Bolt and Engineering (B.E.D.) and First Cut have finalised an agreement to jointly distribute Messer Cutting Systems products and solutions in South Africa.

“Messer Cutting Systems is an extremely well-known and high-profile global company, and we are very pleased to be part of this collaboration. According to the agreement, B.E.D. will focus on Messer Cutting Systems solutions for the mining industry - where we are particularly well-established - while First Cut will remain the primary distributor to the metal fabrication and other sectors,” explains B.E.D. CEO Mike Giltrow. 

Giltrow adds that the companies share the same vision of growing the local market and elevating the Messer Cutting Systems brand profile.

“B.E.D. was an excellent choice of collaborative partner, with many benefits for Messer customers. These include their strong local presence in the mining sector and nationwide footprint of nine branches, two of which feature dedicated welding and cutting repair centres. In addition, factors such as B.E.D.’s Level 2 broad-based black economic empowerment credentials, together with their very active sales force - and mobile welding technical support teams - made the decision to partner with them a very good one,” says First Cut MD Andrew Poole.

First Cut has also entered into a collaboration with gas safety training company Gas Safety International (GSI), to provide training to a range of sectors. 

“The welding process follows on naturally from cutting, forming the next integral part of the fabrication and manufacturing value chain. The merger of interests with GSI, headed by well-known MD Peter Rohlssen, brings synergies, strengths and new offerings to the table, specifically with regards to gas safety training, consulting and auditing,” explains Poole.

“This is yet another value-add,” notes Giltrow, “and another excellent strategic fit between B.E.D and First Cut. Thanks to the merger of interests with GSI and First Cut, B.E.D. will now also be working closely with GSI, on welding auditing, training and consulting. The arrangement will benefit all of our customers, as the offering continues to widen.” 

Three levels of gas safety courses are available, including an introductory gas safety course offered in English and several other official South African languages. Giltrow asserts that the gas safety training courses will be well-received in the mining sector, and this will enable B.E.D. to add further value to customers in the industry.

GSI MD Peter Rohlssen comments: “Having presented gas safety courses in South Africa for the last 30 plus years largely on our own, it is now a fantastic opportunity to extend our reach via the very well established and connected First Cut and B.E.D Group.”