Growth of end-user segments spurs demand for motors: study

The growing need for new automation technologies in major end-user segments such as power generation, oil and gas, chemicals and petrochemicals, metals and mining, and water and waste water industries will boost the demand for medium and high voltage motors in Southeast Asia, according to a new study.

The study from Frost & Sullivan, “Southeast Asian Medium and High Voltage Motors Market,” found that the market earned revenues of US$615.4 million in 2012 and estimates this to reach US$802.0 million in 2019.

“Energy requirements have escalated in most Southeast Asian countries, and electric motors account for almost two-third of the energy consumption in an industry,” said Frost & Sullivan Industrial Automation and Process Control research analyst Vineeth Purushotham. “This highlights the need for high efficiency and reliability, fuelling the adoption of customized medium and high voltage motors.”

With end users looking for quality and reliability while selecting medium and high voltage motors for use in critical equipment, competition from low-cost manufacturers is not as pronounced as in the case of low voltage motors. However, it cannot be neglected, and established vendors are coming up with better technologies to decrease maintenance costs and power loss in motors.

Condition monitoring equipment that continuously monitors the health of motors is one such technology. It enables maintenance to be carried out well in advance before the motor fails, reducing maintenance and downtime costs. As a result, the high initial investments in medium and high voltage motors can be offset through guaranteed and faster returns. Manufacturers must educate end users on these benefits, as well as the quality and reliability of medium and high voltage motors to ensure market expansion.

“Moreover, established companies are looking to consolidate their market position through strategic mergers and acquisitions, which will help complete their product range and gain local acceptance,” said Purushotham. “The recent ABB acquisition of Baldor Electric, the leading supplier of medium and high voltage motors in North America, is a clear indicator of this fact. Though the main objective was to acquire a share in the American market, ABB’s product range widened through the acquisition, making it a force to reckon with in the Southeast Asian market.
tomized medium and high voltage motors.”

With end users looking for quality and reliability while selecting medium and high voltage motors for use in critical equipment, competition from low-cost manufacturers is not as pronounced as in the case of low voltage motors. However, it cannot be neglected, and established vendors are coming up with better technologies to decrease maintenance costs and power loss in motors.

Condition monitoring equipment that continuously monitors the health of motors is one such technology. It enables maintenance to be carried out well in advance before the motor fails, reducing maintenance and downtime costs. As a result, the high initial investments in medium and high voltage motors can be offset through guaranteed and faster returns. Manufacturers must educate end users on these benefits, as well as the quality and reliability of medium and high voltage motors to ensure market expansion.

“Moreover, established companies are looking to consolidate their market position through strategic mergers and acquisitions, which will help complete their product range and gain local acceptance,” said Purushotham. “The recent ABB acquisition of Baldor Electric, the leading supplier of medium and high voltage motors in North America, is a clear indicator of this fact. Though the main objective was to acquire a share in the American market, ABB’s product range widened through the acquisition, making it a force to reckon with in the Southeast Asian market.