Delivering seamless gearbox solutions for mission-critical broadcast equipment
At Brown GearTech, we’ve been designing and manufacturing bespoke gearboxes in the UK since 1972.
Over the decades, we’ve supported organisations across industries where reliability and precision are critical, from custom gearbox design to long-term gearbox supply contracts.
Cloudbass, one of the UK’s leading independent broadcast service providers, operates a fleet of outside broadcast (OB) trucks used at major live events including Question Time, and Premier League football. These vehicles expand hydraulically to form production spaces that broadcasters rely on. With such demanding schedules, downtime isn’t an option.
The challenge
Cloudbass approached us with a gearbox issue that threatened a high-profile live broadcast. One of their expanding trucks relied on an older Brown gearbox, originally fitted to an ex-BBC vehicle. A direct replacement was no longer available, and the gearbox showed signs of wear.
With tight deadlines, they needed a fast, reliable solution that could integrate seamlessly with the existing system without costly redesigns or delays.
The solution
Older systems often present unique challenges. Parts become obsolete, but equipment must continue to perform reliably. Drawing on our 50 years of UK gearbox expertise, we collaborated with Cloudbass to co-design a solution.
Our engineers developed bespoke mounting feet so the new gearbox aligned perfectly with the old unit. This avoided major system changes while ensuring precision and reliability.
Because broadcasting schedules are immovable, turnaround time was critical. We prioritised the build, delivering a gearbox that not only met the immediate requirement but also included design improvements to support long-term performance.
As Nichola Adshead, Sales Director at Brown GearTech, explains:
“Our goal is always to combine precision engineering with practical solutions. For Cloudbass, that meant a gearbox that fit seamlessly, performed reliably, and could be delivered on time, because in mission-critical applications, there’s no room for compromise.”
The results
The replacement gearbox kept the Cloudbass truck fully operational, ensuring the live programme went ahead without disruption. Since then, we’ve supplied additional gearboxes to support their fleet across this production.
Justin Bell, Workshop and Building Manager at Cloudbass, described the process as “professional, seamless and precise”, highlighting the immediate improvement in performance and reliability.
“professional, seamless and precise”
Partnering with experts
Projects like this demonstrate how UK gearbox expertise, co-design, and responsive support can keep mission-critical operations running smoothly. Brown GearTech combines bespoke gearbox manufacturing, technical know-how, and practical experience to support OEMs in delivering reliable systems.
If you’re looking for a UK gearbox supplier who combines custom design with practical expertise, get in touch with us today to discuss your requirements.
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