Bolt and Engineering Distributors (B.E.D.) group has announced a new distribution agreement with torque and tensioning company Bolt Torque, which holds a range of manual, hydraulic, electric and battery bolt torque and bolt tensioning solutions. The partnership will bolster B.E.D.'s industrial product and bolting solutions portfolio that it supplies to a range of industry sectors, including ship repair, wind farms, oil and gas, and mining.

B.E.D. CEO Mike Giltrow says the new distribution agreement is set to significantly enhance B.E.D.'s service offerings and capabilities, noting: "When bolting or fastening becomes specialised, involving for example larger diameters, high tensile materials, stainless steel and other complex materials or criteria, we can now ensure that bolts or fasteners are properly tightened. We can also offer customers rental equipment with certification, providing a turnkey solution from supplying bolts, torque values: a real ‘turn-bolt’ service."

Existing and potential customers can expect several specific benefits from B.E.D.’s distribution of Bolt Torque’s offerings says Giltrow.  "We will therefore be adding to the quality of our fasteners by ensuring they are correctly tightened - avoiding problems like overtightening - which can lead to failures. Factors such as lubrication and galvanizing can also affect torque values, and our experts will guide customers through these considerations."

Giltrow says future opportunities for the company’s bolting-related products and solutions could extend to the bearings sector, where B.E.D. is already a supplier of SKF bearings and solutions to a wide variety of industries.

In addition, customers can now benefit from calibration services, with a SANAS-certified contracted calibration laboratory in Cape Town. B.E.D. says it can supply and calibrate torque tools and tensioners of any brand, not just the ones it supplies. This includes force calibration for torque tools up to 20 000 Nm, as well as single-stage and multi-stage tensioners, measuring gauges, and a range of electronic and measuring devices.

"Specific projects and industries that will benefit from this distribution agreement include upcoming renewable-energy projects, refineries, and mining," highlights Bolt Torque sales director and project manager Angus Houston. "Our products have several key advantages, such as attractive daily rental offerings and the high-quality, globally-recognised PLARAD  Torque and Tension Systems from Germany. Our long-term rental pricing is also very cost-effective for companies which do not wish to invest capex but require the service.”

Houston adds that Bolt Torque’s new tooling options are among the world's leading brands, particularly for the wind, power, and oil and gas sectors.

"With over 30 years of expertise in bolt torqueing and tensioning technology, we ensure that only the highest quality tools are rented out. We will also have spare equipment available at B.E.D. offices to ensure readiness in case of an urgent customer requirement," he says.