Hope Technology talks product longevity and UK manufacturing in Inside the Factory film

Beating the drum for UK manufacturing, working with local supply chains, product longevity and just in time production are a few of the topics touched on in Hope Technology’s recently released “Inside the Factory”.

The video gives viewers an overview of the business, taking viewers through its beginnings in 1989 when it was founded by motorcycle trials fanatics Ian Weatherill and Simon Sharp who worked together at Rolls Royce Aerospace before starting up on their own. The early pioneer of disc brakes for mountain bikes now manufactures everything from hubs to headsets and brakes to bottom brackets, stems and lights with around half of all production exported to over 40 countries.

Teasing the “hundreds of projects” the team plans to work on, the film notes Hope’s local manufacturing principles, allowing it to operate a true just in time manufacturing system, a pertinent t0pic with reshoring a favourite hot topic in recent years. Hope brakes machined in the morning can be anodised in the afternoon and shipped out to retailers before the end of the day. Similarly, Hope looks at integration beyond the usual scope of vertical integration of processes to sales channels. Hope looks at the integration from the manufacturing side with virtually all processes in-house in Barnoldswick. Raw materials are delivered into the factory and boxed finished goods are sent out direct to dealers throughout the UK and Europe.

The behind the scenes film offers a glimpse behind the doors of Hope’s HQ, in Barnoldswick in a rural corner of East Lancashire.

Ian Weatherill, co-founder and managing director, said: “It’s over 30 years now of manufacturing bike parts. We’re all very passionate about what we do – almost everyone here rides – and in this day and age we’re proud to be able to say that virtually all Hope products are designed and manufactured in the UK. Hopefully, this film gives an insight into what makes us tick and what drives the ongoing process of innovation.”

Hope Tech – Made in Barnoldswick, England