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<\/p>\nCommercial Vehicle braking specialists Lumag is looking forward to the year ahead, following the company’s \u20ac5 million investment in a Bruderer Shim Stamping machine, which was installed at its Budzy\u0144 manufacturing facility in Poland.<\/p>\n
The investment allows the company to manufacture its own rubber- metal \u2013 rubber shims for its passenger car range \u2013 Breck.<\/p>\n
\u201cComing up in Q1 2018 we shall be introducing \u2018Green Coat\u2019 \u2013 a high friction coefficient coating production line on all CV pads. The introduction of Green Coat will be accompanied by the next \u2018new to range\u2019 for our CV brake pads, which will see four more parts made available. This new production line will apply a high friction coefficient layer to the outside of the commercial vehicle brake pads. This allows a much quicker bedding in of the pad in relation to the disc,\u201d said Colin Smit, MD Lumag.<\/p>\n
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He continued: \u201cIn late 2018, we will also be introducing a \u20ac10 million Feintool Technologie AG Fine Blanking Machine that will enable us to manufacture our own back plates from rolled steel. This machine will not only improve efficiencies but will earmark a period of significant growth for our business.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is no question that 2017 has been a volatile year for the UK aftermarket. There does seem to be a nervousness in the market for a variety of reasons, and this is creating a feeling of uncertainty. The biggest contributors to this are the ongoing trials and tribulations of the buying group activity, particularly the ongoing acquisition programme that is continuing to shape our industry; the continuing purchase and sale of some of the larger motor factors, and of course Brexit and the revised UK growth forecasts,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
\u201cDirectly affecting us as a business is the ongoing increase in raw material costs. In the last quarter alone, steel prices have risen by 15%, and this will inevitably have a knock-on effect. We are currently absorbing as much of these cost hikes as possible, but eventually the ongoing increase will start to affect the entire supply chain, placing pressure from the supplier to the end user.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cLong-term, the rise in popularity of electric vehicles can be directly correlated to a reduction in the need for friction materials for braking purposes. In a world where electric, and even driverless cars, are a reality, road speeds will inevitably be lower. Couple this with the engine braking effects, which will reduce the need for traditional mechanical braking methods, and the future looks bleak for traditional brake manufacturers. But not resting on our laurels, we\u2019re already looking at a diversification plan, as we recognise that diversification will be the key to survival.\u201d<\/p>\n
He elaborated: \u201cWe pride ourselves on having high stock availability, supported by a much shorter lead time than any of our competitors. We also offer an unrivalled logistics programme \u2013 which means we can deliver the parts that are needed, when they are needed most. From our headquarters in Doncaster, we offer a 99.1% pick rate, and can place daily orders on the manufacturing facilities in Poland, if required, meaning replenishment stock can be delivered to the warehouse within just three days. Not only does this mean that seasonal product demand peaks can be met head on, but it also means that there is no reason for factors or garages to tie stock, and therefore cash, up in inventory.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201c2018 is set to be a huge year for us as both a company and a brand. We have our ongoing investment programme in place that will see the type of product we can offer increase in both terms of quality and innovation, as well as the quantity. Our aim is to lead the way in brake pad innovation, setting new standards in quality and performance.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll also be continuing to spark the debate and discussion surrounding both price, and counterfeit parts. Our recent benchmarking exercise threw up some concerning findings, so we want to bring this to the fore, and get factors and mechanics thinking about the parts they are purchasing and whether they are truly offering their customers the best possible value for money, and more importantly, whether the parts they are providing are really safe.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFinally, this year also marks our 30th anniversary so we\u2019ll be sure to be celebrating in style. From exciting giveaways and promotions, to special events at our Polish HQ, it\u2019s going to be a big year for us. Watch this space to find out more,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Commercial Vehicle braking specialists Lumag is looking forward to the year ahead, following the company’s \u20ac5 million investment in a Bruderer Shim Stamping machine, which was installed at its Budzy\u0144 manufacturing facility in Poland. The investment allows the company to manufacture its own rubber- metal \u2013 rubber shims for its passenger car range \u2013 Breck. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":15161,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[16,1],"tags":[568],"class_list":["post-15160","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-brakes","category-news","tag-lumag"],"yoast_head":"\n