Dec/Jan | Page 18

2014 Automechanika Frankfurt | by Austin Gamble Hard Parts to the Fore #2 Following up on our 2014 Automechanika Frankfurt feature in our October and November issues, we bring you more information, gleaned from press conferences and interviews. And not surprisingly, despite all the other distractions at the show, it was once again hard parts to the fore. 2014 Automechanika Frankfurt Ferdinand Bilstein GmbH + Co. KG celebrates anniversaries of the company and its brands Ferdinand Bilstein GmbH + Co. KG originally introduced the bilstein group umbrella brand at Automechanika 2012, and since then it has become established as the home for the brands febi, SWAG and Blue Print. At the 2014 Automechanika, the company celebrated several anniversaries under the umbrella of the bilstein group. Alongside a comprehensive presentation of its products and services at the fair, the bilstein group focused on the 170th anniversary of Ferdinand Bilstein GmbH + Co. KG. The renowned manufacturer and supplier of automotive spare parts has been continuously family run ever since its foundation in 1844. Over and above the febi celebration, the two other bilstein group brands also had special anniversaries to celebrate – 60 years for SWAG and 20 years for Blue Print. For the bilstein group those add up to a total of 250 years of bundled experiences and cooperative customer relationships. The bilstein group brings together 1,650 employees worldwide, supplying products and services in over 140 countries. The group currently maintains 18 overseas offices in 16 countries, is represented internationally in important key markets and operates 14 logistics centres with a total storage capacity of 103,000m² to ensure the reliable availability of its goods. The product range comprises more than 47 000 different spare parts suitable for all current vehicle types and marques. These are supplemented by special tools, installation aids, technical information, modern catalogue and parts searching media and training courses for workshop personnel. | words in action 16 december 2014 / January 2015