ABB's Motion business signs digital partnership in Australia

ABB Australia’s Motion business has partnered with A1 Electric Motors based in Shepparton, Victoria, to offer ABB Ability solutions to customers in Australia.

From April 2020, A1 Electric Motors will be an authorised partner to provide customers the complete supply and installation services available in the ABB’s Ability smart sensor system offering for motors, pumps and bearings.

The ABB Ability Smart Sensor converts traditional motors, pumps and mounted bearings into smart, wirelessly connected devices. It measures key parameters from the surface of the equipment which can be used to gain meaningful information on the condition and performance of the equipment, enabling users to identify inefficiencies within their system and to reduce risks related to operation and maintenance. Maintenance can now be planned according to actual needs rather than based on generic schedules. This extends the lifetime of equipment, cuts maintenance costs and reduces or prevents unplanned downtime due to breakdowns.

“In a world of digital transformation, ABB is committed to giving customers the capability to elevate from traditional planned maintenance systems to a proactive, predictive maintenance system to minimise unplanned failures and unnecessary downtime,” said Halden Engela, Digital Product Manager for Motors and Generators at ABB in Australia. “This partnership allows ABB to broaden its supply of turnkey systems that helps customers achieve the maximum benefits the fully functional smart sensor system provides.”

A1 Electric Motors was a highly sought after digital partner candidate due to its existing stock profile and technical know-how of providing value-added services for condition monitoring, using the smart sensors. Accomplished in supporting not only end-user customers but other ABB product channels with these products, A1 has successfully supplied an ABB Ability Smart Sensor system to GrainCorp Oilseeds in Victoria, Australia. The ABB system helped GrainCorp prevent equipment failure and delivered savings in lost production.

“My team and I are looking forward to assisting more customers across a whole field of operations — from product information and site assessment, through to full system design,” said Chris Cheong, Director at A1 Electric Motors. “We want to continually improve our processes and industry knowledge, particularly with new applications that bring automation and energy-saving solutions to electric motors.

“That is why we’re thrilled to be partnering with ABB to support our customers in their digital transformation.”

A1 Electric Motors, founded in Northern Victoria in 2003, has been a channel partner of ABB Australia for over 16 years. They have been highly successful in electric motor supply and provide solutions and dedicated support to customers across a wide range of engineering applications. In 2015, the business consolidated with the well-respected Bells Electric Motors of Shepperton to expand its operations.

Image: Chris Cheong (left), Director at A1 Electric Motors, with Halden Engela of ABB.