GKN triples UK wheel production

GKN Wheels, which specializes in the production of wheels for agricultural, construction and other special equipment, tripled the capacity of its Telford, UK plant, which was almost completely rebuilt. “Despite a number of problems, including with the coronavirus pandemic, the new plant now produces three times more discs than the old enterprise, and it produces 55 high-quality discs for special equipment per hour,” GKN said. "Since the new lines are now fully operational, the old equipment will be dismantled."

According to Darren Dobson, the project manager, "in two years the complex has changed almost beyond recognition, and now we have a modern production that meets all the standards of the 21st century." “Our goal was to establish the best production lines in the industry, but the speed of the project is inevitably difficult,” he added. "This all affected the development and release schedule, and the company is now working closely with customers to minimize the impact on their operations."

The redesigned plant is capable of producing more than 4,200 discs per week, which are available in 42 colors, and plant manager Mike Smith notes that following the increase in capacity, the company is now actively seeking new opportunities in the market. “Our company manufactured the world's first steel rim in Telford in 1910 and we are proud of our history and heritage,” he added. “And we are also proud to have created the most high-tech disc factory in the world to serve the needs of our customers in Britain and Europe.