The Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology

Thordon’s new agreement

(Posted on 04/10/18)

Thordon Bearings has confirmed it signed a new sales and distribution agreement. The agreement with Spain’s Echetalde, signed on 5^th September, replaces the agreement with Thordon’s previous distributor in the region, Echelan Thor, following the retirement of its founder Pedro Echevarri, after 30 years of working with Thordon products.

Iñigo Arrancudiaga, founding partner of Echetalde and a former employee of Echelan Thor, said: “When Echelan Thor closed, we wanted to continue the company that Pedro founded but the best option for us was to create a new company. So we are delighted that Thordon has continued to work with us and place their trust in Echetalde. It’s basically business as usual as Pedro will continue to help us as a consultant, so he will remain part of the team in some way.”

Thordon Bearings’ CEO Terry McGowan said: “Spain, Gibraltar and Morocco are important market sectors for Thordon Bearings, not only for our established commercial marine business but also for our activities in the hydro-power sector. Echetalde, under the stewardship of partners Iñigo Arrancudiaga and Xabier Arana, whom we’ve worked with for a number of years now, put forward an excellent succession plan following Pedro’s retirement, which means a seamless transition for our distribution network and customers in the region.”

Since Echetalde began operating it has been quick to establish itself as Thordon’s distributor in the region, having secured contracts to supply a range of non-metallic vertical pump bearings to Spain’s industrial sector. The company has also presented a number of new supply opportunities for Thordon products in the region, as Echetalde partner Xabier Arana explained.

“We are seeing increasing interest for oil-to-water lubricated bearing conversions in the hydro-power, pump and industrial sectors and we are close to securing a number of orders in the maritime sector. We hope soon be in a position to confirm an order for the supply of a complete Thordon bearing package for a tuna fishing vessel. There are a number of opportunities for Thordon Bearings with our customers throughout the region.”

Echetalde is based in San Sebastian, Spain, and will carry out sales, distribution and engineering services for all Thordon products across Spain, Gibraltar and Morocco.