BPW assembles 100,000th trailer axle
Trailer axle manufacturer BPW Limited has announced that it has exceeded its manufacturing targets with the assembly in July of its 100,000th trailer axle, well ahead of the projected schedule.
BPW went through a major change in January 2010, when it began to assemble suspension systems at the company’s UK headquarters in Leicester.
More than £500K was spent on the specialist equipment at the Leicester plant, enabling assembly of both drum brake and disc brake axles for the Airlight 2 suspension system.
In November last year a second jig was installed, which was built specifically to assemble BPW’s latest suspension system, the Eco Air Compact. This new precision equipment, like its counterpart, accurately locates the trailing arm on the axle beam to ensure correct U-bolt tension.
BPW has invested over £1m in installing both jigs, which it says has allowed it to increase flexibility through quick response to customer requirements. It has also meant an increase in jobs for the local workforce, the firm adds.
Discussing the milestone, Steve Turton, BPW’s managing director said: “This is indeed testament to the skills of the UK manufacturing team. They were able to quickly adapt new processes and improve workflow to support and improve the continued growth of BPW Limited.”
BPW Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of European trailer axle and suspension manufacturer BPW Bergische Achsen, and says its running gear provides operators with high-performance, low-maintenance components for a long-term, cost-effective solution.
The company, which supplies many UK blue chip customers, currently employs over 50 people at its headquarters on Meridian Business Park. Its portfolio currently encompasses a variety of products for the heavy commercial trailer market, including aluminium wheels, landing legs, telematics, composite air tanks and superstructures.
