This article was published in the April 2019 edition of NTEA News.
NTEA recently caught up with Brake & Clutch Inc. (B&C Inc.), a distributor member located just outside the greater Boston area in historic Salem, Massachusetts. This fourth-generation, family-owned and -operated business has served the Northeast market since 1965. Frank P. Livas is the current owner and president, and his son Peter is general manager. The company was founded by Frank’s father, Frank J. Livas, and grandfather, Paul DeSantis. The organization — which initially sold heavy-duty trucks and brake and clutch parts, as well as operated a machine shop — quickly evolved into a light truck, body and equipment specialist. In 1981, B&C became one of the first Ford bailment pools in the U.S., helping shape the business as it is today. It remains an active Ford pool and truck body and equipment distributor and installer.
B&C maintains an extensive inventory of high-quality products, including service and utility, stake/platform, dump and detachable bodies. Situated in the northeastern U.S., the company’s snow removal equipment business thrives through distribution of snowplows, pushers and spreaders.
Additional inventory includes liftgates, cranes, and more (emergency vehicle lighting, ladder racks, toolboxes, etc.). B&C has found success in stocking a diversified product portfolio available for immediate delivery. The organization received multiple Ford director awards and is a top-volume distributor among many represented product lines.
Ford medium-duty chassis upfitted by B&C with a 5-yard dump body. For more company information, visit brakeandclutch.com.
Located on approximately 3 acres, B&C has more than 30,000 square feet of office space, workshops and warehouses, as well as an off-site inventory storage facility. The company — which focuses on hiring and retaining quality, knowledgeable employees — retains a 35-person staff.
B&C has been an NTEA member for 44 years, since 1975. Frank P. Livas, who served as NTEA president from 2012–2013, said, “Our operation, like most in the work truck industry, has changed dramatically with the steady increase of electronic sales and ordering, and social media-related business. I’m optimistic about the future as we continue a steady course of business process and customer service improvements.”
The company is part of NTEA’s Member Verification Program (ntea.com/mvp), which recognizes eligible work truck industry companies for outstanding business practices and successful implementation of quality standards.
For more information, visit brakeandclutch.com, call 978-745-2500 or stop by 63 Bridge St. in Salem.