`Third force` in UK distribution expands its activities

A group of 19 suppliers of bearings, transmission equipment and related products has established itself as a "third force" in distribution since it was formed in 1998. The Independent Authorised Distributor Alliance (IADA) has created a national network of more than 60 service centres that allow smaller distributors to compete on equal terms with national operations such as BSL and Wyko.

"As a group, we`ve gained the purchasing power of a £60m sales operation," says Tony Clarke of IADA member, BRT. "This means that we can supply a consistent service package at highly competitive rates right across the UK."

IADA is now taking the alliance a step further by launching a Web site (www.iadaltd.co.uk), and issuing a CD-ROM which contains a product locator, details of every IADA depot, and tools including a bearing and belt calculator and a metric converter.