Torotrak to ramp up production at ‘Proving Factory’

ENGINEERING business Torotrak has been selected to take part in the government-backed “Proving Factory” to help bring low carbon technologies to market.

The Leyland firm, listed on the FTSE techMark 100 index, has been working innovative transmission systems which require less energy and reduce Co2 emissions.

At the Rotherham-based Proving Factory it will work on manufacturing 20,000 units a year of its V-Charge device, which helps to maintain the performance of downsized engines.

Torotrak will work with Tata Steel, testing company Mira, and Productiv, which aims to bridge the gap between small enterprises developing low carbon technology and large vehicle manufacturers.

It will also link up with other industry partners such as Jaguar Land Rover and the bearings manufacturer Schaeffler. The project is being funded by the government’s £125m Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative (AMSCI).

Torotrak’s chief executive Jeremy Deering said: “The Proving Factory allows us to supply lower volumes into the market ahead of Tier 1 production, but at the same high quality standards, providing access to high volume markets such as V- Charge.  

“In certain parts of our business, where volumes are lower but values are higher, we aim to build a business based on supplying product entirely through Torotrak or a nominated manufacturer; for example, we currently see substantial opportunities with M-KERS in the urban bus and delivery vehicle markets where we are progressing towards fleet trials.”

Torotrak said the Proving Factory would complement its acquisition of Bolton-based precision engineer Motorsport Components earlier this month.