iTek Drives has secured a new order to supply motor control panels to a mining operation in Uganda, further expanding its presence across Sub-Saharan Africa. The panels will be shipped alongside variable frequency drives (VFDs) and replacement electric motors, enabling a comprehensive upgrade of the hoist, long-travel, and cross-travel mechanisms on one of the mine’s cranes.
According to iTek Drives Sales Director Ryan Bisnath, the Ugandan order follows a series of similar deliveries to Zimbabwe, where the company has supplied control panels for borehole and mine pump motors.
Growing Regional Presence
“We are steadily increasing our reach across Sub-Saharan Africa,” said Bisnath. “While we’ve been supplying drives for applications like fans, pumps, compressors, and lifting equipment for several years, we are now providing complete control panel solutions as well.”
He explained that while VFDs (also known as inverters) regulate the voltage and current supplied to motors, the control panel acts as the interface between the machine and its operator. Featuring an array of components—such as resistors and chokes—the panel enables precise control over motor speed, direction, acceleration, deceleration, and torque, ultimately improving operational efficiency and reducing energy consumption.
Expanding Product Offerings
Headquartered in Raceway Industrial Park, Germiston, near Johannesburg, iTek Drives has been the exclusive African distributor of the UK-manufactured Invertek ‘Optidrive’ range since 2016. The company supports its offerings with comprehensive service and training facilities.
In 2023, iTek expanded its product line to include resistors and chokes, and more recently, began offering fully assembled motor control panels.
From Components to Turnkey Solutions
“We work with trusted suppliers for resistors and chokes, allowing us to offer standalone components or complete control panels—with or without the drive,” Bisnath said. “We can also handle the design and integration of the entire system.”
At present, panel assembly is outsourced to a certified third-party manufacturer. However, plans are in motion to bring production in-house once iTek’s Germiston workshop meets Invertek’s standards for panel assembly certification.
Competitive Advantage
The company’s flagship product, Optidrive, continues to gain traction in African markets due to its competitive pricing—up to 25% lower than the market average. Bisnath noted that achieving full Invertek service certification will be a key milestone in supporting iTek’s regional expansion.
“Until our in-house capabilities are fully authorised, our external assembly partner allows us to offer flexible solutions—from individual components to a fully assembled, plug-and-play control system,” he concluded.
