Bolt and Engineering Distributors Group (B.E.D.) has announced its appointment as an authorised distributor for the Harris Products Group, strengthening its support of South Africa’s industrial and agricultural sectors.
According to B.E.D., this new partnership will give South African customers access to the company’s full range of metalworking equipment and consumables through a single national distribution channel, backed by strong stock availability, technical expertise, and pre- and after-sales support.
While Harris has traditionally had a strong presence in the mining sector, the new distribution arrangement is also expected to strengthen its reach in other industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, construction, and general engineering.
The company is globally known for equipment and consumables used in brazing, soldering, welding, cutting, and gas distribution, with products designed for demanding industrial environments where safety, reliability, and durability are essential.
Harris provides a comprehensive range of solutions for the agriculture sector, including welding and metal fabrication products. These include filler metals for mild steel, stainless steel, aluminium, and cast iron, which are essential for repairing agricultural machinery and equipment, as well as gas regulation and distribution systems that ensure the safe handling of gases for on-farm welding, cutting, and heating applications.
According to B.E.D. CEO Mike Giltrow, brazing and soldering products support maintenance of irrigation systems; metal repairs; and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning components, including those used in food storage. Safety and durability are built into all equipment, which is designed to withstand harsh farm environments, and B.E.D.’s expert teams provide technical support to ensure reliable, long-term performance.
Hands-on demos at Nampo
B.E.D. will showcase its agri-focused solutions at this year’s Nampo Harvest Day from 12 to 15 May, with specialised demonstrations at its outdoor stand.
Giltrow says the aim is to give farmers practical, hands-on experience of Harris equipment for maintenance and infrastructure needs.
A partnership suited to local market
In a statement, Anthony McGuinness, sales manager for Harris in sub-Saharan Africa, said the partnership is well suited to the local market.
“South Africa is a market where robust technical understanding, safety compliance, and product support are essential. B.E.D. brings an extensive national footprint, experienced technical and sales teams, and an established track record in supporting high-quality, high-performance industrial brands. This creates a solid platform for long-term customer support.”
Giltrow says the appointment represents an important step forward in strengthening the Harris brand locally.
“We have worked with and respected the Harris brand for many of our 42 years in the industry. However, this appointment takes our engagement to a whole new level, with a direct relationship and full accountability for how Harris products are supplied, supported, and positioned within key target sectors in South Africa,” he adds.
“Echoing our tagline, ‘the perfect fit’, we believe that B.E.D. is the perfect fit for Harris locally.”
Global standards, manufacturing traceability, and local access
According to Marco Gianelli, Harris’s director of international business for equipment, the company’s products are manufactured to function safely and dependably in all conditions, from heavy industrial fabrication to mining and energy-related applications.
“Full manufacturing traceability and compliance with international standards form part of our value proposition. Having a local partner that understands these technical requirements is essential.”
Additionally, through B.E.D.’s nationwide branch network and national distribution centre, customers will have improved access to Harris products as well as local technical support.
Shaun Geyer, B.E.D.’s Harris products brand ambassador and technical specialist, says the partnership strengthens the company’s offering.
“Harris products are engineered for safety, efficiency, and a long service life. We are very excited to play our role in supporting our customers with the correct technical advice, application knowledge, and pre- and after-sales support, ensuring the equipment performs as intended throughout its lifecycle.”
Focus on sustainable growth
McGuinness added that Harris’s focus is on sustainable growth rather than rapid expansion.
“The appointment of B.E.D. is not about rapid expansion but rather strategically building a sustainable presence across multiple key target industry sectors. As such, B.E.D. is well positioned to support this measured growth, based on its industry track record, technical competence and established customer relationships.”
Giltrow added that the agreement aligns with B.E.D.’s long-term strategy: “For B.E.D., this milestone appointment reinforces our strategy of selectively partnering with premier suppliers and manufacturers whose products are defined by quality, safety, and long-term value, to the benefit of our valued customers.”
