6 / 44
4
Mechanical Technology — June 2016
⎪
On the cover
⎪
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
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.
Raymond Obermeyer, SEW-Eurodrive’s South
African MD.
Driving growth
in South Africa
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.
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”.
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