February 2012 Although predominantly known to the aftermarket for its quality clutch components and kits, Borg & Beck is proud to announce the addition of braking into the portfolio, which will further enhance the reputation of the brand. It also means that Borg & Beck now gets the vehicle moving and helps it to stop! This introduction will provide aftermarket professionals with a comprehensive range of matching original equipment (OE) quality braking products that will allow them to compete with anyone in the business. The Borg & Beck brand has a great reputation in the aftermarket and its high level of recognition with the public means that the brand gives the independent workshop a competitive advantage in the marketplace. The launch is the culmination of more than a year's work by the product team, to ensure that the programme fully achieves the goals set out by the management team and the expectations placed upon such an established brand name. A core objective of the project was to ensure that the programme provides installers with a range of products that are fully ‘fit for purpose'. As a result, Borg & Beck pads are manufactured to match the OE fitment and can be fully relied upon to deliver OE quality performance. In addition to their quality, each pad set is specifically designed to reflect the original equipment supply (OES) product as distributed through the franchised dealer network. This means that when an OES pad set incorporates a chamfered edge, shim, slot, or includes a wear indicator lead, the Borg & Beck pad set does also. This attention to detail is applied to all the products within the range, including the matching OE quality discs, which provide optimum range coverage for the UK car parc. In addition, to help workshops deliver the highest quality of service, Borg & Beck discs are to be specified and where prescribed weight limits allow and provided the wheel bearing is not integral to the hub, are packed in pairs. The range is enhanced further with the inclusion of matching OE quality brake shoes and drums. Although not as prevalent as they were, due to the current economic climate, drum brakes are making a limited comeback on some of the smaller cars in the vehicle manufacturer's ranges. Therefore the Borg & Beck drum and shoe range reflects these developments, as well as providing a wide range of references for the existing drum brake-shod car parc. Commenting on the introduction, Dan Joyner managing director of First Line said: "When we reintroduced the Borg & Beck clutch programme in 2005, we were convinced that it would be well received by a market that held the brand in high esteem. Six years on and the decision has been fully vindicated and its popularity has surpassed our highest expectations. "Therefore, when planning the introduction of an entirely new element to the brand we were mindful of the heritage that the brand evokes and we were naturally conscious of the demands and responsibilities that we have as custodians of the brand. "However, we are convinced that the work carried out by the entire braking product team led by Len Finlay, has resulted in the assembly of a first class range that is worthy of the Borg & Beck name. We also believe that it will provide our customers with a programme that will make a real difference to their businesses." "To help our customers get the best from the programme our area sales managers are busy visiting factors and demonstrating the benefits that the range will bring. However, we have also produced a range of marketing material that provides them with the necessary support to underpin the launch. "Naturally, there is a detailed electronic parts catalogue available via the Borg & Beck WEBCAT, and this is to be followed by a printed catalogue in the very near future." |