Bolt and Engineering Distributors Group (B.E.D.) is proud to have been the Trailblazer sponsor of the 2024 Southern African Institute of Steel Construction (SAISC) Steel Awards, held in Johannesburg in early October.

“This reflects B.E.D.'s commitment to innovation, quality and excellence - and our values of working with the best suppliers and staff to deliver the latest products and solutions to our customers across many different sectors,” says Mike Giltrow, CEO of Bolt and Engineering Distributors Group (B.E.D.).

Giltrow presented the Export category award to Viva Engineering for successfully delivering 11 heavy-duty steel belt feeders for the Centinela copper mine project in Chile. The extensive use of structural steel in this project was very impressive, and showcased Viva Engineering’s excellent capabilities in meeting complex industrial challenges. This project was also the overall winner of the Steel Awards 2024.

Iconic trailblazers

B.E.D. sees itself as supplying the ‘nuts and bolts’ of industry, as a leading provider of high-quality products and services in sectors ranging from mining to general engineering, fabrication and agriculture, supplying welding equipment, fasteners and bearings to protective personal equipment (PPE) and more.

"In line with our ethos and tagline of ‘it’s our business to know your business’ we have worked hard to understand – and then supply – our customers’ businesses. As such, we have been closely linked to the steel industry since our inception in 1983, and our Trailblazer sponsorship underscores our commitment to fostering innovation in the industry. The 'trailblazer' concept really resonates with us, echoing inspirational trailblazers such as Nelson Mandela and Rassie Erasmus who made lasting impacts in our country.

We are proud to emulate these icons by blazing new trails with our innovative products and solutions, helping our customers to overcome their industrial challenges," Giltrow advises.

Supporting megaprojects

B.E.D.’s range of products allow the company to operate as a ‘one-stop shop’, supplying to a variety of steel-related projects, including megaprojects such as enormous warehouses, mine conveyors and commercial sector structures, and ensuring their structural integrity and safety.

“We are very grateful for the opportunity to have supplied Steel Awards projects in the past and again this year. Our expertise in logistics, inventory management and product knowledge allows for seamless delivery and after-sales support,” Giltrow comments.

B.E.D.’s export division also extends its reach to across the continent, contributing to key infrastructure developments: "We have exported to Sub-Saharan Africa for over 15 years now. Aligning ourselves with similar-minded local in-country partners, who understand the local culture - as well as legal and trade-related requirements. In this way, we ensure that our high standards of quality and customer service are maintained, irrespective of the project location," Giltrow adds.

Continually innovating

B.E.D. prides itself on understanding the challenges of contemporary steel projects, from industrial conveyors to high-precision architectural structures. The company’s adaptability has been a key factor in its continued success.

"We continually innovate, evolving our premium and medium-tier product offerings to meet the changing needs of industry. For instance, advancements in battery technology enable us to offer more efficient, portable power tools and welding equipment for construction sites, eliminating the need for generators and complex cabling," Giltrow points out. B.E.D. is also undertaking initiatives such as welding training and state-of-the-art calibration.

Furthermore, B.E.D.’s partnerships with leading global brands such as Fronius, SKF and  Milwaukee ensure that the company remains at the forefront of technological advancements. This enables its customers to complete projects with precision and efficiency, all while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality.

"Our increasingly successful export division and strategic partnerships with local businesses in Sub-Saharan Africa also demonstrate our innovative approach.

By forming strong relationships with companies which align with our values, we have been able to ensure that our products and services are exported and delivered into sub-Saharan Africa efficiently, maintaining high standards and avoiding unnecessary delays. This is essential when working on large, international steel projects," he remarks.

Blazing a future trail

“This Trailblazer sponsorship demonstrates B.E.D.’s dedication to fostering progress, growth and excellence in the steel sector. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the SAISC, not only through sponsorship, but also through product training and skills development.

As a company, we are very enthusiastic about empowering the next generation of steel