The European Power Transmission Distributors Association (EPTDA), an organization for the mechanical power transmission and motion control industry, recently welcomed pneumatics manufacturer SMC as an integral member. SMC operates through 320 sales offices in 78 countries and its customer base includes machine builders, production engineers and MRO technicians that use pneumatic components in the design, production and maintenance of products and systems, where motion control, through the precise use of air or electric power, is critical.

In Europe, SMC has technical centers based in the U.K. and Germany, as well as engineering capabilities in most countries. SMC has major production facilities in the U.K., Germany and Italy. In addition, it has local manufacturing in most of its European subsidiaries, together with a logistics center based in Antwerp. SMC operates with distribution as a stated part of its strategy, recognizing that its strength lies in the development of new business while the needs of most developed customers can be best served by utilizing the added value provided by the distribution channel. Its parent company in Japan serves in excess of 90 percent of the local market through indirect channels. "SMC has joined EPTDA because the European management team of SMC believes that the potential of motion control, aligned with power transmission, is a force and opportunity for growth. The distributor members of EPTDA have an opportunity to grow their pneumatics sales significantly and SMC would like to be a partner in such growth," declares Steve Bangs, managing director in the U.K. and member of the SMC European management team.

"We are exceptionally proud to welcome another leading company like SMC to our respected portfolio of members," says Hans Hanegreefs, executive vice president, EPTDA. "The association wishes to get a better representation in the field of pneumatics and hydraulics and with the arrival of SMC, the largest manufacturer of pneumatics components, the association further goes in this direction. We are also very pleased that our European distributors and manufacturers can also benefit from the heritage and vast experience that a leader like SMC offers, bringing opportunities to all our members. We will be officially celebrating this newest, and other recent member additions to our growing family during our 2011 Annual Convention in Budapest in September."