BPW Axles has acquired a majority stake in the JMR Trailer Parts Group as part of BPW’s global strategy to expand its presence in the aftermarket.
BPW distributes its spare parts in southern Africa through a wide network of independent distributors, among which JMR Trailer Parts performs a major role. JMR is a reputable spare parts distributor, with eight branches throughout South Africa, offering a wide range of quality trailer parts and accessories to more than 1 500 transport companies.
BPW Axles has acquired a majority stake in the JMR Trailer Parts Group
The objective of the acquisition is to create supply chain synergies and efficiencies between the two companies to better support the customers’ needs, which will always remain both BPW’s and JMR’s highest priority. The acquisition will allow BPW to better understand the aftermarket and expand its product solutions for transport companies in a customer-orientated manner.
According to BPW, it has no intention of solely distributing through JMR and it is important to BPW that its other existing distributors are protected and have a fair opportunity to compete.
Similarly, JMR has no intention of only distributing and promoting BPW products. All suppliers’ products will be approached with the same support intensity as before, in line with JMR’s strategy to place its customers’ requirements first. JMR says it prides itself on service excellence and expertise and these will remain its primary goals moving forward.
The parent company of the BPW Group, BPW Bergische Achsen KG, repositioned itself in 2013, promoting its commitment to partnerships in the transport industry, not only being a system partner to vehicle builders, but also being a mobility partner to vehicle operators. Product support forms a major part in these partnerships and, hence, this acquisition is in line with similar actions in Europe.
Prior to 2015, the BPW Group’s direct involvement in the aftermarket was limited to European countries outside Germany. However, since 2015, BPW has started establishing a spare parts presence within Germany through its subsidiaries, BESKO Nutzfahrzeugteile GmbH (Büdelsdorf) and T-Parts GmbH (Steinach), and has recently also acquired a majority stake in NTV Nutzfahrzeugteile Oesterhaus KG.
Product support forms a major part in these partnerships
At the turn of the year 2015/2016, BPW Bergische Achsen KG also acquired a majority stake in PE Automotive GmbH & Co. KG, one of the leading suppliers in the independent aftermarket. This will open up opportunities in the local market, not only for the BPW/JMR partnership, but also for other existing BPW distributors.
JMR was established in 1995 in Alrode, Gauteng, and has since grown to eight branches and three trailer service centres across South Africa. They supply in excess of 10 000 quality trailer parts and accessories to more than 1 500 transport companies throughout southern Africa.
JMR has become known for great service and rapid response times, which they offer on a 24-hour, 365 days-a-year basis
“As a leading provider of high quality trailer products, we believe that it is critical to maintain a service ethic and culture that is driven by passion, staff training and development.
“Training is carried out by our in-house training officers, and via our supplier network. There are many technical resources and training opportunities that are readily available to our customers also,” states JMR on their website.
Their products will fit most heavy-duty commercial trailers, agricultural trailers, car trailers and caravans. JMR operates trailer service centres in Alrode, Vryheid and Empangeni that are BPW and AFRIT approved. JMR’s stated objective is to offer customers a one-stop solution to their trailer repair needs, with quality workmanship a key priority.
