Exhibiting at Propak Africa 2025

igus (Pty) Ltd

igus (Pty) Ltd is a global leader in motion plastics and polymer-based automation solutions. The company specializes in providing maintenance-free, lubrication-free, and cost-effective engineering components, including energy chains, flexible cables, plastic bearings, linear technology, and robotic automation solutions. Based in Midrand, South Africa, igus serves a wide range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, packaging, and robotics.

Core Business and Product Offerings

igus offers a diverse portfolio of high-performance polymer-based motion products, ensuring durability, flexibility, and cost efficiency. Key product categories include:

• Energy Chains (e-chains®)

  • E2 micro series – Compact cable carriers for small applications
  • E4.1L series – Lightweight and high-strength modular energy chains
  • R2.1 series – Enclosed energy chains for dust and debris protection

• Flexible Cables (chainflex®)

  • CF5, CF6 series – PVC control cables for standard applications
  • CF130, CF140 series – PUR cables for high-flexibility applications
  • CF Robot series – Robotic cables designed for torsional motion

• Plastic Bearings (iglidur®)

  • iglidur G – High wear resistance for general-purpose applications
  • iglidur J – Low friction, self-lubricating polymer bearings
  • igubal® – Spherical bearings with high misalignment tolerance

• Linear Technology (drylin®)

  • DryLin T – Compact linear guides for high-load applications
  • DryLin W – Modular linear bearing system for smooth movement
  • DryLin R – Self-lubricating linear round bearings

• Robotics and Automation

  • robolink® – Low-cost modular robotic arms
  • Delta robots – Affordable pick-and-place automation solutions
  • igus Low-Cost Automation (LCA) – Customizable automation packages

Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

igus stands out in the industrial automation sector due to its innovative approach to motion plastics. The company's key differentiators include:

• Lubrication-Free Technology
  igus components are self-lubricating, reducing maintenance costs and environmental impact.

• High Durability and Wear Resistance
  iglidur plastic bearings last up to 10 times longer than traditional metal bearings.

• Cost-Effective and Lightweight Solutions
  Compared to metal-based motion components, igus polymer solutions reduce weight by up to 50%, leading to energy savings.

• Industry-Specific Customization
  igus develops tailored solutions for automotive, food processing, packaging, and aerospace industries.

• Sustainable Manufacturing
  The company actively recycles old energy chains through its igus chainge® program, reducing plastic waste.

Financial Strength and Business Performance

igus has experienced steady financial growth due to increasing demand for automation and maintenance-free industrial solutions.

• Annual Revenue: Over €1 billion globally, with South African operations contributing significantly to regional sales.
• Production Capacity: igus manufactures over 250 million plastic components annually.
• Investment in R&D: Over €150 million allocated annually for research into high-performance polymer materials.

International Shipments and Market Reach

igus operates a vast global distribution network, supplying engineering components to over 80 countries.

• Major Export Markets:

  • Europe
  • North America
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Middle East & Africa

• Key Exported Products:

  • Energy chains for industrial automation
  • chainflex cables for robotic and machine applications
  • self-lubricating polymer bearings for automotive and aerospace

• Annual Export Volume:

  • Over 500,000 km of chainflex cables shipped globally per year
  • More than 15 million plain bearings sold annually
  • Thousands of robotic automation systems installed worldwide

Certifications and Compliance

igus maintains the highest quality and compliance standards, ensuring reliability and longevity of its products.

• ISO 9001: Certified Quality Management System
• ISO 14001: Environmental Management Certification
• RoHS Compliance: Products are free of hazardous substances
• REACH Compliance: igus materials comply with EU chemical safety standards

igus components undergo extensive testing at the company's in-house laboratory, with over 10,000 tests performed annually.

Customer Testimonials

igus products have received widespread recognition for their durability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

"igus energy chains have significantly improved cable management in our packaging lines. Their durability and flexibility have reduced downtime by over 30%." – Packaging Equipment Manufacturer, South Africa

"The robolink robotic arm helped us automate our assembly process at a fraction of the cost of traditional industrial robots. Fantastic ROI!" – Electronics Manufacturer, Germany

Major Achievements

igus has achieved multiple industry milestones, solidifying its position as a global leader in motion plastics.

• Expanded operations to over 35 countries with 4,500+ employees worldwide
• Over 100,000 customers in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and food production
• Developed the world’s first completely self-lubricating polymer bearing system
• Produced over 1 billion plain bearings since inception
• Annual savings of over 30 million liters of lubricants through self-lubricating polymer products

With its relentless focus on innovation, sustainability, and affordability, igus (Pty) Ltd continues to drive the future of industrial automation with cutting-edge polymer solutions.