collaboration with Atlas Copco and the great results are there for all to see.”

Featuring strongly at IPR’s stand will be the range of Atlas Copco diesel self-priming pumps and submersible units, says Vine, which the local market has embraced for its quality and performance. Also on show will be the range of Toyo heavy duty slurry pumps, and IPR’s in-house designed SlurrySucker dredging unit.

“There has never been a better time for mines, industry and other sectors to rent their pumping solutions from IPR,” he explains. “Pump rental allows companies to conserve their capital, and avoid high interest rates when borrowing for equipment purchases. Other key advantages are that customers incur no overhead costs with rental, and can rely on us to keep everything running smoothly.”

Vine emphasises that IPR has continued to grow its fleet in partnership with its OEM partners – whose own experts will be joining IPR’s technical and sales team at the Electra Mining Africa exhibition stand. 

Steve du Toit, Sales Manager at IPR, points out that the event remains an important forum to engage with the market face to face – and to share insights and experience to improve customers’ business efficiency. 

“Having a selection of our exciting products on the stand, combined with our depth of expertise, helps to facilitate valuable discussions and problem-solving with visitors,” says du Toit. “The presence of our OEM partners reinforces the strength of our partnerships – which benefit the customer through quality, performance and rapid support.”

He also highlights IPR’s in-house design and engineering capability, which underpins its customised solutions for specific challenges that mines face. This capacity is well proven through its pioneering SlurrySucker dredging unit; equipped with a Toyo heavy duty submersible pump, IRP recently upgraded its SlurrySucker to a Mk III model.

“We expect high levels of interest in water management challenges among Electra Mining Africa visitors, as we have seen how regulations are becoming more stringent,” he continues. “As retention ponds silt up over time, for example, mines face a growing risk of spillage which can cause environmental damage. There are similar problems facing wastewater treatment plants and other industrial sectors.”

Vine says that visitors to the exhibition will be impressed by IPR’s range of pumping solutions – with diesel units mainly for remote and opencast sites with no power supply and submersible electrically-powered units for underground and plant applications. 

“We welcome visitors bringing their on-site challenges to us,” he says. “With our world class products and OEM partnerships, we have the hardware and experience to know what will work best for them.”

Visit IPR (Integrated Pump Rental) at stand number – YE13 

Client Focus

INTEGRATED RANGE OF ECO-EFFICIENT SOLUTIONS FOR CRUSHING & SCREENING 

Visitors to Electra Mining Africa this year are looking for crushing and screening solutions that will boost productivity while enhancing sustainability – and Sandvik Rock Processing Solutions has what they need. Exciting developments in the company’s integrated offering of crushers, screens, screening media, lifecycle services and digital technologies will be on display with the company’s competent team on hand to share technical information and insights. 

According to Tarynn Yatras, Vice President for Sales Area Africa at Sandvik Rock Processing Solutions, the lineup will include a working demonstration screen with digital connectivity. Yatras highlights how the company’s pioneering technology is driven by its aim to advance the world through engineering.

“We lead the way in eco-efficient rock processing, and will be talking to our visitors at Electra Mining Africa about how we help to drive their productivity, profitability and sustainability,” she explains. “Our wide range of quality products are combined with lifecycle services to give customers fully integrated solutions across the crushing and screening process.”

The focus on eco-efficiency ensures customers can process rock using the least possible resources. In addition to the multi-function test screen on the company’s exhibition stand, visitors can inspect and discuss the Sandvik screening media and cone crusher that will be on display.

“Another exciting element of our Electra Mining Africa presence will be the digital technology that enhances our equipment’s performance and longevity,” she says. “Our automation and connectivity system (ACS) will be on display, as applied to our cone crushers (ACS-c) and our screens (ASC-s).”

These connectivity systems link back to Sandvik’s digital SAM platform, which uses data to drive insights, support and performance. Visitors can view the products and see the technology in action, she says, learning more about remote condition monitoring of machines and related service offerings. 

She highlights the value of customers being able to monitor both their crushers and their screens on the same digital platform – given how closely these phases of the comminution process must operate. This opens valuable opportunities for plant optimisation, especially with the depth of expertise imbedded in the Sandvik Rock Processing Solutions teams around Africa. The SAM platform also allows a user-defined data selection, to suit the particular role in the plant – from management to operator.

“Among our continuous improvements in condition monitoring has been an upgrade from wired sensors to self-powering sensors on our screens,” she says. Local digital experts and those from Sweden will be available on the Electra Mining Africa stand to discuss the systems in detail – including the range of benefits that customers can derive. 

“Customers are also looking to ways to achieve their climate change goals while reducing costs, and we will be showcasing how we promote decarbonisation by reducing energy use through equipment optimisation,” says Yatras. “Our vision – as a leading player in the mining sector – is aiming for a more circular economy while driving productivity to extract maximum value from resources.”

This is achieved through the integrated offering of crushers, screens, screening media, lifecycle services and digital technologies. Added to this is Sandvik Rock Processing Solutions’ extensive support footprint across the continent – close to the customer with world class local facilities and expertise.

Visit Sandvik Rock Processing in Hall 6 Stand C22.

Client Focus

CONNECTING WITH STAKEHOLDERS KEY FOR TRAFO POWER SOLUTIONS AT ELECTRA MINING AFRICA

Trafo Power Solutions is set to make a significant impact at this year’s Electra Mining Africa and will use the platform to connect with stakeholders and reinforce its position as a leader in electrical power solutions. 

David Claassen, Managing Director of Trafo Power Solutions, says that Electra Mining Africa, as a cornerstone of the southern African electrical, engineering and mining landscape, offers a solid platform for the company to present its service offerings and engage with a broader audience.

Strategic Presence in a Dynamic Industry

“Participation at Electra Mining Africa is crucial for Trafo Power Solutions, especially as a young company,” Claassen says “This event allows for direct interaction with mining operators and industry stakeholders from across the continent and the week-long engagement provides an opportunity to highlight projects undertaken since the last Electra Mining Africa and to unveil new advancements.”

Trafo Power Solutions positions itself as a comprehensive solutions provider, with dry-type transformers being a core component of its offerings. However, the company also distinguishes itself by delivering tailored power solutions that address the unique challenges of the mining industry. This approach is backed by a team with extensive experience in South Africa and Africa, ensuring a deep understanding of client operations and sustainability needs.

Claassen says that the mining industry in Africa demands high levels of innovation to overcome challenges related to power, infrastructure and logistics. “Trafo Power Solutions embraces these challenges as opportunities to develop and engineer robust solutions, and our company’s resilience and innovative mindset are key to our ongoing success in this dynamic sector.”

Trafo Power Solutions aims to be a premium Tier 1 supplier of power solutions, emphasising efficiency, operational and maintenance cost reduction and importantly alignment with its customers’ ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) targets. A solid commitment to research and development (R&D) by the company and its partners ensures that its solutions are at the forefront of market needs and technological advancements.

Claassen says that the growing focus on ESG in the mining sector has driven increased interest in dry-type transformer technology as these transformers offer significant advantages in applications traditionally dominated by oil cooled transformers. “Dry-type transformers are an obvious choice for underground mining operations, but we are also seeing enormous traction in surface mining and quarrying applications,” he says. Trafo Power Solutions has responded to this trend by expanding its dry-type transformer offerings to higher power ratings and is now capable of supplying units up to 110KV and 30MVA.

To meet the industry’s demands for timely solutions, Trafo Power Solutions has streamlined its production and logistics processes. Investments in equipment and enhanced project management practices have reduced manufacturing costs and improved delivery times. This efficiency ensures that the company can meet the stringent time and cost pressures faced by mining operations.

Visitors to Trafo Power Solutions’ stand at Electra Mining Africa can expect to engage with the team, discussing potential solutions and exploring opportunities. The stand will feature a model of a dry-type transformer with a cross-section through the medium voltage winding, offering a close-up look at the quality and craftsmanship of Trafo Power Solutions’ products.

“Trafo Power Solutions remains dedicated to pushing the envelope in power solutions and staying ahead of market trends and best practices in technology. By focusing on application-specific solutions underpinned by continuous R&D, we believe we will continue to contribute innovatively to the mining sector’s evolving needs,” Claassen concludes. 

Trafo Power Solutions – Hall 6 Stand F27.

Client Focus

SANDVIK BRANCHES KEY TO SUPPORTING CRUSHING AND SCREENING CUSTOMERS

In an environment where crushing and screening operations attach great importance to equipment uptime and productivity, an extensive footprint of 11 Sandvik entities in Africa enables Sandvik Rock Processing to respond to customer service needs timeously. 

Nils-Peter Ahlqvist, Sales Support Manager Africa & Latin America – Crushing Division at Sandvik Rock Processing, says that in the midst of the current global supply chain challenges, shipping equipment and parts into the African continent has become a major challenge.

“Sandvik’s extensive footprint of entities across the continent gives us the edge to get the better of the prevailing logistical challenges. In southern Africa alone, we have 11 entities which act as logistics hubs that allow us to efficiently distribute parts throughout the region,” explains Ahlqvist. 

Aftermarket support has always been the cornerstone of the company’s success. During Sandvik’s 76-year history in Africa, the company has become well-acquainted with the challenges facing its mining and quarrying customers and understands the important role that reliable aftermarket support can play in optimising equipment uptime and ensuring successful customer operations.

“The importance of local in-country aftermarket support infrastructure cannot be reiterated enough,” says Ahlqvist. “We rely on our widespread touchpoints in Africa to respond to service requirements timeously and to support customers with the expertise needed to achieve their production targets consistently and with the highest overall equipment efficiency. The 11 Sandvik entities are placed in strategic areas which are close to all the major mining and quarrying hubs.”

Having entities in the various parts of the region, he adds, speaks to Sandvik’s localisation strategy which seeks to give back to respective countries in which the company operates and Sandvik Rock Processing is continuing to invest in local capabilities and competence in the countries in which they operate. “To a large degree, these local entities employ local people and play a part in skills development, thus contributing to the growth of local economies,” concludes Ahlqvist. 

Client Focus

GLOBAL SHIFT TO WEBA CHUTE SYSTEMS REPRESENTS GREATER EFFICIENCY

In bulk materials handling applications, the uncontrolled discharge from conventional chutes can lead to increased maintenance and replacement costs, as well as decreased productivity. Recognising these challenges, companies around the world, both large and small, have adopted Weba Chute Systems, a choice which represents a shift towards greater efficiency and less downtime.

Mark Baller, CEO of Weba Chute Systems, explains that there is a growing consensus across the globe that incorporating custom-engineered transfer chutes is paramount. “There are still some that overlook the significance of transfer points that are engineered for specific application requirements, ranking them below screens, crushers or feeders in the process hierarchy.”

Baller points out a critical misconception that undermines operational efficiency: the notion that initial savings from inexpensive inferior chutes outweigh long term costs. “This approach is flawed,” he argues, “as it inevitably leads to higher operational expenditure due to frequent maintenance, and in some cases unscheduled downtime.”

Highlighting the benefits of custom-designed solutions, Baller notes, “Proper initial design significantly lowers maintenance needs, improves material transfer, extends conveyor belt lifespan and boosts throughput. Moreover, our chutes are engineered to minimise environmental impact, reducing airborne dust and enhancing workplace health and safety.”

The Weba Chute Systems team, armed with extensive field experience and intellectual resources built up over decades of operation, approaches each project with bespoke solutions aimed at maximising return on investment. “Engaging with our clients during the design phase is crucial for tailoring solutions that not only meet but exceed expectations, and this includes both new transfer points as well as retrofits,” he continues.

Baller also sheds light on the pitfalls of retrofitting poorly designed chutes. “Correcting failures post-implementation is far from ideal. Opting for a sound design from the start eliminates such challenges, however we are often called upon to solve issues caused by poor decision making and this is where we are able to tailor make a chute system to deal with whatever challenge the customer is facing, ” he says. 

Leveraging Discrete Element Modelling (DEM) for validation, Weba Chute Systems prides itself on its engineering acumen. “DEM complements our vast engineering experience, ensuring that our transfer chutes excel in performance and durability,” Baller says.

Baller emphasises that Weba Chute Systems stands out from general fabricators, and says that the company’s proficiency goes beyond just designing transfer points. “Our team specialises in providing tailor-made solutions that improve materials handling, reduce maintenance needs and lead to considerable financial savings. The company’s dedication to high quality service is reflected in the positive feedback from customers and their achievements in operational efficiency,” he concludes. 

Client Focus

SEW-EURODRIVE CLOSES THE LOOP WITH COMPLETE PANEL SOLUTIONS

In addition to its quality range of geared motors and related solutions, SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa is ‘closing the loop’ of products by offering customers electrical control panels as part of the package. 

According to Willem Strydom, Business Development Electronics Manager at SEW-EURODRIVE, there has been a strong trend in recent years of companies wanting to deal directly with original equipment suppliers (OEMs). The preference is moving toward a single source of supply to reduce cost and risk, and to simplify the supply chain.

“The market in many industries from mining to agriculture has made it clear that they can no longer afford ‘middlemen’ in the procurement process,” says Strydom. “Companies want to deal with one supplier, preferably a specialised OEM who has a depth of expertise and can stand behind their solutions with the necessary support.”

Responding to these customer needs, SEW-EURODRIVE has been pursuing a strategy of complementing its existing range by steadily adding more value – or closing the loop. Control panels are another vital aspect of most contracts in which the company is involved, so it has actively moved into this space to make it easier for customers.

“There are relatively few OEMs in our field in this region, which gives us the ability to broaden our offering while giving customers high quality solutions and peace of mind,” he says. “With one of the largest sales forces in the country with on the ground representation across Africa, SEW-EURODRIVE delivers outstanding service levels to support our depth of mechanical and electronic capability.”

The company’s in-house engineering team designs control panels for specific applications where its drive technology is being applied, and even provides the programming required. The local assembly of these units also aligns with many industries’ efforts to support the local economy and secure their supply chains against possible disruption. 

“Our customers are looking for the same high quality of ancillary equipment as they receive with all our other products and solutions,” says Strydom. “With our established reputation in the market, customers trust that we will deliver what they need.”

The quality design and manufacture of SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa’s panels and enclosures can be suited to any customer requirement, including floor mounts or wall mounts – and with ingress protection (IP) ratings up to IP65 or whatever the application demands. The panels can also be supplied for containerised solutions such as e-houses, which are increasingly popular around Africa on remote mining sites as well as other industrial applications.

“While our focus in the past has been on our specialised componentry and solutions, our customers have requested our broader involvement in their projects – leading to us entering this important space,” he concludes. “This has further cemented our relationships with customers, through being able to assume responsibility for a wider scope.”