As part of BPW’s global strategy to expand its presence in the aftermarket, BPW Axles (Pty) Ltd has acquired a majority stake in the JMR Trailer Parts Group.
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.
The objective of the acquisition is to create supply chain synergies and efficiencies between the two companies to better support the customers’ needs. The acquisition will allow BPW to better understand the aftermarket and expand its product solutions for transport companies in a customer-orientated manner.
BPW 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.
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 mayor 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.
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.
