MechChem Africa January 2017

New industrial air division launched

Probe Industrial Technologies, South Africa’s largest importer of premium, maintenance-free, fit-and-forget batteries as well as rotating electrics has started a new Air Power Technologies division, focused on providing quality air, power and safety solutions to industrial clients.

A s part of Probe’s expansion strat- egy and commitment to providing complete industrial solutions, the company sought to partner with a suitable manufacturer of high-quality air compressors. The innovative German-based ISO 9001:2008 company, Tolpec SCC, which produces the SCC air compressor, was the perfect fit. Trevor Volker, who heads up Probe’s Industrial Technologies division, says that Tolpec SCC’s combination of best-in-class practices and total in-house capabilitiesmade the company an ideal partner for Probe. “The partnership is a win-win for both companies. Wewere looking for a premiumclass air com- pressor to distribute at a competitivemarket price. Tolpec SCC had recently embarked on a global expansion strategy that included es- tablishing aGerman-managedmanufacturing facility inChina. Itwas looking at thepotential More about Probe Probe was established in 1963 by Francesco Rovelli. The business started as an auto-electrical company and grew into an importer, wholesaler and distrib- utor of top international brands. Probe is nowa leader in its fieldandSouthAfrica’s largest importer of automotive batter- ies, with over 50 years of experience in distributing and providing aftermarket support for many international brands. The acquisitions of MED, Aristo Brands and Dynamax Auto Components have made the company a leader in rotating electrics in South Africa. Probe serves the heavy and light duty automotive, mining and construction equipment industries through a national dealer network with a comprehensive range of services including sales and distribution of alternators, starters and associated spares and fully equipped workshop facilities for comprehensive electrical repairs. Thecompany’spolicyistosupplyorig- inalequipment,sparepartsandcomplete units, factory-approved remanufactured or replacement starters and alternators strictlytomanufacturerspecifications. q

African market and required a local part- ner. Probe’s 50-year experience in local andAfricanmarkets attracted themto the company,” he says. “The air compressor market is domi- nated by overpriced OEM brands and numerous companies offering a cheaper productwith no aftermarket or spares sup- port,” Volker adds. “We believe that it is an opportune time for newentrants to come into the market and provide a quality premium air compressor brand at competitive prices.” Additionally,someofthemorefamiliarbrands arewithout distributors at present. “Our aim is to provide the customer with a product that gives optimal performance, along with energy saving potential, at the right price,” says Volker. He highlights that a crucial aspect to Probe’s product offering is strong after- market services and support, which include service technicians and the availability of spares at all times. In addition, the special- ist Probe Air Power Technologies team is able to conduct air audits and customer air compressor assessments to ensure that the best-suited products are selected for the specific application. Probe Industrial Technologies has been able to hit the ground running by leveraging Probe Corporation’s critical mass and reach. “With a high quality product such as the SCC compressor, and local markets ripe for a new

Probe’s SCC Smart range offers simple, efficient and high quality compressed

offering in quality air compressors supported by solid aftermarket service, they are confi- dent they will be able to meet, and exceed, customer expectations,” Volker concludes. Probe Industrial Technologies’ sub divi- sion, Air Power Technologies, now offers: 1. Reciprocating compressors from 1.5 kW up to and including 15 kW tank-mounted compressors. 2. Anelectric rotary screwcompressor range that starts at 5.5 kW and goes up to a 250 kWmodel in three pressure variants. 3. An oil-free range of compressors in a water-cooled version from 90 kW up to 415 kW. 4. Auxiliary quality air products including refrigerant air dryers, filters and drains. q air. Easy to install with a very low noise level, service friendly with low maintenance costs and with a small footprint, these compressors are ideal for general industrial use.

A cornerstone of Probe’s product offering is strong aftermarket services and support, which include service technicians and the availability of spares at all times.

18 ¦ MechChem Africa • January 2017