By Sharon Mdaka
A statement of intent was made at the launch of SEW-EURODRIVE’s repair, service and training facility. It was more than the unveiling of a state-of-the-art facility.
Raymond Obermeyer, managing director of SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa, during the official
launch ceremony with SEW-EURODRIVE global CEO Jürgen Blickle. © African Mining, Incorporating Mining Mirror
Addressing attendees gathered for the launch on 22 October 2025, SEW-EURODRIVE global CEO Jürgen Blickle said, “This new centre is more than just a building.”
“It is a symbol of our commitment to our customers and partners in South Africa and across the continent. It ensures that we can provide world-class support, reduce downtime and keep the industry moving. As we approach our 100th anniversary, SEW- EURODRIVE stands apart as a global leader in power transmission and drive technology,” he said.
Blickle’s words highlighted the company’s vision of integrating Africa into SEW-EURODRIVE’s global growth trajectory. As part of the group’s 7-in-7 strategy, targeting EUR7-billion in sales within seven years, the South African facility is one of 40 strategic projects worldwide, reinforcing the continent’s growing importance to SEW- EURODRIVE’s international operations.
The new 17 000m2 service and repair facility, based at its Aeroton headquarters, will give customers full OEM quality gearbox servicing with quicker turnaround times and stronger warranties. This investment, following its R500-million head office expansion in 2022, forms part of the company’s EUR1-billion global drive to strengthen service capabilities.
The new facility is equipped with horizontal and vertical test benches, enabling gearboxes to be tested under full load conditions. “We can now 3D-scan and manufacture any box, any shape, any size and make it a drop-in gearbox for our customers. Few in the country have this capability and it will make us the supplier and repairer of choice for both SEW and non-SEW gearboxes,” explained Raymond Obermeyer, managing director of SEW- EURODRIVE South Africa
SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa’s R385 million investment in its new 17 000 m² service and repair facility underscores its long term commitment to local industrial growth and re-industrialisation. Supplied by SEW-EURODRIVE
The drive academy, located on the top floor of the new building, represents the other pillar of the company’s investment – digital skills development. Training is enhanced through augmented reality (AR) and artificial-intelligence (AI) tools, enabling the company to train teams and customers across Tanzania, Kenya, Namibia and South Africa remotely. “It’s how we address the skills shortage that affects every industry. We’re training the next generation of technicians for Africa’s industrial future,” said Obermeyer.
The company has invested almost R385-million in the new facility, where construction began in 2024.
While the technology impresses, sustainability remains central to the company’s strategy. The new facility allows the company to control its full value chain, reducing the need for imported components and cutting both costs and emissions linked to logistics. By manufacturing and repairing locally, the company not only strengthens its supply resilience but also creates employment and skills opportunities within South Africa’s engineering sector.
Currently, it operates 17 production plants and 92 drive-technology centres across 57 countries, employing over 22 000 people. With over 65 additional technical staff being in the process of being brought on board at the new site, including engineering managers, field service engineers and artisans in various specialised disciplines.
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- The work of the new facility will include vibration analysis and diagnostic testing for motors and drives, as well as equipment for 3D scanning and CNC machining. Supplied by SEW-EURODRIVE
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- The interior of SEW-EURODRIVE’s expansive new 17 000m² service and repair facility nears completion, reflecting the company’s substantial investment in state-of-the-art industrial engineering capacity. Supplied by SEW-EURODRIVE
“Our centre is being equipped with some of the most experienced skills in the local market, and our in-house drive academy is busy fine- tuning its expertise in line with our wide range of drive solutions,”Obermeyer said.
“The facility will also include a fabrication department, so that we don’t have to outsource aspects like base plates, flanges, guards and other steelwork,” he said. “With the capacity to do our own cutting, bending and welding, this department allows us to conduct all this work in-house – speeding up turnaround times and ensuring constant quality control.”
The company held its ribbon-cutting ceremony on 22 October 2025 at Aeroton in Johannesburg. © African Mining, Incorporating Mining Mirror
Obermeyer concluded that the breadth of in-house services and engineering equipment at the SEW- EURODRIVE service and repair centre represents a significant investment in the re-industrialisation of the local economy, allowing customers to optimise the longevity and performance of their drive systems and is aligned with the company’s commitment to strengthening its position as the leading industrial gearboxes and drives provider on the African continent.
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