Roadlink opens new brake caliper remanufacturing facility
Brake components supplier Roadlink International has marked its investment of around £700k in its commercial vehicle caliper remanufacturing operation, with the opening of a brand new facility at its Willenhall head office.
Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) chief executive Mike Hawes officially opened the new facility on Monday 14 March, at an event attended by more than 50 dignitaries from the trade and local area.
“Attendees gained an in-depth insight into Roadlink’s objective to further develop and maintain the supply of high quality remanufactured braking products to the aftermarket, as well as learning more about the intricate aspects of the remanufacturing process,” said the company.
“Despite the labour-intensive process required in remanufacturing brake calipers, the cost-effective benefits can be significant, offering considerable savings in comparison to manufacturing a brand new caliper.”
Roadlink currently offers a complete range of new and remanufactured braking solutions, including calipers and brake shoes – as well as an extensive range of pads, discs and drums.
Its distribution and remanufacturing processes are audited and approved to ISO9001 international standards, and the firm also holds ISO14001 and ‘Investor in People’ (IiP) status.
Keith Sedgley, Roadlink joint managing director, said: “With the demand for remanufactured braking products increasing year-on-year, we have been alarmed at the number of low quality parts entering the trade. Roadlink’s investment in this area underlines our position as a quality supplier and demonstrates exactly what customers can expect to receive in relation to product quality, technical support and customer service.
“The new facility, which is one of the largest in the UK, will also enable us to remanufacture a higher quantity of calipers, ensuring this increased demand is met and product availability remains high.”
The company, which currently employs 60 staff, expects to: “create a significant number of new jobs over the next three-to-five years following this expansion of our remanufacturing facilities,” according to Helen Arthur, joint managing director.
“Staff joining Roadlink will benefit from high quality training and development in line with IiP principles, this accreditation having been held continuously for more than 15 years,” she added.
As well as its own-brand braking components, Roadlink also supplies customers with products from the Ferodo, Don, Textar, Beral, Stemco, Brembo and Timken ranges.
It also works alongside industry organisations such as SMMT and the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) to select its suppliers.
