South Africa’s paper and pulp industry is a vital economic sector, with the adoption of sustainable practices, such as improved energy efficiency, having bolstered its resilience despite challenges such as high transportation costs, water and energy intensity and limited suitable forestry land.

Drive technology and automation specialist SEW-EURODRIVE says it has dedicated many years to modernising the industry through key initiatives that ensure cost effectiveness and alignment with global technology and trends. Bringing these advancements to Mpumalanga, which is the home of South Africa’s paper sector, the company has supplied purpose-built and precisely engineered industrial gears, geared motors, servo drives and a range of electronic products that were tailored to meet an operation’s specific needs.

Focused on reducing bottlenecks at its production facility while simultaneously addressing excessive energy consumption, an existing customer turned to SEW-EURODRIVE for solutions that would enhance its operational efficiency and productivity to meet increasing market demand in a competitive industry challenged by rising input costs.

In one instance, SEW-EURODRIVE was tasked with modernising the effectiveness and reliability of ageing cooling tower drives. To achieve this, the company replaced the outdated units with its SEW X.e series of industrial gear units. These were specifically adapted and enhanced to ensure reliable performance with minimal intervention, requiring only standard inspections for ongoing operation.

Another example involved the replacement of outdated and unreliable chain-driven systems for the slewing of coal stackers. SEW-EURODRIVE addressed this challenge by implementing its robust SEW P-series planetary gear units, featuring specially modified spline shafts for improved performance.

Regardless of the applications, the company remains committed to enhancing customer processes and efficiencies. By leveraging SEW-EURODRIVE’s research and development capability, the company continuously refines motor energy efficiency while ensuring maximum effectiveness of its directly coupled gearboxes.

“Our German-engineered products are very specialised and are known for their reliability and longevity in addition to their efficiency. This is mostly why our customers standardise their operations with SEW-EURODRIVE technology. They know it lasts – it’s not a gearbox that typically fails,” SEW-EURODRIVE Nelspruit branch manager Jason Jackson tells Engineering News.

“There’s a global drive toward greener, more sustainable operations to tackle climate change. By adopting more energy efficient technologies offered by SEW-EURODRIVE, such as our IE3-rated motors, we help our customers in the paper and pulp sector to advance their environmental, social and governance goals by reducing their energy consumption and, subsequently, their carbon footprint.”

In addition, SEW EURODRIVE uses its specialised sustainably produced “brand made” GearOil in its gearboxes. This not only enhances performance but also extends oil change intervals reducing environmental exposure to maintenance-related elements.

From the woodyard to lime sections to final production of newsprint and Kraft liner board, SEW-EURODRIVE has been a longstanding and reliable partner in the industry, says Jackson.

The company remains committed to supporting the responsible and continuous processing of wood into paper and cellulose, ensuring efficiency and sustainability throughout the production timeline.

“With the recent launch of SEW EURODRIVE’s latest Movi-C technology, the possibilities are endless. The company is advancing further into automation and predictive maintenance for its clients. With locally stocked complete drives and assembled parts, the company ensures a seamless after-sales service, programming, support and reliability – giving customers complete confidence in their solutions,” adds Jackson.

He says the customer in Mpumalanga has largely standardised its operations with SEW-EURODRIVE technology.

“Besides our reputation for reliable, energy efficient technology, we also offer a significant stock holding and have the ability to assist customers with quick turnaround times, particularly regarding breakdowns and maintenance.”

With a decentralised approach to supporting major industries, SEW-EURODRIVE has established offices with service centre capabilities in key regions. These locations cater to industries such as pulp and paper, sawmilling and board manufacturing, as well as the growing demand in the Lowveld region.

The company’s 26 000 m2 facility in Johannesburg accommodates a large, localised stock holding that can assist customers countrywide and in the rest of Africa with timely spares delivery during unplanned breakdowns and maintenance intervals.

In addition, with the assistance of its mechatronic department in Johannesburg, SEW-EURODRIVE advances optimisation through digitalisation, which allows for real-time performance data analysis that supports predictive maintenance and remote diagnostics, ultimately improving asset reliability and reducing unplanned downtime, elaborates Jackson.

The upskilling of its customers’ staff is supported through the company’s Drive Academy in Johannesburg, which will be incorporated in the new 17 000 m2 service and repair centre currently being constructed adjacent to the headquarters. This facility is expected to be completed by November 2025 and should be operational by early 2026.

SEW-EURODRIVE strives to digitise and modernise plants with its energy efficient solutions, endeavouring to assist in creating a more sustainable future for companies active in the paper and pulp sector and the communities in which they operate, Jackson concludes.