The far-reaching consequences of equipment failure is felt by manufacturers, system suppliers, and service providers regardless of their size. From small businesses to large-scale operations unexpected breakdown can disrupt production, impact cash flow, and create bottlenecks.Needless to say; when production output slows or ceases altogether, every other problem to solve that day suddenly seems insignificant. The key to overcoming these challenges lies in minimising downtime and ensuring a rapid return to full functionality.
Expanding on this perspective, it has long been clear to SEW-EURODRIVE that a holistic approach is needed to help businesses navigate this situation. Since the problem itself is multi-faceted, it means best-in-class equipment is only one element of restoring operations. Minimising downtime demands that the provision also relieves the other stressing factors of the situation – like timeframe, specifications, installation and ongoing support.
Therefore, through decades of industry experience, an all-encompassing approach has been developed by SEW-EURODRIVE. Broadly speaking, this strategy covers Quality, Service and Delivery. This end-to-end solution encapsulates all milestones towards a full restoration of operations, whether they are an established industry leader or emerging startup. The consistent demand for comprehensive support has meant the opening of a new facility in Wingfield, South Australia. With this expanded capacity, SEW-EURODRIVE is able to rapidly turn unexpected downtime into a temporary and manageable challenge anywhere in Australia.
Quality: Ensuring reliability from the start
Starting with the obvious need for high quality; every product within the SEW-EURODRIVE portfolio meets rigorous control standards. Equipment failures can be attributed to operating conditions, unforeseen stresses, unoptimized specification, or natural wear and tear. By maintaining a strict focus on quality control, these failure points are mitigated and provide customers with the most reliable drives.
These standards are overseen by industry specialists within SEW-EURODRIVE’s team. Team members undergo the latest training and ongoing development. 24-hour service and support availability means that any issue is dealt with swiftly regardless of locality.
This commitment is reinforced with the new Wingfield Drive Technology Centre, which is equipped with a 1MW load testing station—one of the few of its kind in Australia. This state-of-the-art facility allows staff to validate the performance of high-torque Industrial gear units under real-world conditions, ensuring durability before products reach the end user.
Service: Support when it’s needed most
Service is another critical factor in reducing downtime. Quick and accurate product identification, expert installation, and ongoing maintenance support are key components of SEW-EURODRIVE’s approach.
The Wingfield facility serves as a dedicated hub for high-torque Industrial gear units service and also offers local servicing for a vast range of gearmotors. The fully equipped workshop in Wingfield ensures that repairs or adjustments can be made with minimal disruption to operations.
During the installation and commissioning phase, customers work closely with the support team, ensuring a smoother setup with fewer installation errors and reduced uncertainty.
Ongoing support throughout the product’s lifespan helps minimise maintenance and ensures optimal performance. Service experts are always ready to share their extensive knowledge and training on the latest drive technology, helping customers get the most out of their equipment. After all, keeping systems running at its best is a win for both user and vendor!
Delivery: Rapid response and local availability
One of the biggest contributors to prolonged downtime is a lack of readily available replacement parts. SEW-EURODRIVE has invested heavily in stock availability, modular product designs, and local supply chains, ensuring that critical components are always within reach.
The Wingfield facility plays a key role in this strategy, housing a wide range of locally stocked frequency inverters, motors, gearmotors, and spare parts. With 6500m² of operational space, including dedicated areas for assembly, testing, and warehousing, the facility is designed to support rapid turnaround times and minimise lead times for Australian manufacturers.
The launch of the Wingfield Drive Technology Centre marks a new chapter in SEW-EURODRIVE’s commitment to Quality, Service, and Delivery. With advanced engineering solutions, world-class service capabilities, and a focus on rapid response, SEW-EURODRIVE plans to continue helping manufacturers minimise downtime, maximise efficiency, and maintain productivity.
Find out more about us and minimising downtime at sew-eurodrive.com.au