Drives, motors and switchgear

Meeting the needs of Eastern Cape industry

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.

Expanded economy drive system

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.

Taking the right steps in upgrading to IE3 motors

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.

Monumental fans installed for mine ventilation project

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.

A continuing partnership in VSDs

This year BMG and Danfoss Drives celebrate a decade of close collaboration since signing a strategic alliance agreement in 2015. This formal partnership agreement strengthened BMG’s original distribution agreement for Danfoss variable speed drives and the soft starter range, which had been in place since 2007.

Setting a new standard for drivetrain repairs

On 22 October 2025, SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa officially cut the ribbon to open its new R385 million, 17 000 m² service and repair facility at its Aeroton headquarters, south of Johannesburg. The ribbon cutting was timed to coincide with a visit to South Africa by Jürgen Blickle, Chief Executive Officer of the SEW-EURODRIVE Group, who has been instrumental in the group’s growth globally and specifically in South Africa.