Ehrco Ltd (www.ehrco.co.uk), a Dudley-based supplier of hydraulic hose and fitting products, has received investment from the group behind Antifriction Components.

The investment by Italian industrial distribution Gruppo Bianchi investment is expected to significantly expand Antifriction’s capabilities in the fluid-power sector.

Bristol-based Antifriction (www.afc-uk.com) has an inventory of more than 200,000 products, including bearings, power transmissions, pneumatics, gearboxes and electric motors, plus lubrication and sealing products.

It supplies companies involved in the food and beverage, metal processing, recycling, paper, construction and original equipment manufacturing sectors.

Bob Davis, vice-president of Antifriction, said: “We have been pursuing a long-term growth strategy with the building of new branches and distribution deals with premium industry brands.

“Ehrco is another step in meeting our ambitions, giving clients unrivalled products and service throughout the UK.”