Global off-highway wheels manufacturer GKN and Australian-based leading wheel solutions provider Rimtec Pty Ltd have formally signed a new five-year agreement which will see Rimtec distribute GKN wheels across the Pacific Rim.
The contract marks the latest stage in collaboration between the two companies which first began in 2006 when Rimtec took on responsibility for aftermarket sales as part of GKN’s drive into the global mining wheels sector. GKN has continued to invest heavily in the development and manufacture of specialist wheels for the demanding market, with products available across a broad diameter range, up to 63 in.
The company is able to draw on its international development, testing and manufacturing bases and its extensive track record in some of the world’s most challenging mining environments. It has also spent millions of dollars creating a mining wheel centre of excellence at its plant in Liuzhou, China.
Simon Harvey, Global Sales & Marketing Director at GKN Wheels, says, “Our partnership with Rimtec plays a key role in enabling us to expand our mining presence rapidly in the Pacific Rim region and demonstrates the real synergies between our businesses. Rimtec is renowned for its excellent sales and service network complementing our own focus not just on product supply but on innovation, engineering excellence and customer service. The decision to put in place a formal five-year contract with Rimtec is a central element of our strategy for strong future growth within the sector.”
Allan Campbell, General Manager, Rimtec, adds, “The mining industry, perhaps more than any other, places huge demands on wheel performance not just as a result of the operating conditions encountered but also because of the disruption and high costs associated with any unscheduled downtime. Customers rightly expect the very best wheels and service. We believe the combination of GKN Wheels’ technology and Rimtec’s Pacific Rim footprint provides exactly the right mix of skills and local presence to deliver that service. The new contract reflects our mutual long-term commitment not only to growing but leading the sector.”
