Bearings and power transmission products distributor Bearings International (BI) is preparing to distribute low-voltage IE3 electric motors for global engineering company ABB after the duo inked an extended partnership deal earlier this month.

The distribution of the first motors, including the IE1 and IE 3 ranges, will start in the first quarter of 2021.

BI, a member of the Hudaco Group, already distributes ABB Dodge gearboxes and has been a mechanical power transmission ABB partner since 2011.

The extension represents an evolvement of this partnership to encompass high-efficiency motors from ABB, with the potential for supplementary products in future.

“We believe it will change the industrial and mechanical power transmission landscape in South Africa,” said product and engineering business unit head Ross Trevelyan during the signing of the agreement.

The arrangement also enables ABB to expand its market share of electrical motors in sub-Saharan Africa.

While ABB is a world leader in electric markets, the stats are a bit skewed in South Africa.

“We have such a small market share with low-voltage motors in sub-Saharan Africa, yet we are number one globally,” says ABB Motion business sales manager Ryan Chetty, noting that the agreement unlocks “huge” potential for the group to grow its business, particularly low-voltage motors, within the region.

“We managed to come in with the right price; the product offering was correct and now we believe we are in the right position to take this market by storm. This market is ready for us to grow our market share,” he assures.

“The whole objective is not just to be a box mover, but to give extra value of distribution, availability, technical knowledge and our expertise,” adds BI MD Bart Schoevaerts, outlining the success principles of the ever-evolving group.

BI identified a need for high-efficiency IE2 and IE3 electric motors, which are often specified by the mining industry, and indicates that ABB is a natural fit, given that it already has a close working relationship with BI.

The advantages of the partnership with ABB include dealing with a local supplier versus direct imports and the availability of quick technical backup and support, the companies note.

ABB will be able to leverage from BI’s extensive 42-branch network across South Africa, covering all the major mining and industrial areas where BI has a major footprint, explains ABB divisional channel manager Nevin Turner.

“The availability of IE3 high-efficiency motors from ABB will be especially welcomed by these sectors, where cost effectiveness and total cost of ownership are key in an increasingly difficult trading environment.”

Meanwhile, BI will train several electric motor champions to cover each of the main mining and industrial areas where it has a presence to reassure customers that any technical support is readily available, in addition to backup advice or expertise, BI adds.

BI will hold stock of the ABB motors to meet the specific requirements of its branch network.

First-level customer support will be provided by BI’s own sales team and product managers, while second-level support for technical issues will be provided by ABB itself.