A new supplier partnership focused on ensuring engineering and sub-contracting firms receive high- precision tooling and value-added service has been agreed between MSC Industrial Supply Co UK (MSC) and Bromsgrove-based Walter GB.

The new partnership is part of a wider move by MSC to help UK engineering firms to overcome pressing industry challenges, through the provision of superior turning, drilling, threading and milling components.

Maria Martin, Walter Tools channel and marketing manager, said: “Our years of expertise in the provision of precision cutting tools to the automotive, aerospace, energy and rail sectors has long demonstrated that first-class components are key to making projects more efficient and effective.

“Consequently, investment in high-calibre tooling is more crucial than ever given the challenges facing industry, including rising energy and resource prices. Component durability and versatility is key to this – by ensuring efficient manufacturing processes and reducing variation in end products, operators can save on time and material costs, reducing OpEx at a critical time.

“Opting for quality tooling can help ensure customers can remain competitive in an increasingly challenging business landscape. This requires an unrelenting focus on meeting the highest possible standards for service, product provision and innovation – ambitions we and MSC share. We are proud to announce this new strategic partnership and look forward to a future where we work closely together.”

Walter Tools’ commitment to exceptional quality is embodied in its ‘Engineering Kompetenz’ pledge to help customers rapidly and reliably achieve their goals with a wide array of tools and innovations for turning, milling, drilling and threading. This mirrors MSC’s ‘Built to Make You Better’ approach, which features partnering with customers at its heart, and continuing to offer quality, value-added support as clients expand.

James Howarth, MSC head of category management, said: “Walter Tools’ focus on innovation and new product development matches closely with MSC’s values of providing products and services of the highest possible standard.

“Many industries, from automotive and energy all the way to aerospace, require high quality suppliers they can work closely with, who understand their needs and can recommend the right tools for the job. Walter Tools’ focus on helping customers streamline their processes resonated with MSC and is a key reason behind the forming of this partnership.”