motoring public. Whether the owner of a car, a motoring enthusiast or a professional in the automotive industry, Tools & Equipment Unlimited is capable of fulfilling one's demands. Operating under the name of Montpelier Association Ltd., Tools & Equipment Unlimited began operating from North Street in Hamilton, in 1971. Founded by a group of experts in the field of automechanics, the business still operates from that location today. "We actually started as a savings group in 1968,'' explained the company's manager, Malcolm Simons. "We were all (previously) involved in the auto trade and we found there was a void in the automobile tool market on the Island so we decided to import tools. It looked like a viable venture, so we formed it as a general company in 1970. "We founded the Tools & Equipment Unlimited retail shop in 1971; its mission being to provide tools, supplies, and other miscellaneous pieces of equipment to the automotive industry and to cater to the changing needs of the professional automotive mechanic. "We entered into the business, importing garage tools and supplies for automobile mechanics.

With all of the working directors of Tools & Equipment Unlimited possessing extensive knowledge and experience in the automotive industry, it did not take very long for the company to establish itself as the leader in the industry.

Tools & Equipment is now a retail and wholesale operation expanded both in the size of our offices and also our product line; the company has broadened its product base and has expanded from a retail operation to a very successful retail and wholesale operation.'' The product range is extensive, said Mr. Simons, allowing the company to easily cater to the needs of Bermuda's motoring public. It offers the latest in automotive and power tools, car care products, oil and air filters, welding and plasma units, spark plugs and points, industrial chemicals, and welding electrodes. It also carries Scott paper products, liquid soaps, automotive paints, tool boxes, industrial equipment, AC-Delco batteries, tyres and much more. And the products are not only available from the convenient Hamilton location, the company delivers as well. "We purchase mainly from companies in the United States, however purchases are also made from Canada, the United Kingdom, Holland, Japan, Taiwan, Korea and other countries,'' said Mr. Simons. "(And) we have a fleet of four vehicles that service the entire Island on a weekly basis, providing our products and services to service stations, garages, body and paint shops, schools, hotels, guest houses, business offices, construction companies, supermarkets and other major stores such as food/grocery, variety and hardware.'' In 1987, Tools & Equipment Unlimited expanded and in 1994, it acquired Bermuda Bulk Gases Ltd. "Prior to our acquisition, Bermuda Bulk Gases had established itself as one of Bermuda's major suppliers of industrial gases,'' said Mr. Simons. "(It) was acquired in 1994 by the holding company, Montpelier Associates Ltd. and now provides the corporation, along with Tools & Equipment Unlimited Ltd., with the ability to supply the total needs of the industrial welding industry. The new company, working in conjunction with Tools & Equipment Unlimited and the Montpelier management team, will rise to even greater heights in the future.'' During the following year, 1995, Montpelier Association Ltd. joined in partnership with Robinson's Marina Ltd.

at Somerset Bridge. "We incorporated with the Robinson family and went into a joint partnership,'' he explained. "We now own 70 percent of the shares in the Robinson's Marina Ltd., a new company that was formed in partnership with the Robinson family of Robinson's Shell boat works. We handle all of their office work, all their billing and so on, through Montpelier Associations Ltd.

We're basically running three business out of that company right now. "The new station opened for business in October 1995 with a very successful grand opening. The marine filling station is strategically located with an ever-increasing car and cycle business, especially since the new facility was built with a two-lane entrance and exit. Also, its format has drastically changed from the previous shop with a greater emphasis placed on those fast moving items such as drinks, chips, ice cream etc. -- all those items that are a part of a successful boating trip.'' Tools & Equipment Unlimited became a limited company a year ago. As part of their 25th anniversary celebrations they have a sale on related and specialty tool items which over the years, they have become distributors for. They include a number of key product lines and they are the sole representatives of Quaker State motor oil, Turtle Wax products, Armorall, Nippon Denso spark plugs and AC Delco Batteries. PHOTO SOLE REPRESENTATIVES -- Tools & Equipment are the sole representatives of a number of products including Quaker State motor oil. TOOLS & EQUIPMENT -- Catering to the needs of the motoring public. THE TOP MEN -- At left is Malcolm Simons, manager and at right Reginald Minors, owner. HARD WORKING STAFF -- (From left to right, front row) Derek Burrows and Wayne Swan; (back row) Shawne Tuzo and Sinclair Samuels.