Bearings International (Bi) has been consistently setting innovation and excellence benchmarks through the delivery of robust industrial chain solutions to southern African industry for over 65 years. In March 2025, the company relaunched its quality range of premium brand chain solutions – KÖBO and Zexus, alongside its renowned private label offering – Roller Chain Opti (RCO). “The relaunch presented an ideal platform to share with internal and external stakeholders our dynamic chain growth strategy for 2025 and to provide more clarity on targeted market segments,” explains product leader, Hilton Woest.
Industrial chains literally keeps industry in motion and is the unseen force driving entire industries, yet its significance is often underestimated. Comprised of simple yet powerful interconnected links, this humble component is indispensable in a vast array of mining, industrial and agricultural applications, transferring power in machinery and seamlessly moving objects and materials.
Bi’s range of top-tier chain products is widely used across all industrial segments, efficiently delivering reliable performance and meeting the diverse demands of countless applications. “While we remain committed to meeting the unique needs of all industries, our product offering primarily focuses on the mining, industrial, agricultural and FMCG sectors,” notes Woest. “We’ve been leading the way in the sugar chain industry for over two decades, proudly supplying the renowned Zexus brand. Our KÖBO German-engineered precision chain delivers unmatched performance and reliability for the mining, industrial and FMCG sectors. We’ve also successfully marketed our trusted, home-grown RCO chain across these segments, extending its reach to the agricultural market.”
A number of factors set Bi apart as one of southern Africa’s market leaders in industrial chain solutions: exceptional product quality, reliability, efficiency and performance, certifications, integrated cutting-edge technology, competitive pricing, unmatched product and application expertise and outstanding service and after-market support.
Woest outlines Bi’s chain service and after-market offerings, beginning with a focus on the company’s strategic branch network. “Bi’s chain offering is available throughout South Africa via our extensive network of over 50 branches and agents across all provinces, ensuring expedient service delivery and rapid response times to inquiries and orders. Additionally, we offer chain modifications and repairs at our two engineering sites. Our team of highly qualified technicians, equipped with extensive engineering and field service expertise, are skilled in conducting site inspections, providing technical, maintenance and lubrication support, and handling urgent onsite repairs with precision.” Bi’s chain services also extend to chain drive system design, installations and drive alignment, as well as chain wear and elongation reports.
He adds, “Bi’s business concept is to provide high-quality interconnected mechanical components through a team of expert technical advisors to improve our customers’ production uptime. At Bi, we value our strategic suppliers and work closely with them to help position Bi and our strategic brands as the first choice for customers.”
“Our innovative industrial chain solutions are the crucial link that powers plant efficiency and optimisation, driving the sustainable performance of our customers’ operations and keeping them in constant motion − now and into the future,” concludes Woest.
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