Lafert celebrates 25 years of UK trading

Initially marking the transition from a market previously served only through distribution, the UK branch has managed to evolve while maintaining the values of expertise and partnership that make it a reference point in the sector.

Since its founding in 2001, a major milestone came in 2014 with the opening of the Crewe warehouse and offices: a central hub with local stock and the capacity to make rapid modifications to stock motors, thus making them special.

"The evolution from a family run business into part of a global organisation, first through progressive alignment with the Lafert Group and subsequently with the Sumitomo Group, has significantly strengthened our capabilities while consolidating our identity," says Brian Bannister, country sales manager of Lafert UK.

Integration with strategic partners such as Invertek Drives over recent years has further redefined the way the company responds to customer needs, evolving from the sale of single motors to the provision of integrated solutions and complete packages. Clients recognise the company as a strategic partner rather than just a simple supplier.

"We are appreciated for our ability to transform Italian engineering excellence into practical UK-specific solutions, supported by highly responsive local teams," emphasises Bannister.

Lafert's strength lies in its deep technical knowledge and its ability to offer complete solutions that integrate motor, drive, and gearbox. Customization remains a key differentiator: from special shafts and flanges to dedicated windings, Lafert continues to excel in specific applications successfully overseen since the 1960s.

In twenty-five years, the UK market has changed radically, highlighting a clear diversification. While a portion of the market remains focused on cost and availability, Lafert UK strongly targets customers who prioritise Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), energy efficiency, and lifecycle support. While energy costs rise and companies reduce technical resources for products’ commissioning, Lafert has anticipated the demand for "plug and play" solutions, technical reassurance and regulatory compliance.

Looking to the future, the challenge shifts toward decarbonisation and advanced digitalisation. "IE4, IE5, and higher-efficiency motors, along with integrated solutions and digitally enabled products, will increasingly dominate the global landscape," predicts Bannister.

The company is already ready to lead this transition, focusing on synchronous technologies, smart monitoring, and predictive maintenance to ensure customers maximum operational continuity.

Despite increasing automation and digitalisation, the vision for the coming years remains focused on the human factor. The goal is to maintain the design and engineering integrity and the local approach that has characterised the first quarter of a century. The commitment for the future is to continue simplifying complexity, ensuring that the customer's voice remains central to new product development.

"Even in an increasingly digital world, there will always be a need for skilled people working closely with customers to understand applications and deliver the most suitable solution," concludes the Lafert UK team.

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