An auction by tender of the stock held by machinery, tools and consumables suppliers AJ Lopez & Co Ltd, liquidated following the death of Managing Director Cesare Lopez in August, was held on 12 November. The stock had been valued at more than £200,000.
Following the liquidation, some of the agencies held by AJ Lopez have been taken over by other companies.
One of the main brands represented by Lopez was the Italian saws of Terzago. Several companies have shown an interested in taking over the agency and Terzago say they expect to announce the appointment of a new UK agent in the New Year.
Apex Grange (www.
apexgrange.com) based inside the M25 at Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, have taken on several of the agencies.
They include: l Coor & Kleever, floor crystallizing system, including the Kleever Floor polishers, liquids K1, K2, and K3, and all of the accessories l Abrasivos Aguila diamond products l Montolit, a range used by the terrazzo industry and including block cutters and stone guillotines.
Neil Carter of Apex Grange told NSS: “We hope to continue the success of AJ Lopez by supplying these products to their existing customer base, who we will endeavour to contact as soon as possible.”
From the beginning of January, Apex Grange are also becoming main UK distributors for Fila surface care products. Fila have a large distribution network throughout Europe for their comprehensive range. Apex Grange have every intention of making them a leading brand within the UK.
They are also taking on Wedi building boards, Tenax resin and chemical products, Sia Abrasives (as a second range to run in line with their Sait Abrasives), and Fein Power Tools, including polishers, grinders and dust extraction systems.
Waters Group (www.
watersgroupltd.co.uk) have become the new UK and Irish distributors for Bellinzoni. The range competes against the Akemi brand of sealers, polishers and other chemicals.
Waters say stock is now with them in the UK so they can offer continuity of service to those who prefer the brand.