MechChem Africa

MechChem Africa

•

January 2017

EW-Eurodrive’scommitmenttoSouth

Africa and the continent is under-

scored by the fact that the bulk of its

regional turnover is still generatedby

themining andminerals-processing industry.

This is because the OEM remains a leading

innovator and solutions provider in bulk

materials handling and conveying technology.

Paying a visit to the SouthAfrican head of-

ficeinJohannesburgrecently,SEW-Eurodrive

president and global MD, Jürgen Blickle

comments that, while the mining industry is

in a slump, “we are still very strong in min-

ing”. Blickle reveals that the OEM plans to

ramp up its local assembly operations, with

an expanded assembly facility on the cards.

Another key focus for future growth is

boosting the aftermarket sector, which has

seen the South African subsidiary establish

a new Field Service Department and Repair

Centre. “We want to increase the service

Plans to increase

local

drive assembly capability

Latest-technology geared-motor assembly cells

SEW-Eurodrive Cape Town has invested

in new assembly cells for geared motors

to speed up production, increase quality

and reduce wastage. As part of its ongo-

ing development, the branch also plans a

new assembly cell for electronics in the

near future.

“Wehavedefinitely started todomore

businesson theelectronics side, especially

in terms of servomotors andmechatronic

units, which combine electronics with mechanical gearing,” com-

ments branch manager Byron Griffiths.

He explains that the assembly-cell development embarked upon

by the Cape Town branch will increase its flexibility and capability

for delivering total solutions to clients. It will also assist in reduc-

ing stockholding, as a lot of components are interchangeable, as

opposed to having to keep one item in stock in every available size

and configuration.

Cape Town is a significant production hub for SEW-Eurodrive, as

it assembles units for other branches, including Nelspruit, Durban,

Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth. In addition, specific sizes and

ranges are only assembled in Cape Town, and distributed to other

branches when needed. “For example, a smaller location such as

Port Elizabeth will rely on us for its production, from servo motors

to geared motors,” Griffiths points out.

He adds that the Western Cape market in particular is showing

growth in terms of both volume and turnover. “The market is defi-

nitely on the up compared to last year. We are doing surprisingly

well, despite the prevailing tough market conditions.”

Griffiths reveals that the food and beverage industry is very

stable in theWestern Cape, where the large percentage of exports

means that OEMs favour energy-efficient equipment such as SEW-

Eurodrive’sIE3-compliantDRNseriesofasynchronousmotors.“One

of the main reasons these new motors were launched was to cater

specifically for increased export volumes into the US and Europe,

where the standard regulations require IE3 compliance,” he says.

SEW-Eurodrive Cape Town has invested in new assembly cells for geared

motors to speed up production.

SEW-Eurodrive’s global president and MD, Jürgen Blickle (right), visits South Africa

and talks about the company’s expansion plans.

business, including servicing brands other

than our own. This is an international trend,

whereby we find customers approaching us

for this particular service,” Blickle says.

However, Blickle adds that themain focus

is still offering complete replacement units

wherever possible. “As so many of our prod-

ucts are largely identical and interchangeable,

we will simply offer a replacement unit as

opposed to repairing an old one.”

SEW-Eurodrive’s success on the continent

is highlightedby the SouthAfrican company‘s

celebration of its 30

anniversary last year.

Blickle explains that the OEM’s manufactur-

ing base is distributed among 15 facilities

globally, in addition to 75 assembly facilities,

including Johannesburg. “Hence we are a

truly global entity. The fact that we continue

to invest significantly in South Africa is an

indication of our commitment to the country

and its economy.”

A distinct advantage of the OEM’s global

footprint is an international pool of project

and application experience. This not only

encompasses manufacturing capability, but

also an excellent grasp of local conditions

and specific requirements. “What gives us

the edge is not only howwemanufacture our

products, using the latest methodologies and

technologies, but our in-depth knowledge

of highly-technical sectors such as mining,

food and beverage and automotive,” Blickle

elaborates.

In South Africa, the Johannesburg assem-