From humble beginnings in Germany, VEGA is now a world-leading innovator in pressure sensor technology. John Leadbetter, Managing Director at VEGA Australia, shares how the company has served diverse industries across the globe with its reliable solutions and commitment to customer service.
VEGA, a family-owned company, was established in 1959 in Germany’s Black Forest, with an initial focus on the development and production of electrical switches for level control in industrial applications.
Primarily servicing the German market, VEGA spent its first decade consolidating its position as a reliable supplier of level measurement instruments.
In the 1980s, VEGA established subsidiaries and sales offices in various countries across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
The company eventually expanded to Australia in 1987, initially based in Brook Vale, then relocating to Kirrawee in 2000, and finally to Caringbah in 2019.
The world of pressure
VEGA offers a comprehensive range of pressure instrumentation including gauge pressure transmitters, differential pressure sensors (both conventional and electronic), and hydrostatic pressure sensors.
“We also offer factory automation pressure or what they call a simplistic pressure, and that will be tied in with other communication devices within the units themselves used a lot in the factory automation,” John Leadbetter, Managing Director at VEGA Australia, said.
“Whether it’s measuring the pressure of a pipe, or the level of a slurry in the hopper, or the depth of a ball with the ball fields, we have a device that would suit pretty much all types of applications.”
VEGA provides fittings and approvals for industries like water, food, pharmaceuticals, offshore, and chemical, ensuring compliance and suitability for diverse monitoring systems across 14 main industries.
“Our pressure instrumentation comes equipped with
the necessary certifications and approvals for use in Australia, including food-grade and ship approvals,” Mr Leadbetter said.
Mr Leadbetter explained that VEGA is committed to improving and innovating its offerings.
“Seven years ago, we introduced Bluetooth communication across our range, and now we’re focusing on IoT integration,” he said.
“We’re constantly developing our instrumentation, incorporating new features, and staying abreast of industry trends. Whether it’s wireless communication, Ethernet, or other protocols, we’re committed to keeping pace with market demands.”
One of its latest products, the VEGAPULS 42, offers precise non-contact level measurement for simple to moderate applications.
It’s an optimal sensor for non-contact level measurement in straightforward to moderate scenarios, accurately gauging liquids, and bulk solids.
Its optional universal connection for hygienic adapters minimises installation complexity and inventory management, meeting the stringent standards of hygienic processes.
Simultaneously, the VEGAPULS 42’s IO-Link capability ensures seamless, uninterrupted digital data transmission.
Reliability and customer service
VEGA differentiates itself in the market by prioritising reliability, customer service, and adaptability to individual client needs.
“When you’re talking about competition, it’s not just the price of the instrument, there’s also the availability, compatibility with it with the requirement of approvals, there’s a support and service, there’s training,” Mr Leadbetter said.
With 38 years of presence in Australia, VEGA offers repair facilities, local stock, and knowledgeable technicians to support customers effectively.
The team at VEGA Australia prides themselves on two key pillars: being German-made, synonymous with high quality, and prioritising exceptional customer service.
Mr Leadbetter explained that VEGA operates with honesty as its guiding principle, ensuring transparent communication with clients.
“We prioritise honesty above all else in how we operate,” he said.
“If we can’t deliver on something, we’re upfront about it. If an order will take eight weeks, that’s what we communicate; we don’t promise miracles.
“It’s essential to be completely transparent with clients, even if it means potentially losing an order due to delivery issues. In the end, our clients appreciate dealing with an honest company.”
Delivering bespoke solutions
VEGA’s success stems from understanding and meeting the unique needs of various industries, such as water, oil, gas, mining, food, and chemical.
“Ensuring a long-term relationship with clients comes down to understanding what they’re looking for providing a good service, a good product,” Mr Leadbetter said.
“We believe in selling solutions, not just instruments, by actively engaging with customers to understand their needs and provide the best options available,” Mr Leadbetter said.
“Our commitment to personalised service is reflected in our willingness to travel extensive distances to meet with clients face-to-face, demonstrating our dedication to reliability and support.”
Featured image: VEGA
