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Company’s turnkey solution benefits mining industry

12th October 2018

By: Paige Müller

Creamer Media Reporter

     

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Drive and automation specialist SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa has been working to establish itself as a full solutions provider for the mining industry for the past five years, says national sales and marketing manager Norman Maleka.

“When the name SEW is mentioned in mining circles, one of the first things people think of is gear boxes.”

He adds that this is predominately because the company was founded on high-quality, durable gear motors, for which it is still well-known.

However, Maleka states that the company is working to broaden market perceptions of its product portfolio and service offerings.

“SEW has invested significantly in enhancing its product and service portfolio for the mining industry, which is currently the one of the main contributor to our turnover,” stresses Maleka, adding that the company wants to educate its clients that it is a full solutions provider, as opposed to only a components supplier.

The company offers a range of gear motors, gear units, electric motors, components for decentralised installation, electronically-controlled drives, mechanical variable-speed gear motors, as well as turnkey drive solutions which can be engineered to suit the specific needs of mines.

Maleka states that the company has attended several large exhibitions – including this year’s Electra Mining Africa held last month – to demonstrate to clientele from all industries its solutions and, importantly, its “innovative problem-solving” capabilities.

“SEW has made an effort to ensure that it is not only exhibiting components at these expos, but also holding a range of live demonstrations to showcase to clients exactly what we are capable of,” emphasises Maleka.

Demonstrating its worth as a solutions provider for the mining industry is particularly important to SEW, as it also hopes to extend its reach further into the African market. Maleka states that the company has noted an increase in demand for value-added drive solutions for mining in Africa, particularly from Zambia, Tanzania and Kenya.

“Involving SEW in a drive project from the outset will prove to be an overwhelming boon to the industry’s operational processes and long-term bottom line.”

Using SEW’s start-to-finish solutions will result in mining clients’ reaping significant operational, cost and general convenience benefits, as the company provides a ‘one-stop-shop’ for their drive requirements, addressing concerns and queries directly, as opposed to relying on a middleman, Maleka explains.

This will enable SEW to reduce lead times, offer better pricing, and provide a single contact point for all warranties, components and skills for faster repairs, replacement and maintenance services, he adds.

“Showing the market that SEW is no longer just a components supplier is, of course, an ongoing process, but we are pleased to report that the African mining industry does approach us for full turnkey solutions more often.”

Customisable Drive Solutions for Mining

“SEW works with mines to create a tailored service package that ensures the highest availability of drive technology, thus minimising operational downtime, production loss, and loss of operational profitability,” highlights Maleka.

He also adds that the company has 77 drive technology centres worldwide, ensuring quick access to complete drives and spare parts in most areas within 24 hours. The company further offers preventative maintenance and fault management, and has a 24-hour service hotline to assist with preventing operational downtime.

“SEW solves client problems, and we hope to see more of our mining industry clients throughout Africa coming to us with specific operational problems that require SEW’s extensive engineering expertise,” concludes Maleka.

Edited by Zandile Mavuso
Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor: Features

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