Mechanical Technology June 2016

⎪ On the cover ⎪

and beyond

SEW-Eurodrive’s South African works manager, Peter McEvoy. ensure years of productivity and long- term return-on-investment. The benefits of regular gearbox and motor care and maintenance include: extended product lifespan; efficient and cost-effective service; reduced downtime; and safer working environments. According to works manager Peter McEvoy, effective care and maintenance means using the correct unit for the cor- rect application, and servicing according to specified OEM standards. “Operating instructions come with every unit and can also be downloaded from the Internet. These provide the end-user with com- prehensive information on operation and maintenance,” he explains. Genuine parts and spares are also es- sential. “This provides the user with the peace-of-mind that all parts conform to SEW-Eurodrive’s international standards, thereby ensuring component lifespan is maximised,” he adds. McEvoy points out that SEW-Eurodrive boasts an extensive stockholding to en- sure minimal turnaround times. “In the event that the part is not available, we are committed to sourcing or importing whatever is required,” he continues. “What’s more, a correctly-specified, high-quality lubricant is vital to the per-

While mining and mineral processing industries are sluggish, SEW-Eurodrive is gaining ground in better-performing sectors such as logistics, automotive and the food and beverage industries.

and Tiger Brands,” he elaborates. Theunissen says all of Eureka’s mo- tors are supplied by SEW-Eurodrive. “We have received excellent service from the company since day one, with regards to delivery times and after-sales support. We tried other suppliers in the past, but were not satisfied. “SEW also boasts a variety of products that are manufactured to internationally recognised quality standards. As a result, we make regular purchases, the most recent being an order for 23 EPKO mo- tors only a few weeks ago,” he continues. According to Theunissen, steel avail- ability is a challenge in the industry that leads to delays. “The economic slow- down in South Africa is also a challenge. Despite these challenges, we continue to perform strongly, and will continue to partner with SEW-Eurodrive for the foreseeable future.” Obermeyer says that despite difficult economic conditions, there are still many opportunities for growth. “We have found new avenues for growth, not only by iden- tifying new markets, but also by changing our entire strategic approach regarding sales. Being open to change is one of the most important aspects of business success,” he concludes. q

formance of a geared unit. A damaged or contaminated lubricant will severely impact on the performance, lifespan and maintenance costs.” “As part of its value-added service offering, our company provides clients across South Africa and beyond, with a qualified field service team to do the re- quired lubricant change and assist in any other ways possible,” McEvoy assures. Commitment to customer service In addition to high-quality products, excellent customer service is at the core of the company’s business model. This is clearly evident on a local level, as exemplified by milling equipment manu- facturer Eureka Construction, which has been making use of SEW motors since its establishment in 1980. Based in the Free State, Eureka features a team of 25 employees that specialise in the manufacture of milling conveying and elevator equipment for the food processing industry. Eureka owner Koos Theunissen notes that the company’s wide range of prod- ucts are exported to high-profile clients in regions such as Botswana, the DRC, Gabon, Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal. “Our clients in include Bokomo, Resulta, Sasko

Mechanical Technology — June 2016

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