Tenneco to supply UK aftermarket parts biz

ERJ staff report (TB)

Lake Forest, Illinois -- Tenneco Inc. has been selected by Unipart Automotive, the United Kingdom's largest independent automotive parts distributor, as a key supplier of aftermarket exhaust systems and components for the UK market.

“We are pleased to partner with Unipart to expand our reach in the UK with the largest distributor of exhaust products in this important market,” said Hari Nair, president, international, Tenneco. “This relationship positions both companies for significant aftermarket emission control growth by combining the strength of Unipart's customer service focus and high consumer recognition with Tenneco's powerful aftermarket brands and reputation as a leading original equipment supplier.”

John Neill, Unipart Group ceo, said that developing a working partnership “with one of the world's largest and most successful original equipment manufacturers further strengthens Unipart Automotive's position as the No. 1 exhaust choice in the UK aftermarket. We are the best known brand for automotive components and our partnership with Tenneco demonstrates our commitment to providing the best trade partnership to our customers across our extensive branch network.”

Unipart operates 200 branches across the UK that supply major repair chains such as KwikFit, ATS Euromaster and Nationwide Auto Centres, as well as more than 10 000 independent garages.

The relationship with Tenneco allows Unipart to further expand its growing exhaust product range to cover more than 95 percent of the UK's car parc, giving consumers access to the most extensive range of premium exhaust systems available off-the-shelf, the companies said in a press release. Unipart has a central distribution center that features overnight service.

As part of the agreement, Tenneco said it will work with Unipart to further optimise its distribution system and help reduce time and cost to market, as well as provide training for Unipart's customers.

Lake Forest-based Tenneco will supply Unipart from its European manufacturing facilities including Valencia, Spain, for catalytic converters and Laval, France, for exhausts and pipes. The company will ship scheduled orders directly from Continental Europe to Unipart's central warehouse while also providing express order fulfillment and customer service from its regional distribution center in Birmingham, England.

Tenneco markets products principally under the Monroe, Walker, Gillet and Clevite Elastomer brand names. Unipart operates across a range of market sectors, including automotive, leisure, marine, manufacturing, mobile telecoms, rail, retail and technology.

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Tire Business (a Crain publication)