MechChem Africa

MechChem Africa

•

January 2017

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

New industrial air division launched

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.

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.

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

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.

Probe’s SCC

Smart range offers

simple, efficient and

high quality compressed

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.