Engine and transmission 34 www.aftermarketonline.net FEBRUARY 2025 Takeover deal boost for critical parts market Antifriction Components, one of the UK’s leading distributors of bearings and power transmission products, has acquired Scotland’s leading independent distributor, Scots Bearings, in a seven-figure deal. The combined business will be the largest specialist distributor of critical moving parts in Scotland, with seven sites across the country. Scots Bearings’ founder David Jackson will continue in his role as MD. Founded in 1986, Scots Bearings employs 60 staff at its Aberdeen HQ and its sites in Glasgow, Dundee, Inverness and Irvine. The firm offers an extensive range of industrial products including bearings, lubricants, electric motors, belts and drives and provides a repair service for gearboxes. The company will continue to operate under its existing name alongside Antifriction’s existing sites in Edinburgh and Inverness. Antifriction Components, which is based in Bristol, now has 19 sites across the UK. Established in 1976, it is now part of Gruppo Bianchi — one of Europe’s largest specialist distributors of power transmission, linear motion, fluid power systems and components. The acquisition demonstrates the group’s continued confidence in the British market and the potential for the Antifriction team to unlock growth opportunities. Antifriction MD Andrew Fleming said: “We look forward to working closely with our new colleagues in Scots Bearings. “David and his team have built a successful business and a loyal customer base due to their commitment to providing an excellent service, which we are looking forward to continuing. “Scotland’s a vibrant and important market for us and this deal will make us the most significant specialist distributor of critical moving parts north of the border. It will also give the Scots Bearings team access to Antifriction’s in-depth training programmes and enable their customers to benefit from our established relationships with renowned manufacturers.” David Jackson said: “As we enter this new chapter in our business history, we are very positive and excited about the opportunities it holds – not only for Scots Bearings, but for our clients as well. “The consolidated business will be the leading bearing and power transmission supplier in Scotland. With Antifriction and Gruppo Bianchi’s vast knowledge and stock holding, we will be able to offer the best service available in the maintenance and repairs marketplace and the widest range of products.” Gruppo Bianchi president and CEO Alberto Bianchi said the acquisition meant the UK is now the group’s second largest market in continental Europe, with turnover exceeding £50 million. “Our group is relentlessly working to make industry more profitable by providing customers with the best engineered worldwide production of bearings, power transmission, pneumatic, automation and related services.” Melett urges technicians to think ‘turbo’ this winter The aftermarket brand for precision engineered turbochargers and parts, Melett, is urging technicians to stay on top of turbo maintenance this winter and has offered best practice tips to help customers prolong the life of their turbo, as temperatures plummet. Lubrication is a key element to ensuring a turbocharger is doing its job correctly. Therefore, it is essential to check that a vehicle’s oil is the correct grade. Melett said when fitting a replacement turbo, it is important that the oil system has been primed and is in full working order. If this is not the case, it can lead to premature failure. Many turbo-related issues are simply down to neglect, and with more than a third of drivers expected to skip servicing their vehicle in a poll taken in 2022, Melett is advising technicians to not only encourage regular servicing, but also to ensure the vehicle’s oil and oil filter is checked and replaced to protect the turbo from damage cause by contamination. Another top tip for motorists is to adapt their driving habits during the colder weather, especially if the vehicle has not been run for long periods. Simple changes such as waiting a few minutes before driving at high revs to allow the engine to warm and oil to flow through the turbocharger. This prevents damage to components within the turbocharger. By avoiding revving the engine, unnecessary stress on the turbo is avoided. Visit www.melett.com/technical for more turbo tips and helpful videos.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ0NzM=