Founded in September 1992, WEG Benelux has been central to WEG’s operations in Europe. Based in Nivelles, Belgium, the company recently invested €350,000 in a new assembly line for the WG20 geared motor series, demonstrating a commitment to reducing lead times for customers in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Here, Youri Damhuis, outside sales engineer at WEG Netherlands, explains how WEG Benelux’s new assembly line in Belgium reduces lead times and demonstrates a commitment to innovation and reliability in gearbox technology.
Can you introduce yourself and describe your role at WEG’s Benelux facility?
I am an outside sales engineer at WEG Netherlands, focusing on the food processing and water treatment industries. I started as an inside sales engineer six years ago and transitioned to my current role about a year and a half ago. My responsibilities include engaging with customers, discussing their needs and promoting our motion drives packages, including motors, gears and drives.
Our warehouse in Nivelles, Belgium, houses approximately 40,000 motors, 1,000 drives and 25,000 gear parts. This stock is specifically dedicated to serving our customers in the Benelux region. In addition to the warehouse, we have office space and a 500 m2 workshop that includes the assembly line for the WG20 geared motor series.
My day typically starts with a sales team meeting to review inquiries, followed by customer visits to maintain relationships or explore new opportunities.
What makes WEG’s gearbox technology stand out in the market?
WEG’s strength lies in our comprehensive approach as a global supplier with local presence and an understanding of local customers’ needs. Originating as a motor manufacturer, we now produce our own motors, gearboxes and variable frequency drives (VFDs) and soft starters, ensuring quality and consistency across all our products. This integration allows us to offer motors, gears, and drives as a complete package. We understand the technical applications of our customers and have extensive knowledge of global legislative requirements. We have the strength of being one of the largest global suppliers while maintaining a local, customer-focused approach.
We have established a reputation for reliability and performance, which is vital in various industries. Our motors are known for robust construction, energy efficiency and low lifecycle costs, while our ability to customise offerings to meet specific client needs further solidifies our position in the market.
Our recent investment in the WG20 assembly line exemplifies our commitment to speed and efficiency, reducing lead times to just two weeks from our assembly centre.
Can you elaborate on the assembly process at the Benelux facility?
Our facility focuses on assembling the WG20 series of geared units and geared motors, which includes helical, parallel shaft and helical bevel gear units with torque ranges from 50 to 18,000 Newton-metres (Nm). The assembly line began operations in January 2024, initially focusing on extra small (XS), small (S), and medium (M) models, with a maximum capacity of 1,500 Nm.
We have invested in tooling and presses and built a substantial inventory of spare parts. Additionally, our team has received specialised training from WEG Gear Systems, our gearbox manufacturing division, ensuring we maintain high standards of quality and efficiency. What’s more, WEG Benelux’s close proximity to Antwerp, Europe’s second-largest port, enhances service delivery across the continent.
What are the current needs and requirements from your customers?
WEG’s customers in the Netherlands and Belgium often require customised gearboxes for specific output speeds, as these products are not off-the-shelf items. The assembly line significantly reduces delivery times, allowing us to respond quickly to customers’ needs, particularly in critical situations where downtime is a concern. With our extensive inventory in the WBE Warehouse, we can efficiently meet these customised requests.
Are there any exciting trends or innovations in gearbox design that you’re currently observing?
Yes, we recently introduced a new module, the WG20 Helical Worm Gear, which offers higher ratios and lower output speeds with fewer stages. The WG20 Helical Worm Gear dimensions are according to market standards, and available with IE4 motors and as a version suitable for explosive atmospheres (ATEX). Designed for tough industrial applications, our high-performance gear units are robust, ensuring high load capacity and smooth operation.
Our gearboxes are developed using advanced three-dimensional design and Finite Element Method analysis to ensure optimal rolling contact under load, minimising backlash and increasing reliability. The helical worm geared motors feature a unique tooth root design, enhancing their overall performance and durability.
Can you discuss a recent case study that showcases WEG’s capabilities in the food processing industry?
We collaborated with the Austrian manufacturer Koenig on its KGV-H industrial bread roll line, capable of producing up to 45,000 rolls per hour while meeting stringent hygiene standards, imposing special requirements on the drive technology.
We supplied low-voltage motors from WEG and geared motors from WEG Gear Systems to power the entire dough processing line. Each component complies with the IP66 specification, ensuring dust-tight and water-resistant properties critical for hygienic applications.
The motors and geared motors were custom designed to meet Koenig’s hygiene requirements, including thermal protection and corrosion resistance, ensuring reliability and low maintenance throughout production. We used special paints compliant with food safety standards to prevent contamination.
This collaboration resulted in a highly efficient, hygienic bread roll line that sets new performance standards. Koenig’s purchasing manager, Dietmar Kukovec, highlighted the importance of our tailored drives and reliability for the success of its modular machines. This focus on customer service and innovation in gearbox technology sets WEG apart in the industry.
To learn more about WEG’s motors, drives and gearbox technologies and customer offerings, visit its website.
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