Leading supplier Bearings International (BI) has been a distributor of the Koyo range for more than 50 years, a key product that it supplies specifically to major Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) plant manufacturers, according to Automotive Business Development Leader Keith du Preez.

Here it focuses mainly on supplying Koyo to the Original Equipment (OE) segment. “We not only supply the passenger vehicle market, but also manufacturing plants, trailer manufacturers, agricultural equipment, and forklifts for materials handling,” du Preez highlights, who himself has 26 years’ industry experience.

OE and aftermarket bearings are supplied mainly to most local automotive manufacturers (both Tier 1 and Tier 2). In addition, Koyo has a wide range of bearings to suit different requirements in the industrial, agricultural, and automotive industries.

“Koyo is specified by OEMs due to its proven quality and reliability, which is what makes it such a popular and successful choice for the automotive industry in particular,” du Preez comments. Koyo bearings are also fitted on alternators, gearboxes, tensioner pulleys, starters, differentials, clutches, and wheel bearings. Part of the JTEKT Corporation, Koyo manufactures other components such as steering racks and universal joints.

The main benefit for customers is the proven quality, long life, loading capacity and temperature range of the Koyo bearings. A major growth opportunity for BI in this regard is to supply aftermarket parts and accessories, especially as the OE sector itself is facing its own challenges at the moment in terms of a subdued business environment.

Another major benefit of dealing with BI is its extensive 42-branch network, where full stock availability is maintained. It also offers a 24/7 emergency service for automotive and engineering companies countrywide.

“Our Product Managers are always on hand to assist with product knowledge and on-site expertise. We have an excellent relationship with Koyo in providing technical information and advice, in order to maintain the reputation of this brand in the marketplace,” du Preez concludes.