WEG Africa: the generator customisation specialist Louis Kotze, Executive for WEG Africa's Generator Sets Division, highlights the value of partnering with a generator customisation specialist to get the right generator solution for a specific need and its operating environment.
A manufacturing plant needs a steady-state generator set to pow- er sensitive CNC machines with stable, clean power. A mine requires generators that operate underground in con- fined spaces while meeting safety, emission, and noise requirements. Construction site generators need to be rugged, hold enough fuel for ongoing activities, and be transport- able to support a range of different equipment as the site progresses. The challenge for each is to get the right generator solution. It is rare for a standard generator set to meet such specific require - ments, which is where generator customisa- tion steps in. This process requires coordinat- ing specifications from several stakeholders, says Louis Kotze, Executive of WEG Africa's Generator Sets Division. "Selecting a generator set depends on factors that come from different people. The site's electrical engineer focuses on areas such as load requirements, total output and reliability. At the same time, procurement managers are interested in cost-related is- sues and emissions regulations, and project managers want to know that the generators will support their project goals rather than hinder them. Each party knows what they expect from a generator. What they don't have time for is to work out all the details." Louis Kotze, Executive for the Generator Sets Division of WEG Africa.
the right questions, showing they understand the specific characteristics of a project and its sector? Their approach to assessments is as impor- tant. Are they thorough? Do they gather and incorporate technical and timeline require- ments? Do they have the capacity to adapt responsively and provide additional services, such as maintenance? Certifications and standards are crucial, as they define quality, safety and performance. The most fundamental is ISO 8528 for gen- erator sets. Also look for standards such as ISO 9001 (quality management), ISO 14001 (environmental management), and ISO 3046 (combustion engine management). Others include adherence to health & safety, testing and sector-specific standards, such as food safety considerations at a food and beverage manufacturer. Focus on the team behind the customisa- tion to ensure a site gets the right generator sets, says Kotze. "Engineers and managers on sites know what they want. What they need is someone who can connect the dots for them quickly yet professionally. Selecting and customis- ing a generator solution requires skill. But what is often neglected is understanding the customer's goals and how customisa- tion will achieve them. When deciding on a generator provider, that's where the real value comes from." https://www.weg.net/institutional/ZA/ en/
generators to support emergency dewater- ing operations. These generators need to be hardy yet mobile, hold enough fuel for long- term operations, provide remote monitoring features and be easy to refuel. They need to be cost-effective, and the customised units must be delivered quickly. Such a project has several competing re- quirements that can undermine the generator set's value and performance. The generators might be too cumbersome to move as the dewatering operations shift focus. They might use the wrong fuel or require frequent main- tenance due to dust and moisture damage. It is the generator customiser's job to un- derstand such issues, says Kotze. "We conduct assessments to understand factors like envi- ronmental and operating conditions, which we might get from the client or by visiting the site. We gather detailed information on power demands, peak loads, and the equipment that the generators will power. We try to speak to all the stakeholders. Customising generators is our second priority. Understanding the project's requirements from different angles is our first,” he says.
How to select a customisation provider
Customising a generator requires more than technical skills. To evaluate a generator pro- vider's customisation service, start by looking at their track record. What is their experience with similar projects, and what references and case studies do they provide? Are they asking
Customisation needs the right partner
The generator marketplace has a wide array of ratings and standards. A generator set can range from a straightforward off-the- shelf model to more elaborate equipment and configurations, including synchronised units for large-scale power generation and careful integration with site equipment and infrastructure. An experienced generator provider collects these details and collates a site's multiple requirements. Typical customisation options include the generator's power output capacity, fuel type, noise reduction, control system, and size. Balancing these against budget, performance, and environmental expectations is complex, which is why the value of an experienced customiser shouldn't be underestimated. For instance, a remote mining site requires
Left: Typical customisation options for a customised WEG generator set include the generator's power output capacity, fuel type, noise reduction, control system, and size. Right: To support emergency dewatering operations for a remote mining operation, the customised WEG generators were built to be hardy yet mobile, to hold enough fuel for long-term operations, to provide remote monitoring features, and to be easy to refuel.
18 ¦ MechChem Africa • May-June 2026
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