Local bearings distributor Bearings International (BI), a division of Hudaco Trading, has taken steps to develop its partnership with two inter-national bearings supply companies.



BI bearings and allied products director Ian Robertson says that the market for bearings is vast and that, because customers have a variety of needs, expanding its distribution portfolio will allow the company to provide increasingly comprehensive bearings solutions for its customers.


The company recently held mutual interest discussions with UK-based ball bearings and cylindrical roller bearings manufacturer Phoenix Bearings, which is a subsidiary of US bearing group RBC Bearings.



Phoenix Bearings director Alan Ralph says that the partnership is mutually beneficial as BI is able to expand its offerings to customers and Phoenix is able to reach the South African market.



Phoenix Bearings manufactures small volumes of bearings with significantly shorter lead times than larger manufacturers, as required by BI’s customer base. 
In return, BI’s representation enables Phoenix Bearings to develop its brand in the local market.



Ralph says that Phoenix Bearings aims to distribute its product to the mining, construction equipment and industrial gearbox indus-tries. The two companies previously worked together on an intermittent basis.



BI has also expanded its distribution of Dodge bearings, which are produced by US diversified mechanical product supplier Baldor.



The Dodge grip tight ball bearings have housing designs that accept up to seven different sizes of concentric 360˚ shaft rings. The bearing adapter press fits onto the shaft and automatically loosens for maintenance or replacement when a nut is turned. 
Phoenix Bearings reports that this reduces the need for forced removal or expansion heating when replacement and maintenance are required.



Robertson says that the bearings are well suited to harsh environments as they have a secure housing arrangement, which stops dirt from entering the bearing and causing damage.



He adds that the Dodge bearings distributed by BI are suitable for applications in the aggregate, crushing and quarrying indus-tries, where it is a challenge to prevent the ingress of dirt from mixing with the lubricant in a bearing and grinding away the element.



The company has been supplying Dodge bearings on an intermittent basis for the past 18 months and has now signed a distribution agreement with the company.



“In the downturn, the perception is that the customer is looking for a cheaper product, which is not the case. The customer is looking to save money, and it does not only have to be through a cheaper product,” concludes Robertson.

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