WITH over 16 years of successful collaboration to their credit, Bolt and Engineering Distributors (B.E.D.) and global bearings supplier SKF have created a significant impact across South Africa’s agricultural, mining and industrial sectors.
Their collaboration focuses on providing robust, reliable and efficient bearings solutions which address the specific requirements and challenges of these industries.
At the core of this partnership lies a unique synergy, akin to a scale. On one end is SKF with its cutting-edge bearings technology and products – and on the other end are customers with distinct needs. In the middle, balancing and bridging the gap, is distinctive distributor B.E.D., with its unparalleled vertical sector knowledge and commitment to its customers’ success.
Transmitting power to customers
SKF’s extensive bearings product portfolio is complemented by B.E.D.’s deep industry insight and technical expertise. B.E.D. product manager and agri product Specialist Gerhard Botes explains: “We effectively act as a ‘bridge’, connecting SKF’s technological advancements and the specific needs of our customers. Our local knowledge and expertise enables us to understand their pain points and deliver solutions that truly make a difference.”
Over the years, B.E.D. has focused on sectors where the demand for high-quality and dependable power transmission solutions is paramount. Micaela Willers, SKF’s Power transmission manager for Sub-Saharan Africa notes.
“Electricity is a huge input cost in any sector. South Africa’s recent energy issues illustrated this very starkly. Our power transmission solutions essentially take the load off applications, thereby decreasing energy costs, while increasing productivity. An excellent example of this is in agriculture.
It takes specialised knowledge to serve the agricultural sector effectively. Gerhard and his team at B.E.D. bring this knowledge to the table, with an intricate understanding of everything from combine harvesters to crop sprayers – and more.”
B.E.D. has become synonymous with the providing the right solutions, especially in agricultural power transmission. “Our customers know that they can count on us for reliable products, which enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs – essential during the planting and harvesting seasons,” Botes advises.
Empowering customers through training and support
Both companies emphasise the importance of customer training as a strategic tool to maximise the benefits of SKF’s power transmission solutions. “The training we provide – together with B.E.D. – covers practical skills which are immediately applicable in sectors such as agriculture, mining and manufacturing. It is about more than just using the product; but is about understanding its full potential,” Willier explains.
“B.E.D. does not just push products: they build relationships. Rather, true to their company ethos and tagline ‘It’s our business to know your business’, they invest in understanding their customers’ businesses, which means providing meaningful ongoing support after the sale is made. This relationship-driven approach ensures SKF’s solutions fit seamlessly into customers’ operations.”
A future built on innovation and trust
Looking ahead, B.E.D. and SKF are poised to expand their collaboration into new vertical sectors – including food and beverage. B.E.D. is also planning to explore opportunities in original equipment manufacturing (OEM). Botes shares his enthusiasm for the future.
“We see tremendous growth potential in areas where reliability and efficiency are non-negotiable, such as power transmission. With SKF’s commitment to research and development – combined with our extensive local footprint and expertise – we are confident that we can continue to deliver exceptional value.”
“By working with SKF, B.E.D. has access to a wealth of global expertise, as well as research and development-related resources. This enables us to bring cutting-edge bearings solutions to the South African and sub-Saharan African market, tailored specifically for these unique challenges and conditions,” Willers says.
This collaboration means access to best-in-class power transmission products that are both robust and user-friendly. B.E.D. ensures they have the stock and support to meet customers’ requirements – be they immediate or longer-term – backed by their own and SKF’s responsive after-sales support.
“Our goal is to be the go-to supplier for all our customers’ power transmission solutions across many different vertical sectors. We aim not just to provide products, but peace of mind, supported by the trust and excellent relationships which we have with SKF and with our customers,” Botes concludes.
For more information: https://bolteng.co.za
