Having made significant investments in its distribution, engineering facilities and technical skills, industrial solutions provider BMG’s dedicated variable-speed drive (VSD) workshops in Cape Town, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal remain the approved warranty centres for renowned brands – including Danfoss, VACON and Synergy – in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.

BMG’s range of Danfoss electronic, mechanical and intelligent ‘mechatronic’ devices are designed to optimise automation processes and reduce energy consumption.

These electromechanical facilities are manned by globally trained experts, offering specialist services, including repairs, maintenance, option fitment, pre-commissioning, telephonic support, software loading/upgrades and testing applications, as well as small panel manufacturing.

The BMG Electronics team, with in-depth VSD experience, provides expertise in specialist areas, including energy efficiency, mitigation of harmonic distortion related to low voltage drives, application of solar VSDs, as well as condition-based monitoring using VSDs.

“Many customers insist on official original- equipment manufacturer certifications before services can be conducted and with BMG’s extensive experience and specialised training, the team is well-positioned to meet these requirements,” says BMG Electronics business unit manager Sean McCree.

He adds the BMG Electronics workshop, service and field service departments are supported by International Organisation for Standardisation accreditations, including ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001.

“At BMG safety is not just compliance, it is a culture throughout the organisation. The team also offers scheduled and specialised VSD training to customers and shares expert knowledge about advanced VSD technology that enhances plant productivity,” says McCree.

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The VLT Automation Drive, which has received global awards for innovation and user-friendly features, helps optimise project costs by ensuring the lowest possible cost of ownership and maintaining high efficiency processes.

BMG has also adopted the release of the iC7 Series Drives, which feature a six-sigma design approach, embedded crypto chip cybersecurity, integrated fieldbus and excellent motor shaft performance.

“These drives are suitable for induction and synchronous motors, as well as grid monitoring,” says McCree.

Meanwhile, BMG and Danfoss Drives are celebrating a decade of close collaboration, with a strategic alliance agreement signed in 2015.

This formal partnership agreement has strengthened BMG’s original distribution agreement for Danfoss VSDs and the soft starter range, which has been in place since 2007.

“BMG and Danfoss Drives share a commitment to innovation, sustainability and integrity. The teams work closely with industry in Africa to create a more efficient and sustainable environment and a highly productive and globally competitive region,” says McCree.

He adds that, through the supply and support of a range of Danfoss VSDs and soft starter systems, BMG’s customers have seen improved productivity, optimised process control and reduced energy consumption in their operations.

Typical applications for these systems are in food and beverage, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, mining and minerals, marine, water and wastewater, chemicals, and oil and gas.

“The BMG team’s technical expertise is enhanced by the company’s extensive branch network offering short lead times, flexible pricing, dependable 24-hour after-sales support and valuable stockholding capabilities.”

History in the Making

BMG was appointed by Danfoss Drives in 2019 as the first authorised Danfoss DrivePro service partner in Africa and this official certification has been renewed every year since.

This prestigious appointment gives customers the assurance that BMG meets stringent requirements to offer customised support and technical assistance for Danfoss VLT, iCX and VACON frequency converters.

Danfoss DrivePro services, which cover the entire life cycle of Danfoss and VACON alternating current drives, are designed to improve productivity and performance, minimising downtime and “giving peace of mind to every user”.

Recent successes for BMG and Danfoss include a pump upgrade project which reduced system costs and improved plant security at a chemicals facility.

“The refurbishment of an ageing, unreliable elevator involved the installation of a VLT lift drive, which has resulted in quiet, comfortable and stable elevator operation,” says McCree.

Through the supply and installation of Danfoss Drives, BMG’s agricultural team has assisted local farmers to accelerate tobacco drying processes, reduce the costs of irrigation and expand crop production.

The BMG team is also committed to preventing unnecessary breakdowns, which is why reliability is the primary focus when designing drive systems for new and upgraded facilities.

“All BMG components are precisely matched to each other and to specific application requirements, to ensure high productivity, sustainability, smooth operation and long service life,” concludes McCree.