Extending the life of a 30-year-old variator gearbox
Mounts Hill Woodcraft, a bespoke joinery manufacturer in Kent, relies on a combination of heritage and modern machinery to deliver precision furniture and fittings. When a critical feeder machine failed due to an industrial gearbox fault, production came to a standstill. For any manufacturer, whether a small workshop or a large OEM, downtime has a direct impact on productivity, customer commitments, and costs.
The challenge
The broken component was a 70kg variator gearbox that had been in service for over 30 years. A replacement machine would have cost in the region of £80,000, far beyond what was required if the gearbox could be repaired. The customer needed a trusted UK gearbox repair partner who could deliver fast, reliable results.
The solution
The customer delivered the unit to Brown GearTech, a British gearbox manufacturer with more than 50 years of expertise in gearbox service and repair.
Our engineers:
- Diagnosed the fault (a degraded oil seal between the gearbox and friction drive)
- Completed a full service and repair within 24 hours
- Returned the gearbox to full working order, ready for reinstallation
This rapid turnaround restored production quickly and avoided a costly replacement.
The outcome
- Repair cost: circa £200 vs £80,000 for full replacement
- Machine restored to full productivity with minimal downtime
- Demonstrated how legacy gearbox support extends the service life of industrial equipment
“At Brown GearTech, we know how vital these machines are to businesses like Mounts Hill. Our goal is never just to fix a part but to strengthen it, minimise downtime, and give customers peace of mind. In this case, a quick and affordable repair didn’t just save money, it kept production moving and supported a great British manufacturer doing exceptional work.”
Nichola Adshead, Sales Director, Brown GearTech
Customer feedback
“It was like having a new machine. Without your help my machine would have been scrapped, and replacing it would have cost £80,000. Brown GearTech were so helpful and so prompt. It was a pleasure to deal with a British company that really cares.”
Robin Chiles, Mounts Hill Woodcraft
Why this matters for industry
This repair highlights the wider benefit of mission-critical industrial gearbox solutions. By repairing and refurbishing units, Brown GearTech helps manufacturers, from SMEs to large OEMs, reduce unnecessary capital expenditure, extend the life of critical assets, and avoid downtime. Choosing repair over replacement also supports more sustainable industrial practices.
Ready to reduce costs and downtime?
Read more of our case studies to see how we support organisations across multiple industries with reliable gearbox repairs, replacements, and servicing. If this story resonates with you and you’d like to learn more about how Brown GearTech can support your organisation, get in touch with our team today.
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