Variable frequency drives (VFD) and control panels supplier iTek Drives has moved to larger premises, with space for further growth, amid increasing sales and the need for enhanced distribution capacity.

Now based in the industrial and commercial hub of Meadowdale, close to OR Tambo International Airport, in Gauteng, the new property has a warehouse with facilities for receiving and dispatch, a large workshop for product assembly and repair, a VFD showroom, a reception area, a training room and offices.

iTek Drives is Africa’s supplier of Wale-based Invertek’s Optidrive VFDs range.

Also known as inverters, VFDs are electronic controllers commonly fitted to fans, pumps, compressors and cranes to smoothly manage electric motor acceleration and deceleration by changing voltages and frequencies.

With an emphasis on quality and competitive pricing, iTek has grown this brand in Africa since 2016.

In 2024, the company opened a comprehensive testing, repairs, programming and software centre in Johannesburg.

iTek recently announced the sale of VFDs, control panels and specialised electric motors to a copper mine in Zambia.

The new facility’s proximity to OR Tambo will further facilitate rapid delivery by air.

The space at Meadowdale is also sufficient to develop alliances with electric motor companies.

iTek sales director Ryan Bisnath says he anticipates working more closely with importer Electric Motors and Components to supply flame- and explosionproof motors as well as slip-ring motors to the African market.

Brands will include KMMP, VEM and CEMP.

“iTek will marry these European motors to Optidrive VFDs and iTek’s locally built control panels to deliver a turnkey system.”

“By serving as a single-source supplier, we will remove the difficulties and risks associated with ordering and assembling an integrated system from two or more separate companies,” Bisnath explains.

“Our core business as a VFD supplier has not changed, but we hope to make a lot easier the customer’s purchase of his integrated motor and drive systems.”