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leet engineers experiencing problems with cracking brake discs, accelerated disc and pad wear or, indeed, defective calipers might like to know that there is an independent UK manufacturer and supplier on the block.
Malvern-based Twmpa already makes brake discs for most light to middleweight trucks, and has a number of new designs about to enter production. Top of the list is the Trojan Hi-Life universal brake caliper, which is intended for both OE and aftermarket applications on all makes of 7.5tonner. It has also developed a new trailer brake disc and caliper.
Twmpa produces and sells replacement discs and calipers to suit a number of popular 7.5-tonners from manufacturers including Volvo, Mercedes and Iveco. Versions for MAN, Renault and LDV 7.5-tonners should be available within eight weeks.
Having re-engineered the old Lucas (ArvinMeritor) D-frame brake calipers used on Iveco EuroTech heavies, Twmpa is also preparing to enter that market sector by the summer. It's even hoping to supply discs to ultra-powerful emergency airport fire tenders.
The design team is run by Mike Marriot, who cut his teeth in aerospace engineering—he now specialises in redesigning brake systems and components for all types of commercial and passenger vehicle.
Original company
The business began nearly four years ago when Marriot's original company began resolving the braking problems encountered by some fleet operators with its own line of discs and calipers which have build details more typical of aircraft parts than truck components.
For example, instead of the truck-standard mild steel and chromium-plated items, the parts kit includes pistons and slide pins manufactured from stainless steel, complete with new square-section sealing rings and low-friction bearings.
One major issue is quality control, which is why Twmpa insists