TMD Friction’s UK Sales Manager Nick Hayes discusses how the braking supplier has prepared itself for the traditionally busy MOT period.
At a time when supply chains face considerable logistical pressures and with the majority of the nation’s vehicles set to take their MOT test, it is important that automotive parts suppliers work closely with their factor customers to ensure clear communication throughout very unpredictable trading conditions. TMD Friction is making this a priority this winter.
The company claims to have worked tirelessly throughout the coronavirus pandemic, and maintains its manufacture of 5.5 million sets of brake pads per year at its Hartlepool facility, which operates six-and- a-half days a week, with over 450 staff members. TMD Friction spends £30 million per year on R&D to ensure its braking product offering is the best it can be, and with its Yorkshire-based proving ground, it is able to perform high quality brake testing and consequently provide safe options to the market.
Nick Hayes, UK Sales Manager at TMD Friction, commented, “The automotive aftermarket is no exception to the rest of the UK or rest of the world. The global transport infrastructure is facing extraordinary pressures. We’re working hard in collaboration with all our customers to ensure their braking offering is the best it can be.
“Going into peak MOT season, the TMD Friction brand heritage and performance quality offers confidence to garages, which in turn enables us to work with them to develop their business in conjunction with our stockists, through training and marketing. TMD Friction is a true brake friction specialist, with the broadest brand portfolio to cover the ever-growing European car parc and provide motor factors with the very best in braking products.”
The customer is always right
Several of TMD Friction’s motor factor customers can attest to Nick’s comments. For example, on the braking supplier, Spartan Motor Factors’ Sales & Operations Director Lee Gratton had this to say: “The support from suppliers such as TMD Friction is always fantastic. Our braking brands line-up, comprising TMD Friction products, offers customers choice, quality and performance, ensuring confidence throughout the repair process.”
Paul Starling, Autovaux Car Parts Owner, added, “TMD Friction made perfect sense for us when adding to our braking offering, as its tried and tested braking technology ensures our customers receive the quality they have come to expect from us. With an extensive range, it complements our existing brands perfectly.”
David Clarke, Managing Director at Autosupplies Group, commented, “TMD Friction is really easy to deal with, but more importantly, it is a brand that really resonates with garages. Technicians want to fit a quality brand and product that is backed up by support if they need it. TMD Friction has all these attributes, and it’s one of our most requested brands from customers.”
To round off the resounding praise, BMG’s Managing Director Rick Fraser explained: “It’s important for a busy motor factor that the brands we supply are of high quality, as customer service is key. With TMD Friction, we’ve built up an enviable reputation as being ‘first-to-market’ with new parts, and we offer a braking solution of the highest quality.
“The service, support and quality from TMD Friction enables us to work more closely with garages, which fully appreciate the technical expertise of the brand. As a result, this creates confidence throughout our entire business, and a level of security in knowing we are supplying the best to our customers.”
