SEW-Eurodrive is building on its presence in Tanzania, its main hub in eastern Africa, by opening a new office in Kenya, and commencing with a recruitment drive for Burundi and the DRC.
East Africa represents a major growth area for the drive and automation technology specialist, SEW-Eurodrive South Africa MD, Raymond Obermeyer, comments. “We have managed to secure a lot of business in Africa, and I see it contributing a large percentage of our turnover going forward.”
This growth is largely due to the fact that the brand is well-entrenched in Africa, especially in diverse sectors such as mining and agriculture. In addition, the outward focus on expansion on the continent is necessary to counter the prevailing socio-economic climate in South Africa. “That is the determining factor. We need growth, political stability, and business confidence in order to ensure the continued sustainability of the business.”
The company remains fully committed to South Africa, however, with the main Johannesburg manufacturing facility relocating to a larger new site in an adjacent industrial business park. Property rights for the new development are expected to be secured by September, following which a decision will be taken as to the exact make-up of the new facility. This is because South and East Africa now fall under the ambit of the South African head office, including Tanzania, Kenya and 14 other countries.
The new branch in Tanzania, staffed by 13 people and functioning as an independent subsidiary, looks after a number of countries in East Africa itself, including the DRC, Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia. The importance of Tanzania as a regional hub is underscored by the fact that it is undergoing significant infrastructure development. “We have full technical back-up and service facilities in support of the many projects we are involved with there, from road to rail and ports and harbours,” highlights Obermeyer.
While the investment for the new local manufacturing facility is being provided by the German parent company, the necessary business decisions are all being made locally, assures Obermeyer. “South Africa itself is not being neglected, with the Port Elizabeth branch recently relocating to new premises in order to accommodate growth in the Eastern Cape market. A key differentiator for us in the local market is that it owns all of its local offices, as opposed to leasing premises, which not only represents a major investment, but is testament to Germany’s confidence in South Africa’s future.”
Read more...Schneider Electric announces 2023 Global Alliance Partner Programme award winners Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Schneider Electric has announced the winners of the 2023 Global Alliance Excellence Awards. Throughout 2023, Schneider Electric’s Alliance Partners supported customers in the digitalisation of industrial automation, delivering value with innovative initiatives, solutions and services.
Read more...Custom containerised lubrication dispensing system
News
Bosch Rexroth Africa recently supplied and installed a customised environmentally friendly and dust-proof lubrication dispensing system for a leading earth-moving equipment supplier.
Read more...Siemens to acquire industrial drive technology business of ebm-papst Siemens South Africa
News
Siemens has signed an agreement to acquire the industrial drive technology business of ebm-papst. The business includes intelligent, integrated mechatronic systems in the protective extra-low voltage range and innovative motion control systems.
Read more...Bearings International fosters a segment strategy Bearings International
News
Bearings International has a segment approach to the market, which places an intentional focus on key industries in South and sub-Saharan Africa in a bid to optimise operations, enhance uptime, and drive business sustainability and increased profitability outcomes for customers.
Read more...Local robotics team’s journey to the world stage
News
In the heart of Cape Town, a group of young visionaries aged 12 to 17 is making waves in the world of robotics. Known as Texpand, this team from Pinelands has not only dominated the First Tech Challenge (FTC) in South Africa, but has also earned international acclaim for its innovative approach to engineering and problem solving.
Read more...RS Group expands by 10 000 products RS South Africa
News
RS South Africa has announced its Better World Claims Based Framework, enabling customers to select verified sustainable product alternatives. This provides suppliers with a standardised framework to accelerate the development and manufacture of more sustainable and responsible products.
Read more...IRP 2023 could reset SA’s social and economic problems
News
ACTOM recently held a webinar on the ‘Draft IRP2023 Impact on the Manufacturing Sector’. South Africa’s Draft Integrated Resource Plan 2023 is a key document that outlines a comprehensive strategy for addressing the country’s energy security challenges, while also setting out its transition to a diversified energy mix, including renewables.
Read more...Young scientists to showcase innovative research
News
Innovative South African research which includes a cost-effective triage test for real-time detection of TB and a nature-based technology that brings about environmental remediation, will be showcased at this year’s International Festival of Engineering, Science and Technology in Tunisia.
Read more...Moog takes a leadership position in lunar exploration
News
NASA is planning for a sustained human presence on the Moon, and resources such as water could eventually be harnessed from the lunar surface instead of being transported from Earth, and it has turned to industry to find ways to excavate and transport that icy regolith.
printer friendly version