History
The European Power Transmission Distributors Association was founded in 1998 in Marbella, Spain, on the initiative of a group of power transmission and motion control (PT/MC) industrialists who believed in bringing together distributors and manufacturers involved in the PT/MC business on one unique platform. This initiative was strongly supported by Heinz Landhäusser, the EPTDA’s Founding President, and the Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA), the EPTDA’s sister organisation in the US.
Since its inception, the EPTDA has evolved to adapt to the organisation’s ever-changing and growing needs. From a non-stock corporation registered in the US state of Delaware in 1998, the EPTDA was established as a Belgian not-for-profit association in 2004. Initially based in Heidelberg, Germany (1998-2003), its headquarters were moved to the Belgian capital of Brussels in 2003, where the EPTDA now holds a strategic position from which to coordinate its activities.
The EPTDA started with only 38 members back in 1998. On its “road show” across Europe – the annual conventions – the organisation has raised its brand awareness, gained influence, helped to improve business practices and standards, and attracted new members. Today, the EPTDA has become the largest pan-European organisation of PT/MC distributors and manufacturers (passing the 200-member milestone in 2007), and is one of the most powerful and respected platforms of its kind for the industry worldwide.
Over the past few years, the EPTDA has developed relevant tools to support its members and help them stay competitive in the constantly evolving marketplace and business environment. These include Trend Data Survey, Benchmark Analysis, Required Information Change Process (RICP), EU Monitoring Reports, Ethical Roadmap, Blue Book, Next Generation Forum, social media (Twitter, LinkedIn), and many more.
In 2011-2012, the EPTDA will focus on growth and planned brand-enhancing programmes, targeted strategy and campaigns, and world-class industry events.