For over 20 years, WEG has been a strategic supplier to the mining sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Its local South African manufacturing base has been central to reduced lead times, while a well-established distribution and service network has enhanced support capabilities and, ultimately, customer satisfaction.
With a total mineral wealth estimated in the tens of trillions of dollars, the DRC is one of the most strategic mining markets for WEG. Armed with a diverse scope of products including low and high voltage electric motors, low and high voltage drives, power and distribution transformers, gensets and energy solutions, low and medium voltage switchgear, motor control centres (MCCs) and E-houses, WEG has had a longstanding presence in the DRC mining market. Thierry Kakese, WEG’s regional manager – Central Africa, says the company operates through various links and channels in the DRC.
“When it comes to capital projects, we work directly with EPCM and project houses to ensure our products and solutions are specified. On the operational side, we do establish a direct link with end users, mostly via our in-country partners. Our local representation in the DRC comprises distribution and service channels,” explains Kakese.
Investments
Committed to the profitability of its customers, WEG continually invests in the development of innovative industrial electrical solutions. One of WEG’s flagship product lines in the DRC is its premium IE3 and IE4 motors. The energy saving benefits of WEG’s IE3 and IE4 motors have set them apart from competitors, addressing mines’ quests to reduce energy consumption and lower operating costs.