WDS Component Parts Ltd has expanded the range of Imperial sized components it offers, supporting its continued growth in those markets, regions and sectors including USA, that prefer non-metric dimensions.
While it has always carried Imperial products in its catalogue, mainly in the bolts and fastening section, now the company is making and supplying new version of studs, swing bolts and insulated hand knobs in Imperial dimensions and threads with plans to steadily expand its Imperial offering with new sizes of many of its metric products.
“We are already established in America, which is probably the largest single market for Imperial components, but we want to grow our presence there significantly. Interestingly, while most people think of the US as being Imperial, in fact they work with metric quite a lot too, sometime mixing both systems on one project! WDS is not only able to supply both types of product but we have considerable expertise in converting between the two and of using them side by side,” commented John Marshall of WDS.
Other regions that use Imperial measurements include large parts of Asia Pacific and parts of South America. It is also notable that some industries still have a need for Imperial parts, especially those that rely on long-life capital equipment, such as mine and quarry conveyors.
“It is a bit of a Eurocentric view that metric is the main system of measurement. If you take a worldwide view, the balance between metric and Imperial is much more finely balanced. In the UK and Europe, WDS supports many heritage industries, including organisations that run steam railways and historic industrial sites, with Imperial products. WDS are popular with such groups because we provide them with exactly the same service levels we offer to our commercial and industrial clients,” concludes John.
WDS has a very comprehensive range of engineering components, most of which are available in different sizes, formats, materials and configurations so suit many different applications. It holds high-levels of stock in its central warehouse, which is fully integrated with its on-site manufacturing operations.
Having spent a decade in the fastener industry experiencing every facet – from steel mills, fastener manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, as well as machinery builders and plating + coating companies, Claire has developed an in-depth knowledge of all things fasteners.
Alongside visiting numerous companies, exhibitions and conferences around the world, Claire has also interviewed high profile figures – focusing on key topics impacting the sector and making sure readers stay up to date with the latest developments within the industry.
