Smarter motor control for Eastern Cape industry: The Rockwell M100 Advantage

For many Eastern Cape manufacturers — whether in the automotive hubs of Gqeberha or the food processing plants dotted across the province — keeping production reliable, safe, and efficient is a daily challenge. That's where the M100 electronic motor starter from Haslop & Mason, an authorised distributor for Rockwell Automation, comes in.

For many Eastern Cape manufacturers — whether in the automotive hubs of Gqeberha or the food processing plants dotted across the province — keeping production reliable, safe, and efficient is a daily challenge.

That’s where the M100 electronic motor starter from Haslop & Mason, an authorised distributor for Rockwell Automation, comes in.

Far from being “just another starter,” the M100 is a new generation device that blends two critical motor control functions — a contactor (which switches a motor on and off) and an overload relay (which protects it from damage) — into a single compact unit.

“The M100 offers a broad amperage range for wide application coverage combined with a deep feature set, including overload, phase loss and weld detection,” explains Grant Watkins, Rockwell Automation Industry Account Manager.

Built for Eastern Cape conditions

Factories in the Eastern Cape operate in tough environments, with limited downtime windows and constant pressure to deliver.

The M100 provides a simple but feature-rich solution, offering direct-on-line and reversing starting, integrated overload protection, and the flexibility to run single- or three-phase motors up to 480 volts AC.

Because it uses standard 24V DC control power, the M100 also connects easily to modern control systems, making it a straightforward upgrade for facilities looking to modernise.

Space-saving by design

In many local factories, cramped control panels are a reality. Here, the M100’s zero-stacked design really shines.

“Zero stacking means M100 starters can be mounted directly next to each other without spacing, reducing the footprint to the absolute minimum,” says Watkins. “This can be done without any performance loss, even in higher ambient temperatures up to 55°C.”

Fewer stoppages, better safety and reliability

Reliability is another key concern. Every unplanned stoppage costs money, which is why the M100 uses Point-on-Wave switching technology. This reduces electrical arcing, extends the product’s lifespan, and lowers power consumption.

On the safety side, Rockwell offers a version of the M100 equipped with Safe Torque Off (STO) – a feature that immediately cuts motor power without shutting down the entire system.

“The STO inputs make it easy to integrate with safety relays and systems,” Watkins says. The starter is certified to some of the world’s most stringent standards, including SIL 3 (IEC 61508) and Category 3, Performance Level e (EN ISO 13849-1). In simple terms, that means it offers both people and equipment a higher level of protection.

Future-proofing Eastern Cape business

Looking to the future, Watkins believes the M100 is well-positioned to support the region’s shift toward smarter, more automated factories.

“It’s an advanced solution designed to make motor-driven systems more reliable and efficient,” he says. “With the M100, customers can improve equipment lifespan, reduce energy use, and free up valuable panel space – all of which supports operational excellence.”

Haslop & Mason Managing Director, Kevin Dersley, says that for his customers in the Eastern Cape, the Rockwell M100 offered space savings, easier wiring, reliable protection, and world-class safety.

“In short, it’s a motor starter that helps businesses do more with less — and keep their operations running safely and efficiently,” Dersley says.