Positioned as a trusted long-term partner to mining, industrial and infrastructure operations across Africa, drive technology and industrial automation specialist SEW EURODRIVE delivers a comprehensive portfolio of drive solutions engineered to perform reliably in some of the continent’s most demanding operating environments. From heavy duty geared motors and industrial gear units to energy efficient drives, automation platforms and digital condition monitoring systems, the company supports customers with integrated solutions that enhance uptime, efficiency and asset life across the full value chain.

Central to this offering is SEW-EURODRIVE’s systems-based approach which combines robust mechanical engineering with advanced automation, control and service capability. This enables African mining and industrial operations to optimise existing plants, manage operational risk and respond effectively to challenges such as remote locations, harsh climates, variable power supply and increasing production pressures.

Strengthening this value proposition even further is the company’s newly unveiled
17 000 m² service and repair centre at its Aeroton headquarters in Johannesburg. The facility significantly expands SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa’s ability to support customers across the continent, providing a world class hub for gearbox and motor repair, refurbishment, testing, fabrication and training. 

For African operations, the centre represents faster turnaround times, improved quality control and the assurance of original equipment manufacturer- (OEM-) backed service and extended warranties - reinforcing SEW-EURODRIVE’s position as a partner of choice in Africa.

SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa MD Raymond Obermeyer describes the new facility as a strategic investment that delivers tangible value far beyond South Africa’s borders.

“The almost R385-million investment in this service and repair centre raises the bar for the industrial gear and drives market, not only locally but across Africa,” Obermeyer says. “It enables us to support customers operating in some of the toughest mining and industrial environments with faster, more reliable and higher-quality service.”

According to Obermeyer, the centre allows SEW-EURODRIVE to bring every aspect of drive repair and refurbishment fully in-house - a first for the South African and indeed African industrial gearbox sector.

“The world class systems, infrastructure and equipment in the new centre give us complete control over every step of the repair and refurbishment process,” he explains. “As a leading OEM, this level of control provides the confidence to offer customers a two-year warranty on our workmanship - something that is particularly important for African operations where reliability and long service life are critical.”

Engineering Capability 

The facility is equipped with an extensive range of advanced engineering technologies including 3D scanners, CNC machining equipment, motor winding machines, steel-bending equipment and sand-blasting facilities. 

This breadth of capability allows SEW-EURODRIVE to handle everything from small motor repairs to large industrial gear units used in mining, cement, power generation, water and bulk materials handling applications.

Obermeyer notes that the Covid-19 pandemic underscored the vulnerability of extended global supply chains — a reality felt acutely by African operations that often contend with border delays and long logistics routes. In response, SEW-EURODRIVE increased its inventory levels, warehousing capacity and local assembly capability.

“This service and repair centre takes us to the next level of engineering capability,” he says. “We can now conduct work ranging from steel fabrication to motor winding under one roof. For African customers, this translates into improved turnaround times, reduced dependency on offshore repairs and far greater certainty around equipment availability.”

Supporting Africa’s Mining, Industrial Sectors

Importantly, the centre is designed to support equipment from across the continent — and even gearboxes and motors from other manufacturers. This reinforces its role as a regional hub serving mining and industrial customers throughout Southern, Central, East and West Africa.

Inspection procedures may require sandblasting and the facility is equipped with three dedicated machines to accommodate different gearbox sizes. Motors are voltage tested on arrival to identify potential faults, then tested again during final commissioning after repairs. Where required, rewinding is carried out using the latest winding machines installed at the centre.

“Inspection and assessment take place in dedicated inspection rooms with a strong focus on identifying the root cause of failure,” Obermeyer explains. “This is particularly important for African mining customers, where operating conditions are often severe. Understanding the root cause allows us to guide repairs accurately and ensure maximum long-term value from the equipment.”

Designed for flexibility, the service centre can scale its repair capacity in line with market demand. Obermeyer points out that the facility has the potential to assemble up to 30 gearboxes simultaneously, creating substantial capacity for increased work volumes from countries north of South Africa’s borders.

“There is considerable scope to take on much more work from across Africa,” he says. “We have already had visitors from several African countries inspecting the facility with a view to future business.”

A dedicated fabrication division has also been established within the centre, enabling SEW-EURODRIVE to manufacture its own base plates, guards and other critical accessories for gearbox applications. The facility is equipped with 22 cranes, ranging from 5 t to 100 t, ensuring the safe and efficient handling of large and heavy equipment typical of mining and heavy-industrial environments.

Corrosion Protection and Specialist Coatings

After final assembly and testing, corrosion protection and painting are carried out in new spray booths capable of applying base coats, polyurethane, epoxy and other specialist coatings. These include food-grade coatings for the food and beverage sector as well as protective systems suited to harsh mining, coastal and high humidity environments common across Africa.

Wherever possible, the engineering equipment installed in the centre has been sourced locally to maximise the project’s contribution to the South African economy. This includes R15-million spent on curing ovens, R12-million on presses and more than R1-million on a motor balancing machine.

“Being part of a global organisation with a strong reputation and continuous investment in research and development is critical,” Obermeyer notes. “It positions our South African operation to provide an expanded range of in-house services to customers across Africa, all backed by global OEM standards and guaranteed quality.”

Global Investment, African Impact

SEW-EURODRIVE’s investment in Aeroton forms part of a broader global strategy to expand service capability. In 2024 alone, the group invested around €1-billion worldwide in service-related infrastructure and capacity.

“The new service and repair centre makes it extremely difficult for other market players to compete,” Obermeyer says. “Customers now have access to an integrated environment where all critical operations are performed under tightly controlled conditions by a globally respected OEM - and that has clear value for African industry.”

Skills for the Future

Staffing the centre has required the appointment of more than 65 additional employees across a range of technical disciplines including engineering managers, field service engineers and skilled artisans.

“The skills required for this level of service capability are in high demand,” Obermeyer says. “At the same time, the facility enables the expansion of our in-house DriveAcademy which supports not only South Africa but our broader African footprint.”

The DriveAcademy occupies 1 000 m² of the new service and repair centre and delivers immersive hands-on training across mechanical, electronic and digital disciplines as well as information technology and soft skills.

“Purpose-built training zones allow us to deliver specialised training in a focused environment with accredited trainers ensuring meaningful skills transfer,” Obermeyer explains. “We have applied insights gained from advanced DriveAcademy facilities developed by our sister companies in the US, while tailoring the approach to African operating realities.”

The DriveAcademy also incorporates augmented reality tools that enhance remote training and technical support. This allows the Johannesburg-based facility to train colleagues and customers across Africa, and to provide real-time guidance during repair and assembly processes where required.

“As automation and digitalisation continue to transform drive technology, skills development becomes increasingly critical,” Obermeyer concludes. “With this facility, SEW-EURODRIVE has the platform to support African mining and industry not only with world-class equipment, but with the knowledge, service capability and long-term partnership needed to operate it effectively.”