Electricity + Control February 2016

LIGHT + CURRENT

Streamlining operational efficiencies in 2016

The operations division is at the heart of SEW- EURODRIVE, and the division’s newly-appointed General Manager Greg Perry is eager to consolidate on current successes to improve service delivery.The scope of the SEW-EURODRIVE operations division encompasses numerous functions, including; production, logistics, services and engineer- ing. Despite the fact that the company is well- recognised as a market leader in innovation and quality, Perry admits that more needs to be done to maintain current clients and win over new ones in tough economic conditions. “Our products are good, and we have every confidence in them, in terms of design and

functionality. Due to a gradual slowdown in new investments, a general industry trend is that operations are reducing overhead costs by diverting budgets towards maintenance to extend the total life cycle of equipment. As a result, customer service is more important than ever, and we are adopting a continuous improvement approach in that regard,” he states. Bearing this in mind, Perry believes that SEW-EURODRIVE will maintain its competitive edge in industries such as min- ing, automotive, food and beverage, and water treatment. “Our business model is sound and we have a strong team of people behind our products, however, it is important to work ‘smarter’ in challenging times, and we are doing this by tak- ing a proactive approach towards streamlining efficiencies across the board.” Enquiries: Email lndaba@sew.co.za

Greg Perry

New era for VEGA in South Africa

VEGA Controls SA has been appointed by VEGA Grieshaber KG as the sole authorised distributor for the South African market, from 1 January 2016. VEGA Grieshaber KG is the manufacturer and supplier of the complete range of VEGA level, pressure and nucleonic instrumentation. The new company will take over the day-to-day business activities ofVEGA Instruments SA, under the leadership of African Region – Group Director, John Groom and Natalie Barnes as Director. Natalie Barnes joinedVEGA in 2006 and has worked in the sales and service departments of the company in a number of capacities. Her last

position was Head of Internal Sales, Projects and Service. Natalie will continue to add value to the new company, and expects to see future growth in both the company’s people and its business. She said, “My vision for VEGA is to remain a leading brand within the industry, exceeding our customers’ expectations”. John Groom announced that VEGA Controls SA has entered into an Employee Shares Opportunity Programme Trust that will collectively own a 26% share ofVEGA Controls SA.This will mean that the staff collectively contributes to the success of the company within South Africa. Enquiries: Chantal Groom.Tel. 011 795 3249 or email chantal.groom@vega.com

Natalie Barnes, Director VEGA Controls SA.

South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI)

Energy efficiency tax rebate increased to 95c/kWh

“Please note that in terms of the recently promulgated Taxation Laws Amendment Act, Act No. 25 of 2015, published in Govern- ment Gazette No. 39588, the Section 12L energy efficiency tax incentive has been amended and improved to increase the amount of the (measured and verified) deduction from 45 to 95 cents per kilowatt hour or kilowatt hour equivalent of energy saved. Further- more, the increased rate is deemed to have come into operation on 1 March 2015 and applies in respect of years of assessment commencing on or after that date.” Extracted from the SANEDI press release of 18 January 2016. Contact the Energy Training Foundation (EnTF), sole licensed training provider for theAEE’s CertifiedMeasurement &Verification Professional (CMVP) qualification programme in the SouthernAf- rican region, for a customised training session for your company’s staff M&V training requirements.We can help you understandM&V from the basic level up to obtaining the qualification. Enquiries: Barry Bredenkamp,Tel. 083 655 6891 or email: barryb@sanedi.org.za

Electricity+Control February ‘16

44