IN May, the Germiston-based variable frequency drives distributor, iTek Drives, will open a training centre to transfer and improve knowledge of Optidrive product installation, programming and repair.
Variable frequency drives (VFDs), also known as inverters, are electronic controllers that change electric motor speeds by adjusting the frequencies and voltages of the current supplied.
They are most commonly fitted to fans, pumps and compressors, but are also found in lifting equipment and other applications where fully adjustable speeds during start, stop and machine acceleration are advantageous.
Optidrive products are manufactured in the UK by Invertek Drives. In South Africa, iTek Drives has built on the brand’s solid reputation for quality by supporting it with highly competitive pricing.
Besides increased sales, iTek’s training centre is needed for an expanding geographic footprint. The company recently announced an export order for 20 drives for mining machinery in Zimbabwe.
Sales director Ryan Bisnath says that, besides the training centre, the company has plans to establish a separate service centre for product maintenance, repair and refurbishment, removing this responsibility from Invertek in the UK.
“We will focus on the service centre as a secondary objective after our expanded training programmes are running,” Bisnath said.
“Local enquiry flows are strong, so the aim now is to become a distribution hub for the Optidrive range across sub-Saharan Africa. We have begun exploratory negotiations with potential agencies in Zambia and Namibia to expand our network beyond the ten we have here in South Africa.”
In addition to the 20 VFDs for Zimbabwe, there have been significant orders within South Africa’s borders: 20 drives for lifting equipment, and another for 17 VFDs for a local steel mill. These orders include eight large units of 55 kW, 70 kW and 75 kW.
Bisnath said that iTek Drives has seen a significant increase in the number of enquiries from potential customers not yet on the company books.
