Over the past few months, South African bearings manufacturer Vesconite Bearings has experienced significant activity in the forklift parts market. With sales of about 4 500 parts in the last six months, the company has established itself as a reliable provider in the industry. According to Vesconite Bearings mechanical engineer Tristen Wintershoven, the increase in sales is owing to the market's demand for quick lead times and durable, high-quality forklift parts.

Vesconite Bearings' strategy for maintaining its competitive edge centres around a well-organised, accessible catalogue system. Wintershoven explains that the company has been actively expanding its list of available forklift parts. "We are continuously adding forklift parts to our already comprehensive list," he says. The catalogues are structured to include original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part numbers and precise part dimensions, allowing customers to easily identify and purchase the parts they need. This user-centric approach is further bolstered by Vesconite Bearings' efforts to make these catalogues easily accessible online.

Vesconite Bearings has received encouraging feedback regarding its purchasing process. By working closely with clients and understanding their specific needs, the company has created a streamlined and user-friendly system.

"We have come a long way from when we initially started supplying forklift parts," Wintershoven notes. The company now offers a simple solution: providing parts using only an OEM part number or specific part dimensions. This approach has been met with positive reviews from customers, reinforcing the effectiveness of Vesconite Bearings' customer-focused sales strategy.

Vesconite Bearings' commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has resulted in several recent success stories. One notable achievement involved the sale of 600 side shift wear pads to a South African reseller. The wear components are highly sought after for their durability and ability to withstand long operating hours without the need for maintenance or greasing.

"Our maintenance- and grease-free forklift parts reduce downtime and allow the forklifts to operate longer," Wintershoven highlights.

Another significant transaction was with a US brewery facing constant issues with the needle rollers and thrust bearings in its Toyota kingpin assemblies. Vesconite Bearings provided a solution that not only resolved the problem but also impressed the client to the point that it inquired about the potential for Vesconite parts to be installed at OEM level. While this remains a challenging goal, Vesconite Bearings is actively exploring opportunities to collaborate with OEMs to make their parts available directly at OEM level.

Global Expansion

To support its growing international presence, Vesconite Bearings is focusing on expanding its global footprint by stocking forklift parts in various warehouses around the world.

Wintershoven acknowledges that the nature of the forklift industry demands that parts be readily available, as customers cannot afford to wait for extended periods. By positioning inventory in strategic locations, Vesconite Bearings aims to facilitate faster and more efficient international sales.

Looking ahead, the forklift industry is poised for substantial growth, driven by trends such as optimising warehousing solutions and the shift toward electric and autonomous forklifts.

"Forklift manufacturers have to consider the same emission controls [as cars and trucks]," Wintershoven explains. This trend presents new opportunities for maintenance-free parts, aligning with Vesconite Bearings' vision of an environment-friendly future that reduces the need for grease and maintenance.

As the forklift industry evolves, so too does Vesconite Bearings' approach to innovation and quality enhancement.

"Vesconite Bearings strives to continuously improve and enhance all the parts that we supply," says Wintershoven.

By staying up-to-date with market trends and new forklift attachments, the company aims to remain at the forefront of the industry. For forklift owners and repairers, Vesconite Bearings offers sample installation packs to experience firsthand the benefits of their high-quality parts.

Vesconite Bearings' proactive approach to understanding market demands, enhancing customer accessibility and expanding globally demonstrates its commitment to being a leader in the forklift wear parts industry. With a strong focus on quality, innovation and sustainability, Vesconite Bearings is well-positioned to adapt to future trends and continue its growth trajectory in this evolving global market.