Construction

New SEW-EURODRIVE service centre transforms future of drive repairs

Raymond Obermeyer, managing director of SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa. (Image source: SEW-EURODRIVE)

In a momentous step for the local industrial gearbox and drives market, SEWEURODRIVE South Africa has formally opened a new service and repair facility alongside its headquarters in Aeroton, Johannesburg

“For the first time, customers can have all aspects of their industrial gearbox dealt with in one place – and to the highest OEM quality standards,” commented Raymond Obermeyer, managing director of SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa.

“This allows us to offer unprecedented warranties on service work, giving the market peace of mind, quicker turnarounds and enhanced uptime on their repaired and refurbished units.”

The company has invested almost R385 million (approx. US$22.5mn) in the new 17 000 m² facility, where construction began a year ago. Significantly this followed just years after company built its R500 million (approx. US$29mn), 26 000 m² head office complex in Aeroton, into which it expanded in 2022. These developments form part of SEW-EURODRIVE’s proactive investment in added service capabilities across the world, which amounted to €1 billion (approx. US$1.16bn) in 2024 alone.

Obermeyer explains that in an unprecedented move the new service facility marks the end of an era in South Africa in which industrial gearbox users would have to involve multiple service providers in a single repair or refurbishment contract.

“The expertise and equipment in this facility allow SEW-EURODRIVE to conduct all aspects of a drivetrain repair – from the gearbox and coupling to the motor, steelwork and electronics,” stated Obermeyer. “We now have all this capability at our disposal, which is gamechanging in terms of quality, reliability and warranties.”

He highlights that the investment in skills and sophisticated hardware now gives the company comprehensive control over the repair process and the results.

“Previously, we were often limited by the fact that other players were involved in the work on many service interventions – and we could not take responsibility for their level of workmanship,” Obermeyer explained. “As a world class OEM and with our steadfast commitment to quality processes and components, we can now offer warranties of two years on our repairs and refurbishments. This has never been possible before and represents a significant and high-value development for customers all over Africa.”

The new service centre will even conduct work on gear units from other manufacturers, he notes, given the depth of the experience and infrastructure at SEW-EURODRIVE’s new world class service and repair facility. Over 65 additional technical staff are in the process of being brought on board at the site including engineering managers, field service engineers and artisans in various specialised disciplines.

“Our centre is being equipped with the some of the most experienced skills in the local market, and our in-house DriveAcademy is busy finetuning their expertise in line with our wide range of drive solutions,” Obermeyer remarked.

Fully equipped with the latest technical infrastructure, the work of the new facility will include vibration analysis and diagnostic testing for motors and drives as well as equipment for 3D scanning and CNC machining. Winding machines will allow for motors to be rewound in-house and tested in line with SEW-EURODRIVE world class OEM standards.

“The facility will also include a fabrication department, so that we don’t have to outsource aspects like base plates, flanges, guards and other steelwork,” he said. “With the capacity to do our own cutting, bending and welding, this department allows us to conduct all this work in-house – speeding up turnaround times and ensuring constant quality control.”

Obermeyer concludes that the breadth of in-house services and engineering equipment at the SEW EURODRIVE service and repair centre represents a significant investment in the re-industrialisation of the local economy – allowing customers to optimise the longevity and performance of their drive systems and is aligned with the company’s commitment to strengthening its position as the leading industrial gearboxes and drives provided on the African continent.

Africa construction drives Mota-Engil growth

Mota-Engil riding high on Africa’s construction market (Image source: Adobe Stock)

A dynamic Africa market has propelled Portuguese construction group Mota-Engil in 2025 after it posted higher profits and a record order backlog of €15.7bn for the first nine months of the year

“Activity continues to show strong momentum, driven by sustained growth in Africa,” the company told investors in its latest financial update.

The company, which is part-owned by China Construction Communications and celebrates 80 years in operation in 2026, is now playing an integral role in the roll-out of roads, rail and other infrastructure across much of the continent.

In its financial statement, the company cited its “outstanding performance in Africa”, particularly in the engineering and construction (E&C) segment.

Africa now accounts for over half of the backlog across its business units, it noted, headed by Angola and Nigeria.

In the railways sector, new projects include maintenance on the strategic Lobito Corridor project, as well as other work in Angola and Nigeria, now two of the group’s flagship markets.

Major industrial projects currently underway, or in backlog, include work for DP World on Banana Port in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Allied Gold’s Sadiola mine in Mali and Managem’s Boto gold mine in Senegal, which was inaugurated at the start of November.

In August, Mota-Engil also picked up a further €162mn in additional work linked to Rwanda’s Bugesera International Airport project.

Its Africa success offset a more modest performance from other key regions, including Europe and Latin America, where the group is also active.

While turnover for the nine-month period was largely flat, at €4.1bn, its net profit spiked 20 percent to €92mn, up from €77mn last year.

The performance may trigger interest from other international contractors seeking higher growth and returns as Africa’s long-term potential begins to take shape and infrastructure gaps are plugged.

Africa Finance Corp backs Mota-Engil with mining facility

DP World and Mota-Engil to develop Banana Port

Is MEA ready for low-carbon cement?

Cementir expands decarbonised cement portfolio. (Image source: Cementir Group)

Cementir Group has expanded its global decarbonisation efforts with the introduction of two lower-carbon white cement products under its D-Carb range

Produced in Egypt by Sinai White Cement Company, the new variants are now available across Middle East and Africa (MEA) markets.

The offerings include a Limestone Portland cement that meets CEM II/A-LL 52.5N EN197-1 requirements with an approximate 10% clinker reduction, and a CEM II/B-LL 42.5N option featuring around 20% clinker reduction when compared to the widely used Aalborg White CEM I 52.5R.

Designed to support industrial users in accelerating their decarbonisation pathways, the launch provides MEA customers with a practical shift toward lower-carbon construction materials without affecting performance, production efficiency or aesthetic outcomes.

“In 2024 and early 2025, we progressively introduced D-Carb products across Europe and APAC region, including Australia, where we have received positive feedback from diverse industry segments. We are pleased to see D-Carb enabling customers to meeting emerging low carbon requirements in building and urban infrastructure projects, while continuing to deliver the high performance and architecture aesthetics expected of white cement.” said Michele Di Marino, chief sales, marketing and commercial development officer of Cementir Group.

“Today, extending this portfolio to MEA with two tailored variants represents an important milestone in Cementir’s journey toward net-zero emissions by 2050. As the building and construction sectors worldwide increasingly prioritize decarbonization, these products reinforce our commitment to low-carbon solutions aligned with regional decarbonization targets.”

Stefano Zampaletta, Group Product and Solution Manager at Cementir Group, added, “The introduction of the two D-Carb® variants in MEA highlights our understanding of the diverse application requirements for lower-carbon materials in the region. Achieving reduced carbon footprints while maintaining the good standard of performance expected of white cement is a complex challenge, but these products demonstrate our capability to deliver both, supporting a shared ambition for sustainable construction across entire value chain.”

“MEA markets are rapidly embracing sustainability, and the arrival of D-Carb® positions us to lead this transition. By combining lower carbon emissions with the performance expected of white cement, we are setting a new benchmark and opening new opportunities for responsible construction in the region,” concluded Abdel Hamid Gadou, commercial director of Sinai White Cement.

Metso signs distribution agreement with Rock Plant

Rock Plant will represent Metso’s crushing and screening equipment, parts, and services in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Metso has signed a new distribution agreement with Rock Plant Ltd, a respected and long-standing dealer of major construction and quarrying machinery brands in East Africa

The partnership marks a strategic move aimed at expanding Metso’s footprint and accelerating its growth across the region.

Under the agreement, Rock Plant will distribute Metso’s crushing and screening equipment, along with related parts and services, in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

According to Ignacio Garcia, distribution manager, EMEA North at Metso, “East Africa represents one of the fastest-growing markets in Africa for aggregates and mining. To fully capture this potential, we wanted a partner with a strong local footprint, technical know-how, and a proven service capability. Rock Plant has a long track record in heavy equipment distribution, a solid presence across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, and an experienced team deeply connected with the industry. This partnership allows Metso to strengthen its coverage, improve responsiveness, and ensure consistent customer support across the region.”

In these markets, customers are increasingly looking for dependable, fuel-efficient, and easy-to-maintain machinery capable of operating in remote and challenging environments. Mobile and modular units are especially important due to the scattered nature of quarries and project locations.

Pritpal Roopra, managing director of Rock Plant, noted, “Partnering with Metso enables us to expand our portfolio with a world-class crushing and screening brand. This cooperation gives our customers access to industry-leading technology, backed by our local service and support network.”

Adam Benn, director of capital sales, EMEA North at Metso, added, “The cooperation combines Metso’s global technology leadership with Rock Plant’s local presence and service capability. Customers will benefit from faster response times, local spare parts availability, and professional support throughout the equipment lifecycle, from selection and commissioning to maintenance and upgrades. This means improved uptime, lower operating costs, and access to proven, sustainable solutions built for local conditions.”

Uganda roads project nets extra funding as costs double

Smoothing road connections in Uganda (Image source: AfDB)

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved an additional €217mn to complete the Busega–Mpigi and Kagitumba–Kayonza–Rusumo roads project in Uganda

In a statement, it noted that the project would reinforce Uganda’s and Rwanda’s shared vision of stronger regional connectivity and trade.

The additional resources will finance the construction of new interchanges, bridges, toll plazas, and service lanes, including the Busega Interchange linking the expressway to the Northern Bypass.

These improvements will address chronic traffic congestion between Busega and Mpigi, a key bottleneck along the Northern Corridor connecting Kampala to Kigali.

Funding will also cover land compensation, project management, and capacity enhancement for Uganda’s Ministry of Works and Transport to ensure smooth execution following recent institutional restructuring, the bank added.

Once completed, the 27.3-km expressway is expected to cut travel time from over two hours to under 45 minutes, improving access to markets and social services for more than one million residents and traders in Busega, Mpigi and the surrounding communities.

“This project is more than a road; it is a lifeline for communities and a gateway for trade,” said George Makajuma, the bank’s principal transport engineer and project task manager.

“The additional financing ensures that the Busega–Mpigi Expressway delivers safer, faster, and more inclusive transport for millions, unlocking the region’s economic potential.”

The total cost of the upgraded Uganda section now stands at €424.61mn — more than double the cost from the original €176.26 million, reflecting a scaled-up project scope, according to the AfDB.

The government of Uganda is also contributing €30.98mn to the scheme.

Additional components to be financed also include seven new bridges and 54km of lined drainage channels.

Construction under the additional financing is scheduled to resume in early January 2026 and conclude by December 2029, with full project completion expected in 2030.

According to the AfDB, the project is expected to generate over 1,200 jobs – 800 during construction work and 400 in operations.

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