Industrial equipment supplier Bearings International (BI) will be proactive this year in its aim of offering one of the most comprehensive power transmission product ranges available on the local market, says BI CEO Burtie Roberts.

BI business unit head Ross Trevelyan points out that, in terms of its extensive product offering for power transmission, BI already represents a number of leading international brands.

He mentions that these include Opti and Continental branded vee and wedge belts, ventilated turbo pulleys from foundry group Birn Germany, RCO taper bushes and pulleys, industrial power tools from power tool supplier Makita, antivibration units from suspension technology manufacturer Rosta, specialised hosing from rubber and plastics technology specialist Contitech, as well as transmission and conveyor chain, couplings, electric motors and gearboxes, among other transmission products.

“While we target all market segments, our focus is mainly on mining, heavy industrial, timber, and food and beverage,” Trevelyan highlights.

He says the main benefit of the brands represented by BI is cost saving and reduced downtime, as the niche products are manufactured by international market leaders and represent the latest technologies.

The brands are renowned for their high quality and performance, with lesser-known brands offered by BI offering a more economical purchase but good performance and high quality.

Users are assured of high-quality products equipped with the latest technologies to provide the ultimate performance, supported by global companies, when using products from the leading-brands category, Trevelyan adds.

Likewise, he emphasises that users of the lesser-known brands are also assured of using carefully selected products with proven performance that have been tried and tested successfully in industry.

Meanwhile, Trevelyan mentions that unplanned downtime is one of the highest costs an organisation faces. However, with the correct selection, use and maintenance of the products, as well as support and advice from product specialists, BI’s range of products can reduce unplanned stoppages.

He notes that, in terms of installation and aftermarket support, BI can also offer correct drive design, training, technical backup and the installation assistance for the products it represents.

“Our products are all supported by our branch network and sales teams . . . we offer a team of product specialists who are available to offer advice and guidance to users needing more specialised technical guidance.”

He adds that BI is also fully supported by its suppliers worldwide, who can offer and develop solutions for more complex applications; the company also offers a 24/7 breakdown service countrywide for clients, with the benefit of assured access to stock should it be needed.

Unique Features
Trevelyan explains that BI’s largest challenge is product availability, as offering such a large range from several leading suppliers makes inventory planning challenging.

Transmission products are generally needed at short lead-times, ideally from available stock, so having “the right stock at the right place at the right price” will always be a focus for the company, he adds.

Trevelyan highlights that BI is one of the largest players in the bearings and power transmission market that allows it to maintain a significant stockholding of high-quality reputable brands, remains fully focused on customer service while offering high-quality products at competitive prices.

This, he says, as well as its offering solutions for all market sectors, distinguishes BI from competitors.

“When one market segment is experiencing tough times, we are active in other segments that are doing better,” he states, adding that, although the mining sector remains a key sector for BI, other sectors are currently not under the same pressure.