Already in use by leading global manufacturers in South Africa, SEW-EURODRIVE’s innovative MOVIC® modular automation system will bring a new level of flexibility, integration and efficiency to a wide range of sectors. 

The MOVI-C® range received its formal public launch in South Africa at the Electra Mining Africa exhibition, opening exciting opportunities for local industries, according to Willem Strydom, SEW-EURODRIVE’s Manager Business Development Electronics.

“MOVI-C® is a modular automation system that includes all necessary components for drive and control solutions, from software to hardware,” says Strydom. “Its modularity means that it can be customised to meet the specific requirements of different applications and industries.”

Customers have been attracted by benefits such as the seamless integration of all components, he explains, which ensures compatibility and reduces installation time. The technology also meets high energy efficiency standards, helping customers to reduce their operational costs while minimising their environmental impact.

“The modular system comprises cabinet inverters,  decentralised field mounted drives, motion controllers and the software, which all complement each other,” he says. 

A key feature of SEW-EURODRIVE’s offering is the MOVILINK® digital data interface (DDI), which connects the drivetrain to the data system – delivering real time information on indicators such as energy efficiency, application performance and condition monitoring.

“This innovative DDI solution is an important differentiator for SEW-EURODRIVE as there is no other player in the market who currently has this offering,” says Strydom. It fits into the motor with no external or additional sensors, and boasts a hybrid cable which is bespoke to SEW-EURODRIVE, connecting the motor to the variable speed drive (VSD). The cable carries not only the power supply, but also the communications and condition monitoring. 

“The data generated and transmitted is vital in facilitating predictive maintenance,” he explains. “Customers can monitor vital signs such as the temperatures and vibration levels in a motor and gearbox; the value of getting this information ‘live’ is that action can quickly be taken if important operating parameters are breached.”

The advanced features allow the SEW IOT Suite software to alert the user by email, WhatsApp or telephone call – and can even shut down the application to prevent any damage. The software interface can be employed on computer or as an app on a mobile phone, depending on how the user wants to monitor their equipment. 

“The real time feedback from an application in the field also allows systems to be adjusted for optimal performance and efficiency,” he says. “For instance, the motor speed can be changed continuously according to the demands of the application, saving energy and potentially extending machine life.”

Importantly, the heightened sensitivity of the sensors means that users are alerted earlier, as they will pick up warning signs before human operators can hear or feel any indication of a problem. 

Strydom highlights that the versatile system is suitable for both centralised and decentralised automation architectures, providing flexibility for different installation requirements. The MOVISUITE® engineering software is designed to be user friendly, so that it can simplify the planning, commissioning, operation and diagnostics functionality. 

“The MOVI-C® system can also be scaled to meet the specific needs of various industrial processes, whether these are single-axis or multi-axis applications, with simple or complex motion control,” he explains. 

The Movi-C portfolio also includes preconfigured software modules, known as Movikits for the implementation of simple drive functions such as speed control and positioning, through to complex multi-axes motion control functions. An example is the Anti-Sway Movikit which is used to eliminate sway in overhead crane applications.

While MOVI-C® has applications across the board, its powerful capabilities are well demonstrated in stacking and retrieval systems in industrial warehouses, he explains. This application includes both a travelling element (sideways movement) and a hoisting element (up and down movement).

“Wherever  applications produce regenerative power, the regenerative power supply can harness  the regenerative power and re-utilise it by directing it back into the system or storing it in battery packs or capacitor banks,” he says. 

In South Africa, the system is being used by global automotive manufacturers, and has also been embraced by the food and beverage sector. Strydom sees significant opportunities in the mining industry, including ventilation functions and plant activities using pumps that need more accurate control. 

Committed to environmental sustainability principles, SEW-EURODRIVE has developed the ECO2 design to offer drives with uncoated aluminium, with no compromise in their performance and durability. 

“Our markets are increasingly demanding eco-friendly products, and we responded with our sustainable coating-free drives and a responsible use of raw materials,” says Jonathan McKey, National Sales and Marketing Manager at SEW-EURODRIVE. “Our ECO2 design allows customers to select the specifications they need, while meeting their goals in terms of both ecology and economy.”

No coatings or solvents are used on the outer surfaces of these drives, which also makes them more economical as a result of the cost efficient manufacture and assembly. The components can also be recycled more efficiently and sustainably at the end of their lifecycle. McKey points out that the ECO2 option is suitable for applications where drives are operated in closed rooms, and where they are well protected from cold, heat and moisture. 

“The metallic surfaces of ECO2 products are predominantly aluminium and are not prone to corrosion under normal ambient conditions, which makes them especially durable,” he explains. “In fact, aluminium reacts with oxygen to form a particle, creating a thin protective layer in a dry neutral environment – protecting the outer surface from corrosion.”

This makes drives in the ECO2 design efficient and reliable in indoor spaces with a maximum humidity of 60%, where ambient temperatures can range between minus 20°C and 60°C. Their durability is demonstrated by their ability to meet the requirements of ISO 12944 corrosivity category C1. 

“Our manufacturing process for ECO2 drives is more energy-efficient as there is no need for the drying stages, and also no need for recoating after repairs,” he says. “With lower carbon dioxide emissions in production, there are fewer harmful greenhouse gases released thanks to having no coatings on these units.”

Among the many applications of ECO2 drives are cleaning systems, conveyor belts and dispensing systems for powders and granules. McKey highlights that they are available in multiple designs and configurations. 

“The available gear unit sizes include 07, 17 and 27 in helical gear units, 27 in parallel-shaft helical gear units, 19 and 29 in helical-bevel gear units, and a variety of SPIROPLAN® right angle gear unit sizes,” he says. “ECO2 drives are available with all additional electrical features, number of poles, power ratings, voltages and frequencies; the gear motors also hold all the relevant approvals and certifications.”

As part of its strategy to ‘close the loop’ in its service offering, SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa, a specialist in drive and control technologies, has broken ground on a new 17 000 m² Service and Repair Centre. The establishment of the state-of-the-art facility plugs the gap for expert repair services for  gearboxes in Africa. 

Having moved into its contemporary 26 000 m² headquarters complex in Aeroton, Johannesburg, in early 2022, which represented Phase 1 of its investment drive in South Africa, SEW-EURODRIVE has commenced Phase 2 of its local expansion drive. Following the turning of the first sod on 2 September 2024, groundworks commenced the following week with completion of the project expected by November 2025 and occupation in early 2026.

Having invested R500 million in the new headquarters complex a few years ago, the ±R384 million investment in a new Service and Repair Centre right next to the head office signals SEW-EURODRIVE’s commitment to servicing customers in Africa and reflects the company’s confidence in the future of South Africa and the African continent in general. 

Raymond Obermeyer, Managing Director of SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa, says the new facility – to be built on a 27 935 m² site area with 17 000 m² under roof – represents the company’s largest investment post the COVID-19 pandemic. It also forms part of SEW-EURODRIVE’s €1 billion investment in the expansion of its service capabilities in various markets across the world in 2024 alone. 

Commenting on the reasoning behind this massive investment, Obermeyer explains that as a market leader in planetary gearboxes with over 40 years of trading in South Africa, SEW-EURODRIVE recognises the need to enhance its capabilities to service and repair millions of units in the region. As a leading global Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), the company’s expertise positions it to meet the growing demand for repair services in Africa. 

“Currently, our competitors in the gearbox market primarily focus on selling equipment with a limited offering of the necessary repair and support services,” says Obermeyer. “This gap presents a significant opportunity for SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa to not only service our own products but also to repair competitors’ equipment, thereby increasing our market share and fostering sustainable growth.”

According to Obermeyer, major players in the gearbox repair market are often private companies offering services that most OEMs neglect. By establishing its own Service and Repair Centre, SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa can minimise reliance on external contractors, reducing risks associated with quality control and service delivery. 

The new facility’s workshop will offer full service and repair capabilities such as sand blasting, spray painting and stripping of products. It will also contain a fabrication section to manufacture baseplates, guards and steelworks. 

In addition, it will have a full motor repair department for motor rewinding, as well as offering assembly and repairs with burnout ovens and rotor balancing. This will be complemented by state-of-the art load test facilities. 

Moreover, a storage facility and a fully operational 30 bay assembly area will give SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa the capacity to assemble in excess of 300 repaired units per month. 

“The new Service and Repair Centre offers us enhanced capabilities. The decision to expand our operations includes manufacturing of all steel products and providing comprehensive repair and rewind services for our own products. This vertical integration allows us to maintain control over quality and service standards, reinforcing our commitment to excellence and sustainability,” says Obermeyer. 

The new centre, he adds, now enables the company to offer a full suite of services in its quest to ‘close the loop’. By doing so, SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa aims to deliver the complete SEW-EURODRIVE experience, ensuring that its customers receive top notch service and quality throughout the value chain. This is particularly important in the mining value chain where mines have a clear focus on reducing their operating costs and total cost of ownership. 

Obermeyer expects the new facility to create 80 to 100 job opportunities, adding to the 100 created as a result of the Phase 1 expansion. He, however, notes that these opportunities will be for highly sought after skills which are often in short supply. To bridge the technical skills gap, the new Service and Repair Centre will house a larger DriveAcademy, significantly upgrading the current 1 500 m² training facility located at the headquarters’ complex. This will be complemented by SEW-EURODRIVE’s information technology centre. 

“The establishment of the new Service and Repair Centre is a strategic move to enhance our service offering, address market gaps and strengthen our position as the leading gearbox OEM in South Africa. This investment not only secures our legacy but also paves the way for future growth and innovation,” concludes Obermeyer. 

As SEW-EURODRIVE in South Africa actively extends its offerings to customers, the SEW PPK and SEW P2.e industrial gearbox ranges are good examples of solutions that are well suited to the local business environment. 

“Being part of a well-established global business, we are drawing increasingly from the group’s production plants in various parts of the world,” says Jonathan McKey, National Sales and Marketing Manager at SEW-EURODRIVE. “This approach allows us to select products that have been tried and tested in sectors relevant to our own, and under operating conditions that are closely comparable.”

McKey highlights that this strategy is opening up a much larger range of choices for customers in South Africa and the rest of the continent, as the company ‘closes the loop’ by adding new offerings to complement its successful portfolio. A valuable recent addition has been the SEW PPK planetary gearbox range, originally designed and produced by SEW-EURODRIVE in Brazil – with their world class sugar industry as a key user.

“The depth of research and development capability with the group allowed Brazil to develop the SEW PPK concept, to give their sugar mills access to a low torque solution which complies with SEW-EURODRIVE’s stringent global standards and specifications,” he says. “Later, engineers in Germany additionally developed the SEW P2.e series for larger applications.”

Both the SEW PPK and the SEW P2.e ranges are now available to customers in South Africa and Africa, allowing SEWEURODRIVE to further augment its planetary offerings. He reiterates that planetary gear units are particularly valuable for those applications that require a compact solution in conditions where space is constrained, while also demanding high torque and low speed outputs.

“Our SEW PPK range is well suited to southern hemisphere markets, delivering 2 to 18 kNm of torque with a ratio range from 65 to 10,700:1,” he says. “The ratio can be further reduced by the addition of a primary reducer before the planetary head, to reach ratios up to 10,650:1 – for a much lower speed capability.”

Developed as the ‘big brother’ to the SEW PPK options, the SEW P2.e series encompasses higher torque ratings from 2 to 124 kNm with ratios from 15,2:1 to 332:1. McKey explains that the SEW P2.e was developed with all the benefits of the SEW PPK, but with a broader spectrum of diversity in its speed – up to 100 rpm – as well as in ratio and torque. While most planetary gearboxes have a three-stage design, the SEW P2.e can also be supplied in a two-stage model.

“What is exciting for local customers is that we have now brought a complementary range of both the SEW PPK and SEW P2.e to this market – giving a wide selection that will suit many new applications,” he says. “This allows us to compete well with other planetary manufacturers, as we can now offer customers most of the capabilities of other brands – all within our SEW-EURODRIVE stable.”

This means that customers can spend less time searching across different OEMs for a solution that will meet their specific needs, he emphasises. Instead, they are likely to find what they need within the expanded SEW-EURODRIVE brand offering. 

“We are the only manufacturer who allows for direct electric motor coupling to a planetary gearbox; this is unique to our SEW P2.e solution,” he points out. “Our units also accommodate radial labyrinth solutions, which many competitors do not. This provides an extra layer of protection for the sealing systems on the output shaft – a valuable feature in corrosive and dusty environments like mining.”

For customers wanting to upgrade from previous P-series models of planetary gearboxes to the new SEW P2.e, SEW-EURODRIVE has been careful to retain the same critical dimensions. Greg Lewis, SEW-EURODRIVE Sales Manager , says this allows customers to migrate seamlessly without altering their existing infrastructure. Lewis points out that the SEW P2.e is one of the only planetaries available with a cooling solution, positioned between the planetary and the motor.

“This gives us thermal ratings that are far superior to competitors,” he says. “By adding a fan on the input side to further cool the gearbox, we can considerably enhance its thermal capabilities.”

Lewis notes that, while the SEW P2.e units have directly mounted motors, the SEW PPK offers different options for coupling existing motors using our adaptors – the AD adaptor with input shaft or the AMS adaptor for the flange mounted motor.

As its exhibition presence at Electra Mining Africa showed, SEW-EURODRIVE is rolling out an even greater selection of planetary drives as part of its strategy to ‘close the loop’ in its product offerings by expanding into more industry sectors.

Among the new ranges being introduced into South Africa are its SEW PPK series and the SEW P2.e series of planetary gear units – both showcasing new opportunities for industrial gearbox users. According to Jonathan McKey, National Sales and Marketing Manager at SEW-EURODRIVE, these new additions to the local range highlight the company’s global engineering and applications capabilities.

“The PPK series was originally developed by SEW-EURODRIVE in Brazil, for instance, to serve their large and thriving sugar sector,” says McKey. “Our design and engineering experts in Germany then further leveraged these advances when they developed the SEW P2.e series – aimed at larger applications.”

He emphasises that both series built upon the key benefits that planetary gear units present to customers: a compact solution for space-constrained conditions, alongside high torque and low speed outputs. The SEW PPK series delivers 10 to 18 kNm of torque with a ratio range from 65:1 to 390:1, while the SEW P2.e series encompasses torque ratings from 24 to 124 kNm with ratios from 15,2:1 to 332:1.

“The SEW PPK satisfies the need for a lower torque requirement, and is well suited to southern hemisphere markets,” he explains. The ratio can be further reduced by the addition of a primary reducer before the planetary head, to reach ratios up to 10,650:1 – for a much lower speed capability.

The SEW P2.e was then developed with all these benefits, but with a broader spectrum of diversity in its speed – up to 100 rpm – as well as in ratio and torque, he says. While most planetary gearboxes have a three-stage design, the SEW P2.e can also be supplied in a two-stage model.

Greg Lewis, SEW-EURODRIVE Business Development Manager for Projects, points out that the company has been careful to retain the same critical dimensions as previous SEW P-series models. This allows customers to migrate seamlessly to the more versatile SEW P2.e units without altering their operating environment or infrastructure.

Among the common applications in the mining sector for planetary gearboxes, says Lewis, are clarifiers, thickeners and apron feeders. Other industrial applications include slewing drives, screw feeders and wood panel presses.

“In the agricultural sector, sugar mills are big users of planetary units,” he says. “The SEW PPK series, arising as it did to serve the needs of sugar mills in Brazil, has exciting opportunities for application in African countries.”

McKey highlights another important aspect of these planetary ranges: their reduced weight compared to traditional technologies.

“A sugar mill’s crystalliser, for example, will conventionally have a multi-gear solution which applies considerable weight and strain on the system,” he explains. “A compact planetary unit from SEW-EURODRIVE can now deliver the same results with much less weight – within an integrated design. The benefits are also felt in less wear on components like bearings and the civils structures, which leads to less maintenance being required.”

Also, on SEW-EURODRIVE’s showcase of new products is its high performance ECO2 geared motors, designed in line with the company’s sustainability focus and the market’s growing demand for products that are more environmentally friendly in their manufacturing process. The ECO2 range boasts a coating-free design, so there are no solvents or coatings used on the outer surfaces. This makes these units efficient and reliable in indoor applications where humidity levels can reach 60%, and they can operate in temperatures between minus 20° C and 60° C. Their aluminium construction reacts with oxygen to form a thin protective layer; the ECO2 design also meets the requirements of ISO 12944 corrosive category 1.

On the automation side, a highlight of the SEW-EURODRIVE offering is the SEW MOVI-C® drive technology – a comprehensive modular automation system designed to provide seamless integration and high performance for various industrial applications.

Willem Strydom, SEW-EURODRIVE’s Manager Business Development Electronics points to applications like hoisting where MOVI-C® facilitates the use of regenerative power from braking and this energy can be fed back into the system or stored in battery packs. The MOVILINK® digital data interface (DDI) connects the drive train into the data system through a unique single hybrid cable solution

“This further allows customers to receive real-time information on a range of indices, such as energy efficiency, application performance and condition monitoring,” he says. “This differentiates us significantly in the market.

Making its debut appearance at NAMPO Cape in Bredasdorp this year, geared motor specialist SEW-EURODRIVE is all set to excite the farming community with even more solutions to drive productivity and efficiency. 

From its firm footprint in the agricultural sector – through packhouses and bottling facilities countrywide – SEW-EURODRIVE now takes its offerings onto the lands, for instance, with its quality gear units for centre pivots. Jonathan McKey, National Sales and Marketing Manager at SEW-EURODRIVE, says this is part of its continuous innovation to give farmers more energy efficient solutions for streamlined and automated operations.

“Our classic 7 Series geared motors have for many years proudly served the farming industry – in various packhouse applications including conveyors, sorters and box packaging lines,” says McKey. “These solutions have long been fitted with premium efficiency IE3 motors – which are also available as non-integral units – delivering considerable savings in energy costs.” 

Variable speed drive (VSD) technology allows for further efficiency and even the finetuning of production lines to suit the pace of demand. 

“As part of modernising packhouse facilities, VSDs allow solutions to be tailored to a changing production pattern,” he says. “Another opportunity for greater efficiency is our ECDriveS® drive system for roller conveyors in light duty materials handling.”

McKey emphasises the work SEW-EURODRIVE has done in ‘closing the loop’ to meet more of the drive requirements in farming. The company now supplies, installs and services the centre drive and wheel drives for pivot irrigation systems – as well as the drive technology to power them.

“These solutions have been popular on farms in Brazil since the 1980s,” he explains. “Similarities with South African conditions show that this offering will add value locally too.”

Aligning to the shaft sizes and flange connections on existing centre pivot irrigation equipment, SEW-EURODIVE provides a ‘plug and play’ solution of gearing, casing and motor. The concept is also more cost effective and sustainable, as the company will service and repair the drive systems – not just replace them. 

Underpinning the performance customers demand, SEW-EURODRIVE’s product quality and support means that the systems achieve the highest levels of uptime. The company’s extensive national service footprint and decentralised stocking policy means that servicing and parts are quickly available to customers within a matter of hours. 

“Every key agricultural region is well served by our comprehensively stocked facilities in Cape Town, Nelspruit and Gqeberha for current products as well it be for the pivot solution,” he says. “We appreciate that agricultural products are sensitive to time and delay, so we help ensure minimal downtime.”

McKey says SEW-EURODRIVE also recognises the importance of sustainability principles in agriculture, and builds this approach into its designs. The high performance ECO2 geared motor, for example, is made from uncoated aluminium, which forms a thin protective layer in contact with oxygen. With no coating or solvent on the surface, the result is more cost effective, environmentally friendly and easier to recycle.

The company has even developed its own premium lubricants, based on its decades of field experience. These boost operational performance by reducing friction between gear wheels, and extend the life of sealing rings. These innovations are ideal for applications in the food and beverages industry as well.

“Visit us at Stand T6 at NAMPO Cape in Bredasdorp,” says McKey. “We also look forward to talking to visitors about their aspirations to modernise their facilities, as we can walk this journey with them.”

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

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.”

Leading automation giant, SEW-EURODRIVE, is set to enhance a US-based vehicle manufacturing plant with its cutting-edge decentralised drive technology, specifically from their Generation C range.

This advanced technology will be incorporated into a brand-new storage and retrieval system at this automotive manufacturing facility. The primary objective is to streamline the supply of vehicle bodies to the existing manufacturing unit, in a bid to meet the soaring demand for vehicles and to bolster the plant’s production capacity.

Highlighting the significance of securing the order, Phillip Steyn, SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa Gqeberha Branch Manager, says the company has a solid track record in supplying drive technology solutions to the automotive industry.

“We have consistently demonstrated our commitment to innovation and our drive technology solutions continue to play a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency, precision and reliability of manufacturing processes within the automotive sector,” he says. “Whether it’s providing advanced gearmotors, precision control systems or customised automation solutions, we contribute significantly to the industry’s ability to meet the demands of an ever-evolving market.”

Steyn points out the strong global support network of SEW-EURODRIVE, which offers unparalleled logistical flexibility. This ensures optimal shipping strategies including some drives being shipped directly from Germany to the US, while others are directed to the company’s facility in Gqeberha.

“We have strategically planned our deliveries in phases, tailored to the project’s requirements. Project completion is scheduled for September 2024,” adds Steyn.

“It’s noteworthy that this particular vehicle manufacturer relies consistently on SEW-EURODRIVE’s drive technology for all its global facilities. Specifically for this project, over 300 units from the Generation C range will be incorporated and this decentralised technology will facilitate independent and collaborative operations of the drives, either positioned on or near the motor in the field,” he explains.

“These units have been meticulously designed to resonate with the fast-paced dynamics of the automotive sector, ensuring a seamless process flow and top-tier production efficiency,” Steyn says. The decentralised drives will be integrated with SEW-EURODRIVE’s Digital Data Interface (DDI) platform and state-of-the-art servo technology for peak energy efficiency.

He elaborates on the advantages of decentralised tech over its centralised counterpart, underscoring its sustainability and consistency. “All products in our decentralised range share a uniform controller and interface, enhancing user experience and flexibility, with reduced spare parts inventory.”

The end-users stand to gain significantly as well. They can expect quicker and cost effective installations, faster maintenance response times and minimal disruptions, paving the way for uninterrupted productivity.

Offering a complete gear solution for centre pivot irrigation systems, SEW-EURODRIVE brings its quality products and support as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) closer to South Africa’s farming sector.

“As a key strategic sector in this country, the agricultural industry deserves to be serviced by OEMs – not just by resellers of imported products,” says Jonathan McKey, National Sales and Marketing Manager at SEW-EURODRIVE. “As a global company with a world class reputation, our strong local footprint across South Africa, and Africa, ensures that the farming community gets the support it needs from us.”

Through its strategy of ‘closing the loop’, SEW-EURODRIVE is able to supply, install and service the centre drive and wheel drives for pivot irrigation systems – as well as the drive technology to power the system.

“Our SEW-EURODRIVE gearbox solutions have proven themselves in this application since the 1980s in Brazil, where numerous units are sold every month into their farming sector,” says McKey. “The similarities of the agricultural environment between our two countries have convinced us that our offering adds plenty of value locally.”

Aligning to the shaft sizes and flange connections on existing centre pivot irrigation equipment, SEW-EURODIVE provides a ‘plug and play’ solution of gearing, casing and motor. Willem Strydom, Business Development Manager: Electronics for SEW-EURODRIVE, emphasises that the company presents a game-changing concept in sustainability, serviceability and cost effectiveness, which is exactly what the local agricultural sector needs.

“Generally, the drive systems on this type of equipment are simply replaced when they no longer perform, and there is little capability in South Africa to repair them,” says Strydom. “Not only will we assemble our own gearboxes in-country, but we can also repair and refurbish the various components to our stringent OEM standards.”

The company’s infrastructure includes service teams that visit customers’ sites, whether these are commercial farms or smaller privately owned enterprises. These teams are highly experienced in various gearbox systems and applications, so they can inspect existing installations and advise on optimal solutions.

“Large operations can even be supported with formal service level agreements, where the size and efficiency of their operation warrants it,” he says. SEW-EURODRIVE can serve the market’s standardised wheel ratios of 50:1 and 52:1, to accommodate the specifications of the key suppliers of centre pivot irrigation systems.

McKey highlights the build quality of the company’s gearboxes, which underpins their proven reliability in multiple sectors and applications. Indeed, SEW-EURODRIVE only enters a market once its offerings have been decisively field-proven.

According to Strydom, the depth of the company’s technical capability is demonstrated by the fact that it has designed and manufactured interchangeable internal gearing. This allows for commonality of parts, which in turn facilitates efficient stockholding and quick turnaround times.

“One of the benefits of our gearboxes for the centre pivot market is that we use the same internal gearing as our popular and robust 7-series range,” he explains. “The heart of our gearboxes for centre pivot irrigation has therefore proven itself beyond doubt over decades in many arduous applications and industries.”

It also means that SEW-EURODRIVE already has extensive stockholding in its large and modern facility in Aeroton west of Johannesburg, and all the necessary expertise to assess and refurbish gearboxes using these components. The company also has its own quality motors – available in either a 0,55 kW, 0,75 kW or a 1,1 kW option – for these irrigation systems.

While the duty performed by the gearboxes and motors on centre pivot irrigation systems might be considered lighter than certain other applications in more demanding sectors, Strydom emphasises that regular inspection and maintenance remain important.

“This agricultural equipment may need to be moved from one location to another on the farm, for instance,” he says. “In some cases, this process can damage both the gears and motors – so it is vital to check regularly that the performance of the equipment is still optimal.”

The attention of trained service staff from SEW-EURODRIVE can make this process easier and less time consuming for farm managers. The on-site assessment can also confirm whether cost effective repairs are possible, rather than replacing whole gearboxes. Repairing or replacing just the internal gears will allow the casing to be preserved – minimising the wastage and cost.

Another growing concern for farmers is the rising cost of electricity, and SEW-EURODRIVE’s solutions for centre pivot systems also help address this challenge, says Strydom. This is done through the use of energy efficient motors, rated in the IE3 class in terms of international energy standards.

“Most competitors in this field use standard efficiency IE1 class motors,” he explains. “To save our customers on the cost of their electricity, SEW-EURODRIVE standardises on the use of premium efficiency IE3 motors.”

The energy efficiency of motors is, in fact, becoming important for all sectors in South Africa, in the light of government plans to introduce Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) this year. “We are proud to be a full-service OEM in the agricultural space,” concludes McKey. “We are also excited about this and other opportunities in this sector in which we will be closing the loop – by offering an ever-wider range of complete solutions for our customers.”