Drives, motors and switchgear

In South Africa, the new Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for electric motors that came into effect in mid-2025 require all low voltage IE1 and IE2 electric motors, which are widely used across industries – in heavy-duty cranes, pumps, conveyor belts, air conditioning and more – to be replaced by the more energy-efficient IE3 motors.

In November, SEW-EURODRIVE officially opened its expanded Gqeberha facility, boosting local capacity to support the Eastern Cape’s key industries. The expansion reflects a substantial investment and brings advanced technical capabilities to the region, positioning SEW EURODRIVE as a powerful local partner to serve the province’s fast growing industrial sector. The opening was attended by key customers and industry leaders who had first view of the state-of-the-art facility.

The new AM1000 servomotor joins the economy drive system from Beckhoff. The compact, servomotor and the AX1000 servo drive are combined to deliver powerful drive technology economically, providing users with a coordinated, cost-optimised drive system. Features such as One Cable Technology (OCT), simple plug-and-play commissioning, and seamless TwinCAT integration make the system especially user-friendly.

With South Africa’s Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) mandating the use of premium efficiency IE3 motors now in effect – since June 2025 – SEW-EURODRIVE sees a valuable opportunity for geared motor users to boost efficiency in their operations. However, the company says forward planning, trusted expert guidance and adopting a system-level approach are important considerations that will help organisations take the best next steps.

LH Marthinusen (LHM), a division of ACTOM, has successfully completed a fan installation project for a major mine in the Phalaborwa region, consolidating its position as a leading provider of electro-mechanical solutions for the mining industry. The project involved the design, manufacture, and installation of four overhung centrifugal fans. It is one of the largest installations of its kind in the southern hemisphere.