APS Industrial launches in Australia as master distributor for Siemens

Siemens has announced APS Industrial as a new master distributor of industrial low-voltage electrical and automation products in Australia. Leading the new entity will be the former MD of Rockwell Automation Australia and New Zealand, David Hegarty, with Lloyd Thomas, previously CEO of NHP.

APS Industrial is a subsidiary of Australasian Power Solutions Group, also just launching in Australia. APS Industrial has been formed by experienced leaders in the local industry and incorporates the existing businesses of Ramelec and HiTech Control Systems.

Jeff Connolly, CEO of Siemens Australia, said that APS Industrial will be a ‘game changer’ in the Australian market.

“APS Industrial is a major move that indicates how serious we are about long-term growth in the region,” he said. “We’ve listened to customers and want to give them ‘real choice’ that delivers the best products, combined with the best customer experience. We see APS Industrial as an extension of the Siemens family and the credentials of the board and senior management team speak for themselves.”

Headquartered in Melbourne, the new group will have national presence including technical support across the country — in Adelaide, Perth, Sydney and Brisbane. The company will commence with the current staff of Ramelec and HiTech Control Systems together with new hires across leadership and customer-focused positions. The group will work closely with the Siemens team to ensure first-class customer service.

“The set-up of a master distributor ensures we can respond to and manage customer demand quicker than ever — especially in current fast-paced market conditions,” added Connolly. “Customers will soon have access to the broadest portfolio in the industry for all their industrial electrical and automation requirements.”

While Lloyd Thomas will be chairman, David Hegarty will be the APS Industrial Managing Director and CEO, leading the national team.

“In today’s dynamic market, customers want the best — they require quick and efficient service at the most competitive pricing,” said Hegarty. “APS Industrial is investing to provide an extensive range of connected products with the best local technical and stock support. We are forming a strong and dynamic team who bring a wealth of industry knowledge and experience to the table — all highly focused on providing a great customer experience.

“The Siemens portfolio is unbelievable; they have the highest quality and broadest product range in the world. We are excited about the opportunity to start offering this range to the market and establish ourselves as a company known for its customer-centric and ‘easy to do business with’ attitude and approach. In addition to the Siemens range, APS Industrial will provide complementary products from other high-quality global technology leaders.”

In addition to David Hegarty and Lloyd Thomas the APS Group Board will include Bryan Haynes, former director of finance and operations at NHP, and Brian Watson AO, former chairman of J P Morgan Australia, founding director of the Australian Future Fund and a former board M\member of CSIRO.

APS Industrial also has key distributor partnerships with Weidmüller, Rittal and EPCOS/TDK to begin with.

“With the onset of the digital age and Industry 4.0, Australian businesses will be reliant on the digital connectivity provided by technology partners in order to succeed in the future,” said Thomas.