Eriks to distribute Castrol Industrial lubricants

From Eriks' point of view, both companies have very strong brands, being market leaders in their respective fields. Very early on in the process they both also realised that they had a common set of values and goals - with Eriks' Passion for Technology exhibiting 'perfect synergy' with Castrol's Technology Inside. Castrol's technical services capability also fits very well with Eriks' value-added policy - thereby adding yet more customer benefits to an already powerful partnership.

Carl Sault, Castrol UK and Ireland Distributor Sales Manager, comments: "We expect the combined strength of the two brands and organisations to create real advantages for customers. Castrol's extensive range of lubricants aligns well with the key applications that Eriks services - from food and beverage to chemical, process and heavy industries to high-speed grease applications. Our new association with Eriks will be powerful in helping us both to serve the UK MRO market and create a distinctive offer and high customer satisfaction."

Graham Wignall, Eriks Product Manager Lubricants, adds: "As we continually expand our services to industry, it is vital that we partner with companies that share a common mindset. Without lubricants, the industrial world would literally grind to a halt, so delivering our customers with the right products at the right time and in the right quantities is a vital facet of the services we provide. With Castrol on board, our portfolio just got a lot stronger and with its help, we are really looking forward to making a bigger difference."

The distribution agreement covers the full range of Castrol Industrial products, but an early promotional focus on higher-turnover, more popular products such as Optimol high-performance greases, Alpha SP general-purpose industrial gear oil and Hyspin spindle oils is planned.

A range of stock will be stored at Eriks' National Distribution Centre in Halesowen, with more niche products being supplied directly to Eriks Service Centres nationwide from Castrol's Doncaster site. This approach was formulated to optimise the national logistics and improve availability for customers.

Castrol products will be available from all 76 Eriks nationwide industrial service centres, as well as many of the 88 Eriks integrated on-site stores and procurement centres across the UK. Eriks will also be using Castrol products at many of its 23 fully equipped mechanical and electrical engineering workshops maintaining equipment such as electric motors, pumps and gearboxes.