Automotive firm opens new production facility in Coventry

AP Racing's 2,700m² development incorporates industry-leading technology for the manufacture of performance road car brake calipers, with the potential to expand further, adding further product lines going forward.

It increases the company's production capacity while enabling it to achieve the highest levels of product traceability, quality and security – alongside offering the flexibility required to support the company’s full range, including motorsport and performance upgrade.

The company has also invested in a semi-automated production line providing full product traceability and high-volume manufacturing capabilities.

Specifically built for the manufacture of roadcar brake calipers, the new line offers flexibility in product manufacturing across seven workstations which can be configured according to individual customer requirements.

It is able to produce some 20 families of calipers, incorporating more than 100 different part numbers all in a matter of minutes.

“The new caliper line allows us to meet evolving customer demands, while still providing the same unrivalled support to our race and performance customers worldwide,” explained David Hamblin, managing director of AP Racing.

He continued: “Our new semi-automated capabilities deliver flexibility, quality and traceability throughout AP Racing calipers. With Industry 4.0 around the corner, considerations to implement a second, similar line are already in place, as we anticipate greater and greater demand from the OE sector for our calipers.”

Each station on the caliper line includes interactive working instructions that are given to operatives via a smart screen to ensure the right components are used. The sophisticated set-up prevents a caliper from moving to the next station until all operations have been correctly completed, ensuring high levels of product quality and consistency.

AP Racing celebrated the official launch of the production facility this week, and was joined by Italian Ambassador to the UK, Raffaele Trombetta, Mayor of Coventry, Linda Bigham and senior delegates from Brembo, AP Racing’s parent company.

“We’re delighted to have been joined by so many esteemed delegates and colleagues, all here to celebrate the opening of our new production facility for OEM brake calipers, an important moment in the history of AP Racing,” commented Mr Hamblin.

He added: “The addition of this new facility comes at a very important time, as we look to capitalise on recent global growth and strive for product innovation, excellence and further growth across the rapidly changing market sectors in which we operate.”

The event included presentations from AP Racing and Brembo, who discussed the company’s growth, heritage and new capabilities alongside plans for the new development. Future plans include a new R&D area and a state-of-the-art noise, vibration & harshness (NVH) dynamometer, augmenting the company’s current brake and clutch testing capabilities.

AP Racing www.apracing.com