The last 25 years have arguably seen the most rapid and constant change to the manufacturing sector since the industrial revolution. Throughout that time, market pressures and globalisation have had a major impact on businesses everywhere. Establishing and growing a quality engineering company, such as SEW-Eurodrive, in the midst of all this change has required one constant--commitment. SEW-Eurodrive’s commitment to its customers, staff and to the community at large, has not waivered since the Australian operations commenced in 1982.

This approach has taken us from a single site in Tullamarine, in Victoria, to a truly national manufacturing presence. We now have sites in Sydney, Adelaide, Perth and Queensland, and the operations at Tullamarine have grown continually. The distinctive logo of SEW-Eurodrive is now a familiar sight on industrial sites across the country.

Australian ingenuity

With technological excellence and customer support fundamental to our business, local engineering excellence has been a must. Highly regarded for their ability to innovate and adapt, Australian engineers have traditionally embraced new technologies and shaped them to suit the country’s unique environment. Advances in drive technology exemplify this ability. Since the local SEW-Eurodrive operations first began, our engineers have used their mechanical and electronics skills to tailor end-to-end solutions for a wide range of Australian manufacturers.

Our drive solutions are now found in Australian industries such as building and construction, packaging, bottling, ports and harbours, mining, timber, automotive and airport logistics. In these industries, our end-to-end solutions--ranging from geared motors through to advanced electronics and drive control software--provide local manufacturers with the flexibility and optimisation tools they need.

Local expertise is important to us in more ways than one. We have a duty to foster and retain such Australian intellectual resources. Once such expertise is lost, it can be difficult to win back. It is not enough to supply Australian manufacturers with high-quality products; we believe technology suppliers all have a responsibility to enhance the national engineering skills.

24-hour support

In a country as vast as Australia, round-the-clock support is a vital part of the commitment we provide. We have a broad range of integrated drive solutions to support, so from ‘day one’ it was important to have in place authorised and skilled support services in regional locations, as well as the capital cities. We have ensured that experts are available at all times to perform repairs, or provide replacements, provide technical solutions, or just talk through application issues.

With so much of Australia’s industry now involved in export, our commitment to support extends beyond Australia’s shores. We work closely with SEW-Eurodrive’s worldwide support network to ensure that Australian exporters have access to a consistently high level of on-the-ground support, regardless of where the drive solutions are used. This extends across our entire product range--geared motors, industrial gear units, drive electronics, and drive automation are all supported.

From our earliest days in Australia, we have worked with local communities in diverse areas, including sport, cultural pursuits and charity activities. From a corporate perspective, and also as individuals, we take pleasure in contributing outside of our normal day-to-day work, and enjoy the sense of connection with the wider community. Here again, SEW-Eurodrive takes a broad approach, supporting football clubs, harness racing and car racing, while additionally sponsoring major events such as the recent Leonardo de Vinci exhibition.

This year we are also celebrating another milestone--the tenth anniversary of the ‘SEW Charity Event’, which has raised over $1 million for Mental Illness Fellowship of Victoria. The event gives staff, friends and business partners a chance to be involved with a worthwhile project, and they have embraced this opportunity each year.

The next 25 years

After an immensely satisfying 25 years supplying leading-edge drive solutions of all kinds to Australian industry, the future looks equally bright. Growth and innovation will continue. In the short-term, new facilities will be built in Adelaide and Perth, and our Brisbane site will be expanded.

In this increasingly globalised economy, where ‘one-size-fits-all’ global products are becoming the norm, I see the strong requirement for talented, local engineering continuing. While global products provide the starting point, it is clear that there is a great demand for tailored end-to-end solutions. The trend towards re-export, where the world product is adapted in Australia, exported as part of a large project, and then supported locally in the end-country is also likely to grow.

Despite the kaleidoscope of changes we have witnessed over the past 25 years, one aspect of our business has not changed--the sense of commitment to customers, staff and community. This has been a hallmark of our operations since we first opened for business. This commitment is just as important today as the day we started, and will form the heart of SEW-Eurodrive’s Australian operations for the next 25 years and beyond.

About the author: Managing Director of SEW-Eurodrive Australia, Robert Merola, has been with the company since its Australian beginnings, 25 years ago. He is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Australian Institute of Marketing. As well as an avid Collingwood AFL supporter, Robert is a keen harness racing fan and an accomplished golfer.