Event review: Helical Technology
NAA members were recently treated to a fascinating tour of Helical’s Technical Centre near Preston by this month’s ‘In the Driving Seat’ star, Tony Cox. The Warton Technical Centre offers a range of facilities including 15 test and NVH cells and a calibrated test track, for vehicles and components, including low and ultra-low emission vehicle technologies such as hybrid and electric…
The event kicked off with Nigel Andrew giving an overview of Helical Technology. Helical Technology has been established for over 50 years and has a global presence with production facilities in the UK, India and China. With a background in the design and manufacture of springs, valve rotators and actuators, the business is now a world leader in the design and manufacture of acoustic and EGR exhaust valves and offers world class testing services at its purpose built Technical Centre.
Nigel explained about Helical’s main products and services:
EXHAUST VALVES
Helical develops and manufactures exhaust valves for many of the world’s leading performance and luxury car brands.
ACTUATORS
Helical’s actuators for turbochargers enable fast and precise control, reducing vehicle emissions.
VALVE ROTATORS
Helical valve rotators for large diesel and gas engines help to keep valves cleaner, reducing carbon build-up and so lowering engine emissions – as well as extending the life of key engine and valve gear components.
EXHAUST SYSTEMS
Design and fabrication of development samples and prototypes of bespoke exotic exhaust systems for luxury and performance cars, and other road/off-road vehicle applications.
TECHNICAL CENTRE
The Warton Technical Centre offers a range of test facilities for vehicles, engines and components, including low and ultra-low emission vehicle technologies such as hybrid and electric.
R&D
Helical develops innovative concept designs of products and prototypes for premium automotive and other clients.
Following Nigel’s presentation, Tony Cox gave NAA members a guided tour around the Warton Technical Centre. This was built in 1991 as a European Research and Development Centre, providing engineering support to the exhaust industry. Helical has further invested in the facility, which is now used by automotive manufacturers, motorsport teams and component suppliers for vehicle, powertrain, and increasingly, emissions testing.
The Warton Technical Centre offers a range of facilities including 15 test and NVH cells and a calibrated test track, for vehicles and components, including low and ultra-low emission vehicle technologies such as hybrid and electric.
Following the presentation and tour there was a presentation about the Apprenticeship Matching Service from Mark Greenhalgh, Business Development Manager – see separate article below.
The event finished with a networking lunch and a lot of people firing many more questions at Tony Cox and other Helical staff about the Technical Centre and other services offered by the company. It looked like a lot of business was being done!
Find out more about Helical at: www.helical-technology.com
