SPS IPC Drives, the leading European trade fair for suppliers of industrial automation systems and technologies, is to open in Nuremberg from 27 to 29 November. Exhibition areas are divided by topics which include: control systems, IPC, man-machine interface devices (HMI) and lots more. The latest innovations and solutions for the industry will be presented and discussed at fair conference forums.

During SPS Lafert will be exhibiting: a wide range of Brushless Servomotors with torque up to 390 Nm suitable for high dynamic and acceleration applications, a new series of compact servomotors with specific mechanical components and special electrical designs (230V and 400V), an innovative generation of IE4/IE5 permanent magnet Synchronous Motors optimised for HVAC applications and a full range of IE3 Nema Premium/EISA Asynchronous Motors in standard and special execution. “News from Lafert includes the servomotor solution with a single connector that is increasing in the production mix” states Stefano Dessanti, Sales Manager for BU-Industrial Automation, “and the wide range of servomotors that meets the mechanical requirements of the European and Asian markets.”

“There’s a good buzz at Lafert, not only outwards from a sales point of view, but also inwards, within the group, with many innovative and high impact projects. In fact” – Stefano Dessanti continues – “we will soon be presenting new mechanical components and compact designs for the robotics, material handling, textile, mould injection and packaging sectors. SPS will therefore be an important opportunity for collecting further customer feedback and define final details.“

"In 2018,” the Sales Manager continues, “we have grown a lot in terms of both volume and turnover which comes from the group’s proven reliability and technical edge in customised supply partnerships. In Europe the market continues to increase which indicates a potential for growth. Therefore we shall carry on working on this front, constantly seeking to improve our service and innovation performance. You will see the results very soon!”

Close Article

The integration with Sumitomo Heavy Industries started in June and is on going

The Lafert Group, European leader in design and manufacture of electric motors and drives customised for the industrial sector, closed the first-half 2018 with 21% growth in revenues, a little over 90 million Euro compared to the same period in 2017. The Ebitda margin also increased to 11% of net revenues (some 10 million Euro). Net profit after depreciations and taxes was 5.3 million Euro. Lafert closed 2017 with full year revenues of 150 million Euro, a growth of 9% on the 2016 figure and an Ebitda margin of 10%.

“We are satisfied with the process of expansion that Lafert is performing - say the Company Management. - Such a development is the reward for our strategies and we are sure that this is going to further consolidate over the coming years with the transaction established in June with Sumitomo Heavy Industries. The main target of the sale of Lafert to Sumitomo is to secure Lafert growth and consolidation as global leader in the sector of electric motors. We are introducing our company to the new shareholders in the best possible way, with the 2018 first-half results that are very satisfying and a positive forecast for the end of the financial year of 170 million Euro”.

In May 2018 Lafert was acquired by Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd., a Japanese leading Company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange that in 2017 reported revenues of over 6 billion Euros and with 20,000 employees worldwide. Following the acquisition, Lafert is now part of the Power Transmission and Controls division of Sumitomo Heavy Industries, which is known as the brand Sumitomo Drive Technologies, market leader in Japan.

“When we got in touch with Lafert, we immediately realised that this company had high potential. The decision to acquire Lafert and make it part of our Group was intended as a win-win transaction – asserts Shaun Dean, Vice President of Sumitomo Heavy Industries. - Lafert certainly gained the opportunity to enter a structured and well-established world leader, Sumitomo could mark a milestone for growing in the sector of electric motors and automation of industrial machines. Integration is going well and within the timing estimated: we really believe to reach the first results of synergies within a few years. Sumitomo is anyway a long-term investor and this is why there was an immediate affinity with the Lafert shareholders”.

Lafert has systematically grown, year upon year, from 80 million Euro revenues in 2010 to 150 million Euro in 2017. In 2018 Lafert engage worldwide 840 employees, of which 630 are located in the area of Venice, the remainder being located within group factories in Fusignano, Bologna, Slovenia and China, or the business sales offices. 73% of group revenues come from outside of Italy.

The Group is strongly oriented to using technical innovation to improve performance of drive systems within the areas of automation and energy saving. Lafert is the global market leader in the segment of Super Premium Efficiency (IE4, IE5) motors.

Close Article

Lafert has obtained an Authorisation issued by the Customs authorities called AEO, Authorised Economic Operator certification (authorisation No.IT AEOF 18 1489). “An important and highly regarded recognition - states the management of Lafert Group - that attests to the reliability and security of Lafert, that guarantees financial solvency, certifies adequate standards of competence, professional qualifications and safety of logistics related processes”.

In order to obtain the status of Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) the Group had to prove that it fulfilled important criteria, such as compliance with customs and tax regulations, having no record of violations linked to economic activity, to be in possession of an efficient management system for trade and transport agreements and to be able to guarantee financial solvency.

“Approval to AEO is optional – added management at Lafert - it offers numerous advantages in international trade transactions, for both Lafert and the involved operators. It also offers a clear competitive edge over our competitors". In fact, the recognition of AEO status offers the logistics operator a number of benefits. These benefits include: simplified customs, fewer physical/document checks at the import site, faster shipments leading to reduced costs, priority treatment at customs clearance and fewer customs controls at the borders of the United States, Japan and China thanks to the mutual recognition agreements between the countries belonging to the WCO (World Custom Organization).

The certificate was issued after a close and in-depth evaluation conducted by the customs administration on Lafert Group's positioning in the international logistics chain and its compliance with customs, tax and security conditions and requirements. "Having AEO certification certainly places us - concludes management at Lafert - among the main economic operators who have proven their reliability on the international scene”.

Close Article

The PTDA Industry Summit in Colorado Springs dated 17 to 20 October is one of the most popular event of promotion and train in Motion Control and Power Transmission industry. “The 2018 program focuses on improving communication and interaction to develop successful relationships. The PTDA Summit in fact – the Lafert North America Management clarifies – is an opportunity for senior managers from participating distributor companies and manufacturing companies to gather and discuss future market requirements, challenges and opportunities, thanks to seminars and demonstrations that will be held during the Summit”.

Lafert will introduce new products and ranges to the market: the complete range of NEMA Premium Efficiency - IE3 Motors which meets the requirements of the EISA Directive; the range of IE4/IE5 Permanent Magnet Motors featuring an innovative design; the extended range of Brushless Servo Motors for industrial automation.

“The PTDA Conference is perfect for meeting with key personnel in important positions within the larger distribution companies in North America, and on the other hand, there’s still opportunity to meet with the smaller companies in the same space – the Management says. The goal for 2018 is the continued penetration of the Lafert brand into the market and a constant growth thanks also to our partners and distributors”.

Close Article

The Global Wind Summit, which is a highly respected event for the Wind industry, will be held from 25th to 28th of September at the exhibition centre in Hamburg and will combine WindEnergy Hamburg and WindEurope Conference. “For our first participation”, explains the Sales Manager, Davide Bravin, “we have chosen to exhibit functional motors with solid existing applications, exemplifying our ability to meet the most diverse requirements and to adapt the technology of the asynchronous motor to the most specific needs. For example: Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled (TEFC), Totally Enclosed Non Ventilated (TENV) AC motors and failsafe brake motors in various frame sizes and powers. We will also exhibit a few permanent magnet and brushless motors often used for “Yaw” and “Pitch” applications, featuring Lafert’s know-how gained through many years of experience often in extremely demanding conditions, thus bringing the benefits of high-efficiency, reliability and high-control motors to the wind industry”.

Which are the flagship products? “Our self-braking YAW motor for rotating the nacelle will certainly be on display”, Bravin continues “along with the special power pack and cooling motor solutions, which have paved the way for us to become market leaders in this sector utilising cutting-edge technology and specific customised designed to fulfil the industries needs”.

“At the Global Wind Summit, we will focus on making high value-added, practical and operational contacts”, continues Bravin, “so that we can introduce our products and benefits to key players in the sector with whom we still have little or no contact. We hope to develop partnerships similar to the ones we currently have with other leaders in the wind industry. Another rewarding moment for us will be the opportunity to meet and expand discussions with some of our existing customers, the world’s largest wind turbine manufacturers and their system’s sub-suppliers, seizing the opportunity to discuss new products and projects with them.”

“The wind market for Lafert is global: we are a player that supplies its products worldwide by following the needs of manufacturers that are, in turn, globalised. The European market currently keeps our production facilities busy, however, we are also witnessing a strong development of the Chinese market that increasingly requires motors with a high technological content. Bravin continues, “Lafert is growing year by year in the wind industry and we think that we can continue growing in this sector with double digit percentages, particularly over the next five years. This is as a direct result of investments targeting technological development of the product intended to fulfil the requirements of our customers and their partners.”

“During the last year, we have noticed the trend to increase the megawatts produced from each installation and optimise efficiency in such cases. Changing from the traditional induction motors in favour of high performance and high efficiency solutions utilising permanent magnet technology is a key factor in achieving these targets. The wind market is, in fact, even more focused on more powerful turbine installations, this requires the need to optimise installation power consumption as much as possible, refining the controls, increasing system performance and efficiency and, consequently, the individual systems that it comprises of. Permanent magnet motors fit perfectly into this context allowing huge increases of efficiency from single components”, concludes the Sales Manager, “greatly reduced losses and increased energy outputs are then delivered to the consumers as a direct result”.

Close Article

From 25 to 27 Sept, the Lafert Group will take part in PPMA – Packaging Machinery and Manufacturing Show, in Birmingham, the annual trade fair for processing and packaging machinery: from processing equipment for food and chemicals industry to labelling, filling and packaging machinery.

We will be exhibiting a very wide range of products: the full range of Premium Efficiency IE3 Motors at 50Hz and Nema Premium Efficiency Motors at 60Hz verified by the Department of Energy of the USA. The innovative range of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors - IE4/IE5, at variable speed with sensorless drives. “There will be particular focus – states Brian Bannister, Managing Director - on the growing range of permanent magnet solutions for those that are dedicated to efficiency or need compact and light drive solutions”.

“There are many new additions to products - Bannister continues - that will be shown. Our Motor Specialists will be present at the show to explain all of these technical and commercial benefits and how they can help to fulfil ever demanding business needs of potential customers and partners. We will ensure that all customers and visitors are aware of the latest legislation“.

“The permanent magnet technology of Lafert is without doubt the leading range as far as growth for the Group business – says the Managing Director. This growth is due to a combination of more factors: our customisation ability, the knowhow of our engineering department and just as important the commitment and investment of all of our people into the product. This is why so many major OEM's are desperate to adopt our market leading technology so to be the best in class.”

“Of course we have a significant distribution network here in the UK on a national basis that includes motors repair centres and power transmission distributors. In 2019, we are also looking to expand our team again to assist in further educating the UK market regarding the strengths and products of the Lafert Group. Last year was an excellent year for Lafert both here in the UK and as the Group, with continued growth in turnover and significant infrastructure and capital investment led improvements in plants and facilities”.

Next projects? “We are attending the Appetite for Engineering event – ends the Managing Director - which is all about encouraging engineering and sharing solutions within the food processing sector”.

Close Article

The 2018 International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) will host more than 115.000 visitors and 2.400 exhibitors from 117 countries, during September 10 – 15 at the McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. IMTS is the largest manufacturing trade exhibition in North America, with a specific focus on machine tools, aerospace, automotive, and medical industries.

“The Lafert exhibit” states Matthew Temple, Outside Sales Manager for Lafert North America “will be strongly focused on Brushless Servo and High Performance (HP) permanent magnet IE4/IE5 motor products, which represent the latest innovative solutions for automated manufacturing equipments and are engineered to drive advancements in the capability, productivity and reliability of manufacturing systems. Visitors will be presented with a complete range of standard and custom Brushless Servo Motors (0.25 to 390 Nm) with demonstrated performance and reliability in robotic applications.”

“Lafert experience and expertise in the design, manufacture and supply of motors for ‘Collaborative Robotic’ or ‘Co-bot’ equipment will be of particular interest to machine builders as concept of Industry 4.0. Interaction with OEMs and system integrators on the show floor” Matthew Temple continues “will yield opportunities to apply Lafert Servomotor technology to robotics equipment designed to work hand-in-actuator with human manufacturing staff.”

“The traditional focus for HP motor range has been the HVAC market, also pumps, fans and compressors, largely due to the primacy of energy efficiency performance. IMTS” ends Matthew Temple “provides a valuable opportunity for Lafert to engage with North American machine builders and develop understanding of their contemporary motor requirements. Increased Lafert exposure to machine tool and automated equipment applications will highlight opportunities for HP motors to bridge the capability gap which lies between induction and brushless servo motors. Low inertia, high power density and cost-efficient construction make the HP range a unique and compelling motor solution for this ‘Servo Light’ market segment”.

Close Article

Lafert’s excellence is internationally acclaimed and this year they shall be exhibiting, once again, at the IAS, Industrial Automation Show in Shanghai from the 19-23 September.

For the occasion, Lafert will present its full range of Industrial Automation motors: the new series of compact motors with specific mechanical components (40, 60, 80, 130 and 180 mm flange) and special electrical designs (230V and 400V) that will meet the needs of a vast range of robots with a loading capacity between 5 and 450 kg. The extensive range of Brushless Servomotors now reaches torque values up to 390 Nm, for applications with high dynamics and acceleration (ideal, for example, for presses, paper printing, etc.). Plus, Lafert will present the ATEX Motors, a full range of Servomotors certified ATEX Zone 2-22 for use in potentially explosive environments.

“All these products,” says Paddy Zhou, Country Sales Manager, “demonstrate the Group's strong customisation capacity. The availability and uniqueness of the full range should attract producers with special requirements in terms of performance, feedback, speed, torque density, inertia, etc. These characteristics also fulfil the needs of many manufacturers wishing to upgrade their low-end machines to high-end machines and meet the requirements of an increasingly demanding market. Indeed, Lafert motors help customers stand out and, therefore, establish a competitive advantage”.

“In addition to the classic applications in robotics,” says the Country Sales Manager Paddy Zhou, “we have also made progress in laser cutting, a sector that is growing rapidly in China, which, according to MIR forecasts, will report a +16% growth rate in 2018. Lafert has also developed partnerships with system integrators specialised in this application. Up until now, the products are mainly in the sampling and pre-series phase, but we will make the most of well-established channels and targeting to win over big OEMs in the near future.”

Close Article

The International EASA Convention, June 24th-26th - Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is the largest gathering of companies dedicated to the Electric Motor Industry in North America. The Convention allows manufacturers an opportunity to display the newest products, discuss developments and exchange ideas for the up and coming.

Lafert North America will continue to feature the High Performance series of Metric Motors, as well will introduce the extended range of Nema Premium, 6 pole motors, demonstrating how Lafert strives to maintain its position on the cutting edge of technology in the Motor Industry.

“The key focus is to present unique and innovative information to the industry, shattering the perception that all motors are the same. This type of event allows us to show the diversity of Lafert North America and what we can offer to solve problems and push the industry in new directions. Our aim is to increase the level of awareness of the versatile nature within our motor range - the management team at Lafert North America comments. The other factor which may be more important is the strengthening of existing relationships and the development of new contacts. We believe this will build stronger partnerships which will garnish higher levels of achievements”.

On the networking side of the Convention, Lafert North America hosts an annual EASA Party, which is held outside of the scheduled program. Guests can build closer relationships with Lafert representatives.

What about EASA?

EASA (Electrical Apparatus and Service Association) is an International Organization, whose membership is focused on the service, repair and sales of Electric Motors. EASA acts as a source of technical support to its members, with engineering available in various fields. EASA has also acted as a lobbyist for their members, with different levels of government.

Close Article

For the first time, from 19 to 22 June, the Lafert Group will take part in Automatica, the International Trade Fair for Smart Automation and Robotics, to be held at the International Congress Centre Munich in Munich, Germany.

With over 43,000 visitors from more than 100 countries, Automatica is the leading marketplace for automated production, featuring the world’s largest range of solutions in the application of robotics, assembly systems, machine vision systems and components. The goal is to promote high efficiency and quality products.

Christof Franke, Country Sales Manager, started by saying, ‘The application and use of new technologies within process automation is becoming increasingly widespread. Also, the benefits of using these new technologies are becoming fully evident in daily operations. In fact, the more multi-level processes are automated, the more flexibly the needs of end customers are met.’

For the occasion, Lafert will present a wide range of Brushless Servomotors reaching torque values up to 390 Nm, for high dynamic and acceleration applications, also available with ATEX Certification - Zone 2 and 22; the new series of compact Servomotors with dedicated mechanical components, from square flange (40, 60, 80, 100, 116 and 180 mm) to special electrical designs (230 and 400V).

‘Specifically,’ Franke continues, ‘our products include application solutions designed for robotics and material handling. Therefore, during the trade fair, our aim will be to present the Lafert Group, but also to connect with OEMs in the sector and to establish profitable partnerships. Following Automatica,’ Franke concludes, ‘in 2018 we will also be at IMTS in Chicago (from 10 to 15 September), IAS in Shanghai (from 19 to 23 September) and SPS in Nuremberg (from 27 to 29 November).’

Close Article

Lafert will be the Competence Center for the research and development of all electric motors of Sumitomo Drive Technologies, aiming to increase the total production value from the current 250 to 400 million Euro in 2025.

Tokyo / San Donà di Piave, 25th May 2018 - Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd., a leading Japanese company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, which generated revenues of over 6 billion Euro in 2017 and employs 20,000 people worldwide, announces the acquisition of Lafert Group, European leader in the design and production of electric motors and drivers customized for industrial use. Lafert closed 2017 with a turnover of 150 million Euro, over 9% more than 2016 and an EBITDA margin above 10%; revenues of the first quarter 2018 were 17% above previous year.

The transaction

The value of the transaction, which will be finalized after closing activities and the approval of the Antitrust Authority, is equal to an equity value of EUR 172.65 million. Following the acquisition, Lafert will be part of Power Transmission and Controls division of Sumitomo Heavy Industries, which is known as the brand Sumitomo Drive Technologies, the market leader in Japan. In 2017, Power Transmission and Controls business segment closed with almost 1 billion Euro sales and an operating income margin above 10%.

The current top management will continue to be engaged in the company activities to pursue the growth plan of Lafert and assure the best integration possible. All Lafert facilities and staff, in Italy and abroad, will be maintained and enhanced, supported by a strong development strategy.

Lafert future development

The acquisition of Lafert is a milestone in Sumitomo Heavy Industries’ expansion strategy in the electric motors and industrial machines electrification space. Lafert will be the global Competence Center for the research and development of all motors under the Sumitomo Drive Technologies banner and will also be the point of reference for the market development in the future.

Lafert will lead on a global scale sales, marketing, R&D and engineering activities as to motors manufactured in its production facilities, in Italy, Slovenia and China.

The robust financials of Sumitomo Heavy Industries will support Lafert growth strategy and will facilitate the company in consolidating its leading position in the electric motors market. Both Sumitomo Heavy Industries and Lafert will mutually benefit from accessing new markets.

Growth and business areas

The total value of the production of electric motors of Sumitomo Drive Technologies after the acquisition of Lafert will amount to 250 million Euro, of which 24% brushless servomotors and torque motors, 12% permanent magnet synchronous motors and 64% asynchronous motors. The target is to increase to 400 million Euro by 2025, also thanks to an ambitious plan of investments and organisation strengthening.

Following the acquisition of Lafert, the EMEIA (Europe, Middle East, India and Africa) sales of Sumitomo Drive Technologies will consist in 49% electric motors, 6% geared motors, 19% precision gears, 18% gearboxes and 8% services.

With this deal, Lafert will be able to expand its product portfolio with the wide range of industrial and precision gears, as well as higher frame sizes (180-250) asynchronous motors produced by Sumitomo Heavy Industries.

Many business opportunities can be developed thanks to the fact that there is no overlap between the two product portfolios. The main target markets are industrial automation, HVAC/R applications, air technologies, material handling and robotics, textile machineries, food & beverage.

The advisors

Lafert Group has been assisted by Studio BM&A (Treviso) as legal adviser, by Scouting as financial adviser and by Consimp (Treviso) as accounting and tax adviser.

Sumitomo Heavy Industries has been assisted by Bonelli Erede Pappalardo as legal adviser, by GCA Altium as financial adviser and by Deloitte as accounting and tax adviser.

SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES LTD.

Sumitomo Heavy Industries is one of the 33 companies of the Sumitomo Group, founded by Masatomo Sumitomo about 400 years ago in Japan. In 2017, Sumitomo Heavy Industries closed with a record high of over 6 billion Euro in both order-receiving and sales and an operating income margin of 8.8%.

Sumitomo Heavy Industries operates in the engineering sector and is a highly innovative company that designs, manufactures and distributes a wide range of products, such as mechanical components as Power Transmission and Controls products, precision machines such as plastic injection molding machines and cancer treatment machines, industrial machinery, construction machinery, ships and environmental facilities. More information is available on the company’s website http://www.shi.co.jp/english/index.html/

Close Article

The second year of the PTDA Canadian Conference in Toronto dated 6 to 8 June is one of the most popular event of promotion and train in motion control and power transmission industry. “The 2018 program focuses on improving communication and interaction to develop successful relationships. The PTDA Canadian conference in fact – the Lafert North America Management clarifies - is not a traditional Convention or trade show as the presenting of products is not the objective; it is rather the discussing of ideas and demonstrating how our products and company can assist in providing solutions for our customers”.

On this occasion, Lafert will introduce the new generation of IE3 Nema Premium/EISA Asynchronous Motors, in addition to the IE4/IE5 range, with a new and exclusive design specifically developed to increase motor efficiency. “The PTDA Conference – the Management continues – is the ideal customer base to present a combination of our various product lines. We can provide the proverbial one stop shopping location to customers as we have the capabilities to solve sourcing needs for a wide variety of products”.

“The PTDA Conference is perfect for meeting with key personnel in important positions within the larger distribution companies in North America, and on the other hand, there’s still opportunity to meet with the smaller companies in the same space. Really – the Management says - it’s an occasion to present ideas and discuss the products we have to offer, but more importantly the service, the capabilities and the know-how of the people inside the Lafert Group”.

“The goal for 2018 is the continued penetration of the Lafert brand into the HVAC industry, while finding new opportunities for the HP series in air and fluid movement applications. The next project for Lafert NA is within the air movement industry, - the Management unveils - we will endeavour to move our top prospects forward by moving some to the next level of negotiations and gathering information with current customers to further improve our overall success together”.

Close Article

annover Messe, the world’s largest trade fair, will be held from 23 to 27 April and will attract more than 250,000 visitors and over 6,000 exhibitors representing various industrial manufacturing sectors. ‘We will be focusing on integrated automation, motion & drive,’ Holger Klein, Lafert GmbH says.

‘The economic situation in Germany,’ Klein continues, ‘has been favourable, with a long period of stable growth; we look forward to welcoming all visitors, making new contacts and discussing interesting projects that will increase our market share. At present, energy saving solutions are a trend that have taken root, this area continues to grow and evolve. As a result, Lafert seeks to further boost its business.’

On this occasion, Lafert will introduce the new generation of IE3 Nema Premium/EISA Asynchronous Motors with a new and exclusive design; the innovative range of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors IE4/IE5, specifically optimised for HVAC applications; Synchronous Motors from 0.55 kW to 30 kW at variable speed with sensorless drives (available with IPM and SMPM technology); the wide range of Brushless servomotors reaching torque values up to 390 Nm, for high dynamic and acceleration applications, available with ATEX Certification - Zone 2 and 22 for use in potentially explosive environments.

‘Last year the Group faced new and interesting challenges in the highly customised design of IE4/IE5 motors, and therefore acquired further know-how in this area.’ ‘Moreover,’ the Manager of Lafert Germany adds, ‘the Group exchanges views daily in order to provide its customers and partners with leading-edge technology, supported by well-established partnerships with market leaders in fields such as renewable energy, HVAC, air technology and industrial machinery.’

‘Lafert’s goal for 2018 is to consolidate its position as a leading supplier of high-performance motors and servomotors.’ Holger Klein concludes, ‘we will certainly continue to improve our offer, especially in terms of performance and durability, as well as conducting research and pursuing technological innovation.’

Close Article

"This is the 9th Drives and Controls Show that we will be attending - starts the Managing Director, Brian Bannister - having not missed one since our business was established in the United Kingdom”. Drives & Controls Show, 10 to 12 April in Birmingham, will bring together state-of-the-art systems and solutions in critical sectors such as Motion Control and Automation, Energy Efficiency and Machine Safety.

"In the last few years the show has gone from strength to strength with many innovative products. For the occasion – the Managing Director continues - we will be exhibiting a wide range of products, including single-phase and brake motors, stainless solutions and with a special focus on the permanent magnet technology, customised products that the group is having continued success with. The incredible weight and size saving solutions of the HP range will be on show to enable potential customers to identify applications where these reductions will bring added benefit to their own businesses. The UK Motor Specialists will be on hand to discuss compliance with all of the latest legislative changes or simply to advise on where Lafert can bring the skills of specific industrial expertise”.

Lafert Electric Motors Ltd. in the last years were very successful in maintaining the respect of their loyal customer base through the transition of efficiency changes. “We have managed to support our customer base through all aspects of the process – Brian Bannister explains. This has enabled a strong position of the company with a growing team of internal support people in the organisation; many new customers have now also transferred their business to Lafert on the basis of technical knowledge and reliable support”.

“In 2018 we aim to continue to expand our opportunities and customers with particular emphasis on the HP motor range. Much more than motors: a loyal team of individuals with excellent knowledge of the business, a good facility in Crewe - UK and the back up of a great European factory mean that the opportunities really are endless. The days of low cost products winning all are now dwindling – concludes the Managing Director - and people are realising that saving a few percent can cost much more in the long term, so they are looking for good support, reliability and longevity, this is where Lafert can really help.

Close Article

"The MCE fair has, for many years, been the main reference point in Italy for our industry, this makes it a very important showcase opportunity. For the occasion, – says the Area Manager, Marco Mariani – we shall be presenting some new entries, innovative products connected to energy efficiency". It’s not long now until the 41st edition of the Expocomfort Exhibition in Milan, dates for your diary are the 13-16 March 2018. On show will be the latest innovative technologies available for the building services, air conditioning systems and renewable energy sectors.

"The main novelty – comments Mariani – we will display for the first time here in Milan, the integrated motor and drive solution offered by our IFM range, to control large-sized fans in stables and industrial facilities. This new product has been specifically developed to distribute the temperature within large areas, with the purpose of controlling cooling in summer and heating in winter. One of the main strengths of this product, in line with the Lafert Group philosophy, is to provide the complete drive and motor package, thus being able to optimise the system for our customers’ applications. Furthermore, we will showcase the products in the Group’s high efficiency range catering for the sectors covered by the fair.”

“In fact, the MCE fair covers our main strategic sectors: Cooling, Heating, Water and Energy. What is more, many of our customers will also display our products within their own applications.” The best sellers certainly include products designed for energy efficiency and variable speed, products and systems that assure high performance yet low energy consumption such as permanent magnet synchronous motors. "Specifically, our HP range with high technological content and IE4 and IE5 efficiency, in addition to – specifies Mariani – our high efficiency asynchronous products in IE3 efficiency class for the European market and IE3 Nema Premium for the USA/CANADA market, which perfectly fall within our core business.”

Close Article

"In the coming years, the HVAC systems market will increase considerably, helped by technological improvements giving better performing products and solutions". This is stated in an analysis by Frost & Sullivan ("Analysis of the Global HVAC Equipment Market") which has estimated up to USD 109 billion in revenue for the sector by 2020.

But which will be the most innovative products and solutions? Find out by attending the AHR Expo in Chicago, from 22 to 24 January, one of the major events for the HVAC-R industry. Three days of technological innovation, environmental sustainability and energy savings, with over 2,000 international exhibitors.

“The AHR Expo is the perfect opportunity to highlight the excellence of the HPI, HPS and IFM green products: PM IE4/IE5 motors characterized by an innovative design resulting from in-depth research in the energy savings field. Synchronous motors from 0.55 kW to 30 kW at variable speeds with sensorless drives (stand-alone or integrated). In particular,” Lafert North America management say, “this year we will present the extension of the HPS motor range up to size 160. And lastly, we will present the series of IFM motors for HVLS applications (High Volume Low Speed), which optimise the temperature in wide spaces when run at low speed".

So far, Lafert has been very successful applying the HPS range within the HVAC sector. "For 2018” the management continue “we expect greater penetration into this market: specifically, we will try to explore new opportunities in the field of axial fans (agricultural and commercial), pumps and cooling fans. Furthermore, we will try to develop and apply the IFM series to commercial facilities".

"Our aim, in fact, is to create new opportunities in terms of research and development but also from a commercial perspective, especially with OEMs who share our vision and our values to be at the forefront of efficiency. The most advanced technological products” they conclude “lie in the future trend".

Close Article