How Reliance NI is empowering industry with innovative engineering, sustainable technologies, and unmatched application expertise.
Across manufacturing floors worldwide, the pressure is on: cut carbon, boost efficiency, reduce downtime, and do it all with fewer people and greater flexibility. At Reliance, we believe that tackling these challenges doesn’t start with a single product – it starts with systems thinking. We combine our 100-year engineering heritage with the best technology from our global partner ecosystem to offer innovative, connected, and efficient solutions for modern industry.
“Sustainability is not a product, it’s a process. And we’re here to walk this journey with all our clients – step by step, system by system, solution by solution.”
– Peter Creighton, Managing Director
Let’s walk through how it all connects.
Efficiency Starts with Motion
Motors, fans, pumps – small inefficiencies in these applications multiply fast. Poorly tensioned or worn V-belt drives can operate at just 82% efficiency, versus 92% or higher when new. That’s why Reliance partnered with Optibelt to offer RED POWER V-belts, maintaining up to 97% efficiency throughout their 24,000-hour design life. These belts require just one initial tensioning, unlike standard belts that need up to 10 – cutting maintenance and saving up to 5% in energy.
Approximately 46% of Electricity Goes to Motors—Let’s Make Them Smarter
Electric motors power everything from manufacturing lines to HVAC systems. In partnership with Tec Motors, Reliance offers IE4 and above series motors. Many motors in Northern Ireland still fall below the IE4 efficiency standard – upgrading offers major energy-saving opportunities.
Cut Energy Use by Up to 50% with Smarter Drives
Motors in fan and pump systems often run faster than needed. Reliance offers Eco Optidrive from Invertek, which adjusts speed in real-time, reducing energy use by up to 50%. These drives are compact, intelligent, easy to integrate, and extend equipment life while cutting costs and emissions.
From Motion to Material Flow: Smarter Conveyors
Efficient motion isn’t just about motors. Reliance partners with Bosch Rexroth to deliver intelligent conveyor systems – reducing friction, fitting tight spaces, and using IoT-enabled smart motors. They’ve helped clients increase uptime and cut energy use across bottling lines and distribution hubs.
Reducing Inefficient Air: Replacing Pneumatics with Electric Actuation
Pneumatic systems waste up to 85% of energy and are only 10–15% efficient. Reliance helps clients transition to electrified motion using IAI linear actuators – consuming up to 90% less energy while offering precise, programmable control. Whether it’s a bespoke control panel or full upgrade, their team brings deep expertise in pneumatics and electro-motor control.
Precision Lubrication for Maximum Uptime
Often overlooked, lubrication is vital. Reliance’s partnership with FUCHS provides high-performance oils and greases that reduce friction, extend equipment life, and optimise energy use across gearboxes, hydraulics, and more.
From Fixing to Predicting
With Schaeffler’s OPTIME platform, Reliance enables predictive maintenance using intelligent sensors and cloud analytics. It simplifies complex data, detects issues early, and helps prevent downtime. OPTIME has earned accolades including the 2021 Business Brilliance (UK) and Red Dot Awards.
Collaborative Robots: Powered by Reliance Automation
Labour shortages and safety rules make automation essential. Reliance Automation supplies robotic cells, cobots, and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) from Universal Robots, Staubli, and Nachi. These scalable, easy-to-integrate solutions boost productivity, reduce handling, and improve safety.
Forging Strategic Partnerships Across Northern Ireland
Reliance NI actively collaborates with ManufacturingNI, InvestNI, Belfast’s Chambers of Commerce, Queens University, Ulster University, and more. Through the Clinton Leadership Institute and Made Smarter-Data Hub, they support SMEs with digitalisation and energy grants to improve sustainability and competitiveness.
Reliance NI Is Your Local Technical Partner
Their engineers audit, advise, train, and solve problems on site – with support from Ireland’s largest technical distribution network. With 24/7–365 availability, same-day ordering, and a powerful webshop, support is always within reach.
What sets Reliance NI apart is their global partner ecosystem – Schaeffler, NTN, Bonfiglioli, Optibelt, IAI, UR, Staubli, FUCHS, and more – combined with a century of engineering expertise and cutting-edge automation, delivering end-to-end manufacturing solutions.
“Industry doesn’t need another catalogue. It needs a true technical partner who understands your entire production system and has the scale to consistently deliver real value.”
– Peter Creighton
Celebrating Manufacturing Month NI
Reliance NI is a proud sponsor of Manufacturing Month NI, a campaign highlighting Northern Ireland’s industrial excellence. As a committed partner, they champion smart manufacturing, sustainability, and the local industry’s future.
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