At a time when there is increasing pressure to lower carbon emissions and minimise electrical costs, a solution for belt drive power transmissions has been developed by Gema Industri in Sweden.

The Gemex principle consists of a hinged motor shelf and a lockable hydraulic cylinder. There are several models depending on motor size and application, but all function in the same way. The design permits accurate alignment of the pulleys and correct tensioning of the belt(s) for the life of the equipment.

Gema Industri says results speak for themselves. For example, one company now takes between 10 and 20 minutes to change belts where, previously, it could take up to half a working day. The time saved is valuable as every hour that the company’s KM3 board machine is standing still, costs the company £8000 to £9000.

The energy savings that result from this system are said to give a payback measured in months rather than years; carbon reductions are forever.