Real Challenges. Proven Solutions.
Discover how Howcroft Group has helped businesses across the UK overcome critical challenges and achieve measurable results with our specialist supply solutions.
5
Success Stories
3 Divisions
Specialist Expertise
5
With Measurable Impact
Featured Success Story
Unplanned conveyor downtime averaging 3× per month due to premature FAG bearing failure in high-vibration environment. Each stoppage cost £12,000+ in lost production.
The Challenge
Unplanned conveyor downtime averaging 3× per month due to premature FAG bearing failure in high-vibration environment. Each stoppage cost £12,000+ in lost production.
Our Solution
Switched to FAG X-life spherical roller bearings with advanced sealing. Implemented a Howcroft condition monitoring programme — vibration sensors + monthly thermographic survey.
Business Impact
Zero unplanned stoppages over 18 months. Bearing service life extended by 60%. Annual maintenance cost reduced by £38,000.
0
Unplanned Stoppages
18 months
60%
Longer Bearing Life
£38k
Annual Saving
All Success Stories
V-belt drives on primary packaging lines were snapping 2–3 times per week due to oil contamination and peak-load shock.
Solution:
Howcroft engineer attended site, profiled worn belts using Gates Belt Pitch ID system, cut replacement Poly Chain® GT Carbon™ synchronous belts same day.
Impact:
Zero belt failures in 14 months post-installation. Energy consumption on drive motors reduced by 11%. ROI achieved in 9 weeks.
0
Belt Failures
11%
Energy Saving
Unplanned conveyor downtime averaging 3× per month due to premature FAG bearing failure in high-vibration environment. Each stoppage cost £12,000+ in lost production.
Solution:
Switched to FAG X-life spherical roller bearings with advanced sealing. Implemented a Howcroft condition monitoring programme — vibration sensors + monthly thermographic survey.
Impact:
Zero unplanned stoppages over 18 months. Bearing service life extended by 60%. Annual maintenance cost reduced by £38,000.
0
Unplanned Stoppages
60%
Longer Bearing Life
Workshop tool procurement was fragmented across 12 suppliers. No spend visibility, rogue purchasing via credit card, and tools going missing due to no asset management.
Solution:
Implemented a managed tool vending solution and consolidated supply from Sealey, DeWalt, and Milwaukee. Monthly spend reports and tooling register introduced.
Impact:
Tool spend reduced 31% through consolidation. Rogue spend eliminated. Full asset tracking for 450+ tools. Single monthly invoice replacing 12 supplier accounts.
31%
Tool Spend Reduction
450+
Assets Tracked
Conveyor drive chain on primary crusher required 4-hour shutdown to replace — shaft removal impossible without full disassembly.
Solution:
Retrospectively fitted SKF Cooper split roller bearings — no shaft removal required. Coupled with Chain Supply UK heavy-series ANSI roller chain and SMGU shaft-mounted gearboxes.
Impact:
Bearing replacement time reduced from 4 hours to 35 minutes. £22,000 saved per maintenance event. Chain costs reduced 52% vs. OEM pricing.
35 min
Replacement Time
52%
Chain Cost Saving
Multiple PPE suppliers causing inconsistent compliance across 200+ on-site workers. CE certification gaps identified during H&S audit.
Solution:
Consolidated all PPE to a single BSIF-registered supply framework. Introduced uvex safety footwear programme with site fitting sessions. Bespoke branded workwear via Howcroft Signs & Print.
Impact:
Full H&S audit compliance achieved. 23% reduction in PPE spend through consolidation. 100% branded workforce for client identity on-site.
100%
Audit Compliance
23%
PPE Cost Reduction