WEG, one of the largest electric motor manufacturers in the world, has strengthened its presence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) through its strategic alliance with Panaco, its official value-added reseller (VAR) in the region. The company's operations in the mining centres of Lubumbashi and Kolwezi ensure efficient stockholding and easy access to WEG products, reducing lead times for motors and drives, as well as spare parts in case of breakdowns.
Panaco was appointed as WEG's VAR in the DRC four years ago and plays a vital role in the region. The company was one of the first electrical subcontractors operating in that country and today with more than 40 years’ experience, Panaco possesses the experience and capability to meet the escalating demand for WEG motors, drives and other products in the country.
Apart from the mining sector, Panaco and WEG also serve other industries such as power and water utilities as well as cement production. Recognising the significance of the DRC and the Copperbelt region, WEG's team, in collaboration with Panaco, regularly visits end-user operations to better understand specific challenges and requirements.
Energy saving
There is also an increasing demand for motor and drive combinations in the DRC and neighbouring regions. The energy-saving benefits of WEG's IE3 and IE4 motors have made them highly sought after, as mining bosses strive to reduce energy consumption and decrease operating costs.
Technical support centre
To support the growing installed base and increased demand in the DRC, Panaco and WEG will establish a support centre in the Katanga province. This facility will conduct technical assessments, offer local maintenance, and repair services for low voltage drives, and enhance overall support for customers.
Transformers
WEG transformers with capacities of up to 40 MVA have also gained popularity in the region. These are manufactured in South Africa, and there are logistical advantages of sourcing such equipment from South Africa instead of from overseas. The close collaboration between the support teams in South Africa and Panaco ensures that transformers are precisely specified to meet technical application requirements, guaranteeing reliability and optimal performance.
Gensets
Recognising the increasing power demand in the DRC, Panaco will augment its product offering by also stocking generator sets. While the market is expected to favour standard WEG gensets, manufactured in South Africa with convenient logistics, this expansion also opens doors to supply custom-engineered gensets tailored to specific applications.
