AN East Lancashire industrial automation spare parts and repair supplier has hosted a visit by the Japanese representative of an international comprehensive motor manufacturer.

Blackburn-based Northern Industrial hosted Nidec Techno Motor Corporation, which is a precision manufacturer of small and mid-size motors for HVAC and industrial equipment belonging to Nidec Group.

The visit was an opportunity for Nidec to learn more about successful UK routes to market for Control Techniques products. Nidec are also looking to set up a distribution network in East Asia.

In 2017 Nidec Corporation acquired the Control Techniques brand, of which Northern Industrial is a leading UK distributor.

Last month, Northern Industrial managing director David Lenehan and Control Techniques business development manager Steve Lambert showed Nidec delegate Kouji Watanabe around Northern Industrial’s 30,000 sq ft facility on Shadsworth Business Park to provide an insight into UK routes to market for Control Techniques products.

Mr Lenehan said: “We were very proud to show Mr Watanabe around our Blackburn facilities and also for Control Techniques to hold us up as a benchmark organisation for the distribution of their products.”

Mr Lambert said: “Mr Watanabe came to see Control Techniques’ largest distributor in the UK to look at how they combine a strong online presence, high stock profile and excellent technical support, and is hoping to use this model to set up a distribution channel in Japan.”

Nidec Corporation is an international conglomerate that employs around 140,000 people across the world. The company currently boasts the most significant global market share for small precision motors and now manufactures motors from very small sizes to much larger, powering heavy commercial and industrial equipment.

Nidec motors can be found in products that range from mobile phones, computers and home appliances to industrial and mining equipment. The company has more than 300 subsidiary companies spanning the globe.