Hartridge Limited was delighted to welcome its worldwide distributors to their Annual Event 2010 in the historic town of Windsor. Over one hundred delegates responded to the invitation. This year was particularly symbolic to Hartridge Ltd as 2010 is also a celebration of 80 years of the Hartridge brand.

The event was once again supported by representatives from Delphi, Denso, Continental and Stanadyne. The main forums gave the Hartridge team the opportunity to relate technical and commercial topics as well as present their latest marketing strategy, whilst the delegates had ample time to network with peers, colleagues and OE representatives.

Some of the delegates visiting the Hartridge factory.

Continental representatives from the Original Equipment Supplies (OES) and Independent After Market (IAM) departments were available throughout the event to discuss the Continental road map for Diesel Fuel Injection products, network expansion and aftermarket testing /repair, presented by Harald Braunberger, Head of Product Management Diagnostics & Diesel Aftermarket. The delegates were particularly interested in Continental’s plans with Hartridge regarding authorised test solutions for Common Rail Injector and EUI.

Delphi’s Mike Rayne, Vice President Global Diesel Aftermarket, gave an informative presentation highlighting Delphi’s current OE contract wins, new platform launches, future technologies and planned test equipment developments for 2010. This included the Hartridge CRP-PC common rail test bench, Auto pressure control for DFP3 testing, and expansion of the networks C3i capability. These initiatives will enable its service dealer network to increase the number of products that can be repaired and reduce test and repair time. This will maximise worskshop productivity, enhancing cash flow, profit and return on investment.

Peter Malo Manager, Technical Service, Stanadyne Corporation, highlighted current and future product developments including expansion to the range of mechanical and electronic rotary diesel pumps as well providing an overview of Stanadyne’s eagerly awaited common rail pump and injector range. Peter recognised that the Stanadyne service network would benefit by using the CR test equipment developed by Hartridge for other FIE manufactures and showed pictures of Stanadyne CR pumps on an AVM2-PC and being tested on the latest Hartridge CRp-PC CR test bench in use at Stanadyne’s Windsor CT facility.

With the more formal part of the day covered, the event moved into the social aspect with a meal and as always, recognition of successes with the Hartridge Distributor Awards.

Although 2009 had proved challenging, a number of Distributors had made significant contributions. JR Motors from Poland and Servicio Lucas Diesel S.A. from Chile were both outstanding performers with Marek Lubaczewski and Aldolfo Dittborn received their respective awards.

Hartridge was also delighted to recognise two newcomers to the family; Delphi China and Delphi Russia operate in large markets but against stiff price sensitive competition, and developing technical demands. Even so both businesses showed significant growth in the provision of Hartridge products and support. Guojun Wang and Boyan Pulic collected the awards. A consistent performer for Hartridge over the years, Delphi USA showed across the board development for both traditional products, project business and newly introduced machines resulting in Simon Lynch being presented with their award.

This left the main award with the accolade of Distributor of the Year. Hartridge is always staggered by the performance of this business as it is primarily a one man band, yet they always excel at introducing new test technologies to their market place. Gerrard Herring took great delight in presenting Peter Tesar from TAD in the Czech Republic with this award.

Before settling down for the meal, one final activity was performed. This was to ask Adolfo Dittborn to cut the 80th birthday cake. Adolfo has been involved with Hartridge for over 40 years and so it was fitting for him to conduct this ceremony.

Distributor Event 2010 Image gallery

Last updated: 03 Feb 2010