Certifications confirm Exico's ambitions

Sales Director Lucie Hodkova explains: "With the new company we want to be able to address a wide range of motor users. We have a comprehensive offering of motors and related products for the general market and are working on a number of approvals and awards so that we can supply specialist markets, such as petrochemicals, food processing, cement, textiles and pharmaceutical manufacture."

Exico's product offering includes: standard single- and three-phase motors; medium and high-voltage motors; and special motors such as those engineered for explosion-proof and marine environments. It also supplies variable-speed drives, gearboxes, accessories such as brakes, fans, encoders as well as slide rails and coolant pumps for machine tools.

Zone 21, Zone 2 and Zone 22 ATEX (ATmosphères EXplosives) motors are respectively certified for use in gas-vapour-mist and dust atmospheres in which explosive mixtures are likely to occur for short times. EC Type Examination Certificates are available for all ATEX motors. Zones 2 and 22 are less demanding than Zones in which explosive potential exists constantly or for extended times. Up to half of all industrial environments may be classified as Zone 2 or 22. Certified motors use a number of design details to improve their safety, including finer tolerances to reduce the likelihood of sparking and extended seals to reduce potential flame-paths.

Exico supplies its Zone 1 ATEX motors using the name HEW and is also able to offer dual certification for Zones 2 & 22 in one enclosure.

IECEx (International Electrotechnical Commission, Explosive) also relates to the use of motors in potentially explosive atmospheres and is designed to facilitate international trade while maintaining safety levels. It is based on a single international database listing, which mitigates the need for testing and certification in a number of individual countries or regions. ISO 9001: 2008 is a quality management system, based on principles set out by the International Standards Organisation (ISO). It enhances traceability of individual products and can make details of bespoke designs instantly available.

Lucie says: "Many of our end-users insist their suppliers are ISO 9001 certified, but its greatest value is that it ensures that we always maintain the utmost efficiency with our internal processes and thereby have "perfect information' on every motor."

From its base in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, Exico is focusing on OEMs and rewinders and aiming for high growth to achieve the "critical mass' it feels it needs to become a powerful force in the industrial motors' market. Part of this plan is to obtain approvals and certifications relevant to potential customers with specific needs and requirements, so that it is addressing the widest possible market.

Lucie says: "Having a certain size, range and presence means clients can be confident we will meet all their needs associated with motors and drive systems. We are looking for both geographic coverage and for representation in key sectors of industry."

Please visit www.exico.co.uk for further information about the company's Zone 21, Zone 2 and Zone 22 ATEX motors.