OE supplier, Gates, has been a brand favourite of Irish garages for over forty years and throughout this time the name synonomous with quality Gates products has been its original distribution partner Strongline Autoparts. Today the two companies continue to work closely delivering a complete aftermarket solution across many key component areas.

The appointment of Strongline as the national distributor in the 1980’s coincided with a huge growth in the demand for timing belts as engine manufacturers moved away from timing chains.

Initially the core of the range consisted mainly of PowerGrip timing belts and moulded cog fan belts. Over the years, the range of Gates OE products offered by Strongline Autoparts has expanded greatly with the addition of Micro-V grooved fan belts and the requirement for complete drive system components including water pumps and tensioners. Thermostats, tensioner and idler pulleys were also added to the range, as were Torsional Vibration Dampers. Hoses for cooling and fuel line are now also an integral part of the comprehensive range stocked by Strongline Autoparts in their Tallaght distribution centre.

More recent additions to the range of Gates include Turbo hoses and full replacement kits for Micro-V belts which have the required tensioners and idlers needed for a complete overhaul in a single box.

Strongline are looking forward to further expansions of the Gates range this year which will open up more business opportunities for the nationwide network of motor factors stockists and give garages access to more quality products under the reassuring banner of the trusted Gates brand.

Throughout the long partnership between Strongline Autoparts and Gates there has been a high level of collaboration on training and marketing. Gates have provided support and training of Strongline staff, both at the Tallaght base and in the Gates factories across Europe. In partnership with Strongline Autoparts, Gates have also provided on-site training evenings for Motor Factor staff and their customers, something that is planned to resume as COVID restrictions are lifted.  

Gates have recently introduced a free mobile app for their aftermarket range which can used on Apple or Android devices. Using the app, a search can be made for parts, belts, pulleys and hoses. A barcode scanner allows instant access to parts images, application data and tech tips making product identification faster and installation easier.