Bad for pirates
Page 15
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
DON INTERNATIONAL has begun branding Its range of commercial vehicle brake linings In a bid to foil spare parts counterfeiters.
The move is in response to a recent spate of spurious brake linings being passed off as Don 242 linings. The counterfeit linings carry a single universal product reference and according to Don International's marketing services manager, Rod Beauchamp, were passed off to operators who were told they were Don 242 linings.
Misleading stick-on labels bearing the Don 242 reference were also applied in some cases.
The bogus linings are produced in Eastern Europe and Don has taken successful legal action against a UK-based company resulting in a substantial out-of-court settlement.
Normally, brake blocks are marked on the inner face and can only be identified by removing them from the shoe, but this edge branding is designed to make the source of the lining apparent as soon as the brake drum is removed.
The brand is resistant to heat and solvents and Don claims it will be recognisable throughout the lining's working life.
The branding has the Don quality designation and BFMC reference which identifies the approved application. According to the company, it will take some time before unbranded stock is used up and operators should continue to look out for the spurious linings.