A giant in the motor industry, Bearings International (BI) has called for the quick implementation of the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS), which will make it mandatory to sell premium efficiency motors (IE3) within South Africa.
BI Business Unit leader for Motor and Drives Stephen Bekker is happy that South Africa is in the process of implementing the MEPS.
He said LV motors currently account for 45% of the world’s total electricity consumption, and that to minimise carbon emissions globally, it is essential that the world moves to adopt more efficient electric motors.
“As the world races towards cleaner energies and as part of minimising the effects of global warming, BI is putting its best foot forward to augment those efforts of states, individuals and companies,” said Bekker.
Bekker also said that BI welcomes the implementation of the MEPS. BI is now the largest stockist of ABB motors in Africa and was recognised by ABB as the Best Performing MEA Channel Partner in June 2022.
“With ABB’s IE3 motor range already in stock, BI is geared up to make this change and supports the government’s electricity savings strategy as the country seeks to boost access to power for its population,” said Bekker.
In an interview, Bekker said BI is committed to ensuring it meets the demands of its customers and the market through its widespread presence.
“Established 65 years ago and a Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) listed company, Hudaco subsidiary BI currently manages 43 branches in South Africa, the continent’s second largest economy,” he said.
He said BI is ready to be part of the latest innovations by providing efficient LV motors. Latest research indicates that the globally installed base of LV motors is likely to double by 2040.
Bekker said BI has positioned itself to support the projected growth of the mining sector in the region. Thanks to its reputable branch network across South Africa, BI supplies a wide range of products, including bearings and seals, power transmission, electric motors and variable speed drives, tools, fasteners and lubricants. BI imports, stocks and supplies two LV motor ranges, Alpha and the premium ABB brand.
Bekker assured that BI represents world-class original equipment manufacturers that specialise in supplying mining equipment globally. “With over 43 global leading brands being distributed by BI, it is our strategy to give original equipment manufacturers full product and technical support to ensure that project requirements are delivered timeously and in accordance with all expectations.
“Mining is Southern Africa’s biggest industry, with the Rainbow Nation among its success stories for centuries. The industry remains a big focus in South Africa, even with the downturn of the economy and the mining industry itself.”
Having been awarded the Best Performing Channel MEA Partner, Bekker also announced intentions to strengthen BI’s partnership with ABB by leveraging BI’s established and wide reach across South Africa and further growing the electric motor department and its offerings.
“This business strategy is meant to set us apart and ahead of the pack in South Africa. The technical motor experience within BI complements the premium products manufactured by ABB, which has 130 years’ experience in motor design and manufacture,” said Bekker.