Africa remains a key focus for automation and drive specialist SEW Germany, which continues to invest significantly in the South African subsidiary in order to ensure sustainable growth into the future, says SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa MD Raymond Obermeyer.

“Germany is well aware of the potential of the African market, and therefore is planning the necessary investment for South Africa to continue as a springboard into the rest of the continent.”

SEW-EURODRIVE plans to launch an office in Kenya in 2020 in order to better serve the East African market. “We will open offices in strategic countries where we have a synergy with local suppliers.” This is in addition to the office in Tanzania, Obermeyer reveals.

He adds that the South African facility in Aeroton, Johannesburg, is not only the German parent’s local head office but also the regional hub for the entire continent, with representation in 20 countries at present.

A service team based in South Africa is available on a 24/7 basis to meet the aftermarket requirements of the African market, from industrial gear units to geared motors. In addition, an export department is fast making inroads into a range of industrial sectors on the continent, from mining to cement, automotive and food and beverage.

Being part of the broader SEW family, which focuses on local manufacture and global assembly, gives the South African operation a leading edge in gaining access to the latest research and product development from Germany itself, notes Obermeyer.

Meanwhile, the company is in the process of launching its new XE industrial gearbox, which not only includes major technical changes to improve its efficiency but also has a larger selection to accommodate a diverse range of customer requirements for a greater return on investment.

Commenting on

the electronics side, Obermeyer says: “We are in the process of launching our new C series, which is a next-generation automation portfolio that will stand us in good stead in meeting the requirements of Industry 4.0.”