BMG marked the official opening of the recently upgraded ‘BMG World’ distribution and engineering facility in Johannesburg, by hosting a two day expo in September for suppliers, customers, the press and staff.
“This high profile event, which included site tours, product exhibits and working demonstrations, showcasedhow BMG integrates its vast product range and extensive technical services, into tangible operational efficiencies,” says Gavin Pelser, managing director, BMG, part of Invicta Holdings Limited. “The reveal of BMG World was the culmination of a consolidation and supply chain re-engineering strategy, which began nearly 10 years ago. The company’s R400-million investment to upgrade the existing Droste Park facilities into a leading edge distribution centre, centralises functional and support operations onto one site. Through this rationalisation initiative, BMG strives to achieve cost optimisation, improve regionalised branch office systems, thereby enhancing customer service capability.
“Visitors were impressed by the enormity of our operations, our comprehensive product range and our extensive service offering. BMG has expanded dramatically since 1974 when it was established as a single bearings shop in Durban. Today the company has more than 148 BMG branches and a wide distribution network in South Africa and across borders into nine African countries.
“The BMG team remains committed to being a customer driven business, focusing not only the supply of quality components, but more importantly on providing world class integrated engineering solutions to diverse industries.”
The BMG World distribution facility processes approximately 4 500 transfers to branches daily and moves more than 1 000 t of product per month, using advanced lifting and conveying equipment. The automated warehouse management system controls over 300 000 line items moving through the 308 000 m³ warehouse.
This upgraded facility enables BMG to continue to provide high levels of operating efficiencies and delivery service, in line with continued growth of the business.
In addition to its central distribution function, BMG World also houses the company’s specialised operations, including the fluid tech and engineering facilities, technical resources and field services.
The upgraded premises also include significantly expanded training facilities in the customer service centre for the BMG Academy of Excellence. The company recognises the need to grow engineering skills, not only for its own succession requirements, but also for the development and sustainability of African economies.
BMG’s extensive product portfolio now encompasses bearings, seals, power transmission components, drives, motors and materials handling components. Also in the range are hydraulics and pneumatics, fasteners and tools, as well as valves, filtration and lubrication systems.
A cornerstone of BMG’s solutions service is 24 hour reliability engineering – a philosophy aimed at keeping plant in full productive output for as long as possible, without unnecessary maintenance or unplanned stoppages.
