Team Dynamics- Company statement

[Ian Kinder (Bagpuss) - Joint Peak District AO]

A few have hinted of delays on wheels etc. I've just seen this-

 

https://www.rimstock.com/

 

COMPANY UPDATE

 First of all, we would like to thank our customers for your continued support in these difficult times. Currently we have started to make a gradual and phased return to work serving our key customers with high volume forged wheels. However, demand remains supressed and we are hoping to make a full return in the coming months as demand picks up in key customers and markets.

However, due to the current business conditions we are operating in, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, we have had to make a number of difficult decisions regarding our product offering in the short term. We have made the very difficult decision that the low pressure aluminium casting foundry based in the UK will not be reopening, and it is with deep regret and sadness this has resulted in a number of redundancies across the business.

Cast wheels will still be manufactured and supplied but the process has had to be restructured with the relocation of casting at an alternative location. This means the renowned Pro Race range will be in short supply for remainder of 2020 but the positive news it will be back in the later months of the year and early 2021 along with other cast products. We are also hoping to release new designs next year on cast and forge Pro-Race wheels.

We apologise for any short-term inconvenience and our thoughts are with the loyal and dedicated staff who have been affected by this decision.

We hope everyone is safe and healthy and we thank you again for your continued support.

-------

Headquartered at the centre of the UK’s automotive industry, Rimstock design, manufacture, and supply alloy wheels, worldwide, to more than 40 countries, and is Britain’s leading prestige wheel manufacturer.

Founded in 1985, Rimstock’s West Bromwich, UK base comprises state-of-the-art facilities, taking customers initial design concepts, through to manufacture and distribution.

The Group’s leading aftermarket alloy wheel brand Team Dynamics is eminent amongst the global motorsport community, and its support of several internationally prominent motorsport series, revered.

Specialising in the design and production of cast and forged wheels, Rimstock are the only company in the UK to have full testing facilities available to them in-house. These facilities are certified to test to German TUV approval standards and indicates that its alloy wheels have been manufactured to a very high standard, which exceeds or equals that of the original equipment fitted to the vehicle.

In 2018, a new plant was fully commissioned on site, specialising in the manufacture of Forged alloy wheels, with multi-million-pound support from the UK Government’s Regional Growth Fund. Forged alloy wheels offer OEM’s (Original Equipment Manufacturers) more complex designs - stronger yet lighter - and the result - Forged wheels being considerably lighter than Cast wheels - significantly improves vehicle breaking, handling and fuel economy.

Continued investment in innovative processes represents the futureproofing of Rimstock’s business and the evolution of alloy wheel manufacturing.

[NigelO]

Another great British business that's been hit hard by Covid. I see that Matt Neal is no longer directly involved (stepped down as a director in 2019) - just a "brand ambassador" now. I also didn't realise the company was owned by Saudis - perhaps that explains why they can't spell "braking"....

 

Regardless, it means that the ubiquitous ProRace wheels found on so many Westies will now be in rather greater demand secondhand

[Steve (sdh2903)]

Another British manufacturer lost to foreign soil. 

[Steve (sdh2903)]

31 minutes ago, Ian Kinder (Bagpuss) - Joint Peak District AO said:

In 2018, a new plant was fully commissioned on site, specialising in the manufacture of Forged alloy wheels, with multi-million-pound support from the UK Government’s Regional Growth Fund

 

This bit gets me aswell. The taxpayers contribute to a spangly new production facility and less than 2 years later they sod off. I hope the new owners have to pay it back but highly doubt it. 

[TAFKARM]

bl**** brexit

[jeff oakley]

1 hour ago, Rush Motorspurt said:

bl**** brexit

Why do you say that? I would suggest the lack of opportunities to use cars due to many world wide lock downs has contibuted more to this than any political events.

 

It does not say where their new foundry will be but I would bet far East or India

 

It is sad for the people who have been loyal to the company and to the British tax payer who will unlikely get anything back and will have undoubtedly funded furlough payments this year.

 

[Kingster]

1 hour ago, jeff oakley said:

Why do you say that?

Because he’s Russ 🤣

[Steve (sdh2903)]

1 hour ago, jeff oakley said:

I would suggest the lack of opportunities to use cars due to many world wide lock downs has contibuted more to this than any political events.

 

Its the chicken and the egg situation though isn't it. 

 

They have been completely shut down when other manufacturing has been open for a long while. 

 

Theres still demand. Ask the likes of kitcardirect or @Westfield Parts Dept how many wheels they would/could have sold over the summer?

 

They can't complain about suppressed demand if they arent open at all. 

[corsechris]

I think the 'it's Covid, innit' excuse is going to get a hell of a workout TBH. You can use to to cover pretty much anything you care to, like say selling a nice shiny new foundary then off-shoring your production.

[Steve (sdh2903)]

3 minutes ago, corsechris said:

I think the 'it's Covid, innit' excuse is going to get a hell of a workout TBH. You can use to to cover pretty much anything you care to, like say selling a nice shiny new foundary then off-shoring your production.

 

Exactly. 

 

Id cynically say this move has been on the cards for a long time and this has given them the perfect opportunity.  Gives them the 'force majeure' card to play should anyone ask about the government money. 

 

Would be an even bigger kick in the taxpayers teeth should all that nice new equipment bought by the grant be boxed up and shipped abroad to be used in the new factory aswell.