Howcroft: “Impressed by the visit to the ISB headquarter”
Howcroft: “Impressed by the visit to the ISB headquarter” Mr. Allan Howcroft, Managing Director, what does your company do?
Howcroft Industrial Supplies (HIS) is an independent supplier of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) consumables and is based in the heart of South Yorkshire. Established in 1999, the company has enjoyed continued growth, re-locating to its current warehouse and office building in 2012. Owned and managed by myself, the company employs numerous local people, offering training and support. We are a friendly team who are happy to help as best as we can. We have a same day delivery service from our extensive stock items with speedy delivery wherever possible on other, more bespoke items. Over the years we have been a loyal supplier to the mining industry and have similar, strong relationships with companies in a variety of industries fields including quarrying, conventional and renewable power, mechanical and many others.
What is your flagship product?
We have a wide range of products to cover all segments in the industrial applications: we can supply Automation, Bearings, Belt & Chain Drives, Electrical, Janitorial, Signs, Tools, Workwear & PPE.
When and why did the partnership between ISB and Howcroft Industrial Supplies come about?
At the end of 2021 we were looking for a partnership with a high-quality bearing brand and I got in contact with ISB. I had a very nice conversation with ISB area manager Mr. Marco Pinotti, and it turned out our companies were both looking for same kind of partnership, hence we had a common goal and we decided to pursue it together. As matter of fact, few months later I had the chance to visit the Green Brand plants in Italy together with Mr. John Blunt (our Purchasing Director). This visit was very important because we have experienced first-hand ISB quality and technical staff, productions, the huge stockthe most complete and reliable range on the market and the precise pre- and aftersales service. We were so positively impressed by our experience that we got further confirmation that partnership with the Green Brand would be a great option. Another important aspect that made both companies decide quickly, is that the presence of ISB in UK is currently not as spread and predominant as it is in other EU countries, so I think that such a synergy can be absolutely beneficial for both of us in view of a common growth and for a stronger promotion of ISB in the UK.
What are the”pluses” of this partnership with ISB?
ISB offers a great service, going from stock availability to a quick reaction in quoting and processing the requests and the orders, resulting in making same-day shipping. More and more customers of ours now recognize the Green Brand and now realise the reliability and value of ISB products. We are currently building a great working relationship and ISB is fast becoming our preferred supplier for Bearings & associated products. I would personally like to thank Marco Pinotti and his team for the excellent service we have received so far!
What are your plans for the future?
As mentioned earlier, in order to face the requirements of the market that nowadays has become very demanding, since Summer 2022 we have been revamping our current premises as well as we are building an additional warehouse, in order to have much more space to better locate our current stock and be prepared to welcome many more items in a short future.
