Steadily rolling out its strategic expansion into Africa, SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa continues to build momentum in driving forward its plans to become a leading force in the business of industrial gearboxes, drives and automation solutions on the continent.
SEW-EURODRIVE technicians carry out precision repairs ensuring OEM-quality standards in restoring equipment to peak performance.
Managing Director, Raymond Obermeyer says, “Building on years of planning and proactive investment, we are successfully rolling out our African strategy to get closer to customers across the continent. To do this effectively, we are also continuing to strengthen our foundation of technical capability and expertise.”
Already well established in countries such as Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia, the company is extending its reach northwards into Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Mauritania, Morocco and others. At its new 26 000 m2 headquarters in Aeroton near Johannesburg, where the company took occupation in 2022, work is already under way on the construction of the adjacent service facility.
Obermeyer says, “This service centre will further support our expansion of sales, support, engineering and training capabilities. We have begun appointing key staff for the facility and will add another 20 to 30 employees over the course of this year.”
He points out that many local gearbox users face the challenge of inadequate support for products being sold into the market, and highlights that SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa focuses on being well equipped to service and repair all its products.
“As one of the few gearbox OEMs in the country with advanced design and engineering infrastructure, we can also make use of our group’s world class facilities in Germany,” he adds. “This enables us to service and repair the products of other OEMs as well – and to the same high standard as the original item.”
The new SEW-EURODRIVE service centre in Aeroton will house the company’s existing industrial gearbox repairs division as well as an expanded Drive Academy – where it runs training programmes for staff and customers. Other capabilities to be brought in-house include base plate fabrication and sand blasting, and new equipment will include robotic welders, five-axis gear cutting machines and heavy cranage.
In pursuing its plans for growth, SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa is also finding new markets, a drive which is supported by the group’s wide and expanding range of products and solutions. Obermeyer highlights that In 2025, the group has already launched 16 new products, as it pushes the boundaries in fields such as industrial gears, geared motors, electronics and artificial intelligence.
“This reflects our innovative approach and our research and development capability which is opening up fresh opportunities in existing and new markets,” he says. “At SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa, we understand the importance of keeping up our investments in Africa, positioning ourselves for leadership.”
Construction on the expansion for the new SEW-EURODRIVE service centre began in November 2024 and the facility will be operational by the end of 2025. Obermeyer says customers can look forward to the facility raising the service bar for the industry from 2026.
For more information visit: www.sew-eurodrive.co.za