Mechanical Technology June 2016

⎪ On the cover ⎪

Driving growth in South Africa

From humble beginnings as a small workshop with 16 employees 85 years ago, SEW-Eurodrive has become a global family-run drive engineering business with over 16 000 employees, who demonstrate their commitment by working day in, day out to ensure the machines and systems of customers throughout the world keep on moving.

G erman-based SEW-Eurodrive has strong roots in the South African market, which gener- ally continues to select quality over price, despite an economic slump that has led to tightened budgets. “While mining and mineral processing industries are sluggish, we remain competitive,” says MD, Raymond Obermeyer, adding that the company is also gaining ground in better-performing sectors such as logistics, automotive and the food and beverage industries. “German products are synonymous with quality and innovation. Our IE3 premium efficiency mechatronic product range has become sought-after in the local market, because efficiency and reliability have retained greater priorities among customers across industries,” he says. This has resulted in measurable growth, not only locally, but also across the African continent with branches being opened in Cameroon, Morocco and Tanzania. To sufficiently supply the growing demand, SEW-Eurodrive will expand the operational space at the Johannesburg offices and storage facility. The planned R16-million upgrade, which will take place between August

2016 and February 2017, will include the expansion of a new workshop and the upgrading of cranes. “As part of our global growth strategy, our South Africa office has been tasked with offering guidance and supplying operations into Africa,” adds Obermeyer. The close working relationship be- tween the German head office and its South African subsidiary has proven valuable in the branch’s status locally and in Africa. “We have a good relation- ship with the German head office. We maintain an open-door policy where we are able to discuss possible problems and solutions,” he says. SEW-Eurodrive’s joint-owner Juergen Blickle visits all subsidiaries at least biannually to oversee operations. “Africa remains important to Juergen and we often consult him regarding the African market and provide local opinions as to which step the company should take next,” Obermeyer adds.

Raymond Obermeyer, SEW-Eurodrive’s South African MD. Value from German quality With the volatility of the rand, imported gearboxes and motors are costly items of equipment. However, if proper care and maintenance is provided, the units will

SEW-Eurodrive also supplies geared motors for aerators, Archimedes screws, pumps, mixers, screen drives, bridge drives and rotary filters.

SEW-Eurodrive’s IE3 premium efficiency mechatronic product range has become sought-after in the local market, “because efficiency and reliability have retained greater priorities among customers across industries”.

4

Mechanical Technology — June 2016