GKN drives into hydraulic repairs

GKN Drivelines has entered the hydraulic equipment repair business by buying Peacock & Archer (UK), based in Leek, Staffordshire. The move is part of a wider strategy for GKN to become a key distributor of hydraulic components in Europe.

The process began a year ago with the formation of a GKN hydraulics taskforce. "We already had three very successful hydraulics businesses in Belgium, Denmark and Norway," explains GKN Drivelines` sales manager, John Pearce.

"So far, we have opened six new hydraulics businesses and we will be growing this network steadily, either organically or - if the opportunities arise - by acquisition."

GKN is planning to have about six branches in the UK, along with the Leek repair centre which specialises in work on heavy-duty equipment. GKN`s heavy drivelines centre is also based in Leek.

"Combined, the two business are a formidable force," Pearce declares. "We are now investing in Leek to make the most of this new venture." GKN is planning a hydraulics e-commerce venture which, Pearce says, "will set the pace for other fluid power companies to follow".